Hello,
i'm looking for the best unit possible in 2019 for Mercedes W211 (E class 220 and so...).
By best, i'm intending :
1) Ideally best possible specs : Octacore, 4GB RAM, ideally built-in 4G, support of Tomtom Go, rear camera, latest Android (9 or 8)
2) Having a good after market support (MalaySK, H9alk) and the possibility of customisation
3) Good integration with the vehicle
I'm coming from the Newsmy world (NU3001) which i appreciate the custom XDA Roms and the ability to have the separate android box.
Thanks a lot for your feedback guys !
I'm in the same boat trying to figure out what way to go, but some simple searching on the forums I've learned a lot.
Searching yourself will answer a few of your questions. For example, the Octacore does not have the fastest specs. There are newer, faster units, but they don't have MalaySK or H9alk (yet). Also, most don't come with 4G but can be done with a USB dongle.
Integration with vehicle depends on the installer (in this case you) and your abilities. Nobody here can really advise on that unless they have the same car and same skillset you have.
As far as fitment is concerned, just read up on the different dimensions of various units and pick the style you like.
Again, I suggest reading a bit more!
Thank you stokedcrf for your answer.
I've checked already and continuing the reading but i will appreciate in the meantime if you can let us know whether you made a choice of device and the key reasons behind your choice.
As from my experience, i would like a product which can stay up-to-date and i saw MalaySK providing custom ROMs which looks quiet good !
But those ROMs were more for RK31XX series, now i can see he's producing also for PX5.
When you say there are more faster CPUs than octacore i don't know if you have in mind some particular CPUs (Intel ?) ?
I'm wondering nowadays whether the Google assistant still experimental or whether anybody is using it as daily driver with the head unit ? On my phone it is working great but unfortunately i didn't had a compatible micro with my previous News Nu3001.
Thanks again for your feedback and i will continue to share my analysis and findings here for those people who are on the same boat.
I will appreciate if by chance MalaySK or H9alk can also adivice us regarding the choice of the hardware.
Cheers !
yakupA said:
Thank you stokedcrf for your answer.
I've checked already and continuing the reading but i will appreciate in the meantime if you can let us know whether you made a choice of device and the key reasons behind your choice.
As from my experience, i would like a product which can stay up-to-date and i saw MalaySK providing custom ROMs which looks quiet good !
But those ROMs were more for RK31XX series, now i can see he's producing also for PX5.
When you say there are more faster CPUs than octacore i don't know if you have in mind some particular CPUs (Intel ?) ?
I'm wondering nowadays whether the Google assistant still experimental or whether anybody is using it as daily driver with the head unit ? On my phone it is working great but unfortunately i didn't had a compatible micro with my previous News Nu3001.
Thanks again for your feedback and i will continue to share my analysis and findings here for those people who are on the same boat.
I will appreciate if by chance MalaySK or H9alk can also adivice us regarding the choice of the hardware.
Cheers !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the PX6 chipset has 2 processors I believe, a 4-core and a dual core. The benchmarks showed this 6-core processor is more than double the speed of the 8-core px5 in some tests. There's a few posts floating around on here that report the benchmarks.
How that works out in real world performance? I'm not sure.
Either way, I ended up going with this although it appears I'm stuck with whatever rom it comes with for now. I accept the device for what it is though until a custom rom is made, if it ever is.
I'm the type of guy that flips and upgrades stuff all the time though, so if I decide later I want to grab an older unit I will.
There does seem to be root available for these new devices that follow the same procedure as the Android 8.0 units, so I will likely give that a try as well.
Once the unit shows up in a few days I'll set it up on my workbench and see how it compares to some of the older units I have now (and new Pioneer units). I'm actually curious how the sound quality stands up to my significantly more expensive Pioneer Avic units.
Related
I saw this tweet
https://twitter.com/carjoying/status/673061917242564608
I can't seem to find any additional info. I just bought the currently available one so I'm really interested to see if this new one is updated android and PX4 Rockchip.
Anyone know more?
I like the higher volume button. Out of the way.
I also just had an interaction with Joying where they indicated they will have an universal 10" single din model like their VW model ready in 2 weeks.
So from my reading of Joying's stereos, these are all basically the same, but with a differently designed front on them? I see the same Android version, processor and specs on every one, really. I'm asking because I'm curious about getting one and am a little overwhelmed with options that all seem about the same.
There are different cpu specs and resolutions. Some of the units are car specific due to some integrations like the VW units with can-bus showing heat and a/c info etc. If they have a unit that is specific for your can then it probably has a nice faceplate on it. Otherwise there are the universal units.
I consider to get one for my car, so I have to wait for new version
how are teh joying units, they got them on amazon which is abig plus if theres any issues
Cool! Thanks for sharing. Have an older model and it has been pretty solid so far. Might pick up a new one for the spare car Hopefully the Bluetooth quality is fixed with the updated unit.
pounce said:
I saw this tweet
I can't seem to find any additional info. I just bought the currently available one so I'm really interested to see if this new one is updated android and PX4 Rockchip.
Anyone know more?
I like the higher volume button. Out of the way.
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Click to collapse
The 2015 model is now on their website and amazon too for $330ish.... XDA won't let me post the link right now cuz I never post.....
There's also a forum about upgrading the unit to 5.1 with software provided by Joying... I may have to order one now...
The new ones are not out yet. A few days ago they let me know the 10.1" universal unit is coming in the next week or two.
Many units on their site say 2015.
Is 1gb fast enough for these units?
I have not had any issues with mine
Plenty responsive. Boots up quick too.
what about bluetooth and wifi quality? Are hardware mods still required with these unit?
I don't know about the newest model being released, but the Bluetooth quality with the model I have does have a hint of distortion. I use a hotspot on my phone without any signal problems, so can't speak to the signal strength with trying to connect to a wifi access point.
How are they selling a 10" model? What car would that ever fit in without huge customization of the entire dash panel?
Bought it
http://www.carjoying.com/special-sa...pport-airplay-mirror-link-reserve-camera.html
why are they releasing new models with still 4.4.4 and 1gb RAM?
devoidx said:
why are they releasing new models with still 4.4.4 and 1gb RAM?
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Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing... Also, rk3188 is getting old. Most of the Android TV boxes have moved onto newer processors and Android.
Sent from my CarPad-II-P using XDA Free mobile app
Proven and more or less stable., abundant and inexpensive. Parts on hand. Also, when the new new board show up its not hard to simply swap them.
Sure, we want new and better every week. I'm happy to have this form factor now rather than waiting for 5.1.. Simple upgrade later.
pounce said:
Proven and more or less stable., abundant and inexpensive. Parts on hand. Also, when the new new board show up its not hard to simply swap them.
Sure, we want new and better every week. I'm happy to have this form factor now rather than waiting for 5.1.. Simple upgrade later.
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Click to collapse
This is not about wanting new every week...KitKat is 2 and half years old...Lollipop has been out for a year an a half....Lollipop should be the bare minimum when they ship devices these days, ....and 1gb RAM on any device in the year 2016 is just plain insulting.
devoidx said:
This is not about wanting new every week...KitKat is 2 and half years old...Lollipop has been out for a year an a half....Lollipop should be the bare minimum when they ship devices these days, ....and 1gb RAM on any device in the year 2016 is just plain insulting.
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Click to collapse
Respectfully, I think you are being a little naive. Many of the manufacturers are working on the next full iteration of chips and 5.1 or 6 OS versions, but do you see many yet? It only takes a card swap on the head unit to change the SOC... and really the SOC and Android version has nothing to do with most of the hardware of these headunits. Take a look at the wide range of products a company like Joying offers. Pretty slick range of OEM looking faceplates and integrations with CAN bus etc. Truthfully, many of these companies are limited by what Rockchip and the subs provide for them.
You should definitely feel personally insulted. What were they thinking?! How could they develop a product without consulting devoidx?! :silly:
Hello.
I just bought one of these 2 DIN android head units, it should arrive next week.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Double-2din-CAR-MP3-MP5-Player-Radio-Quad-Core-Android-4-4-gps-Bluetooth-GPS-/112071545669?hash=item1a17fc1345:g:4aoAAOSwFe5Xz7t8
Anyone knows the brand/make or has any relevant info about this device regarding it's amplifier power and overall quality?.
It's based on the typical RK3188 platform with 1GB of RAM and 16GB storage, so i guess that it may be compatible with other systems roms based on the same hardware.
Probably an MTCB.
Overall quality: not better than "junk".
Personally, I wouldn't waste the time to install it.
Why would you buy something without knowing what it is?
Well, someone has to do it since you can't find any info about this device on the entire web. And judging by your answer you have no idea either, so I guess i'll just wait for someone else's knowledge or just wait quietly for it to arrive and test it by myself.
@Habieru, check out the RK-A701 thread below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...stions-development/info-unit-rk-a701-t3460559
Also, check out this google search: https://www.google.com/#q=rk-a701
Anyway, from my quick search, the RK-A701 head unit does not appear to have the MTC type MCU, and no one appears to have found a way to access recovery and flash any custom firmware yet. On the plus side, the RK-A701 is cost effective, has the higher resolution 1024x600 display, and root can be achieved with kingoroot or kingroot. That said, if cost is not a major concern, I'd recommend stepping up to one of the new Joying Intel units with 2GB of RAM or at a minimum any MTC type MCU unit or any Newsmy Carpad with 2GB of RAM.
Hope this helps...
R
Thank you very much @rhacy , that's the kind of info i was looking for.
After fully reading that thread, and some russian blog reviews i can conclude that this unit is just as you say, a cheap unit with no major highlights but gets the job done. Pretty much what i need because cost is a concern for me and this device offers pretty much the same as the others.
My father has one of those new Intel Sofia X3 headunits with lollipop and it sounds great, but i must say that performace wise the X3 is terrible compared to the RK3188. So for now i'm going to give this unit a trial, and if it does not meet some minimum standards i can just sell it.
And again, thank you very much for your help.
Hi everyone,
I'm looking to buy my first HU and after reading the forums for a while I'm undecided what to pick.
It looks like the Intel Sofia platform is the current recommendation - it comes with 2gb, the CPU is powerful enough and it has some support for fastboot. However from what I can tell there's no custom ROM for it (Malaysk is only for RK3x88 series) which is kinda of a big minus for me (since one is at the mercy of the seller).
Am I missing something? From what I can tell the RK3188 and Sofia CPUs are more or less identical in terms of performance, the RAM being the big difference.
I'm looking for stability (not going to play games or videos on the HU - I just want waze and probably the radio) first so a slower, older CPU with a solid community and ROM behind it fits my list.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
selbyog said:
Hi everyone,
I'm looking to buy my first HU and after reading the forums for a while I'm undecided what to pick.
It looks like the Intel Sofia platform is the current recommendation - it comes with 2gb, the CPU is powerful enough and it has some support for fastboot. However from what I can tell there's no custom ROM for it (Malaysk is only for RK3x88 series) which is kinda of a big minus for me (since one is at the mercy of the seller).
Am I missing something? From what I can tell the RK3188 and Sofia CPUs are more or less identical in terms of performance, the RAM being the big difference.
I'm looking for stability (not going to play games or videos on the HU - I just want waze and probably the radio) first so a slower, older CPU with a solid community and ROM behind it fits my list.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres no "current recommendation", its all down to personal opinion. The Sofia units are ok (both MTCD and "009" versions), so are the Rockchip RK3188 MTCB/C/D ones which bring the benefit of custom ROMs. The Rockchip ones dont come with 2GB as standard and (in Lollipop guise at least) they need it, but that can be added relatively easily. However, the latest MTCD versions and Klyde's versions (probably MTCC but no ones sure at the mo) use the octacore Rockchip PX5 (RK3368) so should offer better performance than the Sofia or RK3188 units.
Your only option for custom ROMs at least at the moment are the RK3188 units. Another benefit of the MTCB/C type is that theres a particularly good audio mod that gives control of the audio chip to Android, although youd have to be able to solder to do it.
typos1 said:
Theres no "current recommendation", its all down to personal opinion. The Sofia units are ok (both MTCD and "009" versions), so are the Rockchip RK3188 MTCB/C/D ones which bring the benefit of custom ROMs. The Rockchip ones dont come with 2GB as standard and (in Lollipop guise at least) they need it, but that can be added relatively easily. However, the latest MTCD versions and Klyde's versions (probably MTCC but no ones sure at the mo) use the octacore Rockchip PX5 (RK3368) so should offer better performance than the Sofia or RK3188 units.
Your only option for custom ROMs at least at the moment are the RK3188 units. Another benefit of the MTCB/C type is that theres a particularly good audio mod that gives control of the audio chip to Android, although youd have to be able to solder to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Soldering extra RAM is not something I can do easy - I lack expertise and getting hardware in EU tends to be expensive and slow; I'd much rather pay extra (and wait) to have it built in the factory.
I'll keep an eye on the RK3368 boards.
Any idea whether these would be ROM friendly ?
selbyog said:
Thanks for the reply. Soldering extra RAM is not something I can do easy - I lack expertise and getting hardware in EU tends to be expensive and slow; I'd much rather pay extra (and wait) to have it built in the factory.
I'll keep an eye on the RK3368 boards.
Any idea whether these would be ROM friendly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m in the EU and I got my RAM for about $30 in the group buy, theres a thread open at the mo, they took 3 days to arrive. It would just be a case of finding somewhere to do the soldering for you, thats what most people have done.
If the Klyde PX5 units are MTCC it should mean that anyone with an MTCB or MTCC unit currently could simply change their SoM for a PX5 one, we just dont know yet (the original MTCB units were dual core RK3066 and a lot of people just upgraded their SoMs to the quadcore RK3188). Well, we dont know until someone buys one - theyve been on sale since November, but if they are MTCC an upgrade to a PX5 would be possible if you bought an MTCB or C RK3188 and upgraded the RAM, then youd be able to sell your RK3188 SoM with 2GB RAM as it would be quite sort after due to the extra RAM . . IF theyre MTCC that is.
All that may be a bit long winded for you but at least youd have access to a custom ROM as you wanted with the possibility of upgrading in the future to a version that is more likely to have support from current MTCB custom ROM makers (I m assuming theyd eventually upgrade to PX5 units themselves and start making ROMs for them).
Or you could just buy a Klyde PX5 unit now and have the most up to date unit, but with no custom ROMs support yet :
http://www.szklyde.com/bmw-android-car-dvd-player/38112008.html
If I sound MTCB/C biased, well I have 2 so I am. But from what I ve read the Sofia MTCD and 009 units are good too and at least theoretically easier to make a custom ROM for because Intel release their source code, unlike Rockchip. But no custom ROMs exist as yet.
Thanks again!
typos1 said:
I m in the EU
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Click to collapse
Cool - where did you buy your units? Any with warehouses in EU?
typos1 said:
If I sound MTCB/C biased, well I have 2 so I am. But from what I ve read the Sofia MTCD and 009 units are good too and at least theoretically easier to make a custom ROM for because Intel release their source code, unlike Rockchip. But no custom ROMs exist as yet.
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Click to collapse
Klyde's unit indicates support for Android 6.0.1 while Intel's on 5.x and most MTCB on 4.x. Reading the forums I thought a MTCD board is required for android 5.x but it looks like that might not be the case - I guess in the end it depends on the manufacturer.
Btw, I read that one nice thing about Sofia is the fastboot feature which is not present on RK31xx/30xx units - not sure whether this is SoM or MCU specific. Do you have this feature on your units?
I like your idea about using an existing, tried-out platform (RK3188) with upgraded ram and custom ROM - it was my initial plan but the whole prospect was off putting.
I'll ask around to see how complicated/expensive would be to do the soldering.
Cheers,
selbyog said:
Thanks again!
Cool - where did you buy your units? Any with warehouses in EU?
Klyde's unit indicates support for Android 6.0.1 while Intel's on 5.x and most MTCB on 4.x. Reading the forums I thought a MTCD board is required for android 5.x but it looks like that might not be the case - I guess in the end it depends on the manufacturer.
Btw, I read that one nice thing about Sofia is the fastboot feature which is not present on RK31xx/30xx units - not sure whether this is SoM or MCU specific. Do you have this feature on your units?
I like your idea about using an existing, tried-out platform (RK3188) with upgraded ram and custom ROM - it was my initial plan but the whole prospect was off putting.
I'll ask around to see how complicated/expensive would be to do the soldering.
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop has been out for MTCB/C for about a year, this applies to ALL manufacturers and all RK3188 units, Klyde are the only ones who do Lollipop ROMs but the ROM can be used on ANY MTCB/C RK3188 device because they all use the same SoM. Some people find it laggy (I dont) but the 2GB RAM sorts that. Boot time is 20 - 30 seconds depending on what ROM you use, but there is no specific fast boot feature.
I did a group buy as ordering just 2 modules is expensive, but read the second RAM group buy thread in the MTCB hardware mod section and pm the guy who did it I think there may be some left.
hello
I'm really debating between choosing the latest JOYING headunit (with the digital amplifier) and the PUMPKIN 7.1 android
does they have the external mic problem?
Is there any other recommended stable Chinese android head unit?
I'm more or less convinced that it's really a zero sum game with these units. Each has it's own issues and benefits and they even out. Find one with the screen you like and general features.
pounce said:
I'm more or less convinced that it's really a zero sum game with these units. Each has it's own issues and benefits and they even out. Find one with the screen you like and general features.
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Click to collapse
they all have basically the same feature. it's supposed to be almost identical units...
do u recommend a specific model from specific brand? there are so many of these Chinese brands.
+1 for Pumpkin, I've had the RQ0278E for a few months now, it's nice but it has its quirks. The Android 6.0 update made it better. Btw, I can't seem to get my DAC to work with it properly
deadeye1985 said:
they all have basically the same feature. it's supposed to be almost identical units...
do u recommend a specific model from specific brand? there are so many of these Chinese brands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone has an opinion or approach. Depends on your objectives.
Personally, I find a good source first. I like Amazon because I can easily return. Then a look in the forums to check the amount of discussions and support for things I need. I read a bit and then buy something that seems to have some discussions and an amount of success or managed issues. Not everyone takes the approach.
Pumpkin and Joying are fairly established so I think they go in a short list.
I'm about to go with a Secaine unit because they do a nice job with dash specific plastic and form factors, but I don't hear much good about the guts. I see a lot of negative things, but that may just be because only people with problems post.
If you like hands on mods then a Joying might be fun. If you don't then maybe consider any good options that aren't Intel based.
What do you say about the OWNICE C500 ? are they another reseller ?
pounce said:
Everyone has an opinion or approach. Depends on your objectives.
Personally, I find a good source first. I like Amazon because I can easily return. Then a look in the forums to check the amount of discussions and support for things I need. I read a bit and then buy something that seems to have some discussions and an amount of success or managed issues. Not everyone takes the approach.
Pumpkin and Joying are fairly established so I think they go in a short list.
I'm about to go with a Secaine unit because they do a nice job with dash specific plastic and form factors, but I don't hear much good about the guts. I see a lot of negative things, but that may just be because only people with problems post.
If you like hands on mods then a Joying might be fun. If you don't then maybe consider any good options that aren't Intel based.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want a stable and reliable unit with good MIC , good 3G/4G +GPS for running WAZE
deadeye1985 said:
I just want a stable and reliable unit with good MIC , good 3G/4G +GPS for running WAZE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use your phone as a wifi hotspot? That would keep things simple.
Reliable might not be a quality attributed to any of the android unit. It's my opinion that most of accept some degree of mediocre reliability in exchange for the functionality we gain with being able to run android on the head unit.
You may want to consider opening your search to include Android Auto units. Waze is supported now.
pounce said:
Can you use your phone as a wifi hotspot? That would keep things simple.
Reliable might not be a quality attributed to any of the android unit. It's my opinion that most of accept some degree of mediocre reliability in exchange for the functionality we gain with being able to run android on the head unit.
You may want to consider opening your search to include Android Auto units. Waze is supported now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main problem is that I buy an android unit for my parents and they don't have a smartphone...only a old simple nokia.
so they need to use waze with a sim card with data plan.
deadeye1985 said:
The main problem is that I buy an android unit for my parents and they don't have a smartphone...only a old simple nokia.
so they need to use waze with a sim card with data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend an android unit for older parents that use an old simple nokia if the reasons are that a smart phone is too complicated. I believe they may have issues with the use of the unit and that could be a safety issue.
ATOTO Double DIN Android 6.0 is my choice
I am owning ATOTO Android 6.0 HU. When it comes to operation speed, ATOTO is the best. After PUMPKIN Android 7 released for 2 months, I checked a lot reviews about it. But I think that may slower than my ATOTO Android 6.0 system. So I will just keep Android 6.0
i want to buy unit that support video out (headrest monitors), i found 2 units that i think that is good and i dont know what to choose.
1. joying JY-UM135N2PX5 CPU: PX5 Octa core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz
2. hizpo WJZ99GX - CPU: T8 2.0GHz (i think this is the model number)
most of the parameters are the same, exept the CPU
does anybody could recommend one of them or maybe another unit that i missed?
Yes, after long time research, I finally got ATOTO back with my 2003 Mazda Miata. So far so good. The screen responds faster than my wife's Joying. Good try！And it helped me save a lot money.
deadeye1985 said:
What do you say about the OWNICE C500 ? are they another reseller ?[/QUOTE
No, ownice is a manufacturer, they use other hardware like the cpu from AutoChips.
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Click to collapse
Hi all,
Could you please recommend me a head unit? Something modern, well-specced, and good quality. My google-fu has revealed plenty of comparisons of Android Auto-capable head units (whichi don't run android) or just pages such as aliexpress - many of those models are years old now and it's next to impossible to know whether they're any good.
Looking through this forum doesn't really seem to help unless I know what to look for, it's mainly all model- or ROM-specific. A sticky'd list of head units with a comparison of features would be great, if it exists. If it doesn't exist, I'd be happy to start putting one together :good: Could be really handy for newcomers
Is there a place out there keeping their finger on the pulse of new releases in this space that I can take a look at?
Thanks
As your Googling revealed things change fast and new models come out as part supplies change so a sticky wouldn't be good for much except maybe a historical record. There's no one place I know of that keeps track of what's coming down the pipes apart from sites like XDA, 4PDA and some car enthusiast sites where someone happens to spot something and reports it. I found info on new units before they were released by visiting the manufacturer's site or their store on Aliexpress (usually has official store in the name).
As far as recommending anything I think it's too much of a personal choice that depends on too many factors to do. I'll just start by saying if you're looking for good quality stick with the name brands. All these Chinese units have issues with assembly and software if you're willing to play you can have lots of fun with them fixing things and modifying. Some are better built than others, the sub $100 MTK units are not comparable to the PX6 at 3x the price but that doesn't stop either from suddenly dying from poor quality components or soldering. Also Google has a habit of messing things up with their service updates.
What you get with these HU is a custom fit and features you won't find on any other HU. The things to look for is at least 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage for a basic low cost unit. What you really want is 4GB/32GB Rockchip SoC with an MTC MCU. You get a 64bit multi core processor with lots of RAM and an MCU that has better support from the manufacturers and the community.
The official Android auto works with a limited number of phones. There is an unleashed version as well as other apps with similar function. Many of the Android HU have the ability to do the same thing and also can work with Carplay (may need a dongle). Screen mirroring has its issues. Personally I think you're better off to have your phone provide an internet connection and bluetooth handle the communications.