What is the difference between Android Auto and Android car stereo?
Introducing Android Auto and Android car stereos
Android Auto is an app developed by Google that allows you to connect your Android smartphone to your car’s infotainment system. It provides a simplified interface with Google Maps for navigation, hands-free calling and messaging, and access to music and other apps optimized for driving safely. Android Auto requires your car to be compatible and connects wirelessly through Bluetooth or via a USB cable.
An Android car stereo refers to an aftermarket head unit that runs on an Android operating system. This lets you access many of the same apps and features as your smartphone directly through the car stereo. Android car stereos include built-in navigation, Bluetooth calling, media playback, and voice controls. Many also support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Android car stereos replace your factory stereo and are an all-in-one entertainment system upgrade.
How Android Auto Works
Android Auto allows you to access apps and services from your Android phone on your car’s in-dash information and entertainment head unit. It connects your phone to the car’s display so you can see navigation directions, control media playback, and communicate hands-free using Google Assistant. While connected to Android Auto, the core apps are run on your phone, and the interface is shown on the car’s display, with inputs through touchscreen controls, steering wheel buttons, or voice commands.
To use Android Auto, you must first download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store on a compatible Android phone. The phone connects to the car’s infotainment system either wirelessly via WiFi or with a USB cable. The car’s display mirrors select content and apps from your phone onto the larger screen. This allows you to access core driving-optimized functions through a simplified interface designed for minimal driver distraction. Input is primarily through voice, with limited touch interactions.
So in summary, Android Auto runs on your phone but projects onto and is controlled through your car’s in-dash display for convenient access to apps, maps and media while driving.
How Android car stereos work
Android car stereos run the Android operating system directly on the stereo unit itself, so they do not require connecting an Android phone. The Android OS is built into the car stereo and provides its own interface optimized for in-vehicle use. This allows you to access Android apps, music, navigation, and voice control without needing to connect your phone.
Some key features of Android car stereos include:
- Running a version of Android OS optimized for cars (usually Android 6.0 or newer)
- Having their own GPS for navigation so they don’t need to connect to your phone’s data
- Access to the Google Play Store to download Android Auto apps
- Large touchscreens ranging from 6 to 10 inches
- Support for WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
Android car stereos provide a standalone “smart car” experience and mimic some of the core features of Android Auto, but without needing to connect a phone. However, they lack some deeper integrations with your phone’s apps and services. They are available from brands like ATOTO, Pumpkin, and others.
Phone Connectivity
One of the biggest differences between Android Auto and an Android car stereo is how they connect to your phone. Android Auto requires connecting your phone directly to your car’s infotainment system, either via USB cable or wireless Android Auto if available [1]. This allows Android Auto to essentially mirror supported apps from your phone onto your car’s display.
In contrast, an Android car stereo is a standalone head unit that does not require connecting a phone. The stereo runs on its own version of Android as the operating system, with apps and features built directly into the unit. While you can still pair your phone via Bluetooth for hands-free calling and streaming, the Android car stereo does not rely on your phone to function.
Apps and features
One of the key differences between Android Auto and Android car stereos is the number of apps and features available. Android Auto only supports a limited set of apps designed specifically for in-car use, such as navigation, media playback, and messaging. These apps are optimized for safety and minimizing driver distraction.
As Android Auto essentially mirrors your smartphone onto your car’s display, the app selection is limited compared to having the full Android OS running natively on the stereo. With an Android car stereo you have access to the complete Google Play Store and all of its apps. This allows you to install apps for streaming video, gaming, social media and more. However, many of these apps are not designed for safe in-vehicle use (Source).
In summary, Android Auto focuses on core in-car apps and prioritizes safety over expanded features. Android car stereos provide a more open experience with the full app ecosystem, but drivers need to be responsible in choosing apps that won’t cause dangerous distraction.
User Interface
Android Auto provides a simple, clean user interface that is optimized for use while driving. It displays a few key apps on the main screen, like Maps, Media, Phone, and Messaging, with large buttons and text for easy access without distraction. Android Auto is controlled through the touchscreen of the car or voice commands, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
In contrast, Android car stereos run a full Android OS user interface. This provides access to millions of Android apps and full Android features like customization and multitasking. The interface is similar to a smartphone with small icons and text. Controlling the many features requires precise touchscreen interaction. While powerful, the complex UI can be distracting to use while driving and is better suited for use when parked. [1]
Overall, Android Auto prioritizes simplicity and safety with its pared down UI, while Android car stereos offer greater functionality through a full Android interface more suited for parked interaction.
Cost
One of the biggest differences between Android Auto and an Android car stereo is the upfront cost. Android Auto utilizes the existing stereo system in a vehicle and simply mirrors apps and services from a connected Android smartphone. There are no hardware costs for Android Auto beyond purchasing an appropriate USB cable to connect your phone to your car (typically $10-$20).
In contrast, replacing the factory stereo with an aftermarket Android car stereo represents a much more significant investment. Prices for Android car stereos range from around $200 on the low end to over $600 for high-end models, with most quality units falling somewhere in the middle around $300-$400. This cost includes the head unit itself and any additional parts needed for installation, like wiring harnesses, dash kits, and tools. While more expensive up front, some users feel the expanded features and customization of an Android car stereo justifies the higher cost.
Audio quality
When it comes to audio quality, there are some key differences between Android Auto and Android car stereos. With Android Auto, the audio quality is dependent on the phone being used. Android Auto essentially streams audio from your phone to your car’s speakers over USB. This means the phone’s internal DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is handling the audio processing and digital-to-analog conversion [1]. As a result, the audio quality can vary considerably depending on the quality of the phone’s DAC. Many users report that Android Auto audio sounds compressed or inferior compared to Bluetooth streaming directly from the phone [2].
In contrast, Android car stereos have their own dedicated audio hardware and do not rely on the phone for audio processing. The head unit contains its own DAC and amplifier hardware tailored for car audio. This allows Android car stereos to deliver much better sound quality, volume, and acoustic tuning compared to streaming over Android Auto. The audio hardware is optimized specifically for the car environment rather than relying on a phone. So Android car stereos tend to provide richer, louder, and higher fidelity audio than Android Auto.
Manufacturer support
Android Auto is widely supported across the auto industry, with over 60 vehicle manufacturers producing Android Auto compatible cars and over 500 models supporting the technology so far. Most major auto brands like Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and more offer Android Auto integration in many of their latest models. This gives consumers a large selection of vehicles to choose from if they want Android Auto capability built-in.
In contrast, Android car stereos are still a niche product. While some car stereo manufacturers like Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC have released aftermarket Android head units, there are far fewer options compared to Android Auto. Support from auto brands is still limited as well. Currently, only Polestar and Renault offer Android Automotive OS in certain models, though more automakers plan to implement it in the future. But for now, Android Auto has much wider adoption and support from manufacturers.
Which is Better for You?
Android Auto and Android car stereos both offer ways to integrate your Android phone with your car’s infotainment system, but which one is right for your needs depends on several factors:
Android Auto gives you a simplified interface optimized for safe driving, with Google Maps, media playback, messaging, and voice control integrated. It’s best for those who want their car interface to mirror their phone’s apps and services.
Android car stereos run a customized version of Android as the car’s onboard operating system. This allows for deeper integration and customizability, but requires manufacturer support. Android car stereos are better for those who want expanded features and control.
Those happy with their car’s stock stereo may prefer the simplicity of connecting via Android Auto. But car enthusiasts who want a customized audio-visual experience will appreciate what an Android car stereo can deliver.
Consider whether you prefer your car system to complement or replicate your phone. Android Auto links them, while an Android car stereo aims to replace your phone’s role once connected.
It also depends on what level of investment and customization you want. Android Auto is easier to set up, while an Android car stereo requires compatibility and specialized installation.
Look at what features matter most – like display size, app selection, voice control, safety focus or sound quality. This will point you towards the better Android car integration solution.