As Audio Tech Direct celebrates a decade of excellence in 2024, we continue to hone our specialization in the realm of car audio and in-car entertainment. Our offerings encompass sound system solutions, OEM integration, aftermarket radio installation parts, dash cameras, and visual solutions. However, our primary focus and expertise remain in bespoke Android OS head units, where we have established ourselves as market leaders.

Over the past ten years, The UK has been inundated with Chinese companies posing as UK companies, often lasting only 12-18 months. We are familiar with every Chinese reseller in the UK, many of whom also evade VAT regulations. Our longevity in this industry is attributed to our in-depth knowledge of both the products and the vehicles. Consequently, we only procure and produce premium products for our UK customers, ensuring no compromises on quality.

This blog aims to help you make a more informed purchase, avoiding potential pitfalls associated with buying cheaper alternatives online. It's essential to choose the correct Android OS product the first time to avoid future costs and complications.

Addressing the Stigma

Android OS units have often been dismissed as "cheap Chinese rubbish" by traditional car audio shops, which typically favor branded head units. This bias may have been fair a decade ago and likely stems from poor previous experience with an inferior product, but the market has moved on. The reality is that many of these shops have not encountered a modern Android OS unit.

Online platforms like eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress are flooded with Android head units, many of which are attractively priced but often subpar when you look closer.

Check the Specifications!

Many Android units you will find on such marketplaces do not disclose their actual specifications, or when they do the specifications are extremely basic. Specifications are crucial for performance. For instance, units with only 1GB of DDR are insufficient to run the latest Android operating systems (versions 11, 12, or 13). Sellers may falsely claim their units run these versions, masking the true, outdated Android versions (7.1 or 6.0).

Units with 2GB of DDR can handle the latest Android OS but will struggle with performance, leading to frequent instability and lag, forcing you to constantly clear the cache.

At Audio Tech Direct, we offer units with a minimum of 4GB DDR3, mostly using Samsung DDR3. This ensures ample memory for seamless operation, regardless of the apps you choose to use. Our units incorporate high-quality components from reputable brands like Toshiba, Samsung, Panasonic, Sanyo, and SiRF, along with top processors such as Rockchip, ARM, and Snapdragon, and superior radio ICs from ST Micro.

Be cautious of sellers claiming high specifications like 128GB or 256GB storage or 8GB DDR at unbelievably low prices, as these are often misleading. Our models typically feature an 8-Core CPU, 64GB storage, and 4GB DDR, providing a robust specification at a reasonable price.

The Reliability Android

Android OS, owned by Google, powers almost every modern smartphone that isn't an iPhone. Google’s involvement ensures a robust operating system suitable for vehicles. We utilize a Vehicle-Class Android version, specifically engineered for stability and optimized for automotive use. All our units support CarPlay and Android Auto with officially licensed apps, avoiding the instability and connectivity issues common with unlicensed copies.

The Challenges with Chinese Sellers

Many customers approach us after negative experiences with systems purchased from AliExpress, eBay, or Amazon. These platforms are often populated by dropship vendors with limited product and vehicle knowledge, operating with short-term business models. Such sellers are not the manufacturers or engineers and often offer minimal after sales support (if at all), with warranty issues frequently requiring costly returns to Asia.

The Price of Quality

While our products are generally priced slightly higher than our competition, this is for several reasons:

*Premium Products: We provide officially licensed products with accurate specifications, avoiding copies or fakes. The adage "buy cheap, buy twice" is particularly relevant here.

*VAT Compliance: As a UK company, we adhere to VAT regulations, unlike many overseas sellers who actively evade these taxes.

*Local Expertise and Support: We offer UK-based telephone support, a trade network, installation services, necessitating higher operating costs.

*Exclusive Manufacturing: We do not purchase in bulk from factories but have our own locations that design and build to our bespoke specifications, ensuring our PBA range's uniqueness.

*Knowledgeable Staff: Our team is highly knowledgeable in various vehicle types and Android OS, providing unparalleled customer service when you need it.

In conclusion, we aim to help you ensure you make the right choice the first time. Our products are the result of extensive research and development, and our team of specialists is dedicated to providing quality solutions for your vehicle.