Struggling to find a good head unit for my 3-year-old Nexon EV

I have a Drivn 4GB/64GB Android head unit, but the software is an absolute pain.

BHPian frankmehta recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have had a Nexon EV XM for almost 3 years, which comes with a monochrome basic Bluetooth head unit, albeit, with AC readout (my car has automatic climate control, but no other screen to display AC controls, other than the monochrome head unit)

In the first few weeks of owning the car, I came to the conclusion that a reverse camera and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are a must, so I fell for the Android head unit trap.

I say trap, because, to put it lightly, it sounds like garbage. The software is antiquated, and so is the processor, and basic daily functions like reliably connecting a phone to it, are either a long chore, or are fraught with frequent disconnections due to the garbage 'ZLink' workaround that feels like a jugaad to get AA/Carplay working. The microphone and telephony are also below average, and Bluetooth streaming too is appalling and underwhelming. I have come to hate Android units, and going by their slow hardware growth and woefully unsecured (mostly Chinese) OS'es would prefer having a better way to do things in the car.

I have a Drivn 4GB/64GB Android head unit, but the software is an absolute pain, and I would like to shift out of the Android Head Unit EcoSystem as I think it is not for me.

I have 2 issues with that:

1. As I mentioned, my AC readout is on the Android Head unit (as it is the ONLY medium that supports CanBus readouts)
2. I can't really make too many electrical changes, such as warranty and electric car stigma.

Can someone suggest a way by which:

1. I can have my AC display somewhere else
2. And I can replace this android unit with a GOOD, SOLID Sony/Pioneer Wireless AA/Carplay unit with a decent reverse camera, and call it a happy ending.

Looking forward to a constructive suggestion/s, as I, for the love of God, can't really figure out a way to display the AC temperature in a Sony/Pioneer unit as it is not CANBUS-enabled

Here's what BHPian Arshad YR had to say on the matter:

I would suggest you put the stock head unit back. There are rearview mirrors in which you can integrate reverse cameras so you can consider one of those or you can put a small display for the camera itself. For Android Auto and Apple Carplay, you can use a cheap tablet. I think there's a thread in Teambhp on how to use a tablet for Android Auto/Carplay.

If you can source a stock head unit from a top-end model that would be a good option too. You can ask the service centre if they can procure a new one and install it for you or try finding one from a crashed car or scrap market.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say on the matter:

Sounds like a real pickle you’re in and I’m sorry I don’t have any solutions rather a few questions; is a reverse camera really that important aren’t all four corners of a tall hatchback like the Nexon easy to judge? Also what advantages do you gain by using Apple car play/ Android Auto? Are there any particular functions I am missing out on?

Excuse me for asking what may seem basic questions but I am just curious about these things because it has been years since I bought a new car and resent the way the market has evolved over the past decade perhaps there are a few developments that I am missing out on due to not realising their importance or usefulness

Here's what BHPian Rocketscience had to say on the matter:

How about getting the exact same HU as the higher variants and calling it a day, you can get the part number from Boodmo/oriparts.

It could be expensive but is the best and most elegant solution for this, alternatively, you can try with Karol Bagh distributors, OLX or car accessories dealers to either get it at a discounted price or a slightly used one.

Finding a used one can be a long shot but worth perusing for the money you will save over buying it directly from Tata.

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