Double din head unit suggestions

I want to upgrade to a touch screen head unit. I'm not real picky and only have a few features I need. I know lots of you have upgraded to nicer head units and I regret getting my single din stereo.

Features I need:

• Android compatible
• Plug for backup camera
• ~$200 would be nice

 

I have the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX which they dont make anymore. I got a refurbished one earlier this year for $329. I love it, I just plug my iphone in and the screen is basically mirrored on the head unit, even Waze for navigation. It looks like the newer versions you dont even have to plug in anymore. I would do some research for whatever brand is most android friendly if thats what you plan on sticking with.

 

I have the Pioneer Avic-7200NEX. When I bought it, it was a model year or two behind, but I found a NIB under $400. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

 

This is what I put in. I'm not a real stereo junkie just wanted the basics. Has Bluetooth, rear view camera input.

 

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_47395...vf=Y&nvpair=AG_Android_Control|FFAndroid_Auto

 

Crutchfield is running a sale on pioneers right now. 1440 next is 70 dollars cheaper than normal and is a really nice unit. I have one in my scout and just ordered on for my truck.

 

What is the difference in a $400 unit vs a $200 one?

 

A lot of the lower cost ones can control music through your phone but do not have Carplay/Android Auto.

 

Typically things like type of touch screen, and extra audio features, crossovers, 13 band eq, independent speaker volume adjustments. Also compatibility, android car play.. Ect..

Pioneer's site will let you do a side by side comparison.

Their media centers are priced a good bit less that their units with CD/DVD playback.

 

Thanks guys. What exactly is Android Auto? I've never had it so I don't know what I'd be gaining or missing.

 

Thanks Paul, that link takes me to a bunch of different units. Which one did you get specifically?

 

I've been eyeing the Sony XAV-AX1000 amd XAV-AX5000. Both have good reviews and i like Sony.

 

I went with a cheapie from Amazon and it’s been great. Has Bluetooth and backup camera (I purchased a separate one but it does include one). All I wanted was to connect my phone to play music and have a backup camera and it does both for -$50. I bought a 12v phone mount that plugs in right next to it and it’s been perfect. Check my build thread for pictures. I think it has mirroring technology for androids but I have an iPhone.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJXD2VP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N4P1DbGG9PS38

 

Basically it casts your phone functions to the radio. I've only used it a handful of times in rental cars but it is handy to have.

 

I just got the Alpine ILX-W650 for my truck. Haven’t installed it yet but some local members and some on here have it and really like it. No CD compatibility but has android auto which is supposed to mirror your phone on the screen. I got it for the Apple CarPlay for ease of use while driving. Bit more expensive than your looking but supposed to be worth it.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILXW650/Alpine-ILX-W650.html

 

I am thinking this one too. They also have a short amp that will mount to the back of this. It will amount to a regular size head unit. I am thinking using that amp to power the front speakers. They don't need to be loud for me.

 

I saw that as well and if it isn’t cutting it after install I’ll look into adding it. I’m replacing my entire JBL system so might take a little bit to get it all done but I really wanted Apple CarPlay, back up camera and bluetooth. This unit should be fine as I typically listen to sports talk on my way to work.

 

I have the Sony XAV AX-100 and it is pretty nice. Not a loud and obnoxious interface with crazy fonts or anything, like it seems a lot of these aftermarkets are. Installed with backup cam. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto was the big sell for me. Also wired the USB to one of the power outlets. Nice clean factory look.

 

That will probably be my next purchase...but I want a HU that runs Android so I can run an OBDII app on the headunit so I can watch it in real time while driving...unfortunately Crutchfield does not sell any HUs with running Android OS...they are all manufacturer proprietary OS. Thinking about this one...

https://www.amazon.com/PUMPKIN-Andr...vd+pumpkin&qid=1574353341&s=automotive&sr=1-4

 

This one does android auto and Apple car play. pioneer has been around along time. Very good reviews on this unit.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AV1550/Pioneer-AVH-1550NEX.html

 

I would like that feature also but that isn't a brand I've ever heard of and there aren't any real reviews on there. Are you familiar with them?

 

There is a 3rd party app available from XDA Developers that will give Torque Pro (at least) access to AA. I can't vouch for it but XDA is a pretty solid site. You also need to be comfortable with sideloading unapproved apps.

https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/uk.co.boconi.emil.obd2aa

 

I'm only familiar with them in my research on Android OS based HUs...Pumpkin is one of the more popular ones and has reasonable reviews over the last few years...that is one of their newer units.

 

Mine is a few years old. It has DVD,Navigation, normal stereo functions, blue tooth, etc. It's the Pioneer Avic-7200NEX.

You should be able to find ones now that don't have CD/DVD (I use my iPod, which is why it's nive to have Android Auto & Apple CarPlay)

I do like the built in navigation, but with Android Auto, you can just use whatever map program you have on your phone.

I like Pioneer & Kenwood for stereo, but heard good things about Boss also.

 

I run my OBD on my Samsung phone. Works fine. I have a magnetic mount so I can see it easily.

This is the phone mount I use. You can see the mount in the pics I posted above.

$18 WixGear Dashboard Mount, Universal Magnetic Phone Holder for Car, Windshield Mount and Dashboard Mount Holder for Cell Phones and Tablets with Long Adjustable Arm – (New Rectangle Head)

https://www.amazon.com/Dashboard-Wi...id=1574380424&sprefix=wizigear,aps,211&sr=8-8

 

Do you know which features you're looking for?

 

Features

 

This looks like a good deal

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DM1500/Pioneer-DMH-1500NEX.html

 

What’s everyone doing for steering wheel control interface? Are any plug and play, or do they all require adapters?