Hello,
So I am doing abit of research at the moment in regards to upgrading the second cars headunit to something with more functions (gps, phone etc) I have been weighing up the cost vs. quality of name brand (Sony, pioneer) to the Chinese android based options (xtrons, joying) does anyone have any experience in regards to the differences and the ease of installation, name brand HU being almost plug and play with kits from aerpro.
I've been looking into this for the past day. Part of me wants to get it because of android auto, GPS and all the other functions. Part of me doesn't as it's pricey and focus should be on the road at all times anyways.
Joying is very helpful when you email them.
Did you get one specific to your car or an universal one? Did you need to buy a new panel or harnesses to hook yours up?
I've been using the worlds cheapest carplay/android auto units for countless cars I've sold and also for my customers who wanted the functionality added to their vehicles for relatively little cost. So far I've been using them for over a year without issues and at a fifth of the cost of the cheapest branded unit its a no-brainer just to try it and see how you go.
Which is that?
Its doesn't actually have a brand funnily enough but the model is the 7001 MP5. You should be able to find it fairly easily by typing in android auto on aliexpress.
Thanks
recently bought a headhunt after deciding on the same question as you for ages. Actually found it by fluke that the clearance at Repco ended up being cheaper if not only slightly more pricy than online headhunts that looked alright. got a pioneer double din headhunt for $200 on clearance from 340 or something
insurance might not pay if your car caught on fire /s
Have had cheap and nasty units for a few years. 4 in total I think. Recently upgraded my wife's car to a Sony unit because of the hassle with the Bluetooth and hands free for the phone. The Sony is markedly better, but with a higher pricetag and less features (that weren't really used anyway). Still have a cheapie in my car, and the handsfree is a bit hit and miss, but I don't use it much. The Sony unit is much more responsive than the current android cheap unit which seems to lag and crash a lot more.
If you want 'all' the features but can handle a few shortcomings, get a cheapie. If you can deal without some of the features, but prefer a more solid user experience get brand name unit.
for what it's worth the sound quality is pretty much the same in my experience.
I don't know much about new Headunits anymore, but this sounds accurate.
Wonder if anyone has any tips about the new units with CarPlay/aAuto support… mostly wondering if there's any possible way to get something with a smooth display (glass?), but one that doesn't smudge, and is not very reflective with the sun. Basically, something useable during the day. I tried to have a look at some units at SuperCheap/Repco but they all look good indoor. It's hard to tell which would look good under the harsh sun.
Any tips?
With head units no matter how many features they can pack into the unit, you get what you pay for. It's always an economy of scale. You pay $150 for a head unit, you get what it's worth. You won't be getting a good internal amp or the sound processing chipset that gives the better audio of the more premium brands. For the effort required replacing the unit you may as well pay a bit more and get a brand name.
I have a one from a brand called EONON with GPS,Wifi,Android etc. No worries
Never buy the Chinese ones below $300-400, always go for 8 CORE 2-4gb RAM. They are basically the same price as brand names ones but the aim isn't to save money but to get more features for your money.
SONY alternatives definitely sound better but I hanve't been disappointed with my Xtrons over the last 3 years. Over the years upgraded with backup camera, sub-out etc and it has worked perfectly.
is Joying same as joyeauto Carplay units
Put a Joying hu in my car about 5yrs ago.
It is brilliant, reception strength, sound, navigation, performance has been faultless.
Far better than the JBL upgrade that cost 4 times more that we opted for on our other new car.
There are crap chinese head units also so shop carefully.
Installation was very easy for my car. Plug n play. Removing the dash panels was the hard part but easy when you figure it out.