Carlinkit Mini SE in test

CarLinkit Mini SE eliminates cable clutter in the cockpit and impresses with its compact design. We tested the Wireless CarPlay Adapter.

Anyone who has a vehicle with Apple Carplay is familiar with the iPhone’s cumbersome cable connection, which is necessary without wireless support. The CarLinkit Mini SE promises a quick and affordable solution: The adapter turns wired CarPlay into a wireless solution – and in a format that’s barely bigger than a USB stick. The focus is on minimalist design and simple furnishings. But how reliably does it work in practice? We show it in this test report. We tested the CarLinkit Mini SE with an Opel Astra K (manufactured in 2017) and the iPhone 12 Pro Max (test report).

The Carlinkit Mini SE measures just 8.13 × 2.1 × 1.05 cm and weighs just 23 grams. Visually, it’s reminiscent of a USB stick, but stands out because of its flexibility: with ports for USB-A and USB-C, it can be used universally. A clever detail is the protective cap, which optionally covers unused connections. The workmanship appears solid; The simple black color makes the adapter visible only in the cockpit of the car. However, this ultimately depends heavily on the position of the USB port in the vehicle cockpit. The CarLinkit Mini SE can be unfriendly, especially with connections that are pressed into tight spaces. After all, the stick protrudes by about 8 cm.

The CarLinkit Mini SE is very easy to get started. The adapter is plugged into the vehicle’s USB port. Within seconds, the infotainment system recognizes the stick and displays the CarPlay symbol on the touchscreen. Now all you have to do is pair the iPhone with the vehicle via Bluetooth and then agree to use CarPlay on the smartphone. After that, as soon as you start the engine, the iPhone always connects automatically after less than a minute. Provided that the adapter is also plugged into the vehicle.

The wireless CarPlay experience is similar to the wired version. The user interface, as always, is intuitive. You can choose between navigation via Apple Maps or Google Maps, music streaming with Spotify or similar services, and telephony as usual. The only thing we miss is a large LED lighting that indicates an existing Bluetooth connection. There’s just a tiny blue light that’s hard to notice. The connection is largely stable in use, although minor delays may sometimes be felt.

Important: The vehicle must already support CarPlay. Vehicles with standard Wireless CarPlay do not require an adapter.

Stick for Wireless CarPlay with code is priced directly from the manufacturer tech stage 34 eurosAliexpress currently also offers models for Only 17 euros To. It’s also been reduced on Amazon for Black Week 32 euros To keep.

The CarLinkit Mini SE scores with its easy setup, compact design, and versatility in connections. For vehicles with wired CarPlay, the adapter is a useful addition to avoid annoying cable connections. It’s a shame Android Auto isn’t supported. For users with wired CarPlay, the CarLinkit Mini SE offers a practical solution that makes everyday life significantly easier – without putting too much strain on your wallet.

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