The Android Head-Unit buying guide

Sbk__Audiophile · 13th January 2025, 09:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptaneja

Can someone please recommend a replacement head unit for Kia Carens prestige plus 8" head unit ? I would rather have a 10" unit similar to top model.
Please recommend a brand/model which will fit easily in the dashboard ?

Please refer the above post by teambhpian frankmehta on Pioneer 6650BT.
9" is usually the universal alternative.

soumenbanerjee · 14th January 2025, 17:05

Dear BHP-ians
I own a Toyota Innova Crysta Vx 2020 model which has its stock HU with no frills -- absolutely vintage with a SD card based navigation (that TKM never updates), No carplay or android auto or anything -- except the canbus inputs and radio and other basic functions. And I have a factory (OEM) 360 camera set up which shows up in this HU.
Well no complaints - The car and its performance makes it up many many times for this dent

However, now I am getting in to the market to look out for an Android HU replacement for the stock HU that I have.

Can the wise BHP-ian brothers suggest me what should I go for - my requirements are as below:
1. Should have a flush fit in the existing HU cavity
2. Should not have any lag for basic operations like navigation, connecting
to the mobile, playing other apps like youtube etc.
3. Should be able to integrate with my Steering controls
4. Should support "wireless" apple carplay and andriod auto
5. Should have basic apps like Navigation, and other apps that can run on its own without having to mirror my mobile or having a wired connection
6. Reliable and less of after fitment hassles

I am based out of Pune and any helpful advice will be highly appreciated.

Looking forward to your kind responses.

Cheers!!

Autoxpert · 17th January 2025, 00:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by soumenbanerjee

Dear BHP-ians
I own a Toyota Innova Crysta Vx 2020 model which has its stock HU with no frills -- absolutely vintage with a SD card based navigation (that TKM never updates), No carplay or android auto or anything -- except the canbus inputs and radio and other basic functions. And I have a factory (OEM) 360 camera set up which shows up in this HU.
…
Can the wise BHP-ian brothers suggest me what should I go for - my requirements are as below:
…
I am based out of Pune and any helpful advice will be highly appreciated.

Looking forward to your kind responses.

Hello,
Check out canblo F8 pro. My friend is using F8 pro in his crysta. He purchased the whole kit 7 months back from https://canblo.com/products/f8-pro-including-360-view . I am using canblo F8 ultra in my gimny. Both the units are working as expected. I suggest F8pro which can meet all the 6 requirements. The main thing that impressed me is their quick aftersales response. I expect they will continue the same service.

ptaneja · 6th February 2025, 11:06

Guys any recommendation for a good Android Launcher on non root 10" Android HU - 8GB Ram model?

ArTigor · 19th February 2025, 22:13

Hello all, need a bit advice here, I have a Tigor XT Diesel , 7 year old car, planning to replace the stock infotainment unit with an Android 9 inch unit. My budget is 15000 rupees. Which one should I install. It should have access all the car settings, steering buttons and reverse sensor through it.

I am very outdated in the knowledge of these Android units, hence your suggestions will be helpful

NA-driver · 19th February 2025, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArTigor

My budget is 15000 rupees. Which one should I install. It should have access all the car settings, steering buttons and reverse sensor through it.

Hi,

There are several good brands available at this price for ex - Blaupunkt, Onkyo, Nakamichi etc.
If you can increase your budget Pioneer DMH-AP6650BT is a great option.

ptaneja · 20th February 2025, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArTigor

Hello all, need a bit advice here, I have a Tigor XT Diesel , 7 year old car, planning to replace the stock infotainment unit with an Android 9 inch unit. My budget is 15000 rupees. Which one should I install. It should have access all the car settings, steering buttons and reverse sensor through it.

I am very outdated in the knowledge of these Android units, hence your suggestions will be helpful

Hey, probably check out my post#112 here -
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...-kms-up-8.html (Kia Carens 1.4L Petrol Manual | Ownership Review | 25,000 kms up!)

I have recently purchased 8GB/128GB model - everything OEM works - existing mike, existing steering controls and reverse camera etc.

Rony2207 · 3rd March 2025, 19:42

Went ahead and upgraded Head unit of our Honda City 4 Gen with -

"10.1 Inch 2K Diamond 2GB RAM / 32GB ROM with DSP/QLED/Android Auto/CarPlay Android Car Stereo"

Also upgraded the reverse camera to a HD camera (I am unable to recall the details) - definitely improved resolution while reversing during noon and night. Overall audio quality has improved by leaps and bounds and more clarity during those office calls.

Pain points:

Steering call buttons are now dead
Wired android auto connection is only working with OEM cables
It just restarts randomly (need to get it checked)

Sbk__Audiophile · 5th March 2025, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArTigor

Hello all, need a bit advice here, I have a Tigor XT Diesel , 7 year old car, planning to replace the stock infotainment unit with an Android 9 inch unit. My budget is 15000 rupees. Which one should I install. It should have access all the car settings, steering buttons and reverse sensor through it.

I am very outdated in the knowledge of these Android units, hence your suggestions will be helpful

Personally would only recommend Pioneer 6650BT.

Had very bad experiences with android stereos in that budget. Both stereos bought at 15K never went more than a year. Had to replace with Pioneer later and had no issue later.

Regards,

shehz · 10th March 2025, 13:31

Hello BHPians,

I've decided on going for the Pioneer 6650BT for my Tata Punch.EV, and checked out two local dealers in Bangalore. Both of them quoted in the range of 25k+ for the head unit only.

Would you have any suggestions on where to purchase the Pioneer 6650BT in Bangalore? I would be sincerely grateful.

ramki067 · 22nd March 2025, 10:40

Hi guys,
Any recommendations for an android HU(7" or 9" ones) with reverse parking assistance, good RAM and ROM? Budget around 15000 for my WagonR 2007 model.
Thanks

kutts · 17th April 2025, 23:31

I have an issue with Xenos Android HU in my Crysta and would like to get some advice on how to resolve.

The problem is with Microsoft Teams calls. In most cases the person on the other side can hear my voice very feeble. I sometimes have to really shout to make myself heard. Sometimes the MS Teams audio doesn't play on Bluetooth even though it shows as connected. I also feel that the call volume is lower since the voice clarity is much better when i switch to WhatsApp or normal calls.

There are no issues in normal voice calls or WhatsApp calls so that rules out any mic or wiring issues. I switched phones, still no luck. MS Teams calls using the same phones works well on my Thar, Honda and even the low end Espresso. So the phone is also not at fault.

Any pointers on what the problem could be? Software is pretty recently updated, mic is set to max gain.

14th January 2025, 17:05	#437
soumenbanerjee Newbie Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pune Posts: 18 Thanked: 12 Times	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide Dear BHP-ians I own a Toyota Innova Crysta Vx 2020 model which has its stock HU with no frills -- absolutely vintage with a SD card based navigation (that TKM never updates), No carplay or android auto or anything -- except the canbus inputs and radio and other basic functions. And I have a factory (OEM) 360 camera set up which shows up in this HU. Well no complaints - The car and its performance makes it up many many times for this dent However, now I am getting in to the market to look out for an Android HU replacement for the stock HU that I have. Can the wise BHP-ian brothers suggest me what should I go for - my requirements are as below: 1. Should have a flush fit in the existing HU cavity 2. Should not have any lag for basic operations like navigation, connecting to the mobile, playing other apps like youtube etc. 3. Should be able to integrate with my Steering controls 4. Should support "wireless" apple carplay and andriod auto 5. Should have basic apps like Navigation, and other apps that can run on its own without having to mirror my mobile or having a wired connection 6. Reliable and less of after fitment hassles I am based out of Pune and any helpful advice will be highly appreciated. Looking forward to your kind responses. Cheers!!
	() Thanks

6th February 2025, 11:06	#439
ptaneja BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Pole,Mars Posts: 930 Thanked: 1,146 Times	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide Guys any recommendation for a good Android Launcher on non root 10" Android HU - 8GB Ram model?
	() Thanks

19th February 2025, 22:13	#440
ArTigor BHPian Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Navi Mumbai Posts: 200 Thanked: 1,734 Times	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide Hello all, need a bit advice here, I have a Tigor XT Diesel , 7 year old car, planning to replace the stock infotainment unit with an Android 9 inch unit. My budget is 15000 rupees. Which one should I install. It should have access all the car settings, steering buttons and reverse sensor through it. I am very outdated in the knowledge of these Android units, hence your suggestions will be helpful
	() Thanks

3rd March 2025, 19:42	#443
Rony2207 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Bangalore Posts: 18 Thanked: 20 Times	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide Went ahead and upgraded Head unit of our Honda City 4 Gen with - "10.1 Inch 2K Diamond 2GB RAM / 32GB ROM with DSP/QLED/Android Auto/CarPlay Android Car Stereo" Also upgraded the reverse camera to a HD camera (I am unable to recall the details) - definitely improved resolution while reversing during noon and night. Overall audio quality has improved by leaps and bounds and more clarity during those office calls. Pain points: Steering call buttons are now dead Wired android auto connection is only working with OEM cables It just restarts randomly (need to get it checked)
	() Thanks

10th March 2025, 13:31	#445
shehz Newbie Join Date: Feb 2025 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1 Thanked: 0 Times	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide Hello BHPians, I've decided on going for the Pioneer 6650BT for my Tata Punch.EV, and checked out two local dealers in Bangalore. Both of them quoted in the range of 25k+ for the head unit only. Would you have any suggestions on where to purchase the Pioneer 6650BT in Bangalore? I would be sincerely grateful.
	() Thanks

22nd March 2025, 10:40	#446
ramki067 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 616 Thanked: 36 Times View My Garage	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide Hi guys, Any recommendations for an android HU(7" or 9" ones) with reverse parking assistance, good RAM and ROM? Budget around 15000 for my WagonR 2007 model. Thanks
	() Thanks

17th April 2025, 23:31	#447
kutts BHPian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 256 Thanked: 446 Times	Re: The Android Head-Unit buying guide I have an issue with Xenos Android HU in my Crysta and would like to get some advice on how to resolve. The problem is with Microsoft Teams calls. In most cases the person on the other side can hear my voice very feeble. I sometimes have to really shout to make myself heard. Sometimes the MS Teams audio doesn't play on Bluetooth even though it shows as connected. I also feel that the call volume is lower since the voice clarity is much better when i switch to WhatsApp or normal calls. There are no issues in normal voice calls or WhatsApp calls so that rules out any mic or wiring issues. I switched phones, still no luck. MS Teams calls using the same phones works well on my Thar, Honda and even the low end Espresso. So the phone is also not at fault. Any pointers on what the problem could be? Software is pretty recently updated, mic is set to max gain.
	() Thanks