What is currently the best 7" Android double Din for basic users - Android Head-Units

Hi.
I purchased the Atoto A6 Pro (without hand gesture) and the unit is a steaming pile of crap IMO. I'm not sure why it was given such great reviews but my old PumpkinAuto running Android 4.4 was vastly better than this device.
I tried searching and, as the title suggests, what the best 7" Android Head Unit currently in the market? My only needs are;
- have wifi
- have a good Bluetooth chip
-steering wheel control support
- can play Spotify without lagging
- the reverse camera goes on instantly when the car is in reverse without black screen lag
- Able to root it or have it come preinstalled with an app like ViperFX.
I'm just a basic user but I wanted this unit to be an upgrade from my old device. The Atoto A6 could not meet my standards of use

Ownice C500 if you can stand the android 6.
Otherwise I have had good luck with Hizpo units.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I purchased one of the new Joying units with the Intel chip and its wonderful. Much much better then the Atoto and a good upgrade from my old AutoPumpkin

Related

headunit advice

hi guys,
i own a 2012 subaru STI. i've got the stock headunit (double din, non-touch screen) and am looking to upgrade to an android auto HU. i've owned many android phones in the past and am very familiar with rooting, flashing roms, adb, fastboot etc.
in a previous car i had a pioneer appradio2 and used appradio unchained to mirror my phone onto the screen. i'd like to use AA now as in hindsight i feel having full access to the phone through my HU is quite distracting whilst driving.
i currently own a pixel xl.
there are so many options out there for AA HU's and i'm a little confused, so i'm hoping you guys can point me in the right direction:
what's the best AA HU (double din, preferably 7") money can buy? budget is not really a problem. i would like something with a fast touch screen and whatever the max resolution available on the market is. built in gps would be nice, but not a must. what's the benefit of going for a big brand versus a chinese made product? what does rooting and flashing roms on an AA HU achieve?
apologies if this is posted in the wrong forum, and thanks in advance.
kinetx said:
what's the best AA HU (double din, preferably 7") money can buy? budget is not really a problem. i would like something with a fast touch screen and whatever the max resolution available on the market is. built in gps would be nice, but not a must. what's the benefit of going for a big brand versus a chinese made product? what does rooting and flashing roms on an AA HU achieve?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will give you my opinion.
Probably the best head units are those from first brands (Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony...) but those units play in another league. The models I like are about 1,300$ what, for me, is out of my league. These brands also have some 'lower-cost' units, but they are usually too 'closed' or offer outdated technology (LCD screens, too old Android OS...)
I checked Parrot Asteroid Smart which I liked very much, but also, a 4 year old unit with 512MB RAM and Android 2.3 was too old for me. Community support disappeared at this point (I asked a couple of questions in some forums and haven´t got any answer yet...)
After an extensive research, my conclusion (discarding the tipical Pioneer/Kenwood/Sony/etc units) is:
Dynavin units are probably the best ones, specially when speaking about audio quality. If money is not an issue as you claim (not my case), I would fit one of these.
Avin: I was going to buy the Avin VWU8-PX5 which looked as a good product. AFAIK their product is a mix from Chinese electronics + USA details, at a premium of course, but their customers seemed satisfied and I liked what I read from Avin. Problem is that I live in Spain and buying from an European distributor was a must (to be able to claim warranty in case needed). Avin only sells in USA and doesn't have any distributor in EU, so discarded too.
Chinese brands with EU distributors: Finally there are chinese sellers that also sell in EU, so I ended up with these brands: pumpkin, XTRONS and Joying.
There are other Chinese brands that I discarded just for not having an EU distributor (Ownice, Dasaita, and so on), but if you don't have this problems you might also check them.
I finally decided to buy a Joying Unit 8" with Intel Sofia processor. Why? For these reasons:
They have an EU warehouse (Germany)
Community support is probable the best over XDA
Support seems to be one of the best among Chinese sellers
There are some easy hardware mods/hacks that will dramatically improve the units life/performance. Heat sink/fan mod. Sound chipset swap, Rooting, Viper4Android to improve audio, etc
As for your question "what does rooting and flashing roms on an AA HU achieve?" if you really "are very familiar with rooting, flashing roms, adb, fastboot" as you claim, you should know... tweaking here and there, uninstalling bloatware, installing better than original apps...
Hope you find the right head unit, tell us what you end up with.
Cheers!
thanks for the detailed response! i hadn't considered bloatware, better audio quality etc would be possible for a headunit but ofcourse, this IS android!
of the major brands, are there any specific models better than the others that you (or anyone else) could recommend?
One vote for ATOTO A6 Pro
I recently installed ATOTO A6 Pro into my 2011 Subaru WRX, which had the factory double-din Navigation. I purchased ATOTO A6 Pro which is much much better than the factory unit in every respect -- but especially display brightness, viewing angle and boot time. The audio is decent, although not in same league as higher-priced name brand stereos. The included bluetooth external microphone gives much better quality then the factory one. Having Android Auto as well as the ability to run applications (like Torque) natively on the ATOTO is great. I have a Pixel2 phone and didnt have any connectivity problems with the ATOTO over bluetooth, Wifi, or USB (for Android-Auto) . I think ATOTO has better components (MediaTek SoC, IPS display, etc.) than much of the competition for low-cost Chinese android head units. I also added a back up camera. Had some wiring difficulties due to ATOTO sub-par documentation, but at least their Technical support team was responsive and helpful. Overall, am happy with ATOTO A6 Pro.
Nice thread and the same name pop up..
In the market for a new unit and good to see I am on the right track..
Thanks for the posters input..a thread like this should be stickied so that as the years go on we can keep track of the good, bad, ugly..
What about Seicane.com
https://www.belsee.com
Anyone had experience?

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

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

Help : Android 2DIN HU with good sound quality?

I konw the title of this thread is a bit general, but I've read a few threads here and now I'm even more confused than before
First of all, hello to everyone here, I've been a reader of this forum for a while, but now I've decided to register, mostly because I need help with the matter in the thread title; I'm absolutely new to Android HUs and everyone I ask has a different opinion. My previous sound system consisted of a Pioneer DEH80PRS HU, Audison LRx 4.300 amp, Helix Deep Blue 12" sub in factory sealed box, and a pair of Audison 5x7 front speakers; the HU was an overkill for the rest of the system, but I got it from a friend that had somewhat of an SQ setup and I've heard what this HU is capable of. Now, I bought a new(er) car, 2007 Kia Ceed (better than my ex 1999 Mazda 323 Sedan), and the HU is 2DIN. I've thought about putting the Pioneer in (as I'm more than happy with its capabilities) but it would look somewhat small and silly in this interior. And if I'm going the 2DIN route I might as well go with an Android HU, for its versatility and let's be open about this, price (compared to brand name solutions). And that's where my problems start.
Since I'm new to the whole market there currently seems to be a wave of DSP units, but I've read through the DSP unit thread and there seems to be no good enough reason for me to buy any of these "DSP" units as the benefits are not that big; the sound control is an ok thing (also mangeable via an app), but everyone seems to talk about how louder it is - I don't really need loudness, I'd like to have something with a good integrated amp that gives out a good signal, it doesn't have to be at a level of my previous HU, but I'd really like it to be above the factory HU (which surprised me with its sound capabilities, but I guess that's because my 2007 car has the newest factory sound system I've had). Also, I noticed quite some people talk about sub outputs not working on some of these HUs, I'd really like to have that working so I could connect the sub out to my amp, are those problems connected to a specific manufacturer or is it just random failures?
The second thing, as this is predominantly chinese manufacturers teritory there are LOTS of them, althoug a few brands stick out. Out of those most people I've talked to tend to have Joying or Eonon, or as of recently Xtrons; Joying is out of the game for me, as of three people I know that have them all three ended up with faulty ones. I was first looking at Eonon GA2171S (because of the DSP), but I can't find any reviews or user experiences, nor can I find the specifications of the amp and/or DSP chip. Other Eonons and Xtrons look pretty similar to me, the specs and the looks, and I'd be happy to get one of them.
And this is where You come in
I need Your reccomendations, preferably based on personal experience, for a new 2DIN Android HU. My priorities are in this order :
- up to 7" screen that fits 2DIN (no overhanging 10" screens as it would look weird to say the least)
- good amp / sound output
- up to date hardware and software (Oreo, 4GB RAM, etc...)
- availability from EU (I'm from Croatia)
- moddability of software (custom roms)
- possibility of connecting factory steering wheel controls
As I've said, Eonons and Xtrons are what I looked at based on reccomendations (and avaliability from EU), but You're free to reccomend something else, I'm open to any suggestions as this is uncharted territory for me.
Tnx to everyone in advance :highfive:
I have 3 different units right now, Ownice, Eonon, and a no name generic. All three of them sound about the same to me, all are amplified with Pioneer or MTX.
I think you're better off just deciding based on features and interfaces you'll need (such as an SD slot or multi USB) and expect bugs cause they all have them
I also have 2 4 gig ram units now and I dont think they are any faster than the 2gb units i have.
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Which Unit??

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

Which to buy???

TLDR: What is the best bang for buck Chinese Android head unit (no matter what custom ROM)?
Long version:
Lo XDA Buddies.
I've been off xda for a while now as I stopped rooting my smartphones (Happy with Stock galaxy s9 for a time, + google / Banking apps attack root made it pointless, current devices r fast enough.)
This all changed over the last few days, As I replaced my car with a Honda CR-V EU spec EX trim with built-in Nav. this is an older car, with a sat nav that was designed in 2006~ (CR-V Gen 3 first came out in 2006).
I would like to replace the stock HU with a complete android one and have Android Auto features. – I believe this can be achieved by sideloading the headunit emulator app?
I'm utterly clueless when it comes to android head units, and I know there is a lot of junk on the market. Now I don't mind flashing firmware/rooting/adding new rooms. Still, I am looking for guidance on which head unit to buy from either eBay/Amazon/Ali Express that is A) Cheap, B) has a good screen and works reliably (After flashing with the correct firmware, it is OK), and C) which addons I should use and buy.
I know already: the Headunit emulator app is $5 from the play store, and hal9k sells custom head unit firmware for €10.
But I'm not clear on which head units/brands are compatible with this firmware.
Currently, my shortlist is (cheap):
Atoto f7 8" inch from eBay (£138 refurb) - however, this has a horrible floaty LCD and uses Linux, not android.
Atoto F7 SE (£169 from amazon - seems weak in specs.
Expensive:
Sony Ax3005DB (£350-400) or
pioneer 230 DAB (£400)
I have also looked at Xtrons/junsun but feel lost, and they can easily reach close to the sony/pioneer price.
Ultimately, I don't want to buy something so crappy I will hate it (bad screen laggy, unusable) but spend so much more than it's worth, and I could buy a branded unit.
So XDA friends, what should I buy and could you share a link and price with me that you have had a good experience with, + any mods you have done to them.
(PS I have a stock reverse camera I /amp I would need to re-wire and maintain.
PS. I looked at the list for similar threads, there were two replies in Feb 2021 with no recommendation/link. and the others go back to 2015/208 - surely a lot has changed
tips please guys Share your knowledge to all the lurkers
I can't say which head unit to purchase, but I can share my experience with a certain head unit I own.
I personally own the Atoto F7 SE and I have to say, I don't regret installing it. Of course I also have two amps in line, (one for the speakers and the other for the subs.) Everything works flawlessly! The sound is amazing! The bass is incredible!
I know everyone's tastes in sound is different and everyone's installation is different as well. However, for my setup, the Atoto F7 SE does the job and then some for me.
I have it installed in a 2001 Volvo S40 with a 600 watt amp to power the four 5.25 pioneer speakers and a 800 watt amp to power the dual 12 inch subs. No sound distortion at all, crystal clear sounds with powerful thumping bass.

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