Is the Reakosound rk-a716 any good?
The RK-A716 is another Chinese-made Android Headunit based on the enduring 8227L chipset with a minimal quad-core processor. The slow processor, by modern standards, has been surpassed by many newer generations of chips to support a smoother user experience better.
RAM
1 GB of RAM is fitted to these A716 models, of which not all that is usable. Android is all about the apps and this is not enough RAM to support modern Android apps. 1 GB RAM is just too little to be of any everyday use today.
Upgrade RAM?
No. There is no DIMM socket to add more RAM; these are more like tablets and nothing like laptops. You cannot improve the Android experience by adding more RAM to the RK-A716 and its various A716 siblings.
Processor
The processor, as mentioned above, is the quad-core MTK8227L using four cortex A7 clocked at 1.3GHz. More cores are better, more GHz is better and later versions of cortex cores bring faster speeds. The MTK8227l fitted to the A716 fails on all the higher features. A low number of cores, poor clock rate, and old-style cortex cores all add to a disappointingly poor performance. The poor-performing processing coupled with limited RAM brings a frustrating performance.
Android 8.1go
The Android version is probably Android 8.1go. But it could be Android 6 or even 4.4.4
All these Android versions listed above are happier to run on limited hardware, and laterAndroidd versions work better on systems with more RAM and faster processors.Some newer apps won’t run on the very early Android versions. 8.1go is a limited version of Android specifically for the budget end devices of the past and not for current apps.
What is good about the A716?
You can still find the Double DIN ReakoSound RK-A716 here on AliExpress. Included in the box is a mounting bezel that at leastmakese theinstallationl look good. A GPS antenna on a lead long enough to reach the windscreen is necessary for Sat-Nav map guidance. A couple of hardware mounting plates with screws to help this universal Double DIN stay fixedinn place. Some aftermarket SWC is included, which couldbe helpfull if not the prettiest solution to aftermarket steering wheel control. You may even get a cheap reversing camera included with the A716 but it would be worth considering buying a better one if that is anessentialt feature for you.
Specifications
Included is an uneventful 16 GB ROM
USB front port is useful
The factory pin is 8888
Bluetooth pair pin is 0000
Wifi is listed as ‘supported’
Screen resolution is an acceptable 1024 x 600
Compatible with reversing cameras and the long list of Android headunit addons available
Missing
The ISO connectors are missing from the ends of the cable! This turns a quick install to a much more involved and laborious trek through the wiring guide. If you find yourself in the position of bare wires where the ISOs should be, check our wiring guide box below.
Additional help
Missing ISO connectors can be a head-ache. Consider this connector on Amazon as a replacement for the bare ends lead supplied with the RK-A716. It may just save you a few wasted hours.
Buy the RK-A716 on AliExpress
Quick Review summary for RK-A716
A 7 inch Double DIN that is best avoided, being under specified but over priced. There are many, much better options available to you. Do not expect to run the android Apps on it well.
Positives:
Front USB port
Physical Volume Control
It looks good in pictures
Double DIN mounting
Negatives:
No ISO connectors (see Amazon link to upgrade to ISO)
Very old and slow processor
Not enough RAM
Very poor value for money
Difficult to install
Speed 1/5
Value for money 1/5
Quality of construction 3/5
Ease of install 2/5
