The 8227L_Demo headunit, also known as the 8227L_ALPS or the 8227L_DEMO_ALPS, usually runs an old Android version. This is because of its low processing power from RockChip3188 CPU and either 1 GB RAM or possibly the faked 2 GB RAM. An old processor can only run well as the old Android version was targeted to run. As apps get more RAM and power-hungry, including the Android system itself, an old processor from 2013 won’t be up to the job to run today’s apps.
KitKat and beyond
These very underpowered (by current specifications) headunits are often sold as having Android 10. These 8227L_demo units run Android 8.1go, Android 6 Marshmallow, or possibly Android 4.4.4 KitKat. They are often faked to show a higher version than is installed, and this is because higher Android version numbers look better on the sales page. Would you buy an Android device listed as ‘Android 6’? or ‘Android 8.1go’? No, you scroll on to the Android 13 device, as that looks like a better bet; even if it’s fake, you lose the sellers win.
Update Android
If you own an 8227L (demo) headunit and discover that it is not running Android 10 or 11 and would like to update the Android version in the firmware to something more modern, then you are not going to get very far or very fast.
Old Software for Old Hardware
Your 8227L_ALPS is running an old Android because that Android version fits perfectly with the obsolete hardware, mainly due to the quad-core RK3188 style processor and the limited quantity of RAM. Maybe you think your 8227L_DEMO is running Android 9; it isn’t. The manufacturer had faked your 8227L to misrepresent the accurate Android version. The RAM may also be faked, which explains why your 8227L may even be running Android 8.1GO. The stripped-down Android 8.1Go is for sub-par phones from the old days with weak processors and a derisory level of RAM.
The 8227L path to Android 10
If you need a later version of Android for the 8227L headunit, you will be better placed to replace the Android headunit with a modern one. New headunits have the hardware to support the later Android version you want to run.
The newer apps also need more RAM and a faster processor, with more, faster cores of processing speed than the 8228L could manage, to run quickly, smoothly, and responsively.
The Android 10 patch file for 8227L
It turned out to be a very small file that changed the name of the Android version and didn’t change any files other than the name. If you need a modern Android version in your headunit, buy one with a modern processor and sufficient RAM for it to run well.
Adding More RAM and an 8227L Processor upgrade
Although the famous 8227L Alps Demo Android headunits look like they could be mini PCs, they are not. Unlike a PC with its IBM-designed architecture standard roots and Intel’s drive to standardize, the Android headunits are built like phones and tablets. There is no path to adding more RAM chips or swapping out the processor to make the speed improvements to the 8227L_Demo that you are looking for.
Common misconception
There is a common misconception among many Android headunit owners, particularly those the have the 8227L_ALPS boards, that Android needs an upgrade. It may come from finding the 8227L_DEMO very slow to use with modern apps. It may be from the advice about updating your phone to stay ahead of security problems. Sometimes the search for an Android upgrade is after the 8227L_Demo headunit has developed a fault. The perceived solution to faults is a firmware update. Unfortunately, an Android upgrade isn’t going to fix the 8227L_DEMO problems. These are firmly rooted in the obsolete hardware running that board in the Android headunit.
Updates for Security
Security is covered by using a different google account than the one on your phone to provide a disconnect between a device that can be locked and one that can’t be locked.
Thank you
I have just purchased a Lexxson unit for my 2014 Honda Accord. I like the unit but have some concerns. Its advertised as a Android 11 unit but some of the apps that show the device info are conflicting and confusing. Some say Android 11 and some say Android 10. Maybe this is a unit you would like to dig into.
Example: It says Android version 11 with a Version Name of Android 10. But the ID is QP1A.190711.020
If it is an 8227L then it will not be android 10 or android 11.
More like android 6 and fit for the bin as it is just a fake.
I have an Alps_8227L(demo) it currently has a problem where it randomly turns off and reboots. If it does it, it will then keeps doing it every 5 minutes or so.
Do you think this could be a firmware issue? I just want to use it for a satnav and listen to music.
lo mismo me pasa a mi.alps 8227l android 8.1.0 oreo.llevo meses buscando una solucion,parece que no hay.se esta reiniciando cada 3-5 minutos.es un bucle de reinicio.este modelo tampoco tiene la opcion de reset factory.creo que es el tiempo de cambiar por otro mejor.
Try a factory reset (delete all data) found in Settings. If that won’t fix it, then it is probably faulty hardware and it is not fixable. Buy a new one.
i have a car stereo that was android 12 , was doing a reinstall and the software i downloaded ended up being 11 and now its stuck in a boot loop it only has a RST button. cannot hard reset or soft
Jancar android 12