Head unit recommendations/comparison? - Android Head-Units

Maybe you guys can help me out, as I am not new to android but I am new to the idea of android head units. I've done some research but what I'm finding is somewhat limited and I have no hands on experience with any units out there.
I'm looking into purchasing a head unit for my vehicle and am wondering which unit fits my needs best. I'd like something with a 7" touch screen, ability to retain steering wheel controls, backup camera, A/V in and out, support both wifi and bluetooth, and a remote signal out for an aftermarket amplifier. I'd really like to have one with the newest OS available, which to my knowledge points me in the direction of the Ownice C500... Being able to root would definitely be a plus.
I'll continue my research but wanted to reach out here for input as well, thanks!
really leaning towards this unit:
http://www.ownice.com/Pro_Auto DVD GPS Navigation for 2din Universal_405.html

I'm also kind of curious on real performance of these units, as I'm aware an advertised processor speed is not a tell-tale sign of how it will perform, and at this point that is just about all I have to go from.

@bill12690 What did you end up getting?

I ended up getting one of the 7" octacore X-Trons units
edit:
http://xtrons.com/tb706apl-7-hd-dig...ereo-with-screen-mirroring-function-obd2.html

bill12690 said:
I ended up getting one of the 7" octacore X-Trons units
edit:
http://xtrons.com/tb706apl-7-hd-dig...ereo-with-screen-mirroring-function-obd2.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Octa core is great feature. Does it allow you to use steering wheel buttons? Is it 'learning type' SWC?

Also got a xtrons octacore unit and really really like it, I have a BMW so the canbus automatically sends steering wheel controls to the unit. So not sure about your specific car

Related

Best android unit to replace my RCD 510 in Passat B7

Hello everybody,
I'm searching for the best unit for Volkswagen Passat B7 (year 2012) to replace my RCD 510. What I am looking for:
- Android unit with 8'' - 10'' diagonal
- Dual channel Can-Bus - (the unit should display car events: door open, AC temperature settings, parking sensors information)
- VW car steering wheel control support
- DAB+
- Good bluetooth or integration with VW bluetooth module (Is this even possible?)
I've heard about Joying, Seicane and Dasaita and I'm not sure which one is better. Your advice or suggestions will be much appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.
Best Regards
I can hardly answer your question as it stated since I only tried (and use) Joying HU.
I've replaced my RNS-510 mostly because map updates in my region are not supported anymore. Had quite a hard time with Joying, but finally have no any doubts that would do it (change) again.
My HU is 8" with HW buttons, which helps alot: being able to switch to Navi/Radio/Home from any screen is a good thing. CAN bus works OK: climate indication, doors, outside temp, safety belts, fuel, mileage, park sensors, rear view cam, hand brake status, steering wheel controls do work. I did not buy DAB+ and had a hard time with AM/FM radio reception, but changing antenna harness (both were in Joying's direct supply) solved the problem.
BT app is much inferior to the VW factory unit, especially if you do outcoming calls when driving. Incoming calls are also first identified with bare numbers, not names - it corrects on the 2nd call.
I use Huawei E8xxx 4G modem as WiFi hotspot, Joying rear cam and Joying dashcam. All in all - it's a new world which opens to you with Android HU. I could not have something like this (and much more) on factory RNS: https://yadi.sk/i/Zg1TFzHu3PDvou
You plan to abandon RCD unit, which is not a Navi system. For those like me who had RNS Navi - you are going to miss correct tunnel/no GPS guidance and correct direction in the morning when factory Navi knows right from ignition how to make proper guidance. In 3-rd party HU there is no compass, gyros and speed sensor data which are used by a navi program (speed is available via CAN, but a navi program is not aware of it, only GPS). I still agree when VW calls it's 9 year old factory HU a "premium navi".
Sound quality can not compare to factory unit despite that brand new "digital amp" (I have "D" model), but here I am lucky - all my audio interests are in FM news radio.
I also have a Passat 2012 and a Joying Sofia 8" with HW knobs (JY VL130N2).
I am generally very pleased with this combination. Everything works except for
BT indeed is not perfect.
Dasaita units also have a good reputation here. I never had one, so I cannot tell much about those...
Hello,
Thanks for response. I'm wondering if there's a specific model from Joying that's current "the best". At the moment I'm looking at:
VW 6.0 OCTA CORE HEAD UNIT PX5 and VW NEW DIGITAL AMPLIFIER AUTORADIO ANDROID 6.0 HEAD UNIT
If anyone have any other suggestions (Dasaita, Seicane...) please dont hesitate to say. Thanks.
Regards
Do not mess with "octa PX5". The second link is OK, since the part number is DE-JY-VM130N2D - just the same I have. If you have external amp, then "D" model is not recomended, take one without "digital amp" built in - like DE-JY-VM130N2.
With that choice we have a very promising perspective, just take a look here https://forum.carjoying.com/thread-1377-current-state-of-hackishness-.html
ste2002 said:
Do not mess with "octa PX5". The second link is OK, since the part number is DE-JY-VM130N2D - just the same I have. If you have external amp, then "D" model is not recomended, take one without "digital amp" built in - like DE-JY-VM130N2.
With that choice we have a very promising perspective, just take a look here https://forum.carjoying.com/thread-1377-current-state-of-hackishness-.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you saying do not mess with PX5? A lot of users recomends PX5 because it is new and has unofficial support like PX3, so seems more futureproof than anything else right now.

Xtrons and Volvo

Hi everyone, I’m new to this forum. I know a bit about Volvo (the older ones!), and Volvo head units, but not about Chinese Android head units.
I’m considering replacing the aging head unit of my (also aging!) 2002 Volvo V70. The head unit is a simple HU 603, so no Dolby, center speaker or extra amplifier. I’m looking at Xtrons TA702P (quad core) or TB706PL (octa core). I prefer a 7 inch touch screen, no knobs, no DVD. But navi should be good, as would radio. Music I can play through usb. And my Elephone S7 (Android 7.1) phone should mirror on the unit if possible.
Other functions like back up camera or steering wheel control are not important to me.
I know how to take the HU 603 out. I know I need an adapter harness to connect with the new unit. And a fascia adapter. All that is available.
My questions:
Xtrons has many car/model specific head units (not for Volvo). They have Canbus decoders supplied with the unit. Not so for the TA702P or the TB706PL. Will that give problems? (The answer from the ebay seller is somewhat useless: ‘Both the TB706PL and the TL702P does not come with the canbus so that you just ignore it.’) Anyone has experience with this?
How are user experiences with these modern Xtrons units? I know, ‘you get what you pay for’, I know that. But still, worth the money?
Units from Kenwood or Pioneer are other options, but again, is it worth it?
Thanks!
Hi there
I own and drive a V70 from 2006. I have replaced the original HU with a SONY 2 DIN unit (XAV-V630BT). This unit has great sound. I also swapped the speakers to JBL. It is totally worth it.
I have a CANbus to resistor unit. This makes it possible to use the steering wheel buttons.
Right now i am testing a Android HU. Unfortunately i have bought the wrong one. The unit is full of bad design choices. The sound integration in the unit is bad. I think that radio, BLUETOOTH and AUX sound runs directly to the sound processor. This means that when the Android unit plays a sound, the sound from the other units are turned off. In my opinion the other source should just fade a little.
jacobwind said:
Hi there
As said, I don't need steering wheel controls, my steering wheel doesn't even have the buttons. Must have been a cheapskate first owner!
Does this mean the Canbus only affects steering wheel control? So ignoring Canbus (no resistor as in your case), will give no problems?
And yes, by now I've found out Android units may not have the best sound quality. Or radio reception.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Which Android Head Unit? How to choose?

Hello everyone
I want to have an Android 2DIN head unit in my car, but I'm having a really tough time finding out which one I actually want. As we all know there are dozens of different brand names, looks etc. and who knows how many combinations of what's underneath - how do you choose from such a mess?
For example, what I'm looking for:
- a generic 2DIN Head Unit (nobody seems to make one fitting my Lexus IS200 directly so I will just use Metra frame)
- something modern, fast, capable and with good support (manufacturer and/or community) - I reckon I need MTCD/E PX5, right? Is 4GB RAM worth it? Android 8.0, 8.1? Plus there seem to be PX6 on the horizon, should I wait?
- physical buttons and I'd love a volume knob (no steering wheel controls for me)
- stuff like 3G/4G, GPS, wifi, BT, camera etc. seems to be the same so shouldn't be a factor, right?
So, given those parameters, how do I decide which unit to buy? Is the software interchangeable on all PX5 units? Are there any OS differences out of the box?
What about sound quality - is it the same (I see outputs of 4x45W, 48W, 50W - do they actually have different amplifiers?)? Any particular brand names to look for/avoid at all cost?
I've managed to google one useful link [cut] - is this site credible? (unfortunately I'm not allowed to post urls it seems, google "best android head unit" and click the one with wiki.ezvid)
Thanks for all your help!

Can Anyone ID this E46 Unit?

*picture removed - its a Chinese "OEM" looking unit with a purple IR dot bottom right*
Bought an M3 last week and it had this unit in it.
I've not really got a clue how to use it to It's strength though.
I've currently got my phone hotspot turned on 24/7 as I can't see a way of having it come on when it connects to the car.
The launcher in that picture is a pain as the radio app is junk. I can't tune any FM stations other than Radio 2 and 4. Is there an app that can tune actual FM radio rather than Internet radio that's fit for a car?
I've been playing around with a launcher called Agama tonight which allows me to control what apps open from the touch screen, if I can get a proper FM tuner, can it be mapped to the hard button?
I'm sure I'll have more questions so get used to the sight of me and sorry in advance.
Edit: can't post the picture until I've got 10 posts. Hoping some of you more familiar with these types of head units can help.
Without a picture, it's really hard to say what unit it is, but it is possibly one of the Eonon or Xtrons units, take a look at their websites and see if you can ID the unit. Also, take a look in Settings->About Machine and tell us what info is in there, including the firmware version and MCU type/version, which will help in id-ing the unit and giving advice on how to progress.
If it's not too old, then you may be able to install a custom ROM to get it up to date (easy to do). There are other Radio apps that you can use, but setting them as the default can be a pain, I'm not 100% sure but I think you will need a custom ROM to be able to achieve this.
I reckon you might have it with Xtrons based on the button pattern.
Top left down is Navi, Band, Menu, Mode
Some in Google images have different buttons such as home (which the menu seems to do in mine)
I couldn't tell anything of use from the settings but I recall it has android 9 so it can't be that old. It's in better condition that the rest of the interior that's for sure.
I have two female USB's sticking out from under the steering column. What might they be for?
Can anyone recommend a proper tuner app for the radio that uses actual FM radio rather than the Internet?
Thanks for looking.
Another question, do these Chinese units have a sub output?
I don't have HK in the car so looking for a little extra bass.
So I went the medieval route to identifying the unit - I pulled it out and had a look.
The only markings to give it away was a huge "hizpo" sticker on the side. Google/ebay search found this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-DAB-An...071044?hash=item5b72aea104:g:R4sAAOSwxMFemRw5
Although that is Android 10 and mine is 9
Looks like a piece of junk tbh. Is it worse junk than it's simular Eonon and Xtron counterparts?
I've been left with the bare minimum wiring at the back. None of the audio/visual in/outputs are there. The GPS antenna is just a stubby on the back of the unit, there's nothing for DAB.
What do we think, junk it and replace it or try and get the right ancillaries?
I was thinking of a small sub and amp and a reverse camera and would like DAB which are all out at the moment..
Hi Matt,
most do not come with DAB+ but you get a usb dongle and install an app, DAB-Z is very good,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/3031914365...SWq6_GyD1IyftEY8s3tRj4-ntcgqxfuxoCnX4QAvD_BwE
some of these units are poor, so can be very good. Little hard to tell without the full details of your unit, and if you dont have all the wiring for your sub etc, then its down to you if you replace it or not
RossMacgill said:
Hi Matt,
most do not come with DAB+ but you get a usb dongle and install an app, DAB-Z is very good,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/3031914365...SWq6_GyD1IyftEY8s3tRj4-ntcgqxfuxoCnX4QAvD_BwE
some of these units are poor, so can be very good. Little hard to tell without the full details of your unit, and if you dont have all the wiring for your sub etc, then its down to you if you replace it or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the wiring harnesses the same across the units that all look the same?
I ask that with a small hope I could buy just the harness but I can't find Eonon or Xtrons sell them on their own.
If you were to recommend the better units, what ones would you say? Has to be from the OEM look selection. Don't like naff looking screens sticking out of the dash.
I keep looking back to the Avin Avant 4 which is much closer to the OEM look with the button layout and has a lot of extra's, one of which is the ibus interface. You seem to be able to access the cars computers like NCS and do basic coding, show the PDC radar and potentially show navigations cues on the binnacle,.
That appears to be a 3rd party gadget I could add to this unit if I wanted to but not sure this one is worth it.
I will say I found an option in the equaliser "loud" that has made a vast improvement to the audio. but it still feels like it needs a sub.
Matt_Android said:
Are the wiring harnesses the same across the units that all look the same?
I ask that with a small hope I could buy just the harness but I can't find Eonon or Xtrons sell them on their own.
If you were to recommend the better units, what ones would you say? Has to be from the OEM look selection. Don't like naff looking screens sticking out of the dash.
I keep looking back to the Avin Avant 4 which is much closer to the OEM look with the button layout and has a lot of extra's, one of which is the ibus interface. You seem to be able to access the cars computers like NCS and do basic coding, show the PDC radar and potentially show navigations cues on the binnacle,.
That appears to be a 3rd party gadget I could add to this unit if I wanted to but not sure this one is worth it.
I will say I found an option in the equaliser "loud" that has made a vast improvement to the audio. but it still feels like it needs a sub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the wiring is different on them, so your better off replacing the unit. Eonon and Xtrons have a good following and also dev's playing around with bits, so it would be a good route to go down, but dont hold me to that if it goes wrong haha, also PX6 should be good units, so another safer bet
Sorry, I am a complete noob here and have noticed this in the various different sites selling them - PX6? What is that, is it just the chip in the same vein as a snapdragon for instance?
Th Avant one comes in either PX30 or PX6 - other than the RAM and the storage, what's the benefit of the PX6? Process/bootup speed?
Matt_Android said:
Sorry, I am a complete noob here and have noticed this in the various different sites selling them - PX6? What is that, is it just the chip in the same vein as a snapdragon for instance?
Th Avant one comes in either PX30 or PX6 - other than the RAM and the storage, what's the benefit of the PX6? Process/bootup speed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rockchip is a manufacturer of SoCs (Systems on a chip), they make a range of general-purpose SoCs (eg RK3399). The PX6 is a SoC based on their RK3399 specifically tailored towards android head units. PX6 is the latest, it is a 6 core processor. The PX5 (based on RK3368) is the previous version, it is an 8 core processor. I don't know much about PX30, I believe it is older than PX5. PX6 is faster in most benchmarks despite having fewer processor cores. For the small-screen in-dash units, you probably want to look at Xtrons or Avin, they both have relatively good reputations
I have one of the 9" screen units in my E39 (very similar dash to the E46) and to my eyes, it just looks like it is meant to be there. It's not a perfect fit, but it is very close. But the extra screen real estate makes it more than worth the trade-off imho.
I only noticed today (because I was watching a YouTube video of one being installed) the Avant 4 has no disc drive at all. I rarely use discs, granted, but not sure I'm ready to sacrifice the option altogether.

Best headunit (Subaru Legacy IV)

Hi everyone,
My name is Max and today I bricked my headunit Nothing fancy because it was 8227l_demo with 2gb/32gb. I'm looking for the best android headunit for now. Size 9". Android 9.1/10 + DSP. Can you all recommend something for me? TEYES CC2 Plus is a good one?
szach00 said:
Hi everyone,
My name is Max and today I bricked my headunit Nothing fancy because it was 8227l_demo with 2gb/32gb. I'm looking for the best android headunit for now. Size 9". Android 9.1/10 + DSP. Can you all recommend something for me? TEYES CC2 Plus is a good one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your budget. I would start with Rockchip PX6, PX5 or PX3. Just make sure it's a MTCx unit (so MCU type starts with letters MTC)
szach00 said:
Hi everyone,
My name is Max and today I bricked my headunit Nothing fancy because it was 8227l_demo with 2gb/32gb. I'm looking for the best android headunit for now. Size 9". Android 9.1/10 + DSP. Can you all recommend something for me? TEYES CC2 Plus is a good one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just took delivery of one. (3/ 32GB)
Seems very well made. According to most YouTube videos I've seen in general, it is as fast as you need it to be, no bad signs of lag and of course if you're using a phone hotspot also depends on your WiFi. It will do me TBH vs. another sim card bill.
Audio quality is reportedly a plus too (which is important obviously)
I seen 2gb units with preloaded apps loading nicely, playing USB HD video files, GPS maps.
Pic is of unit inside Astra Mk6 OEM fascia fitting you get a GM canbus decoder and another speaker unit for indicators door open warning sounds.
I suppose like most gadgets any cons will be personal and appear after spending time with it.
I will report again after I install it after holidays. I botched a couple of photo uploads. If anyone needs any pics let me know. Merry Christmas Folks.
I have to say it's a neat little device with surprisingly decent A/V quality.
All the usual apps Spotify, Netflix, Prime, YouTube work perfectly.
Just connect your Google acc for most direct main app settings.
(If Google is not a preference, Admittedly I'm not surprised)
I have all connections in place, incl. 8pin CANbus but unfortunately the CANbus decoder is not sending a signal to the CC2 plus unit.
It's a Raise RSC and a guy on YouTube told me he got a Raise RZS which works fine.
(Seller said there is NO Raise RZS only RZC)
I'm disappointed as I've said it's a good unit and a working CANbus would have been icing on the cake as I get no reaction from cd 400 control button panel, Steering wheel controls, Door open warnings, A/C display etc.
I can't think where I go from here except try a different decoder. It's a decent probability I have a non working CANbus. And I've tried a lot of attempting to connect it.
EDIT Feb 2021: CANbus issue resolved.
There was a very slightly misaligned pin in the CANbus decoder connection zone
(zone c on CC2plus)
So I straightened it as best as I thought, connected 8 pin connection from loom and now it all works fine.
Incl; Door open warning s - Original cd400 unit fascia buttons / Steering Wheel buttons - A/C display etc. So happy days.

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