Car Head Units: What Not To Buy

Upgrading your car’s head unit is one of the best ways to bring your vehicle into the 21st century, but with so many options on the market, how do you separate the good from the bad? Whether you’re eyeing a name-brand unit like Kenwood or exploring the world of Android-based head units, understanding the key differences can save you from frustration and wasted money.

This article dives into the essentials of choosing a quality Android head unit, comparing their capabilities to well-known brands like Kenwood, and uncovering what really matters when making your purchase.

Android vs. Name-Brand Head Units: Understanding the Basics

Choosing between an Android-based head unit and a brand like Kenwood is a little like comparing Android phones to iPhones. Kenwood units are designed to work seamlessly within their proprietary ecosystem—just like Apple devices—while Android head units offer open-source flexibility, allowing users to install apps and customize their experience to an impressive degree.

However, with that flexibility comes a key challenge: not all Android head units are created equal. Cheap models flood the market, promising features they can’t properly support, leading to sluggish performance, overheating, and constant crashes.

If you’re looking at Android units, RAM matters. Anything below 2GB of RAM simply won’t cut it in today’s app-heavy world. The bargain-bin options with 512MB or 1GB of RAM might seem tempting, but they’ll struggle with even basic multitasking. Investing in units with at least 2GB of RAM—like those from trusted brands such as Joying or Xtrons—ensures smoother operation and longevity.

Why Brand Matters in Android Units

One of the biggest concerns with Android radios is customer support. With well-known brands like Kenwood, you expect a certain level of quality and service. But when it comes to Chinese-manufactured Android units, many buyers worry about reliability and support if something goes wrong.

Brands like Joying and Xtrons have earned their reputation for providing excellent support. In fact, after accidentally breaking the screen on a Joying unit by transporting lumber in the car, their support team shipped a replacement screen free of charge, only asking me to cover shipping. That kind of service shows why choosing a reputable brand over a no-name budget option is crucial.

Dashboard Options and Customization

Customization is where Android head units shine. Out of the box, Kenwood provides a clean, well-designed interface, but you’re locked into their layout and functionality. With Android, you can install custom dashboard launchers from the Play Store, giving your head unit an entirely new look and feel to suit your style.

For example, the Agama Launcher offers a sleek, modern dashboard that feels more like an OEM setup, providing easy access to apps, music, and navigation. Kenwood simply can’t compete with this level of personalization.

Boot-Up Speed and Performance

Instant boot-up is a feature that all three units—Kenwood, Xtrons, and Joying—offer. Thanks to a constant 12V power connection, they remember the last state and power up instantly when you start the car.

When it comes to responsiveness, the Joying unit—with 4GB of RAM—outperforms the others, offering smooth scrolling and quick load times. The Kenwood unit is solid but feels slightly sluggish compared to the more powerful Joying.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Kenwood and Joying support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering seamless smartphone integration. However, CarPlay only works when your phone is connected, which limits its standalone capabilities.

Xtrons, on the other hand, lacks built-in CarPlay but offers versions that include it for a slightly higher price. If CarPlay or Android Auto is a must-have feature, it’s essential to check whether the unit you’re considering supports it out of the box.

Sound Quality and Audio Controls

If audio quality is your top priority, Kenwood leads the pack. It offers advanced sound tuning options, including speaker crossover control, volume offsets for different inputs, and an extensive equalizer—perfect for those running aftermarket amplifiers and speakers.

Android head units like Joying and Xtrons also provide decent equalizers and sound customization, but they lack the finer tuning capabilities of Kenwood. For stock speakers, though, you might not notice much difference across the units.

Compatibility and Inputs

All three units support steering wheel controls, but Android units have an edge with their built-in resistive controls, allowing them to function without additional adapters in many vehicles. For more complex CANBUS systems, however, a decoder is required across all units.

When it comes to reverse cameras, all units support them and automatically switch to the camera view when the car is in reverse. However, button quality differs: Kenwood offers physical, tactile buttons, while Joying and Xtrons use capacitive touch buttons, which some may find less satisfying to use.

Choosing the Right Android Head Unit

If you’re considering an Android head unit, stick with trusted brands like Joying and Xtrons. They offer better hardware, decent warranties, and actual customer support—unlike the ultra-cheap, no-name units flooding the market.

For a budget-friendly option, Xtrons provides solid performance at around $200, offering the basics without frills. Joying, priced around $300, delivers a superior experience with better support and higher RAM options. If you want total peace of mind and advanced audio features, Kenwood remains a top contender despite its higher price tag.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

If you prioritize plug-and-play reliability and sound quality, Kenwood is the way to go. It’s an investment in premium audio and seamless integration.

However, if you want customization, app flexibility, and affordability, a quality Android unit like Joying or Xtrons offers incredible value—just make sure to get one with at least 2GB of RAM.

Whatever route you take, investing in a reputable brand and understanding your vehicle’s needs will ensure you get the most out of your upgrade.

For more insights on car tech and installations, be sure to check out Saab Unleashed on YouTube.