TLDR Review: Carlinkit Tbox Plus Android CarPlay Box
Pros
- •Works very well as a Wired CarPlay device, fully integrating with vehicle touchscreens like the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV infotainment system.
- •Enables streaming of popular apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Plex, and Hulu directly in the car, offering smooth video playback and good audio sync.
- •Adds offline Google account access and lets users download some apps from Google Play Store despite system limitations.
- •Supports accurate GPS and GLONASS location tracking, improving navigation experience.
- •Quick app loading and responsive user interface thanks to the ore processor and 8GB RAM.
- •Allows online upgrades to improve functionality and fix bugs.
- •Setup is fairly easy, involving simple screen adjustment and WiFi configuration.
- •Functions as a standalone Android 13.0 system that can connect Android phones using the car’s CarPlay display.
- •Provides fulcreen Apple CarPlay on compatible vehicles, expanding infotainment usability.
- •Reliable for iar media streaming, with no major buffering issues reported.
Cons
- •SIM card detection is unreliable, requiring multiple reboots and sometimes a device replacement to fully resolve connectivity problems.
- •Android boots before the modem, causing initial 4G connection failures that cannot be fixed by toggling airplane mode.
- •Cannot fully use Google Play Store due to missing Google Services framework ID, limiting app downloads to sideloading with a security risk.
- •Using the device disables native Apple CarPlay functionality, resulting in loss of integrated navigation, messaging, and calendar syncing.
- •Occasional sound delay reported during media playback.
- •Requires unplugging after car shutdown to avoid battery drain.
- •Poor instructions and lack of convenient physical controls (like switching between phones) make user operation less intuitive.
- •No pin provided to switch modes manually, which complicates Android Auto and CarPlay toggling.
- •Mixed success with iPhone connection and full Android infotainment usage.
- •Only compatible with car displays, no support for external monitors or computers.
Bottom Line
The Carlinkit Tbox Plus is a powerful Android 13.0 CarPlay Box that excels at turning your wired CarPlay system into a full media streaming powerhouse with apps like Netflix and YouTube, especially if you want to watch while parked. However, be ready for some quirks — SIM card connectivity can be flaky and native Apple CarPlay features disappear while the device is active, which may be a dealbreaker for daily drivers relying on navigation and messaging. Also, the limited Google Play Store access means you’ll be doing some sideloading hacks, which isn’t ideal for everyone. If you want similar functionality but prioritize reliability and seamless Google app access, you might want to explore alternatives known for better cellular support or official Google service compatibility. For now, this device is best for tech-savvy users who value media streaming plus Android features over flawless CarPlay integration.
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