[Android Head-Units] pfdeadpool:
I'm not the only one in the boat navigating the choppy Android head unit waters, so I figured this would be beneficial to all. I'm going to try to compile some of the information I've found in looking for a double din head unit (name-brand, or Android-based). If you've purchased an Android head unit please share which you chose, and what your experience has been with it.

On XDA, Newsmy & HuiFei are two of the most popular manufacturers.

HuiFei has a large variety of models, many of which are previous generation (I guess?) running dual core processors, and Android 4.2, though they offer current-gen products with quad core & Android 4.4 as well.

Newsmy has two main products, named the CarPad (aka CarPad2, CarPad2s): the nu3001 - a 7" screen, and nu5002 - an 8" screen. They run Android 4.4, and offer 1gb (with optional +1gb upgrade for 2gb total). One of the things that makes this model so popular is its support on this site, leading to highly modifiable software/configuration (full source code is available).

Joying (aka CarJoying) offers close to a dozen models, many of which offer 4.4.4, 1gb memory, and quad core.

I've focused on the generic double din models; however most of these companies offer Make/Model specific radios as well.

Specific features to assess when looking at Android radios are:

-the version of Android it's running (typically 4.2.2, 4.4.2, 4.4.4)

-processor type (dual core vs quad core) RK3066 vs RK3188

-memory size (typically 1gb vs 2gb)

-screen resolution (1024x600+ is a popular baseline at the moment)

-boot up time, lag, video playback quality/speed (I *strongly* suggest watching videos of the headunit in action before making a decision)

-do you need an optical (CD/DVD) drive

-do you want HDRadio/Satellite radio

-do you want physical knobs/controls/buttons on the unit, or solely touchscreen

-do you want features like rear camera, custom buttons, etc.

-your external storage requirements- SD card, etc.

-where you will be purchasing the unit. Some users have reported issues with customer service after purchasing from third-party retailers.

-reliability, future support/history of software support by the manufacturer

Typical complaints are:

-poor microphone quality (usually addressed with either an external microphone, or a newly soldered on microphone)

-poor quality control/longevity/customer support

-poor radio functionality

-model-specific unique interface issues (e.g. the head unit does not function properly with the cars climate control, steering wheel controls, etc.).

Popular apps include:

Spotify

Poweramp

MediaMonkey

Pandora

Soundcloud

Tunein Radio

Rdio

Viper4Android

etc.

Waze

Google Maps

iGo

TomTom Go

Car Dashdroid

NFC tags to auto connect hotspots

(I don't know anything about Android Auto, etc.)

These Android units discussed will typically run @$350-450 shipped to the US. They range from @$275-600+ for other models.

Budget name-brand double din options exist starting @$160 shipped for models with basic bluetooth connectivity. Popular manufacturers include Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Alpine. Typically a model with navigation will run @$375+. Many units offer screen mirroring with your phone- I strongly suggest you watch videos of this feature in action, and judge its usefulness for yourself (this goes for the Android head units as well). Some models require accessory cables/adapters (re: $$) in order for options such as GPS, screen mirroring, XM radio, etc. to function. Some manufacturers are better known for their navigation quality, others for their response time, etc.

Bottom line: the Android head units are *NOWHERE NEAR* perfect, and many will probably not offer you a seemless user interface out of the box, if at all. But they do offer a lot of unique features, and are an excellent choice for many users. You will have to do your research and make the decision yourself. A lot of work can/will be required to get the experience you'd like out of the unit, and whether that is worth it is ultimately up to you.

mods/users: I strongly encourage you to modify this post and/or add your knowledge to the thread. I want to make clear that I am not an expert *AT ALL*, OR ANYTHING CLOSE TO IT. I'd rate my understanding of this topic ~3-4/10. I'm just tired of seeing the same questions & misinformation in doing my own searching, so I'd like to help out & enhance the basic understanding of car-based Android systems as I make my own decision.