Seeking Recommendation for Dashcam/Carplay Screen Combo Unit

Lkeeperofthegood on 05/03/2025 - 13:30

I'm seeking advice and recommendations on those units you can install in your car that have a screen with Apple Carplay, as well as a dashcam. I would like one that also includes a reverse camera feature.

My car is 14 years old and still runs just fine, so no need to upgrade for now. But I would really like to be able to stream some music, use maps etc from a single screen - I love the features of carplay, but not the cost to get me a car that has it as a feature.

There are some more official looking ones going for $200+, but also AliExpress has a lot that run around the $100 mark. But I feel a bit hesitant to buy from AliExpress in case the unit doesn't work how I want it to.

So if anyone has purchased one of these before, I'd love your recommendations/warnings and opinions. Very keen for a good recommendation.

Many thanks!

Automotive Apple CarPlay Dash Camera

Comments

  • Wiadro on 05/03/2025 - 13:37
    +1

    You need one with like 3gb of ram as a minimum for CarPlay to work good.
    I have one in my car it’s got 3GB ram and 32gb rom
    It works well and uses an app called TLINK for the car play aspect

    • keeperofthegood on 05/03/2025 - 13:38

      Thanks for that, that's really helpful. Where did you buy yours?

    • bargaino on 06/03/2025 - 01:07
      +1

      You need one with like 3gb of ram as a minimum for CarPlay to work good.

      Not true if you get a dedicated carplay/android auto device. These need only 1GB and a modest processor so are cheaper.

      uses an app called TLINK for the car play aspect

      That is your problem. If you want to run full Android with an app on top for Carplay, the demands are greater. Though you have the advantage of being able to run things like Google Maps natively with no phone connected.

      Get a reverse camera for your carplay device, but keep the dashcam separate.

      The B5303 is a good option, e.g.
      https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007394191239.html?

      • Wiadro on 06/03/2025 - 07:22

        I think it’s better to replace the head unit you have then another screen in the car

        • bargaino on 06/03/2025 - 10:52

          Sometimes. Depends on the car. Can be a lot of work to install and connect the non-standard steering wheel controls.
          Pros and cons with different models.

  • spackbace on 05/03/2025 - 13:39
    +1

    This is decent and local stock

    Keep the dash camera separate. Last thing you want is a potato camera. Look at the Viofo models

    • keeperofthegood on 05/03/2025 - 13:49

      I was hoping I could get something that was decent at both. I'm happy to pay for a higher quality model rather than two separate units, and also avoid having to actually install something new into my car.

      But I'll explore that idea as well, thank you!

      • spackbace on 05/03/2025 - 13:50
        +1

        Dash cameras typically mount to the top of the windscreen anyway, so they should be separate devices?

        • Euphemistic on 05/03/2025 - 14:00
          +1

          It has front and rear camera. Would be nice if the unit could do cam recording too.

          Note in one of the reviews it is wired carplay only. Is also apparently slow to charge so may not maintain battery in a phone running navigation.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 05/03/2025 - 18:42

      Viofo are excellent. Second this. Keep separate.

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