What are the disadvantages of Android car stereo?

High Cost

Android units often cost significantly more than standard car stereos. While a basic car stereo may only cost $50-100, Android Auto head units typically start around $300 and can go up to $1000 or more for high-end models with large touchscreens and lots of features.

The main reason for the price difference is that Android Auto head units contain much more advanced technology and components. They have powerful processors to run the Android software interface smoothly, built-in GPS for navigation apps, WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, capacitive touchscreens, and amplified sound systems. This advanced hardware costs more to manufacture than basic CD/radio head units.

Installing an Android unit also often requires purchasing additional dashboard modification kits, wiring harnesses, and other installation parts. Professional installation from car audio shops can further drive up the total cost. So there are many hidden expenses beyond just the stereo itself.

While standard head units are plug-and-play, getting everything working smoothly with an Android system requires much more customization. Android Auto fans feel the high-tech experience is worth the premium price, but it can be a deterrent for budget-minded consumers.

App Compatibility Issues

One disadvantage of Android car stereos is that not all Android apps work properly when connected. According to Asurion, Android Auto may not connect or work properly if the apps on your phone are not fully compatible with the car stereo system. For example, some music streaming apps, podcast players, and audiobook apps may not sync properly or allow full control from the car stereo interface.

Per Lifewire, some common apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, Pocket Casts, and more may have occasional issues connecting to Android Auto systems. There are also often compatibility issues with lesser known apps. Testing apps before a long drive is recommended. Overall the Android car stereo ecosystem has fewer optimized apps compared to offerings from Apple CarPlay.

Connectivity Problems

One of the common complaints with Android car stereos is spotty Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Users often have trouble pairing their Android phone to the car’s Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The Bluetooth connection can randomly drop while driving, forcing users to manually re-pair devices frequently (Source).

Similarly, if the Android unit relies on WiFi to access the internet for features like navigation and traffic updates, the connection can be unstable. Signals may cut in and out, especially in areas with poor reception. The Android head unit’s WiFi antenna may not be powerful enough to maintain a reliable connection on the go (Source). This disrupts key features and forces constant troubleshooting while driving.

Difficult Setup

Replacing a standard car stereo with an Android unit often requires professional installation unless you have experience with car audio. The wiring harness, dashboard fittings, steering wheel controls, and other components may not be compatible out of the box (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6AASahpFU). Aftermarket Android units come in different shapes and sizes that may not properly fit the dash opening, complicating the installation (https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-install-an-Android-car-stereo). Even for experienced DIYers, an Android car stereo installation can take hours and requires dash disassembly along with electrical and wiring work (https://www.lifewire.com/replacing-a-car-stereo-534708). Unless you know car audio systems well, it’s usually worth paying for professional installation.

Touchscreen Issues

One disadvantage of Android car stereos is that many models come with resistive touchscreens, which are less responsive than the capacitive touchscreens found on most smartphones.

Resistive touchscreens rely on the pressure from your finger to register inputs, whereas capacitive screens work based on the electrical charge in your body. This means capacitive screens only require a light tap to activate, while resistive screens need a firm press. As a result, capacitive touchscreens offer better accuracy and faster response times.

Having to press harder on resistive touchscreens to get them to work can be frustrating in a moving vehicle. The lag in response can also make gestures like swiping between screens more difficult. This can lead to more distracted driving as you struggle to operate the stereo.

According to CarAudioHunt.com, “First difference is touch sensitivity; capacitive head units will work even with a negligible touch. Resistive units require proper touch as they work with the pressure applied.”

Outdated Software

One key disadvantage of Android-based car stereos is that the software often becomes outdated quickly and does not receive ongoing support or updates from the manufacturer. Unlike smartphones that receive regular software updates from companies like Google, car stereo manufacturers rarely push updates to their systems once installed in a vehicle.

This means Android auto systems in cars can be running outdated versions of Android that lack the latest features and security updates. According to sources, Android-based car systems may be running Android versions that are 5+ years old. Without updates, systems can become buggy or vulnerable over time.

Outdated software also means certain apps may no longer be compatible. If the base Android OS is too old, newer app versions from Spotify, Google Maps, etc may not install or function properly. This severely limits the functionality of the Android auto system.

GPS Limitations

Android head units can come with built-in GPS navigation, however, the navigation capabilities may not be as robust as those from more specialized GPS manufacturers according to this Amazon review. The maps and routing of built-in navigation systems may not be as detailed or accurately updated compared to dedicated GPS units or smartphone apps.

Since Android head units rely on Android versions of navigation apps, they can lack some of the advanced features of mainstream apps like Google Maps or Waze. The interface may not be as intuitive and the voice guidance not as natural sounding. There can also be lags in tracking location or providing directions.

Overall, while Android head units provide navigation capabilities out of the box, there are limitations in terms of detailed maps, smart routing, and advanced guidance when compared to standalone GPS devices or navigation through a connected smartphone.

Lack of Support

One downside of some Android car stereos is the lack of customer support or tech support. Many cheaper brands sold on sites like Amazon and eBay do not have dedicated technical support teams you can contact if you have issues setting up or operating your stereo. As one customer said in their Amazon review of an AmaseAudio unit, “No real tech support. Just ‘reset to factory settings’ or ‘check all the plugs.’” Without readily available tech support, it can be very difficult and frustrating to get an Android car stereo working properly, especially if you run into connectivity issues or software bugs.

Even some more well-known brands don’t always have the best customer service reputation. As noted in a review of a Dasaita Android stereo, the customer “Had some troubles at the beginning but the tech support worked it out!” However, many buyers reported subpar or nonexistent support. Lack of technical support is a common downside for these kinds of aftermarket electronics, so it’s important to research the brand’s reputation before purchasing.

Distracting Interface

Android Auto interfaces can be overly complex and distracting for drivers, especially compared to manufacturer infotainment systems. According to a AAA study, Android Auto’s touchscreen functions are more visually and cognitively demanding than built-in infotainment systems. The large number of on-screen options and submenus on Android Auto can overload drivers with information. This is supported by research showing that Android Auto demands more glances away from the road and leads to slower reaction times compared to other systems.

Security Risks

One of the biggest disadvantages of Android head units is the potential security risks they introduce. Many of these head units are produced by smaller, less reputable manufacturers, especially on the lower end. This opens up vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to access the car’s systems or any connected devices.

For example, according to one Reddit user, many Android head units come preloaded with apps that have intrusive permissions enabled by default, allowing access to sensitive data like location information [1]. Some units even have remote access apps preinstalled that could give hackers access to the system [2]. Many also lack encryption, leaving connected devices and networks exposed.

Overall, the security of an Android head unit can’t be guaranteed like a stock car stereo system. Without proper safeguards, these units introduce significant risks of hacking, location tracking, remote access, and data theft. For security-conscious drivers, this major disadvantage outweighs any extra features the Android system provides.