Retrofit CarPlay and Android Auto for only 30 euros: SD7293A car display in test

Interfaces like Mirror Link, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connect the smartphone to the car’s infotainment system. This makes it possible, for example, to use Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigation or to play music and podcasts from services like Spotify. However, older vehicles often do not have an infotainment system with a suitable interface. Retrofitting in workshops is often very expensive. An inexpensive option is the mobile car monitor, also called a car display or portable car radio.

The CarPlay Screen SD7293A falls into this category. This display is attached to the cockpit using a suction cup, like a navigation device. The display is connected to the car radio either via the AUX input – if available – or via the integrated FM transmitter. The screen sends audio signals to the car radio via radio waves. The device also supports Mirror Link as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Current screen is with coupon code J64IMFCM only on geekmaxi 30 euros Instead of being 56 euros. This test shows how well the device works.

CarPlay screen SD7293A is very compact with a diagonal of 7 inches. It has advantages when used in a small car and does not disturb the field of vision. However, it has significantly less screen space available compared to a 10-inch display like the Carpuride W103 Pro (test report). If you use the view for Spotify and Google Maps at the same time, the Maps section is quite narrow.

The workmanship appears to be of low quality and has been kept simple. The casing is made of plastic and is reminiscent of the old Fire HD7 tablet. However, this is in line with the cheaply built standard for this product category.

In addition to the display, the package includes an adapter for 12-volt power supply connection. There is also a cable with two 3.5 mm jacks for an AUX connection on the radio, and a plastic suction cup holder that can be attached to the windshield or dashboard. There is also an adapter with video input for the rear view camera that you can purchase.

The image quality of the IPS panel is good and sharp enough with a resolution of 1024×600 pixels. However, there is no automatic brightness adjustment, you have to control the brightness manually. The display isn’t particularly bright, so you should use the highest setting if you’re driving during the day. If you have a vehicle with an open roof, reflections from the sun can further reduce readability. At night you should dim the lights to avoid blindness.

Installation is incredibly easy: you insert the suction cup mount onto the back of the screen using an adapter that attaches to the mount’s ball joint. If you want to put suction cups on the fittings, you should clean them beforehand. The holder has a pull-out arm so that the display and holder can be positioned in such a way that they do not protrude into the field of vision. Although the whole thing feels a little wobbly, it remains securely in place while driving – at least on paved slopes.

The Android smartphone or iPhone is connected to the monitor via Bluetooth. can be found as screen SWL-BT In the list of available Bluetooth devices on the phone. Once pairing is established, Android Auto or Apple Carplay starts on the display. It works reliably. Every time the engine is started, it takes about half a minute for the connection between the cell phone and the screen to be established.

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Then plug the power cable into the 12-volt port and connect the screen to the radio using the cable. If the car radio does not have an AUX input, the FM transmitter integrated into the monitor comes in handy to transmit sound. It is guaranteed to work with every vehicle. Here you first set the desired radio frequency on the screen and then search for it with the radio to receive the audio signal.

Transmission via an FM transmitter is usually the worst option as it can cause interference in the transmission and the sound is usually quieter and less clear. But with this monitor it is quite the opposite. The sound through the radio wave is good, and the equalizer settings, which can be made in the device’s settings, also come in handy here. With a cable connection, these are ignored; The settings on the car radio are important here.

Very strange: the speaker integrated into the screen remains active even when connected by cable. You have to switch it off in Settings. The thing that is really annoying when using an AUX cable is the noticeable noise, including hissing and crackling. The sound quality is quite poor and quiet compared to FM transmitters. A small adapter – also called a noise filter – can help here. It costs on Aliexpress only 1 euroFor example on Amazon 8 eurosThe sound was finally clear and noise-free. If you don’t want to make this investment, we recommend connecting via radio wave.

The screen also has a USB input. Here you can play media from a USB stick or connect the phone to a monitor. It also has a slot for microSD card. If you use Mirror Link, you can also mirror video from your smartphone to the monitor – please not while driving! The screen also works as a hands-free device – it has an integrated microphone. However, the person calling does not always understand you well.

The Home screen also includes some “apps” – like Calendar. But what exactly we should do with it is a mystery to us. If you’re in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto mode, you can return to the main settings screen via a round icon on the right edge.

Regular price with coupon code is 56 euros (RRP: 65 euros) J64IMFCM Display price only on geekmaxi 30 eurosIt’s an absolute deal!

with CarPlay Screen SD7293A GeekMaxi allows you to retrofit both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into your old vehicle at a competitive price. The monitor also supports mirror link. With a compact format with a diagonal of 7 inches, the device does not interfere with the field of vision and is a good choice, especially for a small car.

The assembly and coupling work smoothly. The car radio has an integrated FM transmitter and an AUX output to transmit sound. Unfortunately, when connecting via an AUX cable, there is a very annoying noise that can only be eliminated with an adapter with a noise filter. However, the radio wave connection works well. Like all devices of this type, the workmanship does not inspire confidence. But considering the price, it’s more than okay, which makes this product an easy buy.