[Dmangarbe]

Hey there! I did put in a lot of time in finding a CarPlay radio that wasn't complete garbage. The Sony XAV-5500 is by far the best head unit I found. It is super high quality, experiences no lag, and with the install parts from crutch field it looks so clean in the FJ.

 

[folloth11]

View attachment 1207296

Hey there! I did put in a lot of time in finding a CarPlay radio that wasn't complete garbage. The Sony XAV-5500 is by far the best head unit I found. It is super high quality, experiences no lag, and with the install parts from crutch field it looks so clean in the FJ.

Do you have pics of this in your FJ???

 

[gkreitzburg]

I have the chinese 12.3" unit (available from several vendors, mine is belsee) -- I had to send the original one back, but the replacement is pretty nice. ability to run any apps; backup camera integration, android auto (does apple carplay as well). It is responsive and pretty solid.

 

[Clipsoe]

Stay away from that Chinese Android crap (for a whole host of reasons, including replacing oem buttons)...and depending on your additional requirements, but I would recommend name brand radios. I always recommend Pioneer as it is easiest for people to use, and haven't ever have one fail and they generally outlast the car. If you're an audiophile, then Alpine usually has more complicated sound control. Then there's Kenwood, Sony, JVC...but I personally prefer one of the first two. Then depending if you want CD/DVD or not, but since you showed pics of android radios doesn't seem like a requirement of yours. The next question is if you want wired or wireless carplay. So with that said...

Pioneer w Bluetooth, Wired Carplay/Android Auto, AM/FM, Reverse Cam and Front Cam input. Also has RCA Aux input, Front-Rear-Sub Preouts, and RCA Video Output. $447

Amazon.com: Pioneer DMH-2660NEX 6.8" Amazon Alexa When Paired with Pioneer Vozsis App, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio - Multimedia Digital Media Receiver : Electronics

Buy Pioneer DMH-2660NEX 6.8" Amazon Alexa When Paired with Pioneer Vozsis App, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio - Multimedia Digital Media Receiver: Car Stereo Receivers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Pioneer w Bluetooth, Wireless Carplay/Android Auto, AM/FM, Reverse Cam and Front Cam input. Also has RCA Aux input, Front-Rear-Sub Preouts, and RCA Video Output. $729

Amazon.com: Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX 6.8" Amazon Alexa Built-in, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth - Multimedia Digital Media Receiver : Electronics

Buy Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX 6.8" Amazon Alexa Built-in, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth - Multimedia Digital Media Receiver: Car Stereo Receivers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

and honestly if you're set on a "android radio" then just install a android or apple tablet in the dash with some external amplifiers.

 

[OmegaRoach]

I have a 12.3 android auto unit and I LOVE IT!
I'm willing to tinker with things to get them working though. Initially it took a bit to get it up and running, but once setup it has been solid for me.
I really love the way it looks factory. It does A LOT and paired with a keyboard it truly can serve as a small computer. Use your phone as a Hotspot and add the Netflix app and you have endless entertainment.
Different strokes for different folks, but I wouldn't rule out the android units, just understand what you are getting into.

 

[Clipsoe]

@OmegaRoach I would be curious to know how long you have had your unit installed.
How are the EQ functions/ sub control. Have you installed a lot of apps on it?


I have installed plenty of android radios (all kinds of brands in all kinds of vehicles), and for the most part majority of the owners end up being disappointed over time, if not right off the bat, but you do have people who are ok with it.

Things to consider.

1. Power output, most aftermarket radios are 50 watts X4, but really are about 22 watts RMS X4 and the android radios tend to be lower. Are you sacrificing power? If you have the JBL system then no. Or adding aftermarket amps (then doesn't matter).
2. Sound quality/ sound control, depending if you have an aftermarket amp/sub. The quality of the outputs are generally low, with lack of EQ and control functions such as high pass/ low pass filtering, or direct sub level control. (Their focus for these is on features and apps not sound quality/ functions).
3. Processor speeds, they are generally cheap, and work great initially but over time they tend to get slow especially when extra apps are loaded in.
4. Screen quality, again, at first nice and smooth, but over time develop unresponsiveness/ failure.
5. Replacement of OEM buttons. If you have to replace a button on the complete all in one dash bezel screen, is the button available for separate purchase?
6. Tech support, does the company you are buying it from have tech support in your country. Can you call them if you have an issue? Can you even reach anyone?

Don't get me wrong, they are cool units, and can do a lot with them. Reality is they are cheaply made with no real backing of the products as far as longevity, well at least from my experience as an installer.

But if the product peaks your interest there's nothing that's gonna change that but you trying it for yourself. Worst that can happen is you won't like it and won't buy another one.

 

[OmegaRoach]

@OmegaRoach I would be curious to know how long you have had your unit installed.
A couple of years now
How are the EQ functions/ sub control. Have you installed a lot of apps on it?
EQ functions and sub control are fine. I have quite a few apps, not as many as my cell phone of course

I have installed plenty of android radios (all kinds of brands in all kinds of vehicles), and for the most part majority of the owners end up being disappointed over time, if not right off the bat, but you do have people who are ok with it.
I initially had buyers remorse until I figured out how to wire it correctly. The amp trigger for my JBL system was mis-wired and it took a few weeks for me to figure it out. Once I did I was golden!

Things to consider.

1. Power output, most aftermarket radios are 50 watts X4, but really are about 22 watts RMS X4 and the android radios tend to be lower. Are you sacrificing power? If you have the JBL system then no. Or adding aftermarket amps (then doesn't matter).
2. Sound quality/ sound control, depending if you have an aftermarket amp/sub. The quality of the outputs are generally low, with lack of EQ and control functions such as high pass/ low pass filtering, or direct sub level control. (Their focus for these is on features and apps not sound quality/ functions).
3. Processor speeds, they are generally cheap, and work great initially but over time they tend to get slow especially when extra apps are loaded in. I haven't experienced this but I'd understand.
4. Screen quality, again, at first nice and smooth, but over time develop unresponsiveness/ failure. I haven't experienced this
5. Replacement of OEM buttons. If you have to replace a button on the complete all in one dash bezel screen, is the button available for separate purchase?
6. Tech support, does the company you are buying it from have tech support in your country. Can you call them if you have an issue? Can you even reach anyone?

Don't get me wrong, they are cool units, and can do a lot with them. Reality is they are cheaply made with no real backing of the products as far as longevity, well at least from my experience as an installer.
I completely agree with this. You HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOUR ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO WITH THESE UNITS. In my mind it similar to Android vs Apple. Apple is going to work period. You may need to tinker with this Android though. And ultimately you may need to replace it. The hope is replacement isn't needed while you own the car. I am EXTREMELY happy with my unit to this day even with the initial frustrations. Nothing cooler than watching netflix on the screen or joining a zoom meeting for work or reading emails or....

But if the product peaks your interest there's nothing that's gonna change that but you trying it for yourself. Worst that can happen is you won't like it and won't buy another one.