Recently I had the chance to shift from 2nd gen OEM infotainment (by Tracking World) to an after market Android. As the OEM is a total piece of crap in terms of speed, output and features. I explored a lot and finally installed one. It was comparatively expensive one but worth it. Let me share all the details.
While migrating to after market Androids, you need to be careful about 2 things:
1. Steering Controls Mapping: The multimedia controls located on the left side of steering.
2. iMiD integration: The little display on the left in the dashboard that displays time, average, range and things like that. And if you notice it also displays current source of multimedia and song/track number information on the top.
As far as the steering controls are concerned, almost all the after market androids support that. But there are very few which supports iMiD integration. And if you ask the electrician about it, they will say "Yes your iMiD will work". And by the "work" they mean you will be able to see average, clock, range, etc. But they wouldn't assure you about the multimedia information that displays on the top.
Regarding the androids, there are generally 3 types of androids available in market.
1. The 2 GB with 16/32 GB variants: They are china made. Available very easily, I found one on ShegalsMotors.pk. Price range is between 12,000 to 17,000. But 2 GB is way less for the latest android applications e.g. Maps, etc. You will be again at the same point for which you shifted from OEM and that is speed. These variant lags a lot. They are equipped with Android 8.0 mostly. The launcher app widgets are mostly not customizable. Android Auto is not fully supported. Steering controls mapping is available but iMiD integration is not supported. OBD Scanner can be connected using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
2. The 4 GB with 32 GB variants: They are Taiwan/Malaysia made majorly with better build quality. Speed is also better. Though not available easily but I was able to find one on Journey2Music. These units have steering controls mapping and iMiD integration as well. Speed & performance is not outclass but way better than OEM and 2GB variants. Launcher app widgets are customizable but to some extend. Price range is 35,000 to 38,000. They are equipped with Android 8.0. Android Auto is not supported but the ROM has pretty good features that are good enough. OBD Scanner option is built-in there, I haven't installed any OBD yet, but I was able to see the settings. I am using this one, the manufacturer is RockChip and model is PX5. The plus point is that there are people who have developed ROMs with Android 10.0 & 9.0 and they have provided demo videos for their upgrade & installation as well. These custom ROMs have features that are very handy. I haven't tried anyone yet, but will definitely try installing one and share the results.
3. The Branded units: They are mostly manufactured by renowned brands e.g. Panasonic, Pioneer etc. I know EntertainmentOnWheels they have such units. Price is 50,000+. They supports Google Auto and equipped with mostly Android 9.0. These unit's are official android unit's so updates and mostly all android auto features are available in them.
One thing is commons in all kind of above units and that is the sound quality. Your sound output drastically improves as you shifted from OEM to after market Androids.
One important point about front and rear cameras, the rear camera in fully compatible with all after market androids, but the output is not good enough. While the front camera is mostly not compatible. You will have to buy a compatible one. I purchased one in 1,600.
For the phone mirroring, the built-in apps are mostly not compatible with your latest android phones in first two variants. But there are few apps available on Playstore that may fulfill the purpose. For the units that supports Android Auto have the mirroring feature available as part of the OS.
All the after markets have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect your phones vis Hotspot for internet and Bluetooth for calls and audio.
And when you will shift to after markets, the older OEM unit can also be sold. I sold mine in 7,000 via OLX.
Overall, its a very good experience to shift from OEM to after market. Do let me know with your thoughts and you are very welcome to add or correct anything.
