[Android Head-Units] RedbeardPete:
I've been digging for info on these, reading Amazon reviews, reading threads here, reading marketing on the mfr/reseller websites and was contemplating starting a thread for this. In lieu of starting another thread I figure to just contribute on yours. It all started not long ago when I finally installed a 2-year-sitting-in-closet Pioneer Appradio 3... what a piece of junk!!! (but it does sound good)

Is anyone comparing the pros/cons of these things? It's pretty difficult to compile information on them when there are a ton of brands nobody has heard of combined with new hardware/software coming out all the time. From what I've read there are a few major dealbreakers that make me want to wait, after all who wants to swap their head unit out on any regular basis?

I head not heard about sticking to 4.4, why are 5.1 and 6.0 not good? I read somewhere they aren't as snappy but in any video I've seen they look fine.

I'll put my lists here and maybe others can chime in with what they want/like/dislike so we can paint a bigger picture for these head units.

Here are all the things that make me hesitant to buy one of these right now:

Dealbreakers for me:

No hands-free voice control for things like Android Auto, Google Now, Google Maps, Calling... "OK Google"

Boot times any more than 5 seconds.

Lack of external microphone - I know I can add one but geez is it too much to ask for a jack?

(some may have) independent volume for media/nav/phone/etc

Cons:

No ability to USB tether to use phone's internet connection (someone's probably done this here)

Seemingly weak future update support

Problems that can be handled with apps and mods:

No light sensor for auto dimming

speed dependent master volume change
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Here's what I would put on a wishlist:

Must haves:

fast boot time (<5-10 seconds)

voice control

external microphone (or jack so can add)

option resume playing last thing on startup (car start)

Independant volume for Media/nav/phone/etc

Good audio quality

Like to have:

permanent button for Nav app

headlight or auto dimming

speed dependent volume

DVR support for dashcam AND reverse camera input

USB tethering option for data connection

ability to work with aftermarket bluetooth steering wheel remote

full Android Auto support with voice commands

ability to update in the future

Bluetooth 5 with internet connection sharing would be nice (IPSP)
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The Newsmy Carpad 4 has some things I love: 4G SIM card capable, 2 camera DVR with ability to act as a car security system and send alerts to your phone, but it costs way too much and will surely come down like every tech does in the near future.

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=71220653&postcount=24

https://de.aliexpress.com/store/pro...32789646411.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.Qi1q42

Also looks like the Onwice C500 has 4G SIM card slot

https://xdaforums.com/android-auto/android-head-units/ownice-c500-released-t3478747

http://www.gearbest.com/car-dvd-player/pp_597322.html

Joying has nice stuff and I've seen reviews that describe their low-power "dormant" mode that keeps the unit ready for a zero-delay startup even after the car is parked for a day (some units seem to only have a short dormant period before they shut down)... dormant time would of course be all dependent on how much power they draw whilst dormant.

ATOTO claim they can handle voice commands: http://www.myatoto.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=15&id=5

This is just the tip of the iceberg, I know. I can never seem to find one that does everything I/we all want, and that means time to wait. Anyone compiled up-to-date info so we can make an informed decision?