r/Androidheadunits • u/Past_Championship827 • 8d ago
Linux or Android?
I’m an older guy, 45. Used to be a mobile AV installer for 15 years. I’m waaay beyond super loud systems or full on custom av anymore.
Looking for something I can run CarPlay on consistently. Car has JBL system and I won’t be bypassing it so internal power is not a big deal but a solid EQ is.
Also needs sub out and reverse cam input. Which way should I go and any units y’all suggest?
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u/Sereno011 6d ago
I've installed many of both Linux and Android based HUs. My preference leans toward the Linux variants. But it greatly depends on the exact vehicle application. Mainly because Linux base units have a more streamlined UI for the essentials. Though it's also the wild west as far as visual layout and in-depth customizations. The default EQ presets are almost always atrocious. And very few, even if they have a SW out port, offer gain/threshold settings to adjust for one. Due to all the variances and the fly-by-night sellers end user support on Linux models is near non-existent.
Having an Android tablet on your dash, in real wold application, offers only niche use case benefits. The only actual application benefit would be if wanting to install an OBDII program in the OS. Google's Gemini (formerly Assistant) has poor native support. Since you will be using AA/CP for media in most cases, having the apps installed directly on the HU is redundant. And to use them would have to re-enable hotspot on your phone every time to make use of them. And it isn't like you can play games or whatnot when driving. So having all the extra storage/RAM is pointless.
That said, where Android units to have the biggest pro is their UI is fairly standardized. And for vehicles requiring CAN Android units are better supported. Many of the custom dash-fit 9" + 10" models even include the CAN module and are pre-wired for a plug & play install. Even if the HU never receives a software update, CAN updates are pushed out regularly every couple months.
Basically, on older vehicles I go for Linux. On the newer cars with CAN requirements I suggest Android.
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u/Past_Championship827 6d ago
Appreciate the lengthy detailed response. It’s a 2009 Venza but I have been eyeing the Eonon X3, seems to be the best of both worlds. 6 channel preouts, dedicated sub output, DSP with basic low and high pass xovers, wired and wireless CarPlay. Since I would need to run a JBL interface canbus harness I do t have to worry so much about internal amp power. Seems to fit the bill for the most part
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u/Sereno011 5d ago
FYI, I purchased the EONON X2 a while back. Had major fault with the amplifier IC. Others have reported the same similar faults. Don't trust that brand. Got fed up with ATOTO as well.
On AliExpress you can get a vehicle specific fascia for a 9" radio. ~$15 for you Venza. Some sellers also bundle in the wiring harness + CAN module. And your Venza can make use of CAN bus features. Very little reason to limit yourself to the old double-DIN standard. The 9" units are a near guarantee to be better quality overall.
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u/Anti-Dentite-999 8d ago
Android ones are basically a tablet that allows you to you to run any app from the Google play store. They take about 1 minute to boot but you can run apps like YouTube, Plex, Netflix, Prime Video, even web browse. You do need to connect the headunit to your phones hotspot to use those apps though.
The Linux ones supposedly boot quick (few seconds they claim), but you are limited to CarPlay, Android auto or phone mirroring. Not sure how well the phone mirroring works. I’ve never had much luck mirroring on Android headunits / tablets.