Here at Retro Tech Drives, we often dream of pairing classic style with modern tech. The SANPTENT Double Din Car Stereo Radio, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, caught our eye promising just that – a marriage of new and old. After in-depth testing and user observations, we took a deep dive into the device’s many features, real-world usage, and found it to be a mixed bag – it’s like an ambitious road trip with a few surprising hiccups.

Features & Specifications

The SANPTENT Double Din radio boasts compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering seamless integration with smartphones. The 7-inch HD capacitive touchscreen is both clear and responsive, adding a modern feel to your classic ride. One of the pull factors of this device is its mirroring function – shown via a USB line, content from your smartphone can be synchronously displayed on the car stereo.

Additionally, this stereo incorporates a backup camera, a feature that enhances driving safety by automatically displaying reverse images on the screen when the car is backing up. With a working voltage at DC 12V and a maximum power output of 4x60W, it accommodates standard sizes and universal power in most vehicles. However, note that it supports external amplifiers but not subwoofers.

Performance: Hits and Misses

On the plus side, the sound quality leaves a decent impression; the FM radio reception, as well as audio playing off USB drives and TF cards, is clear, and the availability of a 13 or 15-band customizable EQ enhances the audio experience.

Effective integration with Carplay and Android Auto makes for a productive connection with map navigation, phone contacts, music, and more. Users have also noted that the steering wheel remote control is a thoughtful addition, promising ease of control while driving.

However, there are noticeable drawbacks. The standard-sized radio isn’t a perfect fit for all vehicles, and we found issues with the screen mirroring function, which disgruntled many users. Despite its advertised feature, you may only watch YouTube or online videos, but not actual movies.

The device doesn’t keep settings if the unit is removed or the car battery is disconnected – an inconvenient and antiquated feature that feels out of place in a modern device. Consistent iPhone users reported technical difficulties related to the main power button and the USB port, which impacted the functionality of Carplay. A few users also experienced poor audio quality on the receiving end when using the device to handle phone calls.

Perhaps the biggest letdown was the lack of AM radio functionality, contrary to its product description. This may be a show-stopper based on your preferences and listening habits.

Conclusion

Considering it barely hovers above the $100 mark, the SANPTENT Double Din Car Stereo is a reasonable bang-for-the-buck option for those who want to upgrade their vehicle’s infotainment system on a budget. While it delivers a good enough audio experience and smartphone integration, it also presents a number of shortcomings.

If you’re installing this in a weekend car or a project vehicle – and you can work around the misses mentioned above – this device could be a feasible selection. However, for frequent drivers and music lovers seeking a flawless, reliable multimedia experience, you might want to consider other options in the market.

Before we wrap up, please note that the links provided in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows us to continue to bring you quality content like this.

Check it out on Amazon.com (United States)

Check it out on Amazon.ca (Canada)

SANPTENT Wireless Apple CarPlay Dash Mount Review – A Retro Tech Drives Assessment

As a team of seasoned testers, we’ve had our hands on the SANPTENT Wireless Apple CarPlay Dash Mount for the last few weeks, and it’s time to share our findings. Designed to make our driving experiences safer and more enjoyable, this high-tech gadget has been a game-changer in many ways.

The unit integrates wireless & wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over a Bluetooth connection, essentially placing your smartphone’s functionality at your fingertips. This significant advancement allows drivers to access maps, contacts, music and much more while keeping distractions at bay. However, we did find it to take a while before CarPlay started – sometimes it would take about 30 minutes to initiate, which proved to be slightly inconvenient.

The product is incredibly easy to install, courtesy of its smart mount design that eliminates the need for complex installation methods or extra tools. Impressively, it poses compatibility with an array of vehicles such as cars, trucks and even trailers with a voltage adaptability of 12-24v. But note that a set of unfortunate testers had their device stop working abruptly, suspecting it was a power adapter malfunction.

The CarPlay upgrade sports an upgraded chipset and a full HD touchscreen, which grants faster processing speeds, a more durable wireless connection and higher quality visuals. That said, the auxiliary input and USB port are positioned uncomfortably close to each other, which means you might not be able to use both simultaneously.

A rear camera was also included in the package, providing drivers with a high-definition reverse image assistance, that automatically shuts off after you’ve finished reversing. Night vision and waterproof protection make this a handy tool even in tougher conditions. However, installing the camera presented a challenge to some of us. The fact that the positive wire must run from the front to the trunk to power it made for a real chore. Adding to this, the image was upside down when not top-mounted.

One downside we noted regards the stereo’s FM functionality. It lacks the ability to receive and play a radio signal, which could be disappointing to certain users. There are also many wires involved in the setup, which can be a bother, especially if you are averse to wires lying around.

Another thing that gave us pause was the device’s hold, which didn’t deliver to our expectations. The holder would often not hold its position, especially in the summer sun. Not something you’d want if you aim to keep your cabin neat.

We also came across an issue with certain apps, specifically, Audicy and IHeart had some difficulty being displayed on the screen.

Lastly, note that the instruction manual appears to be for a different unit altogether, causing initial setup confusion. The customer service, though, was responsive and promptly addressed our queries.

In conclusion, the SANPTENT Wireless Apple CarPlay Dash Mount makes for an excellent addition to your retro car, allowing you access to modern tech and amenities. However, with some significant drawbacks noticed in our tests, we recommend thoroughly evaluating your needs and expectations before investing.

Before we wrap up, please note that the links provided in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows us to continue to bring you quality content like this.

Check it out on Amazon.com (United States)