I'm shopping for an Android HU for my 2011 F150 XTR. I've found one unit that's built into a replacement bezel but it is running 4.4.4 Kitkat (and pricier) but I'm thinking it would be better to get Android 7 or 8. I find a lot of 6-8" Android based touchscreen 2 DIN headunits and a couple replacement bezels for 2 DIN headunits but I'm not sure if all 2 DIN headunits are compatible with the bezels and the truck.

I'd appreciate hearing about your own Android HU experience and aftermarket radio install advice. How important/nice is it to have physical buttons? 800x480 vs 1024x600, does it make much difference? I think I want good BT call mic audio quality (external mic?), external GPS antenna, external wifi antenna, quick turn on time, steering wheel controls, I don't think CD/DVD is important. Does it work to use a 10" HU who's display is larger than 2 DIN?

Here are some links.
Bezels
https://www.ebay.com/itm/09-12-F-150...=Model%3AF-150

HUs
https://www.seicane.com/deckless-hd-...-control-s6937
Seicane has a lot of HUs that I think should work, just need a bezel/mounting kit.

All-in-one (they appear to be the same unit?)
https://www.seicane.com/seicane-s092...-quad-core-cpu
Ford F150, F250, F350, Expedition Android GPS Navigation Car Stereo (2009-2012)

 

Save your money and just purchase something from one on the big and reputable head unit manufacturers like Pioneer, Kenwood, or Alpine.

Unless you do it yourself, no car audio shop with a good reputation will even attempt to install one of these Chinese Android based head units.

Think about it, how can a company offer all of those features in a head unit for so little money and companies such as the ones that I mentioned above, who`ve been building head units for decades, can`t offer the same features for a few hundred dollars.

 

I had an Ownice that I bought from Gearbest. I liked it well enough. Internet built-in (with SIM and data plan). I didn't get my install all the way completed. The radio was in, but I didn't have all the accessories finished. It was stolen from my truck and I have decided I want to go a different route, so I didn't buy another. Waze on the dash was GREAT. SiruisXM for the wife. I personally prefer Pandora. My install got overly complex was my biggest issue. Extra amps, subs, and speakers. Backup and forward cameras. OBDII. TPMS. None of my other gear was stolen and it was really all my fault for not setting the alarm that night (well if you are a blame the victim kind of guy). I might have a photo somewhere. Biggest issue I always have is that I don't like the look of non-factory. The kits are just never good enough.

https://www.gearbest.com/car-dvd-player/pp_606353.html

 

Have you thought about running a radio that has built in android auto instead?

 

Like what? I'm interested as well. Thanks

 

Don`t do it.

Stay far away from those Chinese head units with Android built into them and if you don`t believe me, call up several real car audio shops and ask them.

Ask yourself this one question.....How can a head unit have Android plus all of the other features they list and at the same time being sold for so little money.

Do you really believe that Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, and Sony have an agreement not to do the same thing as these Android units at the same price?

Caveat Emptor.

 

I was in the exact same boat you are in a couple of years ago. Searched and researched android radios and found two brands seemed to have the best reputation and customer service- joying and pumpkin. I bought the joying unit with android 5.0 and eventually upgraded software to 6.0. Everything worked well but it was far from user friendly with too small of text (for my old eyes) and little in the way of voice command functionality. Sounded OK hooked to my 5 channel amp, Upgraded speakers, and subwoofer sealed box. Radio reception was terrible but was planning mostly to listen to my music files so OK with that aspect.

fast forward two years and the screen began to randomly go black. All functions worked but couldn’t see where to touch on screen to control everything. Eventually stayed black 100% of the time. Reading the internet, reliability problems plague these radios regardless of who’s name is on them. Joying offered to repair it or send me an upgraded unit but the price was now similar to a carplay unit from one of the reputable mfgs so went that way (pioneer 2440nex). Let me say the difference was night and day! Way better audio sound, a radio that actually tunes in available stations without static (hd radio too!) and flawless voice control for music, navigation, etc.

these days you dont need built in navigation, just a carplay capable unit. Trust me, I’ve bought my last chinese unit!

in summary you can probably find a sub $200 android unit but spend an extra $100 and buy a decent quality head unit!

 

I install audio systems and would tell you to stay clear of the chinese systems as well. The QA for those companies is not what the big companies have. Double dins that have Android auto built in are awesome and will have all the features you could want. Pioneer units are great quality and have excellent sound quality.

 

I agree, stay away from the cheap Chinese units, they don't last, go with a quality brand name (Pioneer, Kenwood etc.) Remember the old saying, you get what you pay for. Pioneer sells a number of units that are Android compatible https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car Just pick one with the features and price you want.

 

Guess we should have looked at the date this thread was started, March of last year, last post before todays was August of last year, I'm thinking he's made his decision by now, oh well, let's have a beer