Replacing my old receiver with this Pumpkin 7 inch 2 Din Octa-Core Android Car Radio. Wiring was a breeze as I only had a few wires to solder. At first glance it is very well made and solid. Came with all the connectors as specified. After the install, it turned on immediately with no delay. The screen was clear and responsive, it has multiple different menu options and it functions much like a tablet. The settings are similar to any Android phone setup. The wifi antenna picks up all nearby signals. GPS on/offline is great, but you need to install the initial maps. Sound clarity is great, having an EQ is a plus. The external mic is a bit awkward to mount anywhere so I left my old one on. This receiver is far superior than my previous in all aspects. One bummer was that there is an IR sensor but no remote was provided, kind of weird as there was no offer of remote online either. Check out pics.

Install Note: If your car had a 6.2″ DVD player previously, the dimensions on this receiver will be much larger. As the console bezel on my 06 WRX fit a 6.2 screen perfectly. I had to trim down the bezel to fit this receiver.

The car stereo usually comes with a touch screen to control an in-dash car stereo, and it is also called as “head unit”, “ car radio”, “car DVD player”, and “ sat nav”. You may tell the functions of a car stereo from these names, speaker, radio, navigation, CD/ DVD player, which are the most basic functions you can find on the radio of a car. (if you are looking for a cost-efficient unit, WinCE OS-based car stereo may suit your requirement well.)

Despite the WinCE or Android OS, Bluetooth connectivity is listed on the major functions of a car stereo to provide users the easy and cozy driving time. Music streaming, hands-free calling, and phonebook access and sync are all available thanks to the Bluetooth function.

Some other people call the car stereo as an infotainment system, or multimedia car player, as many other functions are possessed in such a unit. For example, smartphone mirror-link, steering wheel audio control, USB/ SD card input, reverse camera display. The Android OS-based stereo offers you free downloading options and more powerful functions if your budget allows. Popular functions including Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay driving assistant, DAB+ digital radio, OBD car diagnostic tool, are integrated or optional.

All in all, any functions that may help to make your driving comfier, safer, and smarter, the car stereo manufactures are all taken into serious consideration.

Do remember to check your original car radio height (1 Din or 2 Din) before picking the size of the display screen if you want the new car stereo can be fit perfectly.