[Android Head-Units] Morgon99:
I've been researching various headunits, and oddly haven't found

everything

I'm looking for; since you folks have all of the experience, I'm hoping someone can help. I'm coming from a stock Monsoon system from my 2007 Pontiac G6, which means anything is an upgrade. However, my choices are between a good Android unit, or a Pioneer AVH-4201NEX (with Apple TV, if I can get Peer-to-Peer AirPlay to work consistently)... so that's where my comparisons are at the moment.

* I assume hands-free phone operation is similar between the two paths? I know the Pioneers will allow me to invoke Siri; do any (all?) Android units do similar things built-in, or is the Zlink required?

* I use an iPhone; several units on Amazon claim they support iPhone "mirroring" via Wifi and/or USB - is this an implementation of AirPlay? Note that I don't necessarily want CarPlay, because of its app and usage limitations, unless needed for some of the hands-free operations. I would prefer wifi/bt-based, but not opposed to a plug-in requirement if everything else is matched.

* I'm most interested in the ability to cast YouTube and Plex -- although since these are Android, can I install those apps natively? I just don't want it to be the 'Android Auto' version, since Plex won't allow video (not that I'm going to be watching while driving, but I should have the freedom to do so at other times).

* Backup camera support, with automatic switching (this seems common, but throwing it out there just in case). I will probably provide my own camera, so I'm not worried about having one included.

* Good stock audio fidelity. My current/stock Monsoon system is good for my needs (not trying to rattle neighborhood windows), but I have seen conversations in this forum regarding having expectations of subpar audio on these units. I just don't want to have to crank these units to max in order to hear something.

* Native, easy to use radio interface. HD Radio is preferable, but it seems we're not here yet. Last year, Joying claimed that they'd look into it, but apparently this hasn't happened.

* EDIT: Also looking for decent resolution. I just noticed the Pioneers are only 800x480! 1024x600 seems to be rare (but at least more usable), and anything higher is relatively nonexistent. Why is there a skimp on displays when these are supposed to be entertainment units?

Other considerations:

* Double DIN, fixed unit. The radio access is secure, so I don't want a detachable or moving face that could end up being stolen.

* CD/DVD playback.

* Ability to use my existing G6 steering wheel controls for volume.

And since they are Android, how extendable are they with other apps? If I wanted to add one of the many NES emulators, for instance, would I be able to install them without hassle? How about adding BT-based controllers?

I'm basically looking to add an open system with the least amount of input and content restrictions as possible, while still retaining good experiences for 'basic' functions (e.g. radio).

I know these posts pop up every 6 months or so, but technology moves fast, and I want to see if the quality of these things has increased since then. Thanks all!