There was a time when driving my older car felt like stepping back in time the moment I turned the key. I remember feeling disconnected, fumbling with my phone for directions or trying to find a playlist without taking my eyes off the road. It wasn’t just inconvenient; it felt genuinely unsafe. The lack of modern connectivity and safety features like a dash cam or backup camera in older vehicles creates a real challenge, and I knew I needed a solution that didn’t involve ripping out my entire dashboard. Finding a way to integrate essential technology without permanent modifications was crucial.
If you’re driving an older vehicle and feeling left behind by modern car technology, you’re probably considering options to bring it up to speed. Portable car screens like the TERUNSOUl Carplay Screen for Car are designed specifically to solve the problem of missing infotainment features. They offer a way to access navigation, music, calls, and messaging safely and conveniently.
The ideal candidate for a portable unit is someone who:
* Drives an older car that lacks a built-in touchscreen infotainment system, especially one without CarPlay or Android Auto.
* Doesn’t want to undertake complex, potentially expensive, or permanent modifications to their vehicle’s dashboard or wiring.
* Needs modern features like GPS, hands-free communication, and potentially safety features like dash cams or backup cameras.
* Might drive multiple vehicles and wants a solution that can be easily moved.
Who might *not* be the best fit? If your car already has a modern touchscreen with integrated CarPlay/Android Auto, this unit would be redundant. Also, if you prioritize audiophile-grade sound quality routed directly through your car’s complex audio system (and not just via AUX, FM, or Bluetooth), a full head unit replacement might offer more control, though at a much higher cost and installation complexity.
Key factors to consider before buying include:
* Compatibility: Ensure the unit supports your smartphone’s operating system (iOS for CarPlay, Android for Android Auto) and version. Check wireless compatibility if that’s important to you.
* Features: Beyond just smartphone integration, do you need a dash cam, backup camera, or phone mirroring? Make sure the portable screen includes the features you prioritize.
* Screen Quality & Size: Is the display large enough to see comfortably but not so large it obstructs your view? Is it bright and responsive?
* Audio Output Options: How will the sound from the unit connect to your car’s speakers? Look for Bluetooth, AUX, and FM transmitter options.
* Mounting: How does it attach to your dash or windshield, and will that work for your car’s layout?
Introducing the TERUNSOUl BY962D Smart Display
The TERUNSOUl BY962D is a portable 8.1″ HD touchscreen designed to bring modern infotainment and safety features to cars lacking them. It essentially acts as an external hub, offering wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration, built-in dash cam capabilities, and support for a backup camera. The promise here is a plug-and-play upgrade that gives you access to crucial smartphone functions and driving security without needing complex installation or permanent modifications.
When you purchase the BY962D, it typically includes the main 8.1″ touchscreen unit, a 4K front dash camera integrated into the unit itself, a 1080P wired backup camera, necessary cables (Type-C to cigarette lighter, AUX cable, camera cables), a 128GB TF card (often pre-installed), and mounting hardware (suction cup and adhesive bracket).
Compared to the integrated systems found in many newer vehicles, this is a portable solution. It doesn’t replace your existing car stereo but augments it. It’s a step up from simply using a phone mount for navigation, providing a larger, dedicated touch interface and adding camera functionality that phone-only setups lack. It’s ideal for those with older cars or leased vehicles where permanent changes aren’t feasible or desired. It’s likely not for someone seeking the deep vehicle integration or complex audio tuning capabilities a full head unit replacement offers, but for bringing core smartphone and camera features into an older car, it’s a strong contender.
Here are some pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
* Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly.
* Large, bright, and responsive 8.1″ HD touchscreen.
* Integrated 4K dash cam and included 1080P backup camera add significant value and safety features.
* Multiple audio output options (AUX, FM, Bluetooth, built-in speaker) offer flexibility.
* Installation is truly plug-and-play with simple mounting options.
* Includes a 128GB TF card out of the box.
Cons:
* The built-in speaker is functional but basic; you’ll want to route audio through your car’s system for music/calls.
* Camera placement relies on mounting location (dash/windshield), which might not be optimal for everyone.
* Customization options for the interface are somewhat limited compared to factory systems or full Android head units.
Diving Deep into the TERUNSOUl Carplay Screen’s Features
After spending a considerable amount of time with the TERUNSOUl Carplay Screen, I can confidently say its feature set is robust, especially for a portable device. Let’s break down the key components and how they perform in real-world use.
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
This is the absolute core of the portable touchscreen car stereo. Getting wireless CarPlay and Android Auto in a car that didn’t originally have it is a game-changer. Setup was incredibly simple – just connect via Bluetooth initially, and the screen automatically connects to your phone’s Wi-Fi for the wireless projection every time you start the car. In my experience, the connection is reliable and quick, usually establishing within seconds of the device powering on.
The interface is exactly what you’d expect if you’ve ever used factory-installed CarPlay or Android Auto. It mirrors the essential apps from your phone onto the 8.1″ display – Maps (Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps), Music (Spotify, Apple Music, podcasts), Calls, Messages, and more. Having these accessible on a large, dedicated screen is infinitely better than trying to manage them on a small phone display mounted awkwardly. The touch sensitivity is good, and navigating through menus feels smooth. Voice control via Siri or Google Assistant is supported, allowing hands-free control for navigation, sending texts, or making calls, which significantly enhances safety while driving. This feature alone justifies the existence of the car stereo display for many users.
Integrated 4K Dash Cam
The fact that this device includes a built-in 4K dash cam is a huge bonus. It’s not just an infotainment screen; it’s also a crucial safety and security tool. The dash cam is integrated into the main unit, typically facing forward through the windshield. It automatically starts recording when the device powers on. The 4K resolution provides impressive detail, making it much easier to capture license plates or other important information in the event of an incident compared to lower-resolution cameras.
The included 128GB TF card is generous and allows for a considerable amount of loop recording before it starts overwriting old footage. You can access the recorded videos directly on the screen or, more conveniently, via the dedicated mobile app. This feature provides invaluable peace of mind, knowing that your drives are being recorded, which can be vital evidence for insurance claims or disputes.
1080P Backup Camera
Parking an older car, especially larger vehicles, without a backup camera can be stressful. The included 1080P backup camera easily connects to the portable Carplay unit. While installation requires running a wire from the back of the car to the main unit, it’s far simpler than integrating a camera into a factory head unit. Once installed (typically mounting above the license plate or on the rear bumper), the screen automatically switches to the rearview camera view when you shift into reverse. The 1080P resolution provides a clear picture, significantly reducing blind spots and making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much safer and easier. This is a feature I didn’t realize how much I needed until I had it.
8.1″ HD Touchscreen Display
The display itself is a major highlight. The 8.1″ size strikes a great balance – it’s large enough to comfortably view navigation maps, see incoming calls, or select music without squinting, but not so massive that it blocks your view of the road (depending on mounting location, of course). The 1600×600 resolution provides clear and sharp visuals. Crucially, the screen is bright enough to be easily visible even in direct sunlight, which is essential for a device mounted on the dashboard or windshield. The touch sensitivity is very good; touches register accurately and quickly, making the interface a pleasure to use while driving.
Real-Time GPS Navigation
While the TERUNSOUl smart display doesn’t have built-in offline maps, it provides real-time GPS navigation by utilizing map apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Sygic from your connected phone via CarPlay or Android Auto. This is arguably the most common reason people want a modern car screen. Having these apps displayed prominently on the 8.1″ screen, with turn-by-turn directions spoken through your car’s speakers (when routed correctly), is far superior to relying on your phone’s small screen. Traffic updates are live, and searching for destinations is simple using voice commands.
Flexible Audio Output Options
Getting the sound from the carplay screen for car into your car’s audio system is straightforward thanks to multiple options. It supports Bluetooth audio output, allowing you to stream sound wirelessly to a compatible car stereo. It also includes an AUX output, providing a wired connection to your car’s auxiliary input for potentially better sound quality than FM transmission. The built-in FM transmitter is perhaps the most universally compatible option, broadcasting the audio on an FM frequency that you tune your car radio to. While FM transmission quality can vary depending on interference, it’s incredibly convenient for cars without Bluetooth or AUX inputs. The unit also has a small built-in speaker, though this is best used for basic alerts rather than music or calls.
Phone Mirroring (AirPlay & Miracast)
Beyond CarPlay and Android Auto, the unit supports wireless phone mirroring for both iOS (AirPlay) and Android (Miracast). This feature allows you to cast your phone’s entire screen onto the portable screen. While you should *never* watch videos or use mirroring for tasks that distract from driving, it can be useful when parked. For example, you could mirror a video app like YouTube or TikTok to entertain passengers while waiting. It’s a nice added layer of functionality beyond just the core smartphone integration.
Easy Mounting and Installation
One of the biggest selling points is the ease of installation. The TERUNSOUl car display comes with two mounting methods: a retractable suction cup mount for the windshield or dashboard and a self-adhesive bracket for the dashboard. Both are easy to install and offer flexibility in placement. Power comes simply from plugging the included Type-C cable into your car’s cigarette lighter (12V) socket. The backup camera is the only part requiring slightly more effort, involving running a wire to the rear of the vehicle and connecting it to the reverse light power (optional, but recommended for automatic switching). Compared to the hours of work and potential wiring headaches involved in replacing a factory head unit, this system is incredibly user-friendly. It’s truly plug-and-play for the main functions.
Convenient Mobile App Operation
The dedicated mobile app adds another layer of convenience. While not essential for daily use of CarPlay/Android Auto, the app allows you to easily view and manage the recorded footage from the dash cam and backup camera directly on your phone. This makes it simple to review recordings without having to remove the TF card or interact extensively with the screen interface while parked.
What Other Users Are Saying
I’ve looked around online to see what experiences others have had with the TERUNSOUl 8.1″ Portable CarPlay Screen, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, echoing many of my own findings. Many users rave about the effortless plug-and-play setup and how quickly it connects wirelessly to their phones, stating it feels just like having factory-installed CarPlay or Android Auto. The inclusion and quality of the 4K dash cam and 1080P backup camera are frequently highlighted as unexpected but valuable features, greatly improving safety and convenience for older cars. People appreciate the bright, clear, and responsive touchscreen, noting its usability even in bright sunlight. The flexibility of audio output options (FM, AUX, Bluetooth) is also a big plus, ensuring compatibility with various car audio systems. The consensus is that this carplay screen provides significant modern functionality for a reasonable price, transforming older vehicles without the hassle of complex installs.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Modern Tech to Your Ride
Driving with outdated technology can range from annoying inconvenience to a genuine safety hazard, especially when it comes to navigation and communication. The complications of fumbling with a phone while driving are well-documented, and the lack of a dash cam or backup camera in older vehicles leaves you more vulnerable on the road.
The TERUNSOUl BY962D Portable Touch Screen Car Stereo offers a fantastic solution to these problems. Firstly, its seamless wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration puts essential phone functions safely onto a large, dedicated screen. Secondly, the inclusion of high-quality 4K dash cam and 1080P backup camera capabilities adds crucial safety features that are typically expensive to retrofit. Lastly, the truly plug-and-play installation means you can get these benefits in minutes without needing any technical expertise or making permanent changes to your car.
If you’re ready to upgrade your driving experience with modern connectivity, navigation, and safety features without the cost and hassle of a full stereo replacement, this smart display is absolutely worth considering. Click here to check out the TERUNSOUl BY962D !