Product Review: Podofo Portable Car Stereo Wireless Apple Carplay Android Auto

Our team of tech enthusiasts at Retro Tech Drives has had the joy of testing yet another outstanding piece of technology: the Podofo Portable Car Stereo Wireless Apple Carplay Android Auto. This 7-Inch Touch Screen Car Radio transforms your ride into a mobile multimedia station while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Specifications

Equipped with Bluetooth, the carplay screen wirelessly connects to your phone, flawlessly integrating your phone’s functions into its 7-inch touch screen. It facilitates superior hands-free capabilities including calls and music streaming, thereby enhancing car safety and ensuring an enjoyable ride every time. It’s undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to integrate the latest media technology into almost any car. It also boasts Map Navigation accessed via CarPlay/Android Auto functions.

Setting Up

Installation is breezy and straightforward, compatible with all car models owing to a voltage range of 7-32V. Driving sound through the car’s speakers can be done in one of two ways – via an FM transmitter or utilizing an AUX cable.

Performance

The screen offers vivid and responsive touch controls. However, responsiveness tends to delay sometimes, which is significant but not a deal-breaker. Additionally, we encountered instances of the audio intermittently cutting out while driving.

Pros

The Podofo Portable Car Stereo serves as an economical yet efficient upgrade, estimated to save users upwards of $2000 compared to replacing the entire console. Voice control functionality allows for safer and more efficient driving. With its own built-in speakers, it delivers surprisingly good sound quality. For our drivers with convertibles, the unit’s hood offers excellent sun glare protection for easier viewing. The device’s portability allows it to be moved between cars, providing flexibility and sparing users the cost of multiple expensive stereo systems.

Cons

Despite its merits, this device has a few shortcomings. The mounting stand lacks flexibility, posing a challenge for curved dashboards as the adhesive fails to hold reliably. With many users likely to stash the device above the dashboard, an adaptable stand would enhance its value tremendously. The device can also heat up significantly, especially when the power cord is unplugged. Lastly, the suction cup for the windshield mount is not as effective as one would hope, causing issues for some users.

Conclusion

After a thorough test drive with the Podofo Portable Car Stereo Wireless Apple Carplay Android Auto, we concluded that it offers excellent value for its price and delivers on its promise for a safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience. Despite a few holes, its versatility, easy installation process, and fantastic sound quality make it a worthwhile purchase for any retro car owner.

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Check it out on Amazon.com (United States)