In today's fast-paced world, staying connected on the move is crucial, and one way to achieve this is by integrating Android Auto or Apple Carplay into your car's infotainment system. This guide explores when, where, why, who, and how you can upgrade your vehicle with these systems using affordable, tested auto-display options that suit different budgets and vehicles.

Android Auto and Apple Carplay connect your smartphone to your car's infotainment system, offering seamless integration with navigation apps like Google Maps and entertainment apps like Spotify. However, this integration requires a compatible infotainment system, which not all cars have. If your vehicle lacks this functionality, several options are available.

Options for Upgrading

Replacing the entire infotainment system or car radio with a moniceiver can be effective but costly and isn't always feasible for every car model. Alternatively, you can retrofit these systems using affordable car displays that support both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. These displays often require no professional installation, making them accessible for most car owners.

Car displays offer wireless connectivity options, eliminating the need for USB or Lightning cables to connect your smartphone. For those who already have a wired setup but wish for wireless convenience, there are adapters available to facilitate a wireless experience.

Can You Retrofit Android Auto and Apple Carplay?

Yes, retrofitting is possible, though costs vary. A software update might be a cost-effective option for newer vehicles, costing between 200 to 400 Euros, but this can become pricier for luxury brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz. For older models, swapping out your current car radio for a double-DIN model equipped with touchscreen capabilities and software interfaces is an option, costing between 200 and over 600 Euros. Additional installation costs at a workshop could add about 200 Euros, though installation is not always feasible for every vehicle model.

A more affordable solution is using mobile displays, which are reminiscent of tablets. They can be easily attached to the car's dashboard, provide a simple Bluetooth connection for your smartphone, and transmit audio via AUX cables, FM transmitters, or Bluetooth to the existing car radio.

Choosing the Best Display for Android Auto and Apple Carplay

The market offers a variety of displays in different sizes, ranging from below 7 inches to over 10 inches ultra-widescreens. Smaller models are less obtrusive but provide less space for apps, while larger models excel in display space but could impede the driver's view.

The LCD technology is the standard in most displays, with resolutions ranging from 1024x600 pixels to 1600x600 pixels. Some larger monitors might even include an integrated dashcam.

The current top choice, according to tests, is the compact Carpuride W708 Pro, priced at approximately 148 Euros. It features a 7-inch display, sturdy suction mount, and dual-Bluetooth capabilities, making it a top pick for smaller cars.

For those requiring a larger display, options like the Carpuride W103 Pro offer a 10.3-inch screen and added features, suiting bigger vehicles like SUVs or minivans.

The Carplay-Bildschirm SD7293A stands out for its affordability, at 30 Euros making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers, though it may suffer from audio quality issues that can be resolved with inexpensive adapters.

Connecting Your Car Radio to the Display

Most displays use Bluetooth, FM transmitters, or AUX cables to connect the audio to your car radio. Bluetooth connections provide convenience, FM transmitters offer universal compatibility, but AUX cables often give superior audio quality, albeit with potentially problematic interference. Some displays even support Dual-Bluetooth, allowing for concurrent connections to ensure seamless integration with the car's steering controls.

Conclusion

Retrofitting your vehicle with an Android Auto or Apple Carplay-compatible display is a cost-effective way to modernize older cars. While each display has its strengths and weaknesses, the Carpuride models generally deliver solid performance for various vehicle types. Ultimately, the best display depends on your specific needs and the vehicle's make and model.

For further information on vehicle accessories, see here.

This story was based on information from TechStage.