Finding myself stuck with an outdated car stereo that offered little more than radio and basic CD playback was incredibly frustrating. Navigation required fumbling with a phone mount and squinting at a small screen, music was limited, and the complete lack of hands-free calling felt increasingly unsafe. The thought of missing important calls or, worse, getting lost or distracted while driving highlighted a problem that absolutely needed a modern solution. Something like a versatile carplay screen for car would have been a game-changer back then, offering the convenience and safety features my old system just couldn’t provide.
What to Look For in a Modern Car Display
The core problem a modern car stereo system aims to solve is the gap between older vehicle technology and today’s smartphone-driven world. For anyone driving a car that didn’t come factory-equipped with features like integrated navigation, Bluetooth audio, or smartphone mirroring, upgrading becomes essential for both convenience and safety. The ideal customer is someone who loves their current car but feels limited by its aging tech, isn’t afraid of a relatively straightforward DIY installation, and wants to access their phone’s capabilities safely on a larger screen. This kind of upgrade isn’t really for someone who already has a brand-new car with all the latest infotainment features built-in, or someone looking for a complex, multi-component audio system overhaul. If your car already supports wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto natively, a portable unit might be redundant.
Before diving into a purchase, consider a few key factors. What kind of connectivity do you need (wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, AUX)? How important is a large, clear screen? Do you want extra features like a dash cam or backup camera? Is easy installation a priority, avoiding the need to tear apart your car’s dashboard? Thinking about these needs will help narrow down the options.
Introducing the HAUXIY Q9S
Enter the HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen, model Q9S. This device positions itself as a straightforward, plug-and-play solution to bring modern smartphone integration to virtually any car without requiring complex dashboard modifications. It promises seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with built-in recording capabilities via integrated dash cams. When you purchase the HAUXIY Q9S, you typically get the 9-inch monitor, a dashboard mount, the power cord (designed to plug into a cigarette lighter), an AUX cable for audio output, a backup camera with a long cable, and often a TF card for storage.
This specific unit seems tailored for the driver who wants the core benefits of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – navigation, music streaming, hands-free calls – coupled with the added safety of driving recorders, all in an easy-to-install package. It’s perhaps not for someone who needs a deeply integrated system that controls vehicle settings or provides complex diagnostic information, but rather a user-friendly overlay bringing smartphone functionality front and center. Compared to older, more expensive double-DIN units that require professional installation and often lack wireless connectivity or built-in dash cams, a portable unit like the HAUXIY Q9S offers a modern feature set with far less hassle.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Truly plug-and-play, very easy installation.
* Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are convenient.
* Includes both a front 4K dash cam and a 1080p backup camera.
* Supports multiple audio output methods (AUX, FM, Bluetooth, local speaker).
* Built-in G-sensor and parking monitor for added security.
* Large, clear 9-inch touch screen.
Cons:
* Backup camera requires separate wiring to reverse lights for automatic activation.
* Screen can be difficult to see while wearing polarized sunglasses.
* Touchscreen responsiveness might occasionally feel slightly delayed compared to high-end factory systems.
* Audio quality relies on your car’s existing system via the chosen output method.
Diving Deeper into Features and Real-World Use
Seamless Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
The headline feature, undoubtedly, is the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. For anyone tired of fumbling with USB cables every time they get into the car, this is a revelation. The process of connecting your smartphone wirelessly is typically straightforward after the initial setup via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Once connected, the familiar interfaces of CarPlay or Android Auto appear on the 9-inch screen. This feature transforms your driving experience by putting essential phone apps – navigation (Google Maps, Waze), music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music), messaging, and calling – right at your fingertips (or accessible via voice control). The benefit is massive: reduced distraction, safer interaction with your phone’s functions, and access to up-to-date maps and entertainment without touching your phone. The wireless connection feels reliable once established, allowing you to keep your phone in your pocket or charging pad.
Integrated Dash Cam Capabilities
Having a dash cam is increasingly important for documenting journeys and providing evidence in case of an incident. The HAUXIY Q9S conveniently builds this in with a front-facing 4K camera. This means you don’t need a separate device cluttering your windshield. The 4K resolution provides sharp, detailed video recordings of the road ahead, capturing license plates and incidents clearly. The dash cam typically starts recording automatically when the unit powers on, saving footage to the included 64GB TF card. This continuous recording provides peace of mind, knowing your driving is being documented. The high resolution offers a significant advantage over standard 1080p dash cams, capturing finer details that could be crucial.
Included Backup Camera
Parking safety is enhanced significantly by the included 1080p waterproof backup camera. While installing the main portable unit is plug-and-play, getting the backup camera fully functional does require running the camera cable to the rear of the vehicle and connecting it to the reverse light wire. This triggers the backup view on the screen automatically when you shift into reverse. The 1080p resolution provides a clear image, even in lower light conditions thanks to night vision capability, making parking in tight spots much easier and safer. It includes guiding lines on the screen, which are incredibly helpful for judging distance and trajectory. While the wiring step adds a bit of complexity compared to the main unit, it’s a standard process for backup cameras and a valuable addition to the overall package.
Versatile Audio Output Options
Getting sound from the portable Apple Carplay screen into your car’s audio system is handled well by the Q9S, offering multiple methods. The included AUX cable provides the most direct connection for cars with an auxiliary input, generally offering the best audio fidelity. If you don’t have an AUX port, you can use the built-in FM transmitter feature, tuning your car’s radio to a specific frequency to pick up the audio signal. This is convenient but the sound quality can be subject to interference. Alternatively, you can rely on Bluetooth audio if your car stereo supports it, pairing the Q9S directly. The unit also has its own small built-in speaker, although this is best suited for voice prompts rather than music listening. This range of options ensures compatibility with a wide variety of vehicles, allowing you to enjoy your music, podcasts, and navigation prompts through your car’s speakers.
Collision Sensor (G-sensor) and Parking Monitor
Safety and security features extend beyond the cameras. The built-in G-sensor (collision sensor) is a standard but essential dash cam feature. In the event of a sudden impact or collision, the G-sensor automatically detects the event and locks the current video file, preventing it from being overwritten by continuous loop recording. This ensures that crucial footage of an accident is preserved. The parking monitor function adds another layer of security. When enabled and the vehicle is parked with the engine off, if the unit detects a vibration (like a bump), it can automatically wake up and record a short video clip, again locking the file. This feature requires the unit to have continuous power, which might necessitate a specific hardwiring kit (often sold separately or requiring a continuous-on cigarette lighter port), but the functionality itself is valuable for monitoring your vehicle while you’re away.
Remarkably Easy Installation
One of the biggest selling points of a car play screen for car like the HAUXIY Q9S is the ease of installation. Unlike traditional double-DIN car stereos that require removing the factory head unit, messing with wiring harnesses, and sometimes needing dash kits, this is genuinely plug-and-play for the main unit. You attach the screen to the dashboard mount, plug the power cord into your car’s cigarette lighter socket, and find a place for the power cable. That’s essentially it for getting the screen up and running with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. The simplicity makes it accessible for anyone, regardless of their technical or automotive skills. This ease of setup is a major advantage for older vehicles or leased cars where permanent modifications aren’t desirable. The included multiple monitor bases also offer flexibility in finding the best mounting position on your dashboard.
Reliable GPS Navigation
While the unit doesn’t have built-in offline maps, it leverages the GPS capabilities of your connected smartphone via Android Auto Car Stereo or Apple CarPlay. This means you get to use the navigation apps you’re already familiar with and prefer (Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, etc.) on the larger 9-inch screen. The connection to the phone is stable, resulting in accurate, real-time GPS positioning and navigation without noticeable delay. Voice prompts come through your car’s speakers (via your chosen audio output method), providing clear directions. Access to real-time traffic information and dynamic re-routing (provided by your phone’s app) is a significant upgrade over older, static navigation systems.
Clear 9-inch Display
The 9-inch touchscreen is a good size, large enough to easily see navigation details, album art, or caller information at a glance without being overly intrusive on the dashboard. The display is clear and bright, even in most lighting conditions. The capacitive touchscreen is reasonably responsive to touch input, allowing for easy interaction with the CarPlay or Android Auto interface. The clarity and size are crucial for making the system safe and effective to use while driving, minimizing the need to focus closely on the screen. While generally good, it’s worth noting the specific disadvantage mentioned by some users regarding visibility when wearing polarized sunglasses, which can make the screen appear dim or even black from certain angles.
What Other Drivers Are Saying
I’ve read through various experiences shared by others who have purchased the HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen, and the sentiment is largely positive, particularly concerning its ease of use and included features for the price. Many users highlight the simple plug-and-play setup as a major plus, making it a great way to add modern features to older cars without hassle. The wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is frequently praised for its convenience and stable performance. People appreciate the inclusion of both the front dash cam and the backup camera, seeing it as excellent value. The screen size and clarity for navigation and media are also points of satisfaction. While the backup camera wiring is sometimes noted as the only slightly complex part, the overall consensus is that this unit is an effective and affordable upgrade, bringing essential smartphone features and recording capabilities to almost any vehicle.
Is the HAUXIY Q9S Right for You?
Driving an older car shouldn’t mean sacrificing modern convenience and safety features. That feeling of being out of touch with current technology, struggling with phone mounts, or lacking essential tools like a dash cam or backup camera, is a problem the HAUXIY Q9S is designed to solve. This lack of integration can lead to distractions and less safe driving habits.
The HAUXIY Q9S addresses this by providing a straightforward, feature-rich solution. It’s a great fit because:
1. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bringing navigation, music, and communication safely onto a large screen.
2. It includes both a 4K dash cam and a 1080p backup camera, adding valuable recording and parking assistance features.
3. Its plug-and-play installation means you can upgrade your car yourself in minutes, keeping the original stereo intact.
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to modernize your driving experience with essential smartphone connectivity, recording capabilities, and parking aids, this portable carplay system is definitely worth considering. Click here to check out the HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen for Car 4K Dash Cam and see if it’s the right upgrade for your vehicle!