Is the integrated multifunctional car radio really better than the function extendable one?

android_car_radio_with_extendable_functions_1000x

Multifunctional car radios are replacing the traditional radio function only car media players, everyone knows more functions equal more fun. Popular functions including Bluetooth, navigation, radio, of course, all become basic functions of a car multimedia player, no need to elaborate how useful and convenient they are as the overwhelming advertisement already done a great job.

New functions are developed for better accessibility to the smartphone, such as mirror link, few companies have successfully developed their own free version. The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as the third party driving assistance APP, are gaining more followers every day, some car radios already integrated with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. But there are car head units compatible with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Here I made a comparison:

Car radios’ Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Integrated External
Price Higher Lower
Function Display Stable Stable
Installation Not required Plug-and-Play
Replacement Difficult, need to return the whole unit

Plug-and-Play

That’s the information I found for your reference. (Every choice is not easy to make, some part needs to be sacrificed…)

If you are looking for information about an external Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay dongle, Pumpkin NA7006B may be helpful. Other external device like DAB digital radio box NA7021B is also available.




Excellent value for the price of the Pumpkin single din 7 inch touchscreen android car radio

pumpkin 7 android 10 single din bluetooth car stereo with flip screen navigation

Ok, so I pulled the trigger on this based on price point, and the review by the guy below with the Land Rover – I have an old BMW that’s a Sunday cruiser and really just wanted to update the head unit to have Bluetooth, nothing more – for the price of a regular old Kenwood deck, I picked this up figuring the extra features, if they’re as good as promised, would be a bonus.

Unit arrived FAST, and was well packaged. Included GPS antenna, mounting bracket, a rear view camera, single din bracket and removal tools. Wiring was simple, following the schematic on the unit itself, and the notes in other reviews about making sure the blue antenna wire gets jumped to power.

Interface out of the box is good, but I chose to run a car launcher, as have some others – I like the home screen better than the stock one. App selection from the google play store is great, and there’s plenty of memory to accommodate whatever you want. Even the stock offline gps is pretty solid. I’m including a few screenshots of the stock home screen, the launcher, and an app or two.

I’ve kicked the tires on all the features of this unit since having it and am incredibly impressed at the functionality for the price point. It performs pretty darn close to my other android units in other cars that cost much more. If you’re looking for a modern single din solution for an older retrofit, or a budget friendly alternative to the Alpines, Kenwoods, and Sonys, check this out. It’s a great value.

Lastly, kudos to the seller for offering EXCELLENT customer service – I expected there would be little to no support for the questions that came up about the product but was pleasantly surprised when any issues I had were resolved within a day and to my satisfaction. Five stars for a great seller who stands behind their merchandise.

See more information about Pumpkin 7″ Android 10 Single Din Bluetooth Car Stereo with Flip Screen Navigation.

 




Why we choose an aftermarket car stereo?

As we all know, a car stereo can improve the driving experience. So a good car stereo is necessary. There are so many people who choose to install an aftermarket car stereo than use the original one. Because aftermarket car stereos have many good aspects which original ones can not achieve.

Original car stereoAftermaket car stereo

Price

Whether it is a high-grade version with the original car stereo or a slightly cheaper version, it is not comparable in price to the aftermarket car stereo. Aftermarket car stereo is cheaper than the original car stereo.

Appearance

In general, the panel and button design are more user-friendly and the material is slightly better. In addition, the car stereo manufacturer also meets the needs of the users and sets some more commonly used buttons on the panel. The aftermarket car stereo is not only highly compatible with the original car but also more flexible in terms of use.

System and extended functionality

The original car stereo is still based on the WinCE system, and the system function is very single. For those who have used the smart system mobile phone, it does not necessarily meet all their needs. There are many aftermarket Android car stereos now. At the same time, the superiority of the system makes its extension function more prominent.

Pumpkin Android car stereos including Android 8.0 and Android 9.0, universal types and specific brands. Pumpkin universal car stereos fit for almost all car models, while Pumpkin car brand-tailored infotainment systems cover most of the Audi, BMW, Opel, Ford, VW, Skoda, Seat and Benz car models from 2000-2016. What’s more, Pumpkin Android car stereos have strong storage to install the apps you expected.