The AC8257 Processor

The MTK AC8257 is a recent introduction to the android headunits powerhouse, to do battle with PX5 and PX6 based systems. This modern style processor is a high speed, low power SoC ideally suited to running android apps. See how the AC8257 compares with the PX5 and how the AC8257 compares with the PX6 in these posts.

MTK AC8257 – similar to the Unisoc Tiger T618 and MTK AC8259 is
OCTA CORE with Two MTK Cortex A75 (2.0 GHz) and Six MTK Cortex A55 (1.8GHz)

4Gb RAM

The AC8257 Processor found in Android Headunits can be coupled with 2Gb RAM or more frequently the better option of 4Gb RAM, 6Gb RAM or 8Gb RAM. The full benefit of the improved speed of this processor can only be fully realised when it is not throttled due to a low system RAM configuration.

A35 – 64bit

The AC8257 processor chip is based on the ARM cortex A35 cores which has been extensively optimised to provide full Armv8-A features while maximising area and power efficiency. Making this a modern style processor capable of 64bit operation and cooler running, while operating at higher speeds than many of the previous generation of chips found in an android headunit. The 64 bit memory addressing opens up the option for manufacturers to fit more RAM at the factory.

GE8300

The AC8257 package includes an Imagination Technologies PowerVR GE8300 integrated graphics chip for providing the graphics acceleration for fluid image display. GE8300 belongs in the Series 8XE of GPUs for ARM SoCs.

Overall

The AC8257 with a system RAM of 4Gb is a very good staring point for running an android headunit. It should be in your list of possibles, particularly if you don’t need the very fastest processor, but want to keep with the modern specifications and keep a lid on the budget. Look for the other features that are included with the android headunit that uses the AC8257 A35 SoC, like DSP, custom fit/universal double DIN or very quick boot to see if they are what you need for your ride.

There are much faster processors for your android headunit than the AC8257. Even the AC8259 is faster and may have the option for more RAM fitted, giving rise for advanced android headunit future proofing.