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Seeking suggestion for Android head unit (for 2012) plus camera

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by jmann, May 23, 2017.

  1. jmann

    jmann Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2005
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    Location:
    Cleveland, OH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'm buying a 2012-two and need to replace the head unit with something, well, that doesn't suck. Everything is Chinese. Does anyone recommend any particular android head unit? I know there are a few random reviews here and there, but technology pivots fast. There are 4.2.2 and android 5 and android 6.0 units floating around I would like to get Bluetooth tethering and such working so I would like to be android 5+, but I'll take any of your guys' suggestions.

    Also, I need to add a backup camera. Simple project. They often come in a kit.
     
  2. jm98

    jm98 Member

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    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    You can't go wrong with Sony, JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood or Alpine double din units with new "Android Auto or Apple Car Play" features. All you need is USB interface to connect your smart phone to double din radio for Maps and music. You can have one of entry level units as low as $400 online.

    Try not to get older "MHL Screen Mirroring" feature as it's being phased out in Auto units and requires additional hardware.
     
  3. jmann

    jmann Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Cleveland, OH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I ordered one of the android 6.0 units on alibaba for about $250 and a backup camera to go with it. I'll report if it is any good. There were plenty of positive reviews.
     
  4. 04priusnow

    04priusnow Active Member

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    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
  5. 04priusnow

    04priusnow Active Member

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    Also 32gb of flash on it.. Joying does make a decent unit.. but its Intel and since they stopped pursuing the mobile market future support maybe an issue

    Pixel XL ?
     
  6. 04priusnow

    04priusnow Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    If you go with the brands i did.. dasaita/hotaudio.. lots of support on XDA and update firmware based on customer feedback

    Pixel XL ?
     
  7. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Netherlands
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I recently bought and installed this unit, sold by Tongtai on AliExpress:
    "8"Android 6.0 for Toyota prius left car dvd,gps navigation,rds,wifi,4G LTE,quad core,1024 x 600,2GB RAM,support DVR,OBD2"
    upload_2017-5-31_16-35-25.png
    Unit works great!
     
  8. kc5dlo

    kc5dlo Active Member

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    Location:
    DFW TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    When I bought my first android unit for the Prius, I had to install a 12 volt back up camera because the factory camera is 6v. My second unit had the option of using the 6v camera. Like was said earlier, the improvements come pretty fast with these.
     
  9. jm98

    jm98 Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Caution on Chinese units. I had installed one had tons of features but none worked great... Map was lagging, AM/FM audio was not functioning properly and other issues.The face plate was excellent 8" but that's about it.
     
  10. tannerpace

    tannerpace Junior Member

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    Location:
    charleston
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I am looking at upgrading my stock headunit as well. I have a 2014 prius two, I like the android head units that keep the factory look. However all the ones i see are advertised as 2009-2013. What is different about my 2014?
     
  11. JonathanJ

    JonathanJ Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I just bought the same unit as Inza2 and will be installing it next week. Many people have been ordering it and it has very good reviews, so think it will be good. Any questions you would have about it, let me know!

    Planning it to use for Navigation, backup camera and Spotify. Not sure if I will supply it with a 4G card but it sounds fun!

    Redmi Note 3 ?
     
  12. digbywombles

    digbywombles Junior Member

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    2010 Prius
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    That unit looks good, and as you say, great reviews. The unit specifies left hand drive, and I can't find a right hand drive version of the same one. Anyone know if it will fit? I'm in the UK, of course...
     
  13. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    What's the boot time of those Android HU? I've heard 20-30s. Is it true?
     
  14. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    2011 Prius
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    N/A
    Boot time for my unit is about 20sec. For some units the reverse camera function will show immediately, for this Tongtai unit unfortunately not.
     
    Former Member 68813 likes this.
  15. JonathanJ

    JonathanJ Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Yes indeed long boot up time. 33 sec from pressing the start button. I'll get used to it, I guess.

    Reverse backup camera is flairly quick on my side. Takes 3 sec to video so that's all right. Maybe it can be faster if you connect the camera to a power source that always has 12V. Mine is connected to the reverse light so the camera gets powered as soon as that light goes on (which is better for camera live time I think)
     
  16. Robolord

    Robolord Junior Member

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    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    What's the deal with a Android HU paired up to an iPhone? Can you do anything like play Spotify or is it incompatible? I haven't seen a Carplay unit that has actual volume knobs and such to look/feel stock.
     
  17. JonathanJ

    JonathanJ Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    You can install Spotify on the Android HU itself and put a MicroSD of 32GB of storage which you can use as storage in Spotify. This works great for me!
    You do need to park your car now and then near WiFi to offline download tracks (Spotify Premium).

    You can pair your iPhone with Bluetooth of course, it was indicated in the menu at least. But I don't have an iPhone so did not try it.
     
  18. Wooties

    Wooties Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Orem, Utah
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I'm looking as well.. I'm tempted to get the 10.1 joying but that oem looking one that Inza2 got is tempting, too. I still have more research to do. Seems like there isn't a top android HU out there that all agree on.
     
  19. Wooties

    Wooties Junior Member

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    Location:
    Orem, Utah
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I pulled the trigger on this unit (thanks). I can't seem to find a suitable backup camera that is compatible, any suggestions? Thanks again!
     
    Inza2 likes this.
  20. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    the same seller is offering this as a compatible backup camera:
    upload_2017-6-23_9-38-46.png
     
    Wooties likes this.