Looking for a Head Unit for Ford Focus mk3 - Android Head-Units

Hi Guys!
I am looking recently for some head unit for my Focus mk3 2012. I need one that is already fitted into the the surounding plastics as there is no "real" DIN space to place it.
I stumbled upon few units, but honestly now I have no idea what to choose.
Just as a examples: (not sure if I can post aliexpress links)
1) AWESAFE PX9 2GB + 32GB MTK8227 (octacore) with ST7851 Android 10.0
2) Hizpo 8x 4GB+64GB MTK8259 (octacore) with ST7850 Android 10.0
Are those worth ~230 -250 USD? Is there anything else you can recommend in this price range?
I know the sound quality will not be the best, but are those (ST7851, ST7850) at least decent in terms of sound quality?

You need to get an adapter for your car, probably this https://www.crutchfield.com/S-NwUKGSSBDOO/p_120995827B/Metra-99-5827-Dash-Kit.html
From there you can get any dual-din Android Head unit. Personally I like a Pioneer and Kenwood Android Auto units, but you can use any other one.
Also to note, the head units you pasted are Android head units, not Android Auto head units. You probably want something like DMH-1500NEX I personally think those you mentioned will not make you very happy.

People bought this one and say it is good. I am interested in a decent 4Gb one as well. Let me know about your experience if you get your hand on some of these ones.

@rivalion
which one did you end up buying ?

Related

190$ Head unit?

Hey guys,
I'm getting a new (used) car soon and am looking into the Android Auto scene. It seems overwhelming. Crutchfield only lists two head units available in varying, escalating prices (Pioneer and Kenwood), which I do not find attractive and don't really look to buy them.
I'm in the process of purchasing a 2014 Nissan Juke SL, which appears to be 10 inches deep, Double Din, Size Corporate. All the sizing aspects are a bit beyong my understanding at this point. I'm looking for some guidance. If anyone wants to chat some, that would be great. PM me .
I found this on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Android-navig...8&qid=1463593234&sr=1-3&keywords=android+auto
I don't even see a brand on it, so I'm afraid its something you'd see from Big Lots- cheap. Though I really like the minimalism of the buttons on the left.
for about 70 bucks more you can get a Joying one, that has 5.1:
https://www.carjoying.com/android-5...0-radio-stereo-audio-16gb-support-revers.html
Android auto needs to be certified. This headunit is a android head unit. the screen shot just has maybe automate installed or just a photoshoped picture of android auto(likely this)
This is a 1gb model, youll suffer from switching apps and not being able to multitask to many apps(music+navigation alone will use a good amount of memory)
Both 1gb and 2gb units cannot process automate or android auto smoothly.
Not only that most of these headunits will cause you headaches. I would call most of the android headunits DIY products since most support is non existent or extremely hard to understand translated English.
there are only a few android auto certified units. Most with prices closer or above $1,000. If all you are looking for is android auto, check out JBL Legend CP100. Otherwise Alpine, Pioneer, and Kenwood have them.
transitoyspace said:
Android auto needs to be certified. This headunit is a android head unit. the screen shot just has maybe automate installed or just a photoshoped picture of android auto(likely this)
This is a 1gb model, youll suffer from switching apps and not being able to multitask to many apps(music+navigation alone will use a good amount of memory)
Both 1gb and 2gb units cannot process automate or android auto smoothly.
Not only that most of these headunits will cause you headaches. I would call most of the android headunits DIY products since most support is non existent or extremely hard to understand translated English.
there are only a few android auto certified units. Most with prices closer or above $1,000. If all you are looking for is android auto, check out JBL Legend CP100. Otherwise Alpine, Pioneer, and Kenwood have them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification!!
CadillacMike said:
for about 70 bucks more you can get a Joying one, that has 5.1:
https://www.carjoying.com/android-5...0-radio-stereo-audio-16gb-support-revers.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the suggestion! I like the minimalism of the Joying
CadillacMike said:
for about 70 bucks more you can get a Joying one, that has 5.1:
https://www.carjoying.com/android-5...0-radio-stereo-audio-16gb-support-revers.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unsure if this will work with all the input cabling? The Juke's camera doesn't seem to be a simple AUX in like the rear of the Joying shows. What would I do, a ton of adapters?
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjMzWDYzMA==/z/-L8AAOSw34FVCV2~/$_1.JPG
thx

Android Head unit (AliExpress) < $300 (Ford Focus 2006)

Love my car and will not sell it for at least 2 more years. It lacks a build in navigation system. And because of age I am not willing to pay more than $250. So I have been looking into the head units available on AliExpress.
I read quite some topics on XDA forum and other articles on the internet. Joying and pumpkin seems reasonable, but the build for a ford focus 2006 are not in budget. They are more expensive or not in stock.
If it goes above $300 it gets close of the recent Sony android headunit (Sony XAV-AX100). Which is $500 new.
So back to AliExpress. I am willing to accept the chance of bad audio quality (I want to fix that by using an amplifier, if necessary).
The thing on AliExpress is that all models look alike.. how to recognize the better ones? Anyone has clues? THe models on AliExpress lack purchases, most of 0 or just 1 order. I have no seller reviews.
I got an Atoto head unit for my ford escape with the metra dash kit.ATOTO 7"HD Touchscreen 2Din Android Car Navigation Stereo - Quadcore Car Entertainment Multimedia w/ FM/RDS Radio,WIFI,BT,Mirror Link,and more(No DVD Player)M4272 (17397/32G) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6NZQHS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dhpbzbTVK6WQW It fits, had to do alittle trimming of the dash kit face plate. For the price, its a good radio. And there support is good. Ill be upgrading to the new version thats coming out in the next couple of weeks and put this one in my girls ride.
Based on your budget, I also highly recommend ATOTO A6Y2710SB: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3TX6MF I drive 30miles everyday for work. I think their audio is good enough for daily using. And they have OTA. This is why I choose ATOTO.
This one is in your budget
2 din Android 8.0 car dvd radio video player 2G 32G 9 inch for Ford Focus 2004 - 2011 wifi BT navigation Quad Core map 4G FM RDS
http://s.aliexpress.com/rYNzU7b2?fromSns

What's state of the art now? MTCE units? And what's next?

Boy, did I fall down the rabbit hole! I'm prepping my 2006 GMC Yukon XL to tow a travel trailer. I wanted a backup camera, so I started looking at Sony/Kenwood Android Auto units, then stumbled across a message Dasaito head units, so I Googled that and holy CRAP Toto we aren't in Kansas any more!
Okay, so MTCB/MTCC are the older boards, and the suppliers are cranking out MTCD boards now. Got it...
I'm seeing references to MTCE in version strings, but I can't find any discussion about them. What's the deal with these? Are they better? Are they image-compatible with MTCD?
Is there anything better than the current 32GB/4GB octa-core platforms? I see references to Intel-based platforms - are they better yet?
And are there any other families of Android-based head units besides the MTC* platforms?
I'm just a tech-nerd dad with two kids who wants to go camping, but suddenly finds himself in a strange and wonderful land... Thanks!
Buy a real head unit from a real hifi car producer, like jvc kenwood sony alpine etc...
Cinese unit will never be hifi headunit. Go for an android auto one, like JVC Kw-M870BT or similar. You get good audio quality, real warranty, good performance everywhere.
siggey said:
Buy a real head unit from a real hifi car producer, like jvc kenwood sony alpine etc...
Cinese unit will never be hifi headunit. Go for an android auto one, like JVC Kw-M870BT or similar. You get good audio quality, real warranty, good performance everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm wrestling with. The original plan was to purchase a Sony XAV-AX200 from Crutchfield. It supports Android Auto and has a physical volume knob (essential for road trips with kids). If I purchase from Crutchfield, I get the bezel surround for my truck, the PAC RP5-GM11 interface unit to mate up to the GM factory harnesses (including the Bose digital amplifer), the backup camera plugs right in, and so on. For a small fee, Crutchfield even pre-solders all the harnesses so you literally just plug the thing in.
Which leads me to a side question - do I use the same PAC unit to connect to these Android head units and mate to the steering wheel controls? I wonder if the Bose digital factory amp connects the same way... hrmm.
I should add that I have two additional motivations for using an Android head unit, both related to towing our 28' travel trailer:
I planned to purchase a standalone trailer TPMS system, but it would be great to have the head unit monitor the trailer's tires.
I use an Android app to level our trailer (put a phone on the floor of the trailer, and it sends the angular level to a second Android device), but I could run the receiving app directly on the head unit.
chrispitude said:
I should add that I have two additional motivations for using an Android head unit, both related to towing our 28' travel trailer:
I planned to purchase a standalone trailer TPMS system, but it would be great to have the head unit monitor the trailer's tires.
I use an Android app to level our trailer (put a phone on the floor of the trailer, and it sends the angular level to a second Android device), but I could run the receiving app directly on the head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my eye on the Joying JY-UO135N4PX5:
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesal...id=SB_20180403143951&SearchText=JY-UO135N4PX5
At the time of this writing, the JY-UO135N4PX5 is not available on Ebay or Amazon. It is on AliExpress, but I'm not sure which of the sellers is the official Joying store, or all of them, or none of them...
chrispitude said:
I have my eye on the Joying JY-UO135N4PX5:
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesal...id=SB_20180403143951&SearchText=JY-UO135N4PX5
At the time of this writing, the JY-UO135N4PX5 is not available on Ebay or Amazon. It is on AliExpress, but I'm not sure which of the sellers is the official Joying store, or all of them, or none of them...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, Those Joying units are not MTCD/E. You will not have all the 3rd party support that the MTC units have.
carter.w.jason said:
FYI, Those Joying units are not MTCD/E. You will not have all the 3rd party support that the MTC units have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The mtcd/e units honestly are...a mess... MCU files and such. If you find the joying xxxP2 models....those are FYT SoM px5 units...gobwoth those...also means TWRP support and Xposed...and custom roms coming as well. The only downside is you can't install malaysk rom...but that seems to be bloated anyway. Take a look at the work done with the Intel joying...the P2 model is virtually identical to the intel save for the Px5 cpu...so lots of customoziation available
gtxaspec said:
The mtcd/e units honestly are...a mess... MCU files and such. If you find the joying xxxP2 models....those are FYT SoM px5 units...gobwoth those...also means TWRP support and Xposed...and custom roms coming as well. The only downside is you can't install malaysk rom...but that seems to be bloated anyway. Take a look at the work done with the Intel joying...the P2 model is virtually identical to the intel save for the Px5 cpu...so lots of customoziation available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is TWRP all ready out for PX5? Never saw it. I've been reading up on all you guys work on the Intel side, made me jump ship and buy Intel. Or is all this still in the works for PX5? Will be nice to have as a backup, and once support matures a bit more.
carter.w.jason said:
FYI, Those Joying units are not MTCD/E. You will not have all the 3rd party support that the MTC units have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well crap, I didn't realize that.
Okay, so what do I really lose by that? I can still run a third-party launcher (FCC Car Launcher, etc.), right? I'm new to all this, so it's not a rhetorical question.
carter.w.jason said:
Is TWRP all ready out for PX5? Never saw it. I've been reading up on all you guys work on the Intel side, made me jump ship and buy Intel. Or is all this still in the works for PX5? Will be nice to have as a backup, and once support matures a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once I get my hands on a P2 unit, yes, the bootloader is easier than the Intel to work with.
chrispitude said:
Well crap, I didn't realize that.
Okay, so what do I really lose by that? I can still run a third-party launcher (FCC Car Launcher, etc.), right? I'm new to all this, so it's not a rhetorical question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can still run your own launchers. These Chinese units have a few bug here and there. For example the Joying PX5 sleep mode will kill background services that other apps depend on, giving you unwanted app crashes. You have to find work arounds for things like that. Short on time to go in depth tonight, but feel free to ask any other questions. Though the other devs here are better suited than me.
Link to the MCU version for this Joying unit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frxm0uNSTtE&feature=youtu.be&t=1256
So guys, you've already lost me. So if I go with this JY-UO135N4PX5, basically I only get whatever updates Joying provides, and no other options - is that correct?
carter.w.jason said:
Yes, you can still run your own launchers. These Chinese units have a few bug here and there. For example the Joying PX5 sleep mode will kill background services that other apps depend on, giving you unwanted app crashes. You have to find work arounds for things like that. Short on time to go in depth tonight, but feel free to ask any other questions. Though the other devs here are better suited than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an engineer, so I regularly experience "analysis paralysis" while trying to make a decision. I get caught up on the details, which is especially difficult in areas like this where there are lots of details, but sparse and scattered over a wide area!
I want a 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM - pretty much because the numbers are higher, which makes me happy. I want a physical volume knob. I originally looked at the Eonon GA2170. The Joying unit caught my eye because it's got a SRC button, which would be handy for quickly switching between sources.
So given that I want a 4GB/32GB unit and a volume knob, what do you guys recommend that I look for?
Back in the day, I had one of the original Rio Car ("empeg") head units installed in my 1995 E36 M3. Man, that was a killer setup. I had my whole collection with me. I had a 60GB unit, which had to use two 30GB drives because drives were so small at the time.
chrispitude said:
Link to the MCU version for this Joying unit:
&feature=youtu.be&t=1256
So guys, you've already lost me. So if I go with this JY-UO135N4PX5, basically I only get whatever updates Joying provides, and no other options - is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would skip the n4 px5, it's a different OEM that isn't easily modified. the P2 models are the best, although currently limited to 2gb/32gb
gtxaspec said:
I would skip the n4 px5, it's a different OEM that isn't easily modified. the P2 models are the best, although currently limited to 2gb/32gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the P2 units a board platform, similar to MTCD/E? Is Joying the only supplier for P2 units, or are there others? You mention that the P2 platform is currently the best - best in what way?
Here's a Joying P2 unit with the front panel I like (but limited to 2GB as you note):
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-h...em-touch-screen-head-unit-with-bluetooth.html
I suppose I could wait until 4GB units start becoming the norm. Great information here, guys. Thanks a bunch. I'll make sure I give back to the community by documenting my install (and my on-the-road towing experiences!) once I get to that point.
- Chris
chrispitude said:
Are the P2 units a board platform, similar to MTCD/E? Is Joying the only supplier for P2 units, or are there others? You mention that the P2 platform is currently the best - best in what way?
Here's a Joying P2 unit with the front panel I like (but limited to 2GB as you note):
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-h...em-touch-screen-head-unit-with-bluetooth.html
I suppose I could wait until 4GB units start becoming the norm. Great information here, guys. Thanks a bunch. I'll make sure I give back to the community by documenting my install (and my on-the-road towing experiences!) once I get to that point.
- Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OEM manufacturer is FYT (fyttek) they have a SoM module platform. The Intel Sofia by joying uses their 5009/6021 modules...they make a variety of modules for different resellers. Their latest SoM is the 6026 which is similar to the 6021, but with a px5 instead of the Intel. They are big in China, though a few resellers do use their platform to sell globally. They are not MTCD/E, they use their own MCU. I've had MTC units, as well as FYT based units, I like the FYT stuff better for the moment. Easier to work with.
I prefer my $299 Pumpkin 8.0 unit to my $1100 Alpine AA unit.
packetjunkie said:
I prefer my $299 Pumpkin 8.0 unit to my $1100 Alpine AA unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, though I'm sure the audio quality on the Alpine is superior, functionality is night and day between them.
I wouldn't say the audio is hugely better. I have two setups I have done for my Jeep and F150 in the past 3 months.
Jeep: Alpine i207-WRA, JL HD905/4 Amplifier, JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System - 2 sets, Rockford Fosgate Prime R1L-2X12 2x12" subwoofer box
F150: Pumpkin 8.0, Rockford Fosgate P1683 6x8" 260 Watt 3 Way Car Coaxial Speakers Audio - 2 sets, Rockford Fosgate P400-4 400 Watt 4-Channel Amplifier, JL 12" PowerWedge, JL Audio tweeters
The Jeep setup was over $3200, the F150 about half that (my goal was under $1000, but then added the PowerWedge subwoofer) - (prices include installation)
Using XM Radio in both the results are I have more lower end bass in the F150 due to the sub setup (and a Loudness setting that appears missing from the Alpine unit) and both have the same crisp sound. For streaming I feel the results are also the same at normal volumes.
Where the difference is, if you want to really crank it up the Jeep will go way and above the F150 with the dual 12" subs and better amp. But the reality for me these days is not cranking it, its just enjoying it without making my hearing any worse for wear than it already is after years of doing these kinds of systems.
I would gladly spend half what I spent on the Jeep.
I've spent too much time browsing AliExpress auctions, and I really like the button layout (with SRC button) of the Joying units. However, the only 4GB Joying unit with that button layout is the N4 (JY-UO135N4PX5) unit. The P2 version of this Joying unit comes in 2GB only.
Do you think the 4GB/32GB unit in the following AliExpress auction is a hardware clone of the Joying N4 unit?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre...0dc0-4bcd-81df-8454ea163451&priceBeautifyAB=0

I switched to Android Auto, but am considering going back to a full Android unit

I am underwhelmed by the limitations of AA, but definitely prefer the better sound of my Pioneer unit. Has anything come out recently that actually has good sound? What is the best full android head unit these days? I only have experience with Joying head units.
No recommendations on any of the new android head units?
allenrb2 said:
No recommendations on any of the new android head units?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this is wat you looking for, this has a DSP chip on board, even Viper4Android is preinstalled on Android 8.0 units and have rooted.
https://androidautoshop.com/content/6-why-choose-androidautoshop

Which Unit??

hello all, new here although i have ready many posts.
I have posted in another forum about head units, i have a Ford Focus 08 model so have joined the ford owners club forum for advice but i think some of my issues would be best answered in a place like this.
I have recieved some good feedback but i think i may have exhausted them with particular units.
I seem to have found some answers to my original post but have now dwindled my choice down to 3 so i need more help if at all possible...
so my post today was about how i have come to the choice of these 3..
XTRONS TE103AP
or
EONON GA2168
or
EONON GA2168k
The XTRONS is the top spec i can find on a 10" screen which could be overkill for my focus but it looks great in some vids i have seen, its also the only 10" that has 4gb RAM and 32gb ROM with octacore and Android 8.0 which was reccomended above so it has pretty much got me. the screen is detachable although slightly more longwinded to take off than some pumpkin and eonon models of similar size that i found. Also being black friday/cyber monday weekend i could get it with a fair whack off the price (£240ish on their site). My only worry is it doesnt look like it comes with the CANBUS adapter, i also am not too familiar with what that even is, is it just for steering wheel controls (which i dont have) or is it for the stalk aswell?
As for the EONON GA2168, that screen is better detachable and is also octacore however it is only Android 7.1 (is that a major difference?) its also only 2gb RAM and not 4 (again not too sure about this, would a car stereo really benefit from more than 2gb? This also doesnt seem to come with the CANBUS adapter but does come with a free rear cam or dash cam and is £247
And finally the EONON GA2168K which is very simlar obviously but is only 16gb ROM and again 2gb RAM but this time with Android 8.1 but only quadcore processor without CANBUS and also comes with free cam of my choice and is cheaper at £217
Both XTRONS and EONON offer similar spec stereos that will fit right into my hole that are only 7" however but do for some reason come with CANBUS decoder/box (is that the same thing?)
So im swaying toward the XTRONS, better spec and all that but will i need to but this CANBUS thing? Any help would be greatly appreciated, sorry this was a bit longwinded but i have spent many hours now researching/spreadsheeting/doing my missus head in with all this now and want to purchase while these deals and offers are on. Hopefully some of you may have experience here.
Thanks in advance for any input :good:
understandably i cant post links to the actual units or my original thread on the owners club but hopefully some of you will know which units i am refering to. Thanks
I have the ga2168k from Eonon...
Had it only a short time now but so far I love it.
Now, I'm using it as a daily driver in a Ford f550 superduty.... not entering it into a show...going to car club gatherings or anything of the sort. I wanted it because I needed GPS, hands free calling and that 10.1 BIG display just fits a Ford F550 well as it is a lot of truck.
Perhaps the more memory one may be better for you if you are watching things on it... or doing some crazy things with it... for a simpleton like myself, it's perfect.
Which did you go for in the end?
Im pretty much in the same position as you, torn between which 10.1 to go with... Pushing slightly more towards the Eonon GA2168K
mdis89 said:
Which did you go for in the end?
Im pretty much in the same position as you, torn between which 10.1 to go with... Pushing slightly more towards the Eonon GA2168K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed a GA2168K yesterday in my 2006 GTO.
One thing I noticed in the included harness adapter is they have constant battery power and accessory power swapped.
Installed it with their R0008 dash cam that came with it. No DVR app. Finally found the main config menu (hidden by password 8888) and enabled DVR.
It does not detect the camera. it was working fine with my GA2170. Went to their website and was looking to see if they had a different camera available, and that is the only one. However, on the R0008 camera product page it gives a list of HU's it isn't compatible with, and the GA2168K is one of those. Sent support an email, hopefully will have an answer Monday on that. The other frustration is that half the settings they show in the user manual and online, aren't showing up in the actual menu's. Hoping they can send me a newer Firmware/OS that enables those... And finally, there is no seperate control for subwoofer like there was in the GA2170 Looks like I need to buy the remote amp level control and run a new cable to the trunk
Another issue... It is advertised as having 18 FM presets and 12 AM. It only allows me to store 6 of each...
Dears,
anybody tried Eonon GA2178 - 10" Android 9 Head Unit?
I'm actually on Eonon GA2168K - 10" Android 8 Head Unit, it's a good device with minor problems.
Anytime developers fix a problem they introduce an other problem and there's no community support for MTK chipsets.
Because of this I'm evaluating the new Eonon GA2178, that is quite similar but based on Rockchip chipset.
Tks!

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