Are you looking for a cheap, universal fit 10″ Android headunit for your car or van?
The cheapest 10″ Android headunits are available on shopping sites like Wish? and eBay for knock-down and very attractive prices. They look good value for money. The sales pitch lists the usual features like GPS SatNav mapping and routing, DAB+, TPMS, SWC and even 1080P HD. What is not to like?
Too good to be true?
Everything listed is true. Yes, it can do all the things listed above and more. Everyone is being honest, even down to the explanation that its 1 GB RAM is only 0.75Gb of RAM and has a Quad Core processor.
Android Headunit RAM
RAM is the memory an Android headunit needs to feel responsive and have a fluid interaction with the user. Not enough RAM and the experience will be frustratingly delayed, lacking response or stuttery. 0.75 Gb RAM is actually around three quarters of one Gigabyte of RAM, technically it is just 768 Megabytes. To put this into context, modern android headunits have 4 Gigabytes, 6 Gigabytes and newer versions have 8 Gb RAM. Expect to see 12 Gb RAM headunits soon.
Problems
The problems start with 1 GB RAM (or 0.75 Gb RAM available); it is far too little for current apps to work smoothly. Yes, they will load, but they won’t run smoothly, and this will be particularly noticeable if you switch between apps. The cheap Android headunits lag and feel sluggish. This is not what you want when driving.
The second problem is the quad-core processor. These are very limited and designed for hardware that has since been retired. It is just too slow of a processor to operate Android apps smoothly and quickly. Underpowered is an understatement. They are unpleasant to use.
Apart from the RAM and the Processor
The costs are cut to the bone; no DSP is fitted to achieve this price. The digital sound processor is not included. Compounded by a weak processor, there is limited ability to do any DSP in software emulation. Even down to things like RGB, that’s missing too, and you are stuck with white LEDs.
It can’t be all that bad; I want a cheap Android headunit.
There are no ISO connectors on this ever-so-cheap universal 10″ Android headunit. This makes it much more of a chore to connect up. Cutting the vehicle connectors off is never a good idea, so you must add a compatible wiring connector block to the cost. This is very far from any ‘plug and play’ to the point it is just a pointless omission by the manufacturers of the cheap headunits. For pennies worth of connectors, you are faced with an extra job and the need to buy an extra loom/connector block.
Can’t they all be that bad?
You get what you pay for and sometimes even less with a fake.
They won’t give you an enjoyable experience as your main Android headunit that you want to use for GPS/Sat-Nav, reversing camera, DAB+ and streaming. Much better, similar-looking universal fit 10.1″ Android headunits are available that will amaze you.
Available Addons
This Android Headunit is compatible with:
Universal Reversing Cameras,
360-degree camera views,
DAB+ Radio upgrade,
GPS Sat-Nav with Google Maps or Waze,
Aftermarket Steering Wheel Controls (SWC),
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS),
OBD2 engine diagnostics,
4G Mobile Data,
Digital TV (DVB-T2).
All the Android Head Units come with wifi and GPS as standard built-in.
Quick Review Summary
Cheap as chips
Positives
- Budget-friendly price
- Large 10-inch screen
- Double DIN mounting included
- Reversing camera compatible
Negatives
- Additional adaptors will be required to install
- No RGB
- Very slow processor
- 1 GB RAM or less
- No external microphone option
- No DSP
Ratings
Speed: 1/5
Value for money: 2/5
Quality of construction: 4/5
Ease of installation: 1/5
This one is to be avoided, and you can do much better.
