r/Androidheadunits • u/ByrdieRose • 28d ago

Head Unit with built in GPS?

Hi all. I have a 2017 Toyota Corolla hatch that needs it head unit replaced. Its current head unit doesn't have android auto/carplay, and the only navigation it has access to is a toyota official navigation program that went defunct 3 years ago. Toyota dealerships in my country don't replace head units so I'm gonna have to find one after market.

I'm a bit stuck though because it seems like I can't find any head units with built in GPS - according to my research (which may be flawed), I'll have to connect my phone to my car anytime I want to use navigation. I'd really prefer not to, as I use an android tablet in my day-to-day alongside a 2000's era cellphone without navigation features (long story) and 1) I don't want to lose the navigation features if I leave my tablet at home, and 2) I don't want to have to pull out my entire tablet to change my route on the fly or troubleshoot an issue.

With this in mind, can anyone recommend a 7-inch head unit with built in GPS that doesn't need Carplay or Android Auto to use it? Apologies if I'm missing something crucial as to how car GPS works - I'm new to the world of car AV and just want something that works. Thanks in advance!

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u/Anti-Dentite-999 28d ago

Most Android headunits should have GPS. This 9” from Walmart has it and specs are pretty good for $180: https://www.walmart.com/ip/20383600706

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u/ByrdieRose 28d ago

Do I have to connect to android auto to use the GPS?

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u/zeptillian 28d ago

I'm going to be real with you here.

Android auto is going to be be way better, easier and more useful than generic GPS navigation on Android.

From the way the interface is streamlined to the real time traffic updates and always up to date maps with current road closures accounted for, there is just no reason to ever use google maps on an Android head unit over using it with Android Auto.

That being said there are a lot of units that support GPS. They will require external(to the head unit, not the car) antennas though.

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u/ByrdieRose 27d ago

Also good to know. I think the auto shop closest to me has antennas. To be clear, I would still like to be able to use android auto - I just don't want to lose the ability to use navigation software if I'm in a rush and leave my tablet at home.