What is the difference between double DIN and single DIN Android?

Double DIN and Single DIN refer to two different standard sizes for in-dash car stereo receivers or head units. DIN is an abbreviation for Deutsche Industrie Normen, or German industrial standard. The Single DIN size has a height of 2 inches or 5.08 cm, while the Double DIN size has a height of 4 inches or 10.16 cm. Both units have the same width of 7 inches or 17.78 cm. The double DIN size was introduced later to accommodate larger screens and more features.

According to the cited source in :

Double DIN vs Single DIN, which is better? The answer to whether Double-DIN or Single-DIN is preferable relies on your particular tastes as well as your vehicle’s dashboard specs. While the Double-din does offer more real estate, Single-DIN units are still preferred by many car owners.

History

The DIN standard for car audio originated in Germany in the early 1980s as a way to standardize the size of head units and allow for interchangeable aftermarket parts. The Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) established the first DIN standard for car radios in DIN 75490, which specified a width of 178mm and height of 50mm for head units.¹ This became known as single DIN. In 1984, DIN revised the standard with DIN ISO 7736, which introduced double DIN with a height of 100mm to accommodate CD players and other new technologies requiring more space.²

Prior to the DIN standard, car audio systems were usually custom-built into each car model. The DIN standard enabled aftermarket head units to be installed in any car with a DIN slot. This sparked an explosion of new audio products and allowed consumers to upgrade their car’s stock radio. Double DIN provided even more flexibility with a larger display and more features. The DIN standard has continued evolving over the decades but remains an industry standard today.

Size Difference

The main difference between double DIN and single DIN stereos is the height. As referenced from Crutchfield:

Single-DIN refers to stereos that are two inches tall (and seven inches wide). This is the standard size that has been used for car stereos for decades.

Double-DIN refers to stereos that are four inches tall (and seven inches wide). Double-DIN stereos take up twice the vertical real estate as single-DIN receivers. This extra height allows for a larger display and more physical buttons on the faceplate.

So in summary, while both single and double DIN units have the same width of 7 inches, double DIN units are twice as tall at 4 inches vs 2 inches for single DIN. The extra height of double DIN units allows for more advanced touchscreens, features and controls.

Screen Size

The most noticeable difference between double DIN and single DIN units is the size of the screen. Single DIN units have a standard screen size of 2 inches high by 4-5 inches wide. This small screen can only display basic information and limited graphics. Double DIN units have a screen size of 4 inches high by 4-5 inches wide, which is twice the height of a single DIN screen. The larger display allows for higher resolution graphics, viewing maps, playing video, and using touchscreen functions more easily (Crutchfield).

With its compact 2 inch screen, a single DIN stereo is very limited in what it can display. Text and graphics will be small and less legible. The 4 inch screen of double DIN units allows for a more immersive visual experience for navigation maps, larger touch buttons, crystal clear graphics and text, and full frame video. The extra screen real estate makes interacting with the unit much easier (Dual).

Features

Double DIN units boast more advanced features compared to single DIN units due to their larger size and ability to accommodate a bigger display and more hardware controls. Some key advanced features offered in double DIN units include:

Larger, higher resolution touchscreen displays – Double DIN units can fit larger 7-inch or even 9-inch touchscreens compared to the typical 6.2-inch limit of single DIN displays. The bigger screen makes them easier to use and view maps or video. High resolution screens with 1080p or more pixels are also common (Crutchfield).

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration – Many double DIN units have built-in support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which allows you to integrate your smartphone functions and apps with your car’s display. This makes accessing maps, music, messages, and phone functions easier and safer while driving (Dual).

Advanced media features – Double DIN units can include built-in DVD/Blu-Ray players, HD Radio support, satellite radio, and the ability to play lossless audio files. Some also have built-in amplifiers for better audio power and performance.

Multi-zone support – High-end double DIN models allow you to hook up and control multiple external amps and speakers, enabling you to have different audio sources playing in different zones of your vehicle.

Back-up camera input – Most double DIN units have a dedicated input and software features to integrate a back-up camera and display the feed on screen when in reverse gear.

Navigation and mapping – Built-in navigation powered by maps on microSD cards or over the internet provides GPS capabilities without using your phone. Touchscreens make entering destinations and following maps easier.

Customizable interfaces – Double DIN units typically allow you to customize the screen with different themes, backgrounds, button layouts and more. Some also have analog dials that motorize out from the screen.

Installation

Installing a double DIN Android system requires more dash modification compared to a single DIN unit. This is because double DIN systems are twice the height of single DIN stereos. To install a double DIN stereo, you’ll need a double DIN dash kit that fills the extra space above and below the stereo so it can fit snugly in your dash.

Dash kits are vehicle-specific and come in various trim levels to match your interior. Metra and Scosche are two reputable brands that make dash kits for most vehicles. The dash kit includes a plastic sleeve that houses the new stereo, plus a trim bezel to fill unused space. It is crucial to get the proper install kit for your car to ensure the double DIN stereo fits correctly. Improper fitting can lead to rattling, poor sound, and potential damage over time as the unit moves around.

In contrast, when replacing a factory single DIN radio, you can often use the existing factory brackets and housing in most vehicles. Single DIN aftermarket stereos are sized to fit that standard opening with minimal modification in many cars. However, you may still need an install kit for some vehicles or for a seamless factory look.

Overall, the installation process takes longer and requires more customization of the dash with a double DIN system. But the larger screen size and feature set of most double DIN Android radios outweighs the extra effort for most users.

GPS Navigation

One of the biggest differences between double DIN and single DIN units is built-in navigation capabilities. Double DIN units have much larger displays, which allow automakers to integrate full-featured navigation systems directly into the stereo. Single DIN units generally don’t have enough screen real estate for anything beyond very basic turn-by-turn directions.

Most double DIN units come with built-in navigation or are navigation-ready, meaning they have a large touchscreen interface designed specifically for GPS mapping and guidance. Many models have advanced features like predictive traffic routing to avoid congestion and points of interest searching to find restaurants, gas stations, etc. along your route. The larger display makes maps and directions much easier to see and follow compared to the small screens of most single DIN stereos.

In contrast, single DIN units rarely have built-in nav capabilities beyond rudimentary Bluetooth turn-by-turn that displays directions on your smartphone screen. Some single DIN stereos allow you to connect an external GPS puck for navigation, but this is a clunky solution compared to an integrated system. If navigation is a priority, double DIN is really the only way to go.

Overall, the increased display size of double DIN units allows for vastly superior built-in navigation over single DIN stereos. Drivers who rely heavily on GPS will likely want to opt for double DIN.

Smartphone Integration

One of the biggest differences between single DIN and double DIN units is smartphone integration capabilities. Double DIN units are much better suited for integrating with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow you to mirror apps and services from your smartphone onto the car stereo’s touchscreen display. This provides a safer and more seamless experience for using navigation, music streaming, calling, messaging, and other apps while driving.

Most double DIN units include wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration standard. Some models even support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, allowing you to mirror your smartphone screen without plugging it in.

In contrast, single DIN units have very limited options for smartphone integration. At best, some single DIN stereos may support basic Bluetooth calling and audio streaming. But you won’t get a true integrated experience with on-screen apps and navigation like you would on a double DIN unit.

Overall, those looking for deep integration with their iPhone or Android smartphone will want to choose a double DIN stereo. Single DIN units simply can’t provide the same level of seamless smartphone mirroring and control when driving.

Sources:
https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/single-din-vs-double-din.html
https://www.dualav.com/din-size/

Audio Quality

When it comes to sound quality, there is little to no difference between single DIN and double DIN head units. The main factors that determine audio quality are the internal amplifier, speaker outputs, equalization capabilities, and digital signal processing – not whether the stereo is single or double DIN.

Both single and double DIN stereos can support high-end features like HD Radio tuners, high-resolution audio playback, custom EQ settings, time alignment, and high powered internal amps. The extra space in double DIN units simply allows for a larger display and more physical buttons/knobs on the faceplate. But sonically, they can achieve identical performance levels.

As this source points out, you can find great sounding audio gear in both single and double DIN form factors. The sound quality depends much more on the specific model and brand than the actual DIN size.

Cost

There is often a significant price difference between single DIN and double DIN units. Single DIN stereos tend to be more affordable, with entry-level models starting around $50. More advanced single DIN units with features like Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration can cost $200-300. In contrast, double DIN stereos start around $300 for basic models and go up to $1000 or more for high-end units with large touchscreens, navigation, DVD playback, and more. According to Crutchfield, you can expect to pay at least $100 more for a comparable double DIN unit over a single DIN. This price difference is largely due to the increased size and capability of double DIN stereos. The extra screen space allows for additional features like video playback, maps, application interfaces, and graphical displays. Double DIN units also utilize more powerful processors and components to run their advanced software and operating systems. For many consumers, the expanded features and capability of double DIN stereos justify the higher cost over their single DIN counterparts.