ANDROID HEAD UNIT- Should I give one to my
ALBUS?
I buy things for my
ALBUS and share my experience in this thread.
I never buy things but also share about the facts on my exploration for the benefit of our Forum Members/Guest Readers here.
Please read, and you find out what kind of article is this.
![[;)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Wink.gif "Wink [;)]")
ALBUS has got an aftermarket custom made Chinese 8-inch LCD unit purchased during 2014 that runs on WIN CE, a decade old Operating System but still functional and in immaculate condition. Only issue I face that the clock is useless due to missing India GMT.
Almost all new generation cars today provided with Head Units - a Basic or a Better version.
At least with a Clock, Radio, Bluetooth and USB port. Better versions have a touch screen, multimedia interface and Navigation support. But, Auto manufacturers infotainment systems still don't measure up to what's available on our tablets and phones. They provide Apple CarPlay and Google's Android Auto interface for a limited number of applications. Still they are NOT an infotainment system that runs on full Android. May be the Car Manufacturers is keen in ensuring safety as they don't want to distract the driver by providing too many things in their Head Units.
But car enthusiasts want to have a COCKPIT like Car Dash HEAD UNIT & AVN SYSTEM as things have become very affordable. That's exactly what Chinese electronics manufacturers have done. They make not just head units, but complete kits available for a wide variety of cars that includes connections for Rear/Front Camera, OBD, Tyre pressure monitor, USB, Mobile Hotspot, DVR video recorder, etc. runs on Android like a tablet, and also integrates with our car seamlessly. Their wiring harnesses is simple plug and play and installing Google Map and favorite Apps are easy. As they are so attractive and really tempting for an upgrade. But,
Are these Head Units still worthy?
What are those risk that we need to bear?
Hope, the following facts may help you to take a right decision:
MANUFACTURERS
Only few Manufacturers like
DASAITA,
ZESTECH,
TOPNAVI &
SEICANE located in
CHINA provide / customize according to the needs of their Traders/ Retailers.
In
INDIA, sellers like HYPERSONIC, FOXFIRE import from them, Re-brand , get customized the configuration even with the their own logo (Hypersonic) depends upon the local market demand. The Quality expensive Manufacture is
DASAITA and the cheapest is
SEICANE
DISPLAY
The display quality and the multi touch control spots are almost same in all (probably outsourced), well designed to replace the original panel of different cars that leaves a flawless integration. Two types of screen are available- 1. HD LCD 2. IPS Panel protected by 2.5D Glass (aka, Gorilla) cover as scratch proof. Capacitive Screen Multi-point touch, Resolution is 1024*600. Screen size varies from 7 to 10 + inch, depends upon the car panels for all most all cars. Huge Tesla style vertical displays is also available with provisions for OE climatic control integration and more.
For Honda City 3rd Gen both 9 inch (old stock) and latest 10.1 inch Screens are available.
CONFIGURATION
Importantly the ROM / RAM, Processor and the Android version of OS.
Minimum 1/16 GB to 4/64 GB and the Android versions are 7 to 10 as on date. Note, the system may show as claimed by the manufacturer but the third party App like CPU Z will show lower config in cheap units
![[frustration]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Frustration.gif "Frustration [frustration]")
. Better to doubly check the configuration at the time of buying. Minimum 2/16 GB and Android 8.1 is okay, provided you should not play Games, avoid recording functions & adding unnecessary APPs. Quad Core or Octa Core Processors are better.
SOUND QUALITY
Okay, may be little better than OEM unit in some cars. If you're looking for audio quality better than OEM then you go for a better reputed brand. Remember adding an amplifier is no way going to improve the original output. OR, At least ensure 4x50w Mosfet, DSP inbuilt and AMP pre out. It is good to add
Antenna Booster Adopter for better FM quality.
PURCHASE LOCAL / ABROAD
Local Price ranges from 12.5 K to 20 K without additional accessories like Camera, FM antenna booster etc.,
Purchase locally brands like Hypersonic, Foxfire better through their dealer network. At least they provide proper/ free installation and replacement any faulty part at the time of purchase. They do provide warranty for one year but I am not sure how far they have committed. But their cost is 200 times more than direct CHINA purchase. Delhi friends are so lucky as so many dealers are around Karol bagh area.
Purchasing from CHINA through AliExpress works cheaper but expect 30 to 40% custom duty and no after sales service. One must be lucky enough to get fully functional unit.
PREFERRED CONNECTIONS
All basic connections like GPS, Rear Camera, Radio Antenna, external USB, Steering Wheel Remote, Hotspot/Wi-Fi are must and are all there. Some units provide more connections as to front camera, DVR recording, adding SIM card, External mike, Bluetooth based OBD II Adapter, TPMS etc.,
INSTALLATION
Charges around Rs. 750 to Rs. 1000.00
Many carry out DIY fitting provided if you have correct tools. But, better do it with a professional help.
Lot of videos are available, go through for proper and easy guidance for your car even if you get professional help. Check all functions especially steering remote integration.
WHAT I DID:
I have decided to keep away at present upgrading to ANDROID UNIT.
Reasons:
I have already invested 20K for my older unit which is functional and 8-inch touch that is adequate. WIN CE OS starts faster than ANDROID OS.
I can’t resell this unit as already my original OE Head Unit lying as e-waste as no takers
![[sad]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Sad.gif "Sad [sad]")
.
I don’t think that these Re_ Branded Indian units are available in my place except Generic 1GB /16 GB units.
My Car doesn’t have a OE steering control buttons and I feel that these new units cannot be controlled by external infra-red remote.
I never often use the Video Player and use regularly only the FM Radio, Rear CAM, BT, and Stereo for my stored songs which performance are very good.
It’s okay, I would be missing the ultra-modern look, Pure Android Experience like Google Maps, some interesting TV Apps.; never like to set up notifications for new email or Facebook messages etc., …
Yes, I convinced my soul
![[lol]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Laugh.gif "Laugh [lol]")
USEFUL LINKS:
HYPERSONIC SHOP
1. FOXFIRE
2. FOXFIRE
1. Honda city 2012 Fitment
2. Honda city 3RD GEN Fitment
READ MORE:
1. MY ALBUS GETS A NEW ICE- In Car Entertainment!
2. BUYING A CAR STEREO HEAD UNIT - FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED
![[:D]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Big%20Smile.gif "Big Smile [:D]")
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