iNAV 12.3” Display - installed and review

[0000 RS5]

So when your other car is a 2023 Ram 1500 with a massive 12” touchscreen tablet infotainment system with wireless CarPlay, what do you do with the tiny little non-touchscreen pop up in the RS3 that you have to plug your phone into every time. Well, you replace it with a ginormous 12.3” fixed mount touchscreen Android based system.









First Impressions. Yes, it is big. iNAV makes a 10.25” version as well, which is probably fine for most people, but I’m happy with the oversized 12.3” display. I really like it so far. The 1920x720 display is excellent. It’s very snappy with no lags on display or interactions. The shell of the unit is high quality plastic. The texture of the filler piece is a pretty close match to the dash. It fits well and looks like it could have been there from the factory. Installation is pretty straightforward. The harness that the unit comes with is plug and play and sits between the existing Audi unit in the glovebox. I will not go into the full details in this post as it is virtually the same as the RSNAV installation. But here are a few pictures.







The unit itself is Android 13 based and has an app to connect to your mobile phone via USB connection or wirelessly. The iNAV unit also allows access to the original Audi MMI interface. It’s on the car’s CAN bus, and can run a virtual dashboard app that shows speed and rpm, etc. I have not spent a lot of time with the system and do not believe that I have gone through everything yet. I have connected Apple CarPlay both through USB and wirelessly. I will be using wireless CarPlay most of the time.

The larger display is great. It is a touchscreen, but the MMI controls still work. When accessing the original Audi MMI screens, only the MMI controls work. Meaning no touchscreen controls in the Audi menus.

There are several boot options, OEM, Android, or last selected. OEM and last selected show the Audi MMI boot screen allow very quick access to the original Audi MMI screens. Booting to the Android system allows you to select one of the iNAV splash screens or a custom image. Booting to Android is a bit slower. Which is technically beneficial when using the last selected option. It takes about 15 seconds or so to load. I am using the last selected option. This allows me to select and change my drive mode using the MMI and then automatically load CarPlay for me (since that was the last screen I was on when the system was turned off). After the Android system boots it automatically loads the CarPlay interface, which takes about another 5 seconds, and audio resumes.

To swap back to the base Android system, you can either select the Car tile in CarPlay or press the MMI menu button on the center console. You can access the Audi MMI screens by either selecting the Car Info app or simply by pressing any of the 4 MMI buttons on the center console (NAV, Phone, Radio, or Media). Media is the easiest, since it does not change anything. All of the center console MMI controls function normally in this mode. To return to the Android system, simply press the touchscreen. In any mode, when you select reverse the Audi rear camera display is shown immediately.







There are several display selections to choose from to select the resolution for the Audi MMI screens. The one I believe I was supposed to choose would have been a half screen version. The unit displays other car data on the right side of the screen to fill the unused space. I chose a different resolution option to allow for a bigger rear camera display. In the version I chose, it occasionally some additional ‘noise’ in black space on the far right of the screen (unused space). It is also slightly stretched, but I preferred that over the smaller display.

12.3" iNAV Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 Android 13 - 8G RAM + 128G ROM (8 Core) - WIFI/4G/LTE

Took about 6 weeks to arrive from Hong Kong, shipped with DHL.










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[0000 RS5]

Other random issues (edited)

1. On the virtual cockpit, the audio always shows as “Ext. audio player” where CarPlay or radio song information is shown normally. Since the iNAV unit uses the external audio connection, this is always shown when playing anything through the unit. Radio and other sources work the same as before, which is great. But most of the time it will end up showing Ext. audio player since I will be on CarPlay 99% of the time. If you change to one of the other Audi audio sources, you need to reselect the external audio device to use any audio source from the iNAV unit

2. Not sure if this is a bug or there is a setting to adjust this. But anytime an Audi MMI screen is accessed, playback from CarPlay is stopped. Note: this does not apply to the rear-view camera automatic popup.

3. The volume and Audi Drive Select overlays no longer show up. For the drive mode, it doesn’t matter that much since I generally make my selection first thing while the Audi MMI display is shown, as stated earlier, and you can always see the drive mode changing on the virtual cockpit.

4. When CarPlay is connected (either through Wifi or USB), the Android system cannot connect to the phone to share an internet connection. You can either get a sim card for the unit, so it can have it's own cell connection, or disconnect from CarPlay and use your phone as a hotspot. I may do the latter from time to time, but I will be using CarPlay 99% of the time.

5. It does not look like the Android Bluetooth phone connection is active while CarPlay is connected. Similar to the previous item.

6. Are the Android auto tiles configurable (remove or reorder)? Support claims these are fixed. Not sure if this is true, but I don't have an Android phone to confirm or deny.

Occasional ‘noise’ on the MMI screens.


PhoneLink splash screen (while connecting to phone)


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[nate.co]

Nice! Curious on differences from the RSNAV I've got.

On the Android Auto question -- you can customize the icons. On your phone, go to System Settings -> search for Android Auto -> Android Auto Settings -> Customize Launcher

[0000 RS5]

Nice! Curious on differences from the RSNAV I've got.

On the Android Auto question -- you can customize the icons. On your phone, go to System Settings -> search for Android Auto -> Android Auto Settings -> Customize Launcher

Your write up on the RSNAV unit sent me down this path. It would be interesting to compare them side by side.

Regarding the Android Auto customization, I don’t have an Android phone. So…


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[signde]

nice! thanks for sharing. that thing looks massive haha.

regarding this:

"Have not been able to have the Android system pick up an internet connection from the PhoneLink connection while CarPlay is connected"

i would say this is likely because wireless carplay uses point to point wifi. the connection starts as an initial bluetooth handshake, then ios moves it over to a direct wifi connection. your phone can't handle being a hotspot and connected to another wifi connection at the same time.

i'm not positive this is the issue, but that's my guess. you could try the phone wired and see if it works then.

[0000 RS5]

nice! thanks for sharing. that thing looks massive haha.

regarding this:

"Have not been able to have the Android system pick up an internet connection from the PhoneLink connection while CarPlay is connected"

i would say this is likely because wireless carplay uses point to point wifi. the connection starts as an initial bluetooth handshake, then ios moves it over to a direct wifi connection. your phone can't handle being a hotspot and connected to another wifi connection at the same time.

i'm not positive this is the issue, but that's my guess. you could try the phone wired and see if it works then.

Thanks. It looks like you are probably right. When I turned off the automatic connection to the phone, I was able to connect using the phone’s WiFi connection. I do not want to have to plug in the phone, so even that did work, it is not worth it to me. If for some reason I did need to use the Android apps, I know how to get internet now. It would be nice for CarPlay to be able to share internet access back over the WiFi connection though.


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[0000 RS5]

Another minor note. It is very good at reconnecting to CarPlay every time. Though it does seem to connect twice every time. It connects once and then reconnects about 15 seconds later. From there it has been very stable. I’ve only noticed one minor playback gap due to wireless CarPlay in the first week of use.


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[Acerxz]

Now that you've had it for a bit, do you think it's too big or just right.

[0000 RS5]

It may not be for everyone, but I love it


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[murph3699]

Did you add the GPS splitter, external mic, aux cable or USB extender?

[0000 RS5]

Did you add the GPS splitter, external mic, aux cable or USB extender?

I did not use any of those.

I do plan on installing gps splitter. I used the separate gps antenna that came with it the unit initially. But since I mounted it below the display unit, it doesn’t work that well.

I have not tested the mic enough to know how well it is working and/or if it needs the external mic. I do plan on testing this a bit more before I install the gps splitter.

And I didn’t feel the need to do the extra work of running the usb extender or the aux cable.


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[murph3699]

I use Carplay primarily too. How is this for calls and music audio quality?

[Skunkwerx]

Thanks to Nate.CO and 0000 RS5 leading the way on their RSNAV and iNav installs... I also installed one this past weekend.

10.25" iNav unit / no upgraded back up cam / 8GB unit

Thoughts so far:
-Instructions are thin at best with the iNav unit from 4x4shop.ca (Thanks for the pointers 0000 RS5)
-Install not terribly difficult if you take your time and use the right tools (3 - 4 hrs)
-No cutting or manual joining of wires. Only unplugging and reconnecting using adaptor harness and new GPS and 4G screw in plugs
-Display is bright and clean.

Slightly difficult points but not show stoppers (for me):
- Knowing the correct pry points to release then lift existing display unit loose and out from dash top (until I was given advice)
- Deciding where to exactly put the Mic, 4G antenna and GPS antenna... (wasn't given GPS splitter or didn't see option to purchase when I bought... see it now)
- Wrestling with the loose glove box and the CD unit whilst trying to unplug / replug cable harness
- Fishing the new cable harness (and extra plugs) inside the dash from the unit to the CD Unit. (fish tape was helpful)

The unit basically has three modes (areas) that you can switch back and forth to on the fly:
-Carplay
-Android - Settings, Android Apps, Google store
-MMI screen (what you're used to seeing - vehicle settings, radio etc)

Carplay Thoughts thus far (iPhone user):
-Wireless Carplay connects after about 30 or so secs and Snapdragon 662 unit is pretty fast without lag. No noticeable sacrifices using wireless Carplay on this unit. Everything is working like before for me (maps, phone, text). Except the car notes that audio is coming in from Aux in and doesn't affect audio experience at all. Test phone call made and other party didn't note any change in voice quality. Unsure if OEM cabin mic or added one from unit is being used or superseded.

Android thoughts:
- If you're an Android user... similar phone / tablet settings screen and eco system. Google play store, Chrome already installed. Need separate wifi / internet connection to connect to the world.
You cannot tether internet from connected iPhone's connection to access internet while in Android mode.. Unkown if this is the same connecting an Android phone.

Android experiments ongoing:
- Installed a $20 15GB monthly prepaid SIM in the unit's 4G tray and got a cellular connection working for data.
- Installed YouTube, YouTubeTV, YouTubeMusic, Plex to test and could stream reliably (in my area) with video whilst in motion (check your local laws). Looked and sounded great.

Quirks I noticed thus far:
Carplay: Nothing yet.
Android mode: is not holding onto correct system date and time. (But shows correct date and time while in Carplay mode) RESOLVED - via Android menu setting
MMI: Display of vehicle and menus was cropped initially after installed...entered factory settings and switched to correct it.
Phone calls only - have to manually switch (on iPhone) from "carplay to audimmi" to hear cabin audio and mic to work. May be just a setting somewhere or iNav mic interfering.

One item of many still to test:
Evening auto dimming - Update: Tested and working however when video is being played whilst driving (check your local laws).. its bright and attention grabbing.

[murph3699]

Where did you mount the mic? Let us know on the auto dimming. Its those little details that make a big difference

[Skunkwerx]

Where did you mount the mic? Let us know on the auto dimming. Its those little details that make a big difference

Mic was installed easily and temporarily on the back of the steering wheel neck (not visible to driver or passenger) however based upon testing before and after buttoning up cabling, it doesn't appear to be utilized for phone calls. Meaning the iNav unit appears to be using the OEM cabin mic for calls. However, I'm going to disconnect it (the iNav unit's mic) to test further as there is a quirk in what Bluetooth connection ("carplay vs audimmi") that I need to be in (on the iPhone) for only calls. Hard to explain... but I'll follow up with a visual later once I've figured it out. Cabin audio and mic works once I switch to "audimmi" for calls only. I'm not on the phone whilst driving much so this is not a top priority item day to day and will be a weekend tinker and experiment task.

I resolved the issue of the system date and time not holding between power on and off via the Android / System settings menus.

Still reviewing:
Auto dimming—I am still attempting to determine if the unit can and will "auto dim" in the evening. There is a setting in the Android and iNav factory system menus, however, I'm am trying to determine if they work in tandem or if one supersedes the other. Just taking my time making setting changes between drives and days. Update:Auto dimming works (I believe associated to headlights being on rather than a light sensor... just still appears very bright when video is being played back. This should be a given with brightness and in a dark cabin at night.

[murph3699]

Mic was installed easily and temporarily on the back of the steering wheel neck (not visible to driver or passenger) however based upon testing before and after buttoning up cabling, it doesn't appear to be utilized for phone calls. Meaning the iNav unit appears to be using the OEM cabin mic for calls. However, I'm going to disconnect it (the iNav unit's mic) to test further as there is a quirk in what Bluetooth connection ("carplay vs audimmi") that I need to be in (on the iPhone) for only calls. Hard to explain... but I'll follow up with a visual later once I've figured it out. Cabin audio and mic works once I switch to "audimmi" for calls only. I'm not on the phone whilst driving much so this is not a top priority item day to day and will be a weekend tinker and experiment task.

I resolved the issue of the system date and time not holding between power on and off via the Android / System settings menus.

Still reviewing:
Auto dimming—I am still attempting to determine if the unit can and will "auto dim" in the evening. There is a setting in the Android and iNav factory system menus, however, I'm am trying to determine if they work in tandem or if one supersedes the other. Just taking my time making setting changes between drives and days.

Thank you! I appreciate the update. You're my test subject lol

[0000 RS5]

Confirming that the auto dimming function works fine.


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[murph3699]

Did that bracket, that is used to connect the vent screws to the bottom of the INAV, come with the unit?

[0000 RS5]

Did that bracket, that is used to connect the vent screws to the bottom of the INAV, come with the unit?

Yes, it did.


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[murph3699]

Yes, it did.


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I ended up with the RSNAV and no bracket! There was nothing in the instructions so wasn't sure. Thank you

[0000 RS5]

I ended up with the RSNAV and no bracket! There was nothing in the instructions so wasn't sure. Thank you

That sucks. A small piece, but pretty important.


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[MontereyJake]

I installed the 10" iNAV in 2011 A5 with Concert radio. I can't figure out how to increase volume when playing (e.g. Spotify). All the way up is not loud enough with top down. But if I switch to OEM radio, the volume will break my ears. Any ideas on what I am missing?

[Twenty]

Recently installed this unit to upgrade from an older unit that was discontinued and running Android 11. Question for others that have installed this unit; how is the audio quality? I have the Aux out connected to the AMI Aux In on the vehicle and get terrible feedback. I ended up turning down the Aux In volume through the vehicles MMI interface which helped the feedback however the quality sucks. It is very mono and flat and everything I’ve done both through the MMI and android unit doesn’t seem to affect it. When I switch back to AM/FM or even plug in a different device to the AMI Aux it sounds great. I’ve also tested the android unit against a soundbar with the Aux input and it sounds terrible there as well. Anyone else experiencing poor sound quality?

[Twenty]

I installed the 10" iNAV in 2011 A5 with Concert radio. I can't figure out how to increase volume when playing (e.g. Spotify). All the way up is not loud enough with top down. But if I switch to OEM radio, the volume will break my ears. Any ideas on what I am missing?

From the Android menu go to settings > Volume > and then it should be under media or something. Not OEM. And from there you can increase the aux volume.

[Twenty]

Fixed my issue with the help of the 4x4shop.ca. Ended up needing to disconnect the filter/fuse box and use the jumper cable and then disconnect the 3 pin connector that is inline to the AUX cord on the power harness. No more issues with feedback and the sound quality is back to what I expected.

[MontereyJake]

Thx for your replies Twenty. I have already got that volume up as high (40) as it will go.
It almost sounds like not all of the speakers are working in aux (but are great on OEM radio). There were some external speaker wires on the iNAV harness. I don't have external speakers so I left those unattached to anything. Instructions are pretty ambiguous. Guess I'll have to try 4x4 Shop again.

[0000 RS5]

Glad you got it sorted out. I wouldn’t have been able to help you with that.


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[Altecice]

Sorry to post on an older thread but fantastic writeup.
I'm in the market for am 8V RS3 myself and one thing that has put me off is the outdated infotainment display! Nice to see such a well written review of a replacement unit. I just have a few questions if you would be open to answering them.

How are you finding the this particular unit a few months in, still working as you like/any issues?
What "options" did you buy and actually use when purchasing this unit? (they offer a lot of things like external mics etc)
Can you see with that massive 12.3" display in the way! (Hahah) I was thinking about buying the 10.5" on myself.

Many thanks!

[Skunkwerx]

Sorry to post on an older thread but fantastic writeup.
I'm in the market for am 8V RS3 myself and one thing that has put me off is the outdated infotainment display! Nice to see such a well written review of a replacement unit. I just have a few questions if you would be open to answering them.

How are you finding the this particular unit a few months in, still working as you like/any issues?
What "options" did you buy and actually use when purchasing this unit? (they offer a lot of things like external mics etc)
Can you see with that massive 12.3" display in the way! (Hahah) I was thinking about buying the 10.5" on myself.

Many thanks!

I’ll post some thoughts as I followed “0000 RS5”’s lead on this thread. I went with the 10.5 unit and it’s perfectly fine for my needs, bigger than stock unit but doesn’t feel like its blocking view.
After months in and daily use I have the following opinion on the features / APPS that I wanted to use and still use. (See my previous post above for some context)
- Android Apps and Video in Motion - YouTubeTV, YouTube Plex, IPTV (via googleplay apps) for my passengers to enjoy video on longer drives or me just listening to TV news as I drive. (check your local laws)
See my note regarding tethering internet in my previous post. I’m using a cheap prepaid data SIM (placed in SIM tray) to stream in Android mode.
- Otherwise, I’m usually in wireless Carplay mode via iPhone without issue, streaming music.

[0000 RS5]

Sorry to post on an older thread but fantastic writeup.
I'm in the market for am 8V RS3 myself and one thing that has put me off is the outdated infotainment display! Nice to see such a well written review of a replacement unit. I just have a few questions if you would be open to answering them.

How are you finding the this particular unit a few months in, still working as you like/any issues?
What "options" did you buy and actually use when purchasing this unit? (they offer a lot of things like external mics etc)
Can you see with that massive 12.3" display in the way! (Hahah) I was thinking about buying the 10.5" on myself.

Many thanks!

Thanks. Aside from the issues mentioned above, I have still been really happy with this unit. To be fair, all I use it for is wireless Apple CarPlay. And yes, still really like my massive 12.3” screen, that I can see over. Though I am 6’ tall…

And here was what I ordered.

Steering wheel on?: Left Hand Drive (USD$0.00)
Display size: 12.3 inch (USD$60.00)
Hardware: Qualcomm Snapdragon Android 13 - 6G RAM + 128G ROM (8 Core) - WIFI & 3G/4G/LTE capability (USD$60.00)
* I really did not need this with what I am using it for
Used: North America and Argentina
Optional external microphone with the noise cancellation: Yes (USD$14.00)
* I did not end up using this mic
FREE SPECIAL OFFER - Do you want your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functions?:
FREE SPECIAL OFFER - Built in wireless Apple CarPlay & wired Android Auto
Dash Cam Recorder?: No
Backup Camera?: No - I do not need a backup camera or My car is already equipped with backup camera / 360 camera (USD$0.00)
Front Parking Camera?: No, I do not need a front camera (USD$0.00)
ANDROID Rear Entertainment Systems?: No
3.5mm Jack Female AUX Input Cable?: No, I already have one (USD$0.00)
AUDI radio removal keys?: Yes (USD$19.00)
WIFI OBD2 adapter for Torque: No (USD$0.00)
GPS antenna splitter?: Yes (USD$17.00)
DAB+ USB Hub: No (USD$0.00)
USB extension: Yes one USB extension (USD$10.00)
Installation Tool Kit?: Yes (USD$35.00)
Automotive Circuit Tester P50: No (USD$0.00)
12v Fast Charger & USB (Charging / Sync) Cable: No (USD$0.00)
LIVE technical support?: No - I prefer email tech support (USD$0.00)
LIVE installation guidance?: No (USD$0.00)


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[Altecice]

Edit: In between reading your reply Skunkwerx and writing this one, the man himself replied... Most of this is probably already answered now



Thanks for the reply, very helpful :)

The only thing I will really use it for is just a larger, touch screen controlled, higher resolution wireless Apple Carplay. pleased to hear its working for you with no issues. I will no doubt be picking one up for my RS3.

Just a few more questions if I may:
* Does the audio stop with the reverse camera popup?
* Do you have a picture of your 10.5" unit? I am thinking along the same lines (12" would be too big!)
* Do you still use that external mic or just ditch it and keep using the internal car mic(s) ?
* What "options did you purchase along with the unit its self? (I see there are removal kits, external mics, AUX splitters) I'm unsure what you actually "need".

I see they actually offer a Pro+ version now. Looks to only come in the larger 12.5" with the newer Snapdragon CPU inside of it... Probably not worth it for only Apple Carplay usage.
https://www.4x4shop.ca/products/pro-...usb-multimedia



Many thanks!

[0000 RS5]

Good question about the audio when going into reverse. Since the system takes a little bit to get going, I have usually finished reversing before the audio starts. But i intentionally tried this last night. It has the same functionality as the stock system. The audio volume reduces automatically when going into reverse.


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