Database Users

Android Auto or Android Head Unit?

I just discovered Android head units are even a thing. Are there any high quality ones that wont require constant tinkering to keep working? I would like to be able to use a backup camera, and a microphone for voicecalls and commands., and google maps nav of course.

There's no need for CONSTANT tinkering actually. You will most likely want to set up a few things the way you like them at first but after that you don't need to mess with your setup once you have it to your liking. I prefer an Android HU instead of Android Auto because it's a standalone device (Android Auto requires you to be connected to your phone in order to work). If you have a pwerfull phone it might work better than a HU though so that's something to consider, but for the kind of things people would usually use a HU, the specs on these stereos are good enough.
I haven't tried Android Auto though so you might want to do some more research and not take me for a guru or anything, but that's my opinion.

Do you have a recommendation on a good HU? Is 1024x768 about the highest res you can get? I have been looking at the NU3001, but it's about a year old, is there anything better out?

I haven't seen any unit with a resolution higher than 1024x768. There's basically 2 types of CPU on these things, the better one being RK3188 so look for that. here's a link to the one I got FYI
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XCBAXWY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

Grims said:
Do you have a recommendation on a good HU? Is 1024x768 about the highest res you can get? I have been looking at the NU3001, but it's about a year old, is there anything better out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newsmy and HuiFei are the most popular here on XDA, and Newsmy types (including NU3001) are newer.
They may not require "constant tinkering to keep working", but they seem to be full of little "gotchas" that result in some people constantly trying to work around.
The best of these Chinese HUs are running Kitkat 4.4, with no Lollipop in sight (as Marshmallow is about to come out, groan...)
I think the quality of these HUs are such that they may fail within a year or two, and even if they don't it will be annoying to be stuck on 4.4 when 7 or 8 are out.
Don't expect software fixes, unless done by someone here on XDA.

War-Rasta said:
Android Auto requires you to be connected to your phone in order to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Headunit app for Android Auto can run in a single device mode just fine, on a tablet or a phone.

mikereidis said:
My Headunit app for Android Auto can run in a single device mode just fine, on a tablet or a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can your headunit app run on one of these headunits?

Grims said:
Can your headunit app run on one of these headunits?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If any of them were on Lollipop there might be a chance...

DeafZebra said:
If any of them were on Lollipop there might be a chance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop is only needed on the phone/Android Auto app side.
So yes, Lollipop is needed to use my app in single device mode. But not when the tablet or headunit is connected to a phone running Lollipop and AA.
My Headunit works on Android 4.1+, in theory. In practice the H.264 decoder and USB Host mode needed was optional on earlier Android releases, so it still won't work well on many pre-Lollipop devices.
Due to this, I am likely to only officially support Lollipop+ and may make it mandatory. Even the 3 year old Nexus 7 2012 has Android 5.1, albeit slower than 4.4.

Grims said:
Can your headunit app run on one of these headunits?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, no. One device was reported to work but the video decoding was crazy slow. It appears that Chinese chipset devices are using software decoding of H.264 video which doesn't seem to work reliably.
So I'm focusing on Nexus tablets and may support a DIY type HU running a "96boards" or similar.
I was considering buying one of these units to support it, but lack of Lollipop when Marshmallow is imminent, and no promising reports of success from testers has killed that idea for now. It's a shame because tablets are not the best solution either.

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

Erisin ES3015V or Eonon GA5153F?

Hello there
Last weekend I received my first Android HU, an Erisin ES3015V. I drive a 2013 Skoda Fabia RS, and the installation was very straight forward. Can bus built in to the unit meant it was just a matter of connecting the big "VW" type connector, the antennas and usb, and everything just worked. I was very impressed. After playing with it all evening, installing apps, tweaking the launcher (and killing my battery), I went to bed.
The next day I started having problems with boot loops (looping even before any logo appeared on screen). This kept getting worse until I had to spend like ten minutes trying to press and hold the power and / or reset buttons to get lucky and make it boot. Once it booted, everything seemed great until the next cold start. I also installed the MTCD malaysk rom, but it didn't help. I contacted the dealer and he asked me to send it back for replacement, as he reckons it's a hardware problem.
Now, he also sells the Eonon in the topic, so if I want to, I can get that instead. I understand that this is an older unit (MTCB I think?) and that it has a can bus box instead of built in can bus. The resolution is also lower, but it has the same amount of ram and same cpu. Eonon info page says Android 4.4.4 but the reseller says 5.1. With this unit I suppose I would be able to run a more matured rom. I'm also curious as to sound quality differences. I'd ideally like a unit that doesn't sound worse than the original Skoda Swing / VW RCD310 in the car. Would also need a dab+ usb thingy.
Please help me make up my mind!

I'd tell you to stick with any android head unit that has KitKat (4.4.4). Android 5.1, while nice and it does add a few new features, tends to be slower and the ROM is larger. Consider this video:
Android Lollipop 5.1 vs KitKat 4.4.4 - Performance Comparison (Nexus 5)
On the same hardware, things slow down with android 5.1, and you're not really going to be using a lot of the features of that OS on a car radio. If this was a cellphone, I'd say yes, go for android 5.1.
That said, I'd lean towards the Eonon. Both have the same RK3188 CPU and same resolution screen, which leads me to believe that they are the same exact unit with a different brand name on them.
As an example, here 's some stereos: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-players/vw-car-dvd-player/vw-skoda-dvd-player
This is also for VW / Skoda. Notice how some look exactly the same as the other two. Simply stay away from any that offer Dual-core CPU's and you ought to be fine, but I simply show you for purposes of demonstration.
Having said that, here's one that is about the same price as your other two but slightly better specs: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...ii-3g-wifi-usb-sd-steering-wheel-control.html
This has a faster quad-core CPU plus higher resolution, so you may get equivalent performance to what you have selected above. It is Android 5.1, but with a faster CPU the performance will be about the same.
The choice is yours. Enjoy!

Thanks for your in-depth reply CaptShaft
CaptShaft said:
On the same hardware, things slow down with android 5.1, and you're not really going to be using a lot of the features of that OS on a car radio. If this was a cellphone, I'd say yes, go for android 5.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts as well. After getting the Erisin I noticed that there's a lot more stuff going on for the MTCB unilts. I'm worried about the dab+ usb stick though. Seems they aren't fully supported? What about the 3g/4g stick?
CaptShaft said:
That said, I'd lean towards the Eonon. Both have the same RK3188 CPU and same resolution screen, which leads me to believe that they are the same exact unit with a different brand name on them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the Erisin is 1024 while the Eonon is 800-something, however the rest looks to be more or less identical. The Erisin has can bus built in to the unit itself though, while the Eonon has a more traditional external can bus converter.
CaptShaft said:
The choice is yours. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I hope I will

My thoughts as well. After getting the Erisin I noticed that there's a lot more stuff going on for the MTCB units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider these threads where people discuss MTCB vs. MTCD:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...nt/mtcd-unit-preferred-mtcb-purchase-t3399173
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-auto-general/units-to-buy-mtcb-mtcd-t3389108
The most popular hardware gets the most development and most attention of the developers. If we use a smartphone analogy, that would be something like a Samsung phone vs. a off-brand Chinese knockoff. Everybody climbs into the biggest boat, and that is MTCB right now. That is currently the RK3188 processor (I believe) and maybe some of the CPU’s after that, like the PX3 CPU that was on the one pumpkin I showed you above. I can’t say for sure. This should bear some further investigation on your part before you make a final decision.
If you are looking for the ability to tinker with an aftermarket ROM like the Malaysk ROM’s, you probably don’t want to be on the bleeding edge of the latest hardware. That’s your call, however. There are custom ROMs for both MTCB and MTCD and both will allow you to tinker.
I'm worried about the dab+ usb stick though. Seems they aren't fully supported? What about the 3g/4g stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer both at once, I will say it like this : I can’t comment on the DAB+ stick personally because I don’t use much in the way of radio. The Malaysk ROM’s come with an android PCRadio app built-in, which works a lot like Sirius satellite radio but does not require any subscription. It streams the “radio” music data over the Internet, and there are multiple Internet radio stations that are worldwide. My experience with the classical ones is that they are almost entirely free of commercials. This works well for my purpose, and since I personally don’t tolerate advertising of any variety, I’m happy with this. I also pack a lot of my own music and audiobooks onto a USB drive or SD card.
In my case I use my smart phone hotspot to feed the Internet to the stereo. I’m already paying for Internet connection through my smart phone, I felt I didn’t need to buy another mobile service line just for a car radio. I’ve heard a lot of consternation about the Internet USB sticks. At least over here in the US, people complain about poor reception and loss of signal. Reviews over at Amazon seem to bear this out. Your experience may vary.
Actually, the Erisin is 1024 while the Eonon is 800-something, however the rest looks to be more or less identical. The Erisin has can bus built in to the unit itself though, while the Eonon has a more traditional external can bus converter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least both have the functionality, which is good. Again, however, I can’t comment on this too much because I don’t tinker with this, however it has piqued my curiosity. It seems like it is a one way functionality, namely the car sends information to the android radio only. This is good, and this allows the radio to receive certain information from the vehicle for diagnostic purposes. For security purposes, what you do not want is the radio to be sending signals back to the car. You really don’t want a virus to disable your brakes, or shut off your motor while on the highway, for example.
Again, look at that pumpkin unit that I had suggested earlier. Double check the specs on that, and see if that might not be more towards your liking, and maybe will meet your needs. Pumpkin does a fairly decent job, at least this is been my experience.

Best Android version + manufacturer??

So far, in all the searching I've done thus far before registering, I couldn't seem to find anything that really satisfied my wonders about these headunits.. The best versions seem to be the 4.4.x headunits, as it seems most people have problems with 5.1.x headunits (ie, lagging, crashing, etc) and there's now a few 6.0 headunits (Ownice C500 and Pumpkin I believe has one).
My problem with the 4.4.x headunits are that they all seem to carry 1GB of ram. 2GB seems to be the sweet spot, but is only found on a FEW of the 5.1.x headunits which inevitably seem to fail due to the seemingly awful roms. That being said, I'm highly interested in the Ownice C500 due to built in 4G (with sim slot), 2GB ram and a choice between 4core/8core (I'd be fine with the 4core, I plan on simply only listening to music and not running any apps except torque).
The problem with Ownice is that it changed name from Winlink directly to Ownice and dropped the old moniker, and I'm not too sure why. Pumpkin seems okay, but everything is 1GB ram I believe. Joying seems good, but it seems they have quite a few issues too. I know that none of these will be GREAT (price v quality issues, etc) but which do you guys feel are best? I'm super picky and don't make decisions until I know for certain that I'm getting exactly what will work for my needs.
Maybe I should create a poll?
Also, I'm quite attracted to the Newsmy Carpad but it seems they have some MCU issues and it doesn't seem to be the most premium headunit.
edit: I know that most of these units are mass produced by the same manufacturer, not sure whether to call these companies "manufacturers" or "distributors."

If you are so picky...then don't go to any of them.
All have more or less something wrong....but if you check for the price.... the mtcd type units (2gb ram) is under my opinion the best choice
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk

ikerg said:
If you are so picky...then don't go to any of them.
All have more or less something wrong....but if you check for the price.... the mtcd type units (2gb ram) is under my opinion the best choice
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in that case I might as well jump on a C200 and install a Malaysk rom or just pull the trigger on a C500 since I've got an extra LTE sim/line open and active.

fallrisk said:
Well, in that case I might as well jump on a C200 and install a Malaysk rom or just pull the trigger on a C500 since I've got an extra LTE sim/line open and active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do Malaysk cook roms for c200?
AFAIK only cooked for MTCB and mtcd rk3188 chip.
C200 is not MTCD
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk

I'm thinking the same things as you!
Mainly the issue with bluetooth, and handsfree mic is disturbing.
Apperantly JBL has a model on their way. CP100 which is a Carplay / Mirrorlink / Android Auto Head Unit. It has been delayed since 1Q 2016 so maybe it will hit the market soon?
It's 399$ though - but maybe the higher price is going to be shown in better stability and higher quality..

Mogelmose said:
I'm thinking the same things as you!
Mainly the issue with bluetooth, and handsfree mic is disturbing.
Apperantly JBL has a model on their way. CP100 which is a Carplay / Mirrorlink / Android Auto Head Unit. It has been delayed since 1Q 2016 so maybe it will hit the market soon?
It's 399$ though - but maybe the higher price is going to be shown in better stability and higher quality..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the Sony XAV-AX100 is being released right about now.
A little more expensive but a good looking unit.
I'm trying to figure out my next move and it's hard at the moment.
I bought a cheap MTCD to replace my Newsmy that died earlier this year but there are a few things bugging me, like the Bluetooth that people can't hear me through and the broken h.264 decoding.
Still deciding if I try another unit like the Joying 2gb or Ownice C500 or do I just go with a Sony or Kenwood unit and know I'll get decent quality..
decisions, decisions...

Mogelmose said:
I'm thinking the same things as you!
Mainly the issue with bluetooth, and handsfree mic is disturbing.
Apperantly JBL has a model on their way. CP100 which is a Carplay / Mirrorlink / Android Auto Head Unit. It has been delayed since 1Q 2016 so maybe it will hit the market soon?
It's 399$ though - but maybe the higher price is going to be shown in better stability and higher quality..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to look that up, does it run Android on its own though? I'd really like to have Torque as I drive a Subaru and would like to make sure she's not gonna die on me (132k and tickin along).
leonkernan said:
Don't forget the Sony XAV-AX100 is being released right about now.
A little more expensive but a good looking unit.
I'm trying to figure out my next move and it's hard at the moment.
I bought a cheap MTCD to replace my Newsmy that died earlier this year but there are a few things bugging me, like the Bluetooth that people can't hear me through and the broken h.264 decoding.
Still deciding if I try another unit like the Joying 2gb or Ownice C500 or do I just go with a Sony or Kenwood unit and know I'll get decent quality..
decisions, decisions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AX100 looks promising but it doesn't run Android on its own sadly! The benefit of mirroring both Android and iOS is awesome though. Not too sure if I'd prefer having CarPlay to rely on or if I'd rather have a standalone unit that I can tether BT for calls.

ikerg said:
Do Malaysk cook roms for c200?
AFAIK only cooked for MTCB and mtcd rk3188 chip.
C200 is not MTCD
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I thought I had answered you but apparently not. I thought the C200 was an MTC headunit due to running an rk3188 AFAIK??

fallrisk said:
The AX100 looks promising but it doesn't run Android on its own sadly! The benefit of mirroring both Android and iOS is awesome though. Not too sure if I'd prefer having CarPlay to rely on or if I'd rather have a standalone unit that I can tether BT for calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the JBL and Sony don't run Android themselves.
Personally, I'm realizing that apart from being able to customize it a bit more, I don't care for most of my usage.
Android Auto or Carplay running on good hardware that gets the basics right is almost more important to me now.

fallrisk said:
Hmm. I thought I had answered you but apparently not. I thought the C200 was an MTC headunit due to running an rk3188 AFAIK??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It is not MTCD unit.... completely different mcu.... even having same rockchip soc
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk

If you want to run CarPlay or Android Auto, the sweet spot price/performance wise is the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.
Costs twice the typical Chinese android head unit ($500), but it's rock solid reliable.
On the other hand , the MTCB or MTCD units are far more customizable. And cheaper.

tbd2k2 said:
If you want to run CarPlay or Android Auto, the sweet spot price/performance wise is the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.
Costs twice the typical Chinese android head unit ($500), but it's rock solid reliable.
On the other hand , the MTCB or MTCD units are far more customizable. And cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah those NEX units are SWEET, but I'm a broke college student so I can JUST afford a Chinese unit. I definitely would've splurged on a NEX or the AX100 if I had the money (which I don't). :\
That's why I'm looking to figure out the general feelings about which manu.'s are best and what everyone feels is the best unit or MCU/Android Version combo.

leonkernan said:
No, the JBL and Sony don't run Android themselves.
Personally, I'm realizing that apart from being able to customize it a bit more, I don't care for most of my usage.
Android Auto or Carplay running on good hardware that gets the basics right is almost more important to me now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to customize but im startin to realize it's just the geek side of me that thinks that. After all i just want hassle free in car entertainment and Auto / Carplay delivers that.
tbd2k2 said:
If you want to run CarPlay or Android Auto, the sweet spot price/performance wise is the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.
Costs twice the typical Chinese android head unit ($500), but it's rock solid reliable.
On the other hand , the MTCB or MTCD units are far more customizable. And cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pioneer AVH-4200NEX is way too expensive compared to the JBL and Sony mentioned in this thread.

Mogelmose said:
I would love to customize but im startin to realize it's just the geek side of me that thinks that. After all i just want hassle free in car entertainment and Auto / Carplay delivers that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my issue too. I've had a couple of units, thinking i'll write my own launcher and stuff and have a great time..
In the end, I spend so much time fighting with the basics to just listen to the radio or make a phone call.
Android Auto / Carplay is the changer for me with decent maps, phone and messages without the hassle.
I'll probably still play around with a tablet in the car or something, but the main unit will be a brand name one that handles all the day to day stuff.

Mogelmose said:
I would love to customize but im startin to realize it's just the geek side of me that thinks that. After all i just want hassle free in car entertainment and Auto / Carplay delivers that.
The Pioneer AVH-4200NEX is way too expensive compared to the JBL and Sony mentioned in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several places sell these Pioneer NEX and the equivalent Kenwood units (factory rebfurb) for $50-100 less.
Pioneer also has a cheaper option, the Appradio, which deletes the DVD player and some other features, but still gives you good Bluetooth and CarPlay. They do not advertise Andoid auto, but it has good Android support.
Crutchfield has it on sale $499 after rebate.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130SPDA120/Pioneer-SPH-DA120-AppRadio-4.html
JVC is coming out with a new DVD head unit that supports CarPlay, but they are not supporting Android Auto yet, apparently. JVC is actually owned by Kenwood, and most people are satisfied with their higher-end models.
That Sony looks interesting, have not heard much from the people who have gotten it though. It's brand new...the Pioneer and Kenwoods are in their third gen CarPlay/Andoid auto models and have worked though many little bugs it seems.
The JBL Android auto head unit seems to be infinitely delayed.

The JBL Android delay could be connected to the Harman (Who owns JBL) is about to be sold to Samsung.
Samsung wants Harman so they can compete in "connected technology" which in my terms also include Head Units.
I'm from Denmark, the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX is not sold here.
The frequencies used in some other countries, like Europe, are even (102.8).
The frequencies used here in the US are odd numbers (102.7) and can not be changed.
I guess that's why it's an US only Head Unit.
THe SPH-DA120 is sold here. It looks promising. It doesn't support Android Auto though.
So i'm thinking.. How bad can it be?
You need a HDMI cable, an HDMI adapter. Then you need to setup som funky Bluetooth settings. And after all that **** you can stream music and talk on the phone. No Navi-mirroring etc.
No way i'm going to buy an Iphone to get this to work. So the DA120 is still a no go.
Take a look at this youtube video to see what i mean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvTU7fVnmRs
Can someone please tell me why it so hard to put in "Hassle free" and both Wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple Carplay in to a Head Unit

Newbie Is it worth getting a Android head unit? I been debating if it's better to go pioneer or try android

I been wanting to update my old head unit and tried looking in here for info but I can't find anything for my questions but my main question is the android units pretty mature that it's smooth and you don't have to really worry about it it just works ? I have no clue on what brands are pretty good I seen joy alot and are people here modding the head units and making them run better?

I am also interested in the feedback from the more experienced Here.
I want to install a large screen Android in our motorhome, but don’t want something that doesn’t work well.
Paul

I recently purchased Topway TS10 unit. My first Android HU, actually my first Android device also.
If I had to do it again I would look for a unit that can be rooted fully - otherwise you are at total mercy of Chinese vendor who may ignore you, give you wrong information or will simply not understand your question.
Based on my, rather limited, knowledge, 3GB RAM CC2 Plus from Alibaba would be on top of my list.

firstbob said:
I recently purchased Topway TS10 unit. My first Android HU, actually my first Android device also.
If I had to do it again I would look for a unit that can be rooted fully - otherwise you are at total mercy of Chinese vendor who may ignore you, give you wrong information or will simply not understand your question.
Based on my, rather limited, knowledge, 3GB RAM CC2 Plus from Alibaba would be on top of my list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah that's my main worry's is being at the mercy of a Chinese vendor and having to deal with a buggy OS with no updates and noone on xda having there own version that's better

Neogx said:
Yah that's my main worry's is being at the mercy of a Chinese vendor and having to deal with a buggy OS with no updates and noone on xda having there own version that's better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite right.

marchnz said:
Quite right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had some personal experience with both options. Last year I purchased a top-of-the-line Pioneer HU (AVIC W8500NEX) and installed it in my Toyota Highlander. I had nothing but trouble with it. Random reboots and freeze-ups. Replaced the HU once and the CanBus adapter once but problems persisted. I finally gave up and recently purchased a Sygav PX6 android HU. The first HU died after one day. The second HU has been working well other than a few quirks that are well documented in this forum.
So, I don't think there is a clear answer here. I completely understand the concerns about purchasing an off-brand HU, but name brand HU's are not without problems as well.

I've been in this game quite a long time. Heck., I was in this game years ago when it was WinCE.
Functionality wise, the top brands have been playing catch up for years. In the case of some of them, they even went down the WinCE route, so as to provide a pathway to all the great software that was available (iGo Primo, for example).
Where the Chinese head units are playing catch-up, has always been the sound quality. Historically, Chinese Head Units have used very low quality amplifier IC's which give a very mediocre sound.
Then we got the generic Android Head Units and again, the big brand manufacturers were playing catch up, except it's not a level playing field. I doubt big brands would be allowed to ship an almost stock Android Head Unit as they are not 'actually safe' for cars. They are the kind of thing which would have to be sold with a 'Not Road Legal' label attached.
So you've got the CarPlay and Android Auto options coming out of the big brands and you've got the generic Android kit coming out of the Chinese brands. Except, the Chinese brands have now caught up with the sound quality. The PX5 units I had in my BMW and Audi had exceptional sound quality.
As for the quality and reliability. I've always had good luck with Chinese units until recently. My WinCE badgers never failed me. Two PX5's didn't fail either (6 months and 2 years).
So, I got a PX6 for my Jetta as a treat to myself. I was mezmerized by the speed but the first thing I noticed on day 1 is that it ran hot. The PX5 ran comparatively cool and the issue with electronics when they get hot is the lifespan shorten and as this thing ran hot seemingly all the time, it unfortunately didn't last a month, and was returned with an amp defect.
I'm now on a Xtrons MA series, which is basically a Junsun V1 Pro. Performance wise, it pales in comparison to the PX6 and tbh, it even feels a bit sluggish compared to the PX5. However.... it has an extremely good DSP which means the sound quality utterly blows away the PX6, which was already decent btw. It also has some other nice features like Android Assistant that is actually able to dial via your phone properly (it never worked on the PX5), CarPlay for your iPhone, Android Auto if you want it....
So the gap between what Pioneer are knocking out and these Chinese head units is actually massive at this point and it's in favour of the Chinese stuff. You can literally buy a Chinese head unit that offers the same functionality as the Pioneer (CarPlay etc), and more (Android 10) and similar sound quality.
Big manufacturers are on borrowed time. In-built stuff with new cars + these units for old cars are literally the death knell.

You are not comparing apples with apples - genuine units are Android Auto, Chinese origin greyboxes are a hacked Android and are NOT Android Auto. They have two very different use cases.
The problem with Chinese origin knock off Android head units is the lack of recourse, support and consumer protection.
The resellers stop communicating when bugs and problems get hard for them, leaving buyer stuck or out of pocket.

marchnz said:
You are not comparing apples with apples - genuine units are Android Auto, Chinese origin greyboxes are a hacked Android and are NOT Android Auto. They have two very different use cases.
The problem with Chinese origin knock off Android head units is the lack of recourse, support and consumer protection.
The resellers stop communicating when bugs and problems get hard for them, leaving buyer stuck or out of pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Chinese unit also offers Android Auto and CarPlay via USB, hence my point that I am able to access numerous ecosystems here. Android, Android-Auto, CarPlay.
I think there is some truth to your statement with regards to lacking resource and consumer protection but your best bet is buying from one of the more legitimate UK based resellers. I've bought my last three from Xtrons and the one which failed, they took back in an instant and refunded the money. It's a gamble but it's hardly a risky gamble, we're talking a few hundred pounds here, and if you're sensible and buy through a protected platform like Amazon, you'll be fine.
In my experience, quality control issues usually manifest themselves within a very short period of time. In my case, it was less than a month. If your unit is still going strong after 3-4 then I'd say you're onto a winner. The bugs are usually bitty I find. My PX5 and PX6's were really smooth and powerful, but had irritating little 'misses' like Google Now couldn't make a call via Bluetooth, which is more like a missing feature than an actual bug. This new unit doesn't feel particularly buggy UI wise, but it's definitely not as powerful.... However, it offers some really clever features that the PX5 and PX6 didn't, such as calling via Google Now right out of the box and separated volume channels for different things. Higher clock speeds aren't everything. I've not made up my mind on it currently, but as it costs £260 inc delivery and brought a whole load of surprisingly useful extras the PX5/6 don't, I think I am OK with it.
One thing I would point out here:
Any aftermarket radio that offers apps or 'AppRadio-esque' functionality is at the mercy of manufacturer. The ecosystem they selling against is essentially a moving target. I think the big brands get let off so easily here.
AppRadio – Apps on Google Play
Turn your car into a connected car with Pioneer AppRadio
play.google.com
The Pioneer AppRadio app above has a wonderful 2 star rating on Google Play. Is it any wonder? A number of the early App Radios (1-4 definitely) are now dead if used with official software. The only alternative is AppRadio Unchained which is effectively a screen mirroring app and a right mess to get working. Let's not pretend that you're good for life if you get yourself a Pioneer or Sony. You are merely on a countdown and eventually they'll pull the plug.
In the case of a Chinese radio, it's usually however long it takes for the hardware to become obsolete and unusable, if the hardware itself doesn't fail. My PX5's were running the latest apps and my oldest was bought in 2018. I expect this current unit will keep going for a similar amount of time, albeit not as quick as I'd like. Tl:dr, I think it's naive to think we buy radios (including big brand) to last 5-10 years. At the price point they exist, we should be happy with 3 years. Not many people keep their cars much longer than that anyway.