I'm in the market for a new HU and I've been following a lot of threads at XDA from the Pioneer based hacks to AppRadio to the Newsmy HUs to now the new Joying 5.1.1 and the octa-core InDashNet units. I've been looking at those last two machines pretty intensely, but I'm trying to weigh the benefits of both.
The InDashNet HU have far more robust components, but they are so new that there are plenty of bugs to be worked out along the way. The Joying units seem to have decent support (for Chinese HU), but I'm a bit more concerned buying into a unit that is using components that are seem like a generation or so behind the InDash unit.
Any others out there with the same dilemma? How did you resolve this? Thx.
I think it's a matter of jumping in, I have had mine JY unit since August and have had many hours of usefulness out of it..
Thus it's coming up to 12 months.. so if I get another 12 months I am happy as Larry..by then it will be time to upgrade as this is a market segment that is only going to grow and get better and better..
It's like all tech, do you wait for the next best thing or do you suck it up, get what's hot now and and use it, then spin it around after you get tired of it.. and with luck only lose a bit of depreciation.. I know that even if I pulled mine out now and sold it for $200 I have had money's worth..
I think the key is to make sure who ever you buy off is giving you the warranty and support so that if you get a defective unit you can send it back.. as it seems the market is awash with some pretty ****ty units.. thus by dealing with someone that has got some cred already you will save yourself some heartache if the unit has a problem...
Depending on what unit you get, Joying can also be WAY cheaper than In-Dash. For example, another thread on here has a link to the Universal fit from Joying on Amazon for like $260. The IN-Dash without a sale or discount is over $400.
CadillacMike said:
Depending on what unit you get, Joying can also be WAY cheaper than In-Dash. For example, another thread on here has a link to the Universal fit from Joying on Amazon for like $260. The IN-Dash without a sale or discount is over $400.
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That's what I'm seeing too. I'd go with the universal fit model anyway. But having the latest processor/ample amounts of RAM is important too. I'd rather spend more if the Joying unit is choking on itself a year from now. I'd suspect I'd get a longer life out of the model with newer components.
When I bought my Joying they (along with 3 other manufacturers I was shopping at the time) told me the quadcore may not work with 5.1 or newer versions of Android - not ever. Of course they appear to work now so maybe they were full of sales fluff. Regardless, with an OctaCore to support 5, 6, and eventually 7.0 or greater (InDashNet confirmed to me that I would be able to go 6 and 7 when ready) I at least feel that I won't have to buy another unit for my current car unless I really wanted to. Plus, I get responses from InDashNet with better detail. There are slight issues as their platform is newer, but it is definitely quicker and the bugs appear easy to fix.
how often do InDashNet upgrade their platform?
ricebus said:
how often do InDashNet upgrade their platform?
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Once already with another coming soon that they are already testing internally.
So which one would you recommend? The InDashNet units also have far less capable amplifiers. Only supplying 25w per output :/
ricebus said:
So which one would you recommend? The InDashNet units also have far less capable amplifiers. Only supplying 25w per output :/
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I like InDashNet but would wait a couple of weeks to see if the latest updates solve the problems. Both are likely comparable in terms of amplification as it all boils down to RMS rating (ignore max)...you can always add an external one for $50 (plus cabling) and those are easier to install than a head unit.
I was emailed 85W x 4 by InDashNet so I don't know why is says 25W on the InDashNet forum post #1. I use 2 amps myself (1 for front/rear and 1 for subwoofer.)
Personally, I think you should always buy on the back end of technology and not go with the latest. This gets you far far more peformance/$. I would go with the $250 joying and if you want to upgrade in a few years, do it when the octocores are as common and available from as many sources as the quad cores are today and they will also then be as cheap.
If you go with pretty much the only one available today, in 1-2 years you will be sorry you did not wait because someone will come out with a better design that is more refined and has a few more features than the ones available now, but you will have spent so much on the one now, you will not want to upgrade for a long time until you get your "money's worth" out of it first.
Normally this is very true. In fact, if you buy on the back end of this market there are some great dual core units out there. However, they do not work with the latest Android 5.x either and the support from the vendor to upgrade that software is long gone not to mention Android app vendor support. I already can't use some apps who now only support 6.x products. So I did consider what you said but I'll take new if it works good enough knowing that it will see revisions that improve it. Plus, now that I've used OctaCore vs Quad the speed is so much closer to the Japanese units I grew up on.
The Joying HU seems quite fine but I'm afraid 1GB of RAM for android is not enough. Maybe I'm wrong, do you have it? How does it perform?
Also, we all take it for granted, but boot-up time for this is super crucial, if it takes more than a few seconds it's kinda annoying.
dunksalot said:
Normally this is very true. In fact, if you buy on the back end of this market there are some great dual core units out there. However, they do not work with the latest Android 5.x either and the support from the vendor to upgrade that software is long gone not to mention Android app vendor support. I already can't use some apps who now only support 6.x products. So I did consider what you said but I'll take new if it works good enough knowing that it will see revisions that improve it. Plus, now that I've used OctaCore vs Quad the speed is so much closer to the Japanese units I grew up on.
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what apps do you use that only support android 6? Marshmallow is on less than 10% of devices:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-marshmallow-adoption-10-percent/
---------- Post added at 09:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
ricebus said:
The Joying HU seems quite fine but I'm afraid 1GB of RAM for android is not enough. Maybe I'm wrong, do you have it? How does it perform?
Also, we all take it for granted, but boot-up time for this is super crucial, if it takes more than a few seconds it's kinda annoying.
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outside of in-dash, very few of these head units have 2 gig, the Ownice C200 and one Pumpkin unit is about it. The S160 from RoadNavi only has 1 gig, but Kotix made a ROM that gives you more RAM
There are a few I wanted to download and try. AUPEO for one. IFTTT as well. Those come to mind. I can't remember every one that I looked to try off the top of my head but there were are good 4 or 5. Not a big deal I guess.
Lookd into Android Head units a couple of years ago (gave it up because they were all pretty terrible to be honest at the time - borderline useless). Amazing that so little has happened since 2013/2014. Most units still rely on the same old awful Rockchip SoC and comes with 1GB of RAM paired with a terrible UI and Android 4.x.
Another sad thing is that most of these units only support Bluetooth 2.1 (Joying included). Bluetooth 4.x offers better audio quality.
Thanks for pointing out the currently best units available on the market @dunksalot. I'm probably going to buy a cheap Joying 5.1.1 and simply live with the lag (?) when switching between apps. It'll probably take quite some time before anything with Cortex A15 or Cortex A72 paired with 2-4GB of RAM becomes available.
I did have Android Auto-support on my wishlist (that way the specs wouldn't have mattered), but that seems impossible to find outside pioneer and kenwood units, which are USD600-USD1900+.
Edit: Or is it better to wait a bit longer? It seems that Joying are working on units with 2GB of RAM according to their FB page, they won't say anything more about it though:
>old awful Rockchip SoC and comes with 1GB of RAM paired with a terrible UI and Android 4.x.
Actually after having a 4.4.1 for a year and now a 5.1.1 head unit for about 6 months I would dispute that.
a) The quad core Rockchip CPU is pretty capable and has run nearly everything I have thrown at it smoothly from every GPS app I have ever tried to HD movies, to Kodi streaming, Netflix, MP3's, all while recording a front dash cam constantly in the background as well.
b) The 1GB RAM is not a big deal. That is what most phones had for a loooong time, and Android is more than able to run with that ram.
c) The UI that is on the KD and Joying units is actually VERY good. It does exactly what it needs to do, and is perfect for the car. I have tried others and they all are not as good, or get in the way of use in the car.
d) Having Android 4.4 vs 5 is not a big deal either. Android 4.x is still the most used version of Android around the world, and is the most stable version as well. I have found 5.1 to be slightly better, and have noticed one bug disappear, but honestly its really marginal a difference. Android 4.x runs every single piece of software I run on 5.x just fine.
e) Android auto seems like a HACK to me so they can sell very low powered head units and push all the work down to the phone. I don't see all that much benefit compared to having a fully capable android device in the dash instead. I would rather have my dash unit be powerful enough to do everything I want it to do instead of having to juggle two devices.
I have frankly been amazed at what I have been able to get out of a $250 that is basically the same price, as if I had done what I was originally going to do and just upgrade my factory car radio to a major brand simple radio with an AUX input for my mp3 player.
nixfu said:
>old awful Rockchip SoC and comes with 1GB of RAM paired with a terrible UI and Android 4.x.
Actually after having a 4.4.1 for a year and now a 5.1.1 head unit for about 6 months I would dispute that.
a) The quad core Rockchip CPU is pretty capable and has run nearly everything I have thrown at it smoothly from every GPS app I have ever tried to HD movies, to Kodi streaming, Netflix, MP3's, all while recording a front dash cam constantly in the background as well.
b) The 1GB RAM is not a big deal. That is what most phones had for a loooong time, and Android is more than able to run with that ram.
c) The UI that is on the KD and Joying units is actually VERY good. It does exactly what it needs to do, and is perfect for the car. I have tried others and they all are not as good, or get in the way of use in the car.
d) Having Android 4.4 vs 5 is not a big deal either. Android 4.x is still the most used version of Android around the world, and is the most stable version as well. I have found 5.1 to be slightly better, and have noticed one bug disappear, but honestly its really marginal a difference. Android 4.x runs every single piece of software I run on 5.x just fine.
e) Android auto seems like a HACK to me so they can sell very low powered head units and push all the work down to the phone. I don't see all that much benefit compared to having a fully capable android device in the dash instead. I would rather have my dash unit be powerful enough to do everything I want it to do instead of having to juggle two devices.
I have frankly been amazed at what I have been able to get out of a $250 that is basically the same price, as if I had done what I was originally going to do and just upgrade my factory car radio to a major brand simple radio with an AUX input for my mp3 player.
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Click to collapse
Interesting, so maybe I won't be disappointed if I go down the Joying path. It's not very expensive as you point out, so upgrading in a year or two wouldn't be a pain. Thanks.
I'm not in a big rush though, so I'll probably wait a few more months before jumping on the train.
Related
Did some googleing and didn't find much except for some maybes and some oddities that i'm not too sure about so I thought I might come to the experts. I would love to have a small 7" double din head unit in my car running gingerbread or better android on it and tether it to my phone. That way I could add pandora/youtube/siriusxm/navigation/market/fruitslice whatever...
Anyone know of anything out there?
There's a couple on the market I've seen. Many are out there as concepts. In the Barnes &Noble nook forums there is guy who did a write up on how he installed a nook in the dash of his jeep. It's a 7 inch screen and fits with a little Modding. I'm surprised you didn't find any on your search.
- this sig is just so I don't have to write 10char when on my phone -
Shinare said:
Did some googleing and didn't find much except for some maybes and some oddities that i'm not too sure about so I thought I might come to the experts. I would love to have a small 7" double din head unit in my car running gingerbread or better android on it and tether it to my phone. That way I could add pandora/youtube/siriusxm/navigation/market/fruitslice whatever...
Anyone know of anything out there?
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Dynavin
Ca-fi
Bybyte
Those are the main ones people have been "keeping an eye on" since last year.
After talking with some friends that are in to car audio, I've deemed them all to be subpar for my needs so i just got a 32gb sammy tab plus, 64gb microsd card, and a $30 dash kit that i will mod for mounting. I think the three key things that a real head unit has over mounting a tablet are: 1) easy back up camera solution 2) satellite radio 3) built in bluetooth handsfree. 1 and 3 are possible, just not the easiest, and i have no use for number 2 since i dont subscribe.
*edit* - just realized i had subscribed to the thread boborone is referencing Nook Color in Jeep Wrangler
There is also the more mainstream AppRadio from Pioneer. Search it since I can't post links yet.
I have the Erisin 777A for the past 4 months, generally quite happy about it but wants better sound quality.
Clarion has announced an android head unit, the mirage, http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/clarions-android-running-mirage-ivi/
This one has potential, maybe upgrade is in the works for me.
I have been search and I have decided on mounting a tablet as well I just wish there were companies who make custom mounts to make it look OEM
gpmg762 said:
I have the Erisin 777A for the past 4 months, generally quite happy about it but wants better sound quality.
Clarion has announced an android head unit, the mirage, http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/clarions-android-running-mirage-ivi/
This one has potential, maybe upgrade is in the works for me.
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Click to collapse
Nice. That's what I want. Too bad its release is in q4. :-(
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
Has anyone tried any of these or know if they would be any good hardware wise?
How about the possibility of custom roms or even rooting them?
This one seems the better choice in the fact it's a removable tablet. Not because I want a tablet but because it would be easier to bring into the house for flashing purposes. Never heard of it's CPU mind?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321013490466
This one is quite a nice looking one with non removable screen. Has a Cortex A8 which I've heard of at least
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121016519547
So what's your views and opinions?
So no comments then? I'm really hankering for an Android unit in the car. Will beat the socks off the crappy 2din wince unit i have. The software on that is so cumbersome and doesn't match throughout the different modes.
Ok just found this Parrot Asteroid 2DIN. Looks very good but not available yet.
http://www.slashgear.com/parrot-asteroid-in-car-nav-entertainment-systems-revealed-09207612/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH3-VAfqjEw
Also after watching some video's of the unit with pad I posted previously it seems that most of the main functions are handled by an internal process in the unit (maybe wince?) which then outputs video and control via the tablet. This has kind of put me off a little bit.
So after watching some other video's of the Ca-Fi I think I am going to go with one of these. The new one is upgraded to 2.3 Android, capacitive touchscreen and a 1ghz processor. So saving my pennies now!!!!!
http://ca-fi.com/en/archives/1027
Okay all this talk of android double din, well I have a double din unit in my car, all self fitted, it has 2 sd slots, 1 for GPS and the other for sd card for media, but was wondering if any of these slots can be used to "install" new os onto the unit.
How does the Os get installed onto these, there must be a way.
CueballUK said:
Ok just found this Parrot Asteroid 2DIN. Looks very good but not available yet.
Also after watching some video's of the unit with pad I posted previously it seems that most of the main functions are handled by an internal process in the unit (maybe wince?) which then outputs video and control via the tablet. This has kind of put me off a little bit.
So after watching some other video's of the Ca-Fi I think I am going to go with one of these. The new one is upgraded to 2.3 Android, capacitive touchscreen and a 1ghz processor. So saving my pennies now!!!!!
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Click to collapse
Try Componentality Celebrity, it might be what you need. Do you need 2-DIN?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...VD-player-GPS-Stereo-Wifi-3G/32297415686.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...al-dual-system-carpad/1422130_2034998210.html
any good?
m.r.davies said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...VD-player-GPS-Stereo-Wifi-3G/32297415686.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...al-dual-system-carpad/1422130_2034998210.html
any good?
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There's a whole thread about the Newsmy CarPad2 here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2865525
Hey guys,
There's a bunch of Android-based devices out there in the market. I'm looking for the best one that's available - are you able to recommend some unit?
I was hoping to buy the Parrot RNB6, but it seems it's an abandoned project.
Has anyone ever seen any specs on pre out voltage on any of these units? Or even better a digital out? They seem to be all about software on the specs minus the 55w x 4 channel spec, the biggest gripe I have the with main manufacturers of hu out there right now is you either get a nice ui and imo poor pre out voltage or a really terrible ui that is almost unbearable but high voltage, which in turn leads to higher volume and clearer audio. This is what I have found at my price range anyways and am not really willing to drop $2k on a head unit at this point. Anyways i am trying to look through all the links on this page but any help would be appreciated
Edit: guess it's 2/2 pages and not 22 pages haha, guess I did check them all
Sent from my SM-N910W8 using XDA Free mobile app
Also depends on what car you have.
Erisin have a whole range of Android units with good reviews.
I have this one for Audi A3
http://www.erisin.com/erisin-es9783...-sat-nav-1080p-autoradio-audi-a3-s3_p517.html
Or one with a removeable Pad
http://www.erisin.com/erisin-es8035a-2-in-1-car-pad-unit-android-tablet-gps-3g-wifi_p389.html
Plus a whole lot of posts on similar.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2660662&page=1101
Baz
I have Audi S6 C5 and just need a regular 2DIN unit - it will fit. However, the chinese stuff I'm looking at other threads in this forum seem very crappy and of low quality.
Is there something that can be really reliable, working fast and with good audio quality?
headunit 4.4.4 quad core 3188
I have had mine for more than 6 months
Sound is great ram is only 1gb so app installs stop after pandora and waze, and one or 2 other items
I use a wifi hotspot, on tmobile, $10/month no limits.
pandora now works no matter who drives car, and NAV youtube etc
Not sure newer version of android would help, more ram would help more
Hello XDA'ers.
Just got burned buying a crappy no-name Windows headunit on Amazon and was wondering if you could help me pick a different one. I'm looking for an Android-based HU that can support Bluetooth, GPS and a backup camera. HD Radio support is a plus.
Thanks!
I am also researching for one and come across with eonon brand. You can check it out.
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
Do you have a link to purchasing it?
Actually, that one looks just like the piece of junk that I purchased. I'm hoping for a headunit that I can purchase and can flash with a custom from here.
DJRepresent said:
Actually, that one looks just like the piece of junk that I purchased. I'm hoping for a headunit that I can purchase and can flash with a custom from here.
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Click to collapse
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
I personally would (and did, but with a NEED for Android Auto) spend the extra $200-300 for a Pioneer 4100NEX with Android Auto and many other features, including US HD Radio. On EBay now for $500 shipped for refurb, or IMO better at $570 shipped brand new.
But if you need "full regular Android" to run any app, most "normal" HUs don't provide this, but maybe we'll get a ROM with full Android. Some Pioneer devices run Android under the covers and are getting a ROM now, in part to get Android Auto on devices like the older 4000NEX. I think that 4100NEX will get a ROM too, once it provides a good option for getting more than stock functionality.
The best "Cheap Chinese" HUs are stuck on Android 4.4 Kitkat at best and I doubt Newsmy/Huefei will ever get Lollipop.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
mikereidis said:
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
I personally would (and did, but with a NEED for Android Auto) spend the extra $200-300 for a Pioneer 4100NEX with Android Auto and many other features, including US HD Radio. On EBay now for $500 shipped for refurb, or IMO better at $570 shipped brand new.
But if you need "full regular Android" to run any app, most "normal" HUs don't provide this, but maybe we'll get a ROM with full Android. Some Pioneer devices run Android under the covers and are getting a ROM now, in part to get Android Auto on devices like the older 4000NEX. I think that 4100NEX will get a ROM too, once it provides a good option for getting more than stock functionality.
The best "Cheap Chinese" HUs are stuck on Android 4.4 Kitkat at best and I doubt Newsmy/Huefei will ever get Lollipop.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
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Click to collapse
I read an Amazon.com review of one of the Chinese HUs where the guy said that the stock ROM on it was "OK," but once he flashed a custom ROM, everything worked great. He didn't provide a link to the ROM but he did say he downloaded it from XDA. So was wondering if there might be a decent head unit that I can purchase and flash and have it working well.
mikereidis said:
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with. And the quad core devices are very snappy and responsive, and the screens on the 1024x600 7" models are very clear and look great.
For the price, they are well worth it to me. The only real problem has been that the bluetooth design is not the best, and lots of people are just connecting a mic cable directly to the mic and ground pins on the bluetooth board to get around the poor internal mic issue. Other than that there is no real outstanding problem with them.
nixfu said:
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with. And the quad core devices are very snappy and responsive, and the screens on the 1024x600 7" models are very clear and look great.
For the price, they are well worth it to me. The only real problem has been that the bluetooth design is not the best, and lots of people are just connecting a mic cable directly to the mic and ground pins on the bluetooth board to get around the poor internal mic issue. Other than that there is no real outstanding problem with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which unit should I purchase then? Please post a link.
Thanks!
nixfu said:
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with.
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Click to collapse
$100 ?
I thought the decent units, like Newsmy, started around $300 or so, and prices get higher when you need a non-generic, car-specific model.
To each their own, but I am still not a particular fan of Mediatek/Chinese chipsets. AFAIK, Mediatek still regularly violates GPL and keep more secrets than Qualcomm does, making it harder for kernel & ROM devs. Still true or no ?
Anyway, since I don't own one of the Chinese HUs, the opinions of people who own one may be more important than mine.
IMO anyone buying one should read the main threads for them for at least a few pages to get better informed.
For those who need "real Android" running on the HU, I'm recalling that the AppRadio Unchained Reloaded app seems a decent option for phone mirroring to Pioneer HUs.
I must sound like a paid Pioneer rep sometimes, LOL, but reality is that my best interests are in people running my Headunit app on tablets than buy an HU. But I only recommend that if it seems the best option for them.
I'm torn between the carjoying RK3188 and the NU3001 Carpad. Anyone have experience with both can provide a recommendation? I was reading some of the posts regarding the carjoying unit and am concerned that I need to modify the internal to get a decent microphone quality. Not sure if this needs to also happen to the newsmy unit? I have also heard that the joking crew provides great support, which is important and like the fact that they have taken the time to create lots of tutorial videos. On the nu3001 - I like that the android unit is in a separate box. I seriously can't decide...lots of pros on both units.
DJRepresent - did you make your decision yet?
Honestly. I've been both a newsmy & huifei owner... I'm not a happy camper with the newsmy and their support.
My radio was working great then started to develop random screen flickers & after a firmware update it died. Ordered a replacement Android box (as the head unit & Android box is separate on the newsmy, had to fight to order it as I didn't order my radio directly from newsmy but from a reseller... Only managed to get it as a fellow xda member was a reseller and he placed the replacement order for me) and my radio now only half works. My physical buttons on my radio (as it's a Volkswagen specific unit) no longer work.
Newsmy has left me high and dry with the issue with zero support on the issue. I've spent about 700-800canadian on this unit and I have now a half working unit...
I'm starting to think about selling off and getting a joying/huifei unit. As the one I use to own before the newsmy is now in my dad's car and it's working perfectly fine. I only got the newsmy as at the time it was the only 1024x600 unit with 2 gigs of ram...
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
The winlink seems to be less popular but also seems to have a representative from the company participating in the forum activity. Newsmy use to have that... seems they are no longer focused on the carpad2 more their unreleased carpad3. Not sure if joying/huifei has a representative participating but seems to have a lot more overall owners participating with the development.
One downfall I had with my huifei that the newsmy doesn't have is the canbus. The canbus didn't fully work with my car or my dad's car (my car being a 09 vw jetta my dad's being a '12 vw jetta)on the huifei I had random issues with it. I ended up replacing their canbus with another manufacture and the issues resolved.
Newsmy also seemed more focused on eye candy vs actually developing the radio more... It still has no rds support.
Also the newsmy has no sub preputs.
Hmm other then that... I think that's the end of my feedback rant. Maybe a joying user can chime in?
kwalsh24 said:
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like my unit from carjoying.com, the prices are pretty good, and the support is actually better than I expected. But NO NONE of the more popular units(Klyde, Roadmaster, Hot Audio, Joying, etc) which are all based on the same HueFui design, all use the same RK3066/RK3166 Chipsets, and they all have 1GB Ram. The memory and cpu are all using the same plug in daughter boards that plug in to the various main boards.
Frankly I don't see the 1GB being a limitation, or that 2GB would help all that much. The quad core is what seems to be a big difference and makes the units very snappy. I know my unit I normally have Torque loggings engine stats, iGO GPS doing navigation, MediaMonkey playing MP3's, and DailyRoads recording the front camera all constantly going at the same time with zero noticeable slowdown, and the unit remains very snappy and responsive. I am not sure what else you would want to have simultaneously happening that would be better than what you can already do with the current units.
The best models you can get are quad core, 1GB ram, 16GB onboard flash, and 1024 screens. I would just make sure you get one with these specs and you will pretty much have the best currently available.
nixfu said:
I like my unit from carjoying.com, the prices are pretty good, and the support is actually better than I expected. But NO NONE of the more popular units(Klyde, Roadmaster, Hot Audio, Joying, etc) which are all based on the same HueFui design, all use the same RK3066/RK3166 Chipsets, and they all have 1GB Ram. The memory and cpu are all using the same plug in daughter boards that plug in to the various main boards.
Frankly I don't see the 1GB being a limitation, or that 2GB would help all that much. The quad core is what seems to be a big difference and makes the units very snappy. I know my unit I normally have Torque loggings engine stats, iGO GPS doing navigation, MediaMonkey playing MP3's, and DailyRoads recording the front camera all constantly going at the same time with zero noticeable slowdown, and the unit remains very snappy and responsive. I am not sure what else you would want to have simultaneously happening that would be better than what you can already do with the current units.
The best models you can get are quad core, 1GB ram, 16GB onboard flash, and 1024 screens. I would just make sure you get one with these specs and you will pretty much have the best currently available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! I read from a post you started a while ago regarding the carjoying unit you modified internally to address the microphone poor quality. How bad is it out the box (without modifying the internals) or is this mod a must do before installing? Is this mod to address just the integrated mic or does this also impact the external mic input? Wondering if i wire up a quality external mic if that would keep from having to modify the internals. Your usage list above looks like similar apps I would be running in addition to an occasional hands free phone call. Thanks!
---------- Post added at 06:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
kwalsh24 said:
Honestly. I've been both a newsmy & huifei owner... I'm not a happy camper with the newsmy and their support.
My radio was working great then started to develop random screen flickers & after a firmware update it died. Ordered a replacement Android box (as the head unit & Android box is separate on the newsmy, had to fight to order it as I didn't order my radio directly from newsmy but from a reseller... Only managed to get it as a fellow xda member was a reseller and he placed the replacement order for me) and my radio now only half works. My physical buttons on my radio (as it's a Volkswagen specific unit) no longer work.
Newsmy has left me high and dry with the issue with zero support on the issue. I've spent about 700-800canadian on this unit and I have now a half working unit...
I'm starting to think about selling off and getting a joying/huifei unit. As the one I use to own before the newsmy is now in my dad's car and it's working perfectly fine. I only got the newsmy as at the time it was the only 1024x600 unit with 2 gigs of ram...
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
The winlink seems to be less popular but also seems to have a representative from the company participating in the forum activity. Newsmy use to have that... seems they are no longer focused on the carpad2 more their unreleased carpad3. Not sure if joying/huifei has a representative participating but seems to have a lot more overall owners participating with the development.
One downfall I had with my huifei that the newsmy doesn't have is the canbus. The canbus didn't fully work with my car or my dad's car (my car being a 09 vw jetta my dad's being a '12 vw jetta)on the huifei I had random issues with it. I ended up replacing their canbus with another manufacture and the issues resolved.
Newsmy also seemed more focused on eye candy vs actually developing the radio more... It still has no rds support.
Also the newsmy has no sub preputs.
Hmm other then that... I think that's the end of my feedback rant. Maybe a joying user can chime in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! This is great info. I am truly sorry for your troubles. Hope you get your issue resolved. Support/customer service is something I highly value. Now that u mentioned it...I do remember seeing newsmy frequent presence in the large dedicated nu3001 thread early on, but they phased out as I skimmed though the posts. Thanks again for providing your experiences/feedback! +2 for carjoying
Honestly I just checked out newsmy's website and they have removed most of their headunits they once sold. So I would 100% rule out newsmy.
Joying in the lead but maybe check out winlink/ownice unit. As it's the quad core with 2 gigs of ram... I myself am 100% torn
I'm slightly shocked that there hasn't been anything new on the market. Faster cpu & more ram? Kinda sad that the joying unit doesn't have 2 gigs of ram. If it did I'd be jumping ship 12 hours ago as they have a nice looking vw unit that's all touch. Including the malfunctioning buttons that my unit has...
kwalsh24 said:
Honestly I just checked out newsmy's website and they have removed most of their headunits they once sold. So I would 100% rule out newsmy.
Joying in the lead but maybe check out winlink/ownice unit. As it's the quad core with 2 gigs of ram... I myself am 100% torn
I'm slightly shocked that there hasn't been anything new on the market. Faster cpu & more ram? Kinda sad that the joying unit doesn't have 2 gigs of ram. If it did I'd be jumping ship 12 hours ago as they have a nice looking vw unit that's all touch. Including the malfunctioning buttons that my unit has...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little shocked also, but from the feedback 1 gb should be good enough. I figure the units are somewhat inexpensive and don't mind replacing it a few years down the road if it becomes an issue. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the carjoying unit. The crew has been in frequent communication with me since I purchased it making sure everything is right with my car configuration before shipping it. I'm pleased so far with the support and do not have the unit yet Hope my positive experiences continue after I receive it. Not looking forward to doing the mic mod though
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.
Hey guys,
Came across this forum by accident, cool to see soemthing like that.
So I'm looking for a new head unit for my car, and I'm really not sure what I should be looking for and would like to get some suggestions.
I can only buy from aliexpress/ebay/amazon.
So my budget is fairly small, and generally I don't really need something that good, I'd like to spare as much as I possibly can, but also get something that will be decent enough so I won't simply throw all my money away.
My max budget is around 160$, but if it will be good enough, I'll prefer spending 80$ instead.
I'll mostly use it for bluetooth(music) + navigation(waze), so I don't really need anything that powerful, on the other hand, my current multimedia system I got really sucks, the touch is barely responsive, and it takes so long to load anything, so that's something I won't compromise on.
One question I have, I currently have a sim card for my multimedia system, now I don't really need internet connection generally, but I do need navigation(with waze), how does that work exactly? Do I need internet connection for that? And if I want to download something from google play, how do I do that?
I've seen a few systems on aliexpress, but I'm not sure which one I should get, the main difference I've seen is mostly between 1GB ram and 2 GB ram. How big is the difference? I believ 2 GB of ram will be more than enough for me, but the prices for 1 GB ram is much lower, and I wonder if that will simply be enough for me.
Thought about something similar to this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2G-...85-4a78-9653-da0c68702c7e&transAbTest=ae803_3
Looks fairly good, I'm just not sure I want something that's not pure android, I don't know what android version it's etc.
Seen this as well: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New...74-456c-97da-b4e0fcb83c10&transAbTest=ae803_3
Looks nice, but there is only 1 review, and I can't really know if it's a good product.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-d...40-4e04-bedc-efc0da8d899a&transAbTest=ae803_3
This one seems to have nice reviews, but it's only 1 GB of ram.
Anyway, would like to get some suggestions please, thanks!
Anyone?
I think you'll find whatever you pick at those price points will have bugs, even the more expensive ones will have them too. For what you want, I would be OK with a quad core 2gb ram unit, with a 16gb rom. Unless you are loading music or will have lots of app data you'll never use 32gb in the car.
The first one I wouldn't pick solely on the processor. I have no idea what a K6 is The fact that it doesn't say Pure Android means nothing. It is
Of those three I would pick the first one. That said for my low budget units I've had good luck with the Hizpo 4 core units. Waze crashes every now and then but it's no big deal.
Like this one:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bb1v4tkc
To use waze you need to do one of three things. Connect it to wifi and load offline map before you go anywhere, connect the unit to your phones wifi hotspot, or buy a sim dongle and connect it to the units USB. There are units you can put a sim card in but not at the prices you are looking at.
Hope this helps
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
A unit with 2GB RAM should be running fast enough for most apps. I was lucky to pickup a T8 processor unit from amazon with 8 core/32G storage /2GB ram. It costed me very little but a week later the price increased by $100 more than what I had paid on amazon.
I would suggest to get the newest model PX30 for ~$145, such as
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/AUT...For-Nissan-Toyota-Volkswagen/32870680923.html
You may try this one on amazon with 8 core/2GB RAM/32G storage, <$100
https://www.amazon.com/2DIN-Universal-OctaCore-RAM-Storage/dp/B07B3NGM3T
Discussion thread of this unit on xda is here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...ashnet-octa-core-lollipop-head-units-t3353188
velocity4 said:
I think you'll find whatever you pick at those price points will have bugs, even the more expensive ones will have them too. For what you want, I would be OK with a quad core 2gb ram unit, with a 16gb rom. Unless you are loading music or will have lots of app data you'll never use 32gb in the car.
The first one I wouldn't pick solely on the processor. I have no idea what a K6 is The fact that it doesn't say Pure Android means nothing. It is
Of those three I would pick the first one. That said for my low budget units I've had good luck with the Hizpo 4 core units. Waze crashes every now and then but it's no big deal.
Like this one:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bb1v4tkc
To use waze you need to do one of three things. Connect it to wifi and load offline map before you go anywhere, connect the unit to your phones wifi hotspot, or buy a sim dongle and connect it to the units USB. There are units you can put a sim card in but not at the prices you are looking at.
Hope this helps
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yves31 said:
A unit with 2GB RAM should be running fast enough for most apps. I was lucky to pickup a T8 processor unit from amazon with 8 core/32G storage /2GB ram. It costed me very little but a week later the price increased by $100 more than what I had paid on amazon.
I would suggest to get the newest model PX30 for ~$145, such as
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/AUT...For-Nissan-Toyota-Volkswagen/32870680923.html
You may try this one on amazon with 8 core/2GB RAM/32G storage, <$100
https://www.amazon.com/2DIN-Universal-OctaCore-RAM-Storage/dp/B07B3NGM3T
Discussion thread of this unit on xda is here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...ashnet-octa-core-lollipop-head-units-t3353188
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's really helpful, thanks to both of you! I actually looked at the HIZPO one for really long time, and generally it just seems exactly what I need, fairly cheap, android 8, seems pretty good, have buttons.
Regarding the octa core head unit. It ends up with around the same price of the HIPZO including shipping, but one thing I quite fear of is the android version, which is only 5.1, I don't think there's actually a big difference, but it's a risk waking up one day finding that some of the apps you need are no longer supported, what do you guys think? Is it actually a real concern or not?
Also, the HIPZO looks fairly better to me than the PX30, what do you think? A spinning volume button is a huge plus for me.
Thanks again!
msacco4 said:
That's really helpful, thanks to both of you! I actually looked at the HIZPO one for really long time, and generally it just seems exactly what I need, fairly cheap, android 8, seems pretty good, have buttons.
Regarding the octa core head unit. It ends up with around the same price of the HIPZO including shipping, but one thing I quite fear of is the android version, which is only 5.1, I don't think there's actually a big difference, but it's a risk waking up one day finding that some of the apps you need are no longer supported, what do you guys think? Is it actually a real concern or not?
Also, the HIPZO looks fairly better to me than the PX30, what do you think? A spinning volume button is a huge plus for me.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The processor of HIPZO unit seems to be T3 based on description. If true it wouldn't be as good as T8. PX30 is a newer MTCD/E unit, and is much better than T3/T8 units based on my experience. It comes with Android 9 as well.
yves31 said:
The processor of HIPZO unit seems to be T3 based on description. If true it wouldn't be as good as T8. PX30 is a newer MTCD/E unit, and is much better than T3/T8 units based on my experience. It comes with Android 9 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, how big is the difference? Usability is the most important thing to me, as I really hate the need to mess with stuff too much while driving, and you can't really distinguish the touch buttons in the PX30 without looking(or guessing).
Because of that, volume button, skip songs etc is really important to me, I can buy external wheel controller maybe and then it could be great. (Costs around 20$ though)
What about the octa core head unit? How cruicial is the android 5.1? I probably won't use much, but waze is very critical to me.
BTW, what is MTCD/E?
Thanks
I wouldn't buy a 5.1 unit now. Yes a T8 is better, the place you'll notice this the most is if you move the maps around with your fingers a lot, or when using video. The T8 isn't a lot faster than a T3, but it has more cache that will speed up anything that requires intensive video movement. My T3 2gb Hizpo is no iPhone 7 and it never will be, but it doesn't need to be I have tried all the latest processors and even 4gb ram units. For sure they are faster but not so much faster that justify the prices I don't think. But I've had the benefit of using and trying many different units. Actually if I could buy a Ownice C500 again with Android 7 I would do it. It's a very fast unit in its current Android 6 rom, but I don't really like the radio. I don't personally like most of the Android 8 look and feel.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------
One thing you can do is get a remote steering wheel control unit and use it to control forward back volume etc. The connect to the key 1 key 2 wires on the head unit for cars that don't already have steering wheel controls.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
velocity4 said:
I wouldn't buy a 5.1 unit now. Yes a T8 is better, the place you'll notice this the most is if you move the maps around with your fingers a lot, or when using video. The T8 isn't a lot faster than a T3, but it has more cache that will speed up anything that requires intensive video movement. My T3 2gb Hizpo is no iPhone 7 and it never will be, but it doesn't need to be I have tried all the latest processors and even 4gb ram units. For sure they are faster but not so much faster that justify the prices I don't think. But I've had the benefit of using and trying many different units. Actually if I could buy a Ownice C500 again with Android 7 I would do it. It's a very fast unit in its current Android 6 rom, but I don't really like the radio. I don't personally like most of the Android 8 look and feel.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------
One thing you can do is get a remote steering wheel control unit and use it to control forward back volume etc. The connect to the key 1 key 2 wires on the head unit for cars that don't already have steering wheel controls.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really like the way you explain. Yes I have also thought about getting a remote steering wheel control unit for almost every head unit I wanted.
If I'm going to need to get it anyway, it doesn't matter much whether I have controllers on the head unit or not.
Would you still pick the HIPZO over the PX30?
I'm actually still using nougat on my phone and really like it, the issue I might think of is compatability, but with android 7 I doubt it will happen very soon.
As for the radio.. Well I'm not going to use the radio at all probably, that's why I have my phones music for.
Do you have other recommendations maybe?
Thanks a lot for the reply!
From what I've read about PX30s, I don't think its any better or worse than a T3 unit. Pick the one you like the most
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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.