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.
Related
So I want to buy an android hu that is built specifically for my car. one for a stock-like look, and other for ease of installation and compatibility with my existing setup.
So they unfortunately don't make too many that are compatible, but here is the best I could find -
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Quad...-MAZDA-6-Third-generation-GJ/32353751486.html
I don't know anything about what base model the unit is based on. I just know that it has all the latest internal specs. However, contacting the seller, while they are responsive, can't give me too many technical details it seems. They don't have a website either.
The joying units seem to have very good support both here on xda, and through the manufacturer website. Only problem is I would need to buy a universal unit to fit my car, since they don't make a custom one for it.
So, what is xda's opinion? Should I go for the custom model that has the same specs as the joying, but almost no support or info? Or should I just get the universal joying model and just customize it for my setup?
My preferred choice is the custom model, but I am worried that it will be very low quality and regularly crash like I've read about hot audio and some other low quality brands. Joying seems to be the best pure android HU to buy right now, but I am worried I'll be disappointed w/ the appearance in my car, and that it will be complicated/impossible to get it all working w/ my stock backup camera, steering wheel controls, etc.
Let me know your opinions!
From the main carjoy thread... I've made up my mind that I'm just going to buy the carjoy universal unit.
* it's over $100 cheaper than a custom unit
* good support here on xda and from the seller
* if I don't like it, I can resell it fairly easily since it's universal
I will treat it more as an experiment than a true replacement. My car is still pretty new & I don't want to feel like I'm "cheapening" it by putting in a half-baked infotainment system. At $300, I can afford to take it as a full loss if I had to. I hope my fears are wrong and I fall in love w/ it. Just so many reports of crashing, features not working well/at all, etc. I expect that it will take some effort, but I want a robust, full functioning system and I'm okay putting in the work to get it there .
Hi there,
I searched, but didn't see this addressed specifically so here we go. If the topic is already covered, let's kill this thread and redirect to the other. I'm not proud.
I recently discovered that it's time for a new HU for my car - 2006 Audi A4 with RNS-E nav - and wanted better tech. I've been looking at the Pioneer units with Android Auto, but don't like how limited it is. If I want to use Waze for nav and Torque for OBD, etc, that's not going to work. So I dug into Android head units, but I'm a bit confused.
As near as I can tell, there are several companies selling exactly the same hardware. Pumpkin, Joying, and several others all sell HUs that are physically identical and have the same hardware specs. I'm guessing the difference is in the ROM rather than the hardware, but y'all probably can tell me whether that's true or not.
If the hardware is the same, is it possible to run a ROM for one brand on another? Seems likely, but I wouldn't want to bank on that when I buy. So if the hardware is the same but I need to pick a brand, what's the best option? Is there any appreciable difference in stability, sound quality, user interface, feature implementation, etc that would push me to choose one brand over another? I know that's subjective, but there's some pretty deep knowledge in this group and I'm just getting started on the car audio stuff with Android.
Again, if this has been answered already, just point me to the thread and I'm OK with a moderator killing this one.
Thanks!
StunGod said:
Hi there,
I searched, but didn't see this addressed specifically so here we go. If the topic is already covered, let's kill this thread and redirect to the other. I'm not proud.
I recently discovered that it's time for a new HU for my car - 2006 Audi A4 with RNS-E nav - and wanted better tech. I've been looking at the Pioneer units with Android Auto, but don't like how limited it is. If I want to use Waze for nav and Torque for OBD, etc, that's not going to work. So I dug into Android head units, but I'm a bit confused.
As near as I can tell, there are several companies selling exactly the same hardware. Pumpkin, Joying, and several others all sell HUs that are physically identical and have the same hardware specs. I'm guessing the difference is in the ROM rather than the hardware, but y'all probably can tell me whether that's true or not.
If the hardware is the same, is it possible to run a ROM for one brand on another? Seems likely, but I wouldn't want to bank on that when I buy. So if the hardware is the same but I need to pick a brand, what's the best option? Is there any appreciable difference in stability, sound quality, user interface, feature implementation, etc that would push me to choose one brand over another? I know that's subjective, but there's some pretty deep knowledge in this group and I'm just getting started on the car audio stuff with Android.
Again, if this has been answered already, just point me to the thread and I'm OK with a moderator killing this one.
Thanks!
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If there's no difference in hardware, why not read some product reviews to know these brands better and then choose the one who provides high quality product and better after-sales service. Nowadays you can get many information from Google.
u.r.rible said:
If there's no difference in hardware, why not read some product reviews to know these brands better and then choose the one who provides high quality product and better after-sales service. Nowadays you can get many information from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, thanks for the advice. Terribly helpful.
I have a Ownice C200 and since the last update i'm very satisfied.
The only thing that could improved is the radio reception that sometimes fade away a bit, despite you can mount a wifi antenna on the radio, the reception stays weak, the manufacturer doesn't give root.
good things are... phone calls are very good, gps works fine, good sound quality (i got mine hooked up on a audison voce AV 5.1K amplifier)
The pumpkin, joying, kgl and many others, share the same hardware probably made by one manufacturer with only 1 gb mem and no bluetooth 3.0.
Ownice has 2gb and bluetooth 3.0
Ownice produces also for Navall, Navall import the radios in to Europe Canada the US, and have a certified repair depo in the UK.
You can check Pumpkin http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-2003-2011-Bluetooth-Steering-Subwoofer/dp/B0109UATOC/
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.
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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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.
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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
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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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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.