Wireless Apple vs. Wired Android Carplay

[Zenogias]

Hey guys,

I currently have a very old Samsung S9+ that I've been using with wired android carplay. It doesn't work very well, and I'm not sure how much of that is the fault of the car and how much is the fault of the phone. It frequently disconnects if I go over bumps, or accelerate fast / brake fast. Beyond that loosy connection, I also encounter a strange bug where Spotify will just randomly disappear from the carplay apps and I'll have to reboot my phone to get it to appear again.

I'm about to buy a new phone, and I've always been an android guy, but.. I'm considering making the switch to apple mainly for the wireless carplay capability.

My question is, do you think it's worth it? Does Apple Carplay work better? Any issues I should be aware of? Or is android carplay actually better, but my phone being a dinosaur is tainting the experience?

Appreciate any insight you can provide.

Thanks!

 

[RobotAZ]

I’m not an apple fan, but I do use iPhone and CarPlay. I have not used an android auto setup on any car. Other than the obvious, I think the main thing to know about CarPlay is that there are quirks, and 90% related to the digital handshake so to speak between car manufacturer software and apple software. If it is all running well, it’s fantastic. Switching devices on the USB ports on the Z doesn’t phase CarPlay. That’s because Nissan has a solid design, too.

Honda has a horrible CarPlay execution, on the other end of the spectrum.

If people here say the Z A/V works fine, it connects and stays connected fine, that’s not just apple, it’s also Nissan.

FWIW I have not had a single Nissan-related CarPlay issue in 2400 miles. That’s probably the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot.

Wireless has an audio quality reduction. I use highest bandwidth at all times with Spotify so I also use a cable to squeeze out as much on the quality side as possible. Also horrible Sport speakers.

It’s a big jump to just say I’m switching apple or android. Good luck.

FYI I tried several USB-C cables for this car, and this one works great and is completely out of the way if you wanna ever go that route. There may be better deals, it just seemed perfect and it’s close:

https://a.co/d/bbs0eIa

 

[bpeckham]

Early on I had problems with Android Auto that were neither the car's fault nor the phone's fault, but the cable's fault. Check out this post.

 

[Bamafanatic]

Be sure your cable is a newer version compatible with those platforms. I had trouble with a brand new amazon cable from china.

 

[Hernandooo]

Have you considered going wireless?

Motorola MA1 and Quadlock Wireless adaptors are just a few I can name off

Edit, I Just realized Quadlock only works for Apple,.. Laaaaame

 

[Mugzilla]

I was using a Pixel 6a, and it worked AWESOME.
I dropped it and shattered the screen.

Got a "Motorola G play 2024", and it stinks. Same cable, only changed phone. I have the same symptoms.

With Amazon music, it sounds like it is only passing 2 channels.

 

[Zenogias]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I ended up switching to iphone, and while it's only been a few days, it seems the switch solved literally every problem I had with the car's center console. Connection is rock solid and immediate, Apple CarPlay's interface is better than Androids, has a better selection of apps, and is *much* faster.

The sound quality seems a bit better too, but that might just be my imagination.

Will live with it for a few months and report back here on my full experience for anyone who is considering making the same switch I just did.

 

[GoldenUniverse]

Early on I had problems with Android Auto that were neither the car's fault nor the phone's fault, but the cable's fault. Check out this post.

I'll try the cable switch I've had nothing but problems also.

 

[RobotAZ]

Have you considered going wireless?

Motorola MA1 and Quadlock Wireless adaptors are just a few I can name off

Edit, I Just realized Quadlock only works for Apple,.. Laaaaame

What’s the audio resolution of the best wireless versus wired? I haven’t considered it because without WiFi it’s common knowledge the quality is far worse to an audiophile type. Reminds me, why isn’t there lossless usage of the car’s hot spot?

 

[JonnyG]

Works fine for me. If you look at wireless a couple of things to know - apologies if you know already, I didn't and it took me a minute to figure out

Car play only allows you to use certain apps and if you are OK with that and hate the wire there are many wireless versions that work great. I bought a Carlinkit for like $35 that works fine (link below) - Walmart was best price.

If you want MORE apps you have to get what I call a mini computer, the market calls them AI Boxes, and plug it in and it does it wirelessly. These don't "cast" your phone you literally have to download your apps on it and then use the cars touch screen to operate. Only thing your phone contributes is a wireless hot spot.

If you have an Android Samsung and want to "Cast" your phone the operating system has "DEX" search in settings - this cast your phone to just about anything. I even did it to my TV.

https://www.carlinkit.store/collect...d-auto-adapter-best-configuration-youtube-box

https://www.walmart.com/ip/CarlinKi...wSBu80mSBjtRzArK9kb_K22DkNBkXo_waAnSPEALw_wcB