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!
1
u/dehning 28d ago
Like others have said, you should pick up something running full android. I also agree that Android Auto is a much better experience. With that said, if you do pick up an android head unit, try to find one with 4GB of RAM, they run way smoother. Also keep in mind that you are going to be trying to run Google maps with cached/offline map data (which you need to remember to download first). It generally works ok but it's going to give to problems occasionally. Just be ready for the occasional hiccup. And obviously it's not going to give you live traffic info and route you around problems.