ATOTO F7-XE 8 Inch Single Din Car Head Unit -Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto

I review the ATOTO F7-XE Linux based head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
USA:
Amazon US store: www.amazon.com...
F7G1A8XE Car Stereo: amzn.to/3K2JzO0
6% discount code: ATOTOUS6
UK:
Amazon UK store: www.amazon.co....
F7G1A8XE Car Stereo: amzn.to/3nQ44Ez
6% discount code: ATOTOBT2
A word from Stu-
Saab Unleashed is a channel which started over lockdown and has evolved into a mixture of Saab-related shinanigans, car infotainment stuff and in-car tech reviews.
I've been doing these reviews for a couple of years now. The reviews are always based on my personal opinion and are NOT paid for by the manufacturers. This should be fairly obvious because I always talk about any negative points of products.
Sometimes I buy head units to review; sometimes I reach out to manufacturers asking them to provide me with a head unit to review, and sometimes they reach out to me. It is important to me that everyone knows that these free products will never change the outcome of my opinion, or the head unit final scores. If there are issues, believe me, everyone will know!
My intention is to ultimately create detailed, honest and matter-of-fact reviews for consumers and enthusiasts, not advertisements for the manufacturers.
Nowadays, I try to use affiliate links in the video descriptions wherever possible. Most of them are not affiliate links, but there are some, such as those directing to Amazon or eBay. This means that if you use one of my links to buy something, I might receive somewhere between 1-5% of the value of your purchase from the retailer (obviously no cost to you).
I set this up because running this channel costs money via video editing software, music licencing, (not to mention buying head units and most of my evenings and weekends!) and I don't get paid for the reviews.
Anyway, I appreciate all of my viewers and subscribers and I am open to any suggestions you might have for me to improve the content.

[@atomicorang]

Are you the narrator for wiki test videos? You are a natural.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Sorry to say, 38 seconds to boot up is not really that fast. I'm guessing on subsequent bootups it's much faster because it goes into sleep mode when you shut down? Also, does the vehicle integration A) require a canbus decoder box and B) support climate control information like current temperature setting?

[@Anotherslowclio]

I’m sold! This looks just mint

[@mcb9644]

Nice video i just bought it today, it feels lagy when you scroll isen’t it ?

[@kenselleck2414]

Is there a cable to mount the screen remotely? I am getting the 10.1" screen version of this radio and a 3' cable extension would make the install much easier.

[@GodisGreatt]

Another great vlog! 👍🏽 This is a very nice head unit. The steering wheel integration is a plus! Do you have any suggestions for someone that would prefer not to remove the OEM radio? I’m curious as to what you would suggest as alternative options to installing head units. TFS

[@atomicorang]

Are you the dude who does Wiki top 5 items on the web? Your voice sounds familiar.

[@hectorraigosa7149]

A 7 inch single din motorized touch screen is better with those features and then some. Flush installation..

[@desmondwai2822]

hi , what does it mean mosfet output?

[@michaelawude4247]

Hi I need a head unit with DAB radio for Hyundai i800, iLoad. Any recommendations that will fit?

[@reubybenson8653]

Did you need to purchase a separate steering wheel control kit for it to work? Or it connected seamlessly to the factory steering wheel controls?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Depends on the car. This 9-3 needs a seperate CANbus decoder

[@bigtg42]

Do you know what the voltage is on the RCA’s ? Is it on the Manual ? Thank you in advance

[@SuperWhisper81]

Hallo.Can U review some Mekede unit?

[@officialWWM]

I just ordered the S8 Pro. I’m curious why android auto isn’t wireless and CarPlay is 🤔 Obviously, wireless AA is possible, cause this unit has it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SaabUnleashed]

It will be able to do Android Auto wirelessly even if it doesn't do it out of the box. But you should really consider not using it and using the Android head unit in it's original form

[@officialWWM]

@@SaabUnleashed that’s probably what I’ll do. Using AA on a device that already runs Android seems a little redundant.

[@jakedeutscher]

How did you get the Saab logo on boot up? That’s cool.

[@SaabUnleashed]

It's an option, I show how to do it in the video

[@DerBadi]

Ist this unit able to show for eg netflix content as you are driving for your co passengers? How do inconnect the existing speakers ? Ist there a specific cable for it ? I own an Oldtimer and looking for a sution. Thanks

[@SaabUnleashed]

This is not an Android head unit so it cannot be used for Netflix

[@stangbang100]

What did you like better this or the S8?

[@SaabUnleashed]

100% the S8

[@NowWeEats]

Can you access KZbin or web pages from the head unit? Because that would solve 90% of my problems

[@SaabUnleashed]

No, you need an Android head unit for that

[@rltco123]

I have been pricing the cost of installing the ATOTO ultra S8 7" double din in a 2003 Boxster. The prices here in the USA are very high. Would you be able to give me some idea of the installation hours involved?

[@NachoChurro]

Installing for me took about 4 hours in one go. I soldered everything and made sure the harness was neat and tidy, so it might take less time for you. Just be careful with softtouch material on dashboard and these sharp metal adapter plates.

[@oruisuu9131]

Does this unit have a built in amplifier?

[@SaabUnleashed]

All head units have a built in amplifier

[@oruisuu9131]

I asked because I couldn’t get sound out of mine I should be receiving a replacement this week this would be the third unit they send me 😑 I ran direct wires to the unit and got new speakers

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@oruisuu9131 three seperate units? OK well there's clearly something wrong there, probably a bad batch. Or you're accidentally blowing them up every time without knowing :)

[@oruisuu9131]

Shoot the first one burnt out because they had the accessory switched with the constant 12v now the one I just sent back worked fine just no audio that’s the reason why I purchased the new speakers and did direct wires to the unit so hopefully 3rd times the charm 🥺

[@oruisuu9131]

I also did test each speaker with a battery pack from my electric ratchet and it does seem to work it’s been a pain I swear lol

[@fordcasino2932]

RAM SIZE..???

[@SaabUnleashed]

It's not an Android head unit, RAM is not relevant

[@DC-pv3yh]

So this or the s8 single din??! Anyone with input?

[@SaabUnleashed]

100% the S8.

[@stinkletoes8285]

Are you able to install chrome and browse?...or being linux based not allow this?

[@SaabUnleashed]

No, you can't do anything like that on this head unit

[@stinkletoes8285]

@@SaabUnleashed Thanks for reply bud!

[@tatan321]

I’ve had this head unit for sometime, and it’s been very solid. Occasionally the wireless CarPlay will hang, and I’ll need to jump out of it and back in to CarPlay. But that’s a relatively rare occurrence. Overall I’m really happy with the value for the price. Mine came with a 720p back up camera which is definitely a step above the average backup cam.

[@SaabUnleashed]

Glad to hear it

[@clevewilks4312]

@@SaabUnleashed Will it play KZbin videos

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@clevewilks4312 no, you need an android head unit for that. Have a look at the other videos on my channel

[@clevewilks4312]

@@SaabUnleashed OK thanks for your time and information

[@ricky302v8]

Notice none of these Linux head units ever mention processor, ram or rom specs.

[@theyshouldhavenevergivenme5439]

Bro: "I don't get paid" ..puts FOUR Amazon merchant links with coupon code in the description that sell out immediately. LOL ;)

[@Growler57]

Bro ?

[@aaronchaddick5154]

Does this support SiriusXM radio with an OEM antenna (2011 Hyundai Sonata) or does it need other equipment? Or not support it at all?

[@SaabUnleashed]

No support for Sirius

[@renethijssen9648]

Thanks for the great video! I currently have a very old Android head unit and I use a Carlinkit dongle for Android Auto as the head unit does not natively support Android Auto. I find the integration of AA with the head unit in combination with the Carlinkit dongle quite bad, For example: - It does not support AA's automatic day/night mode controlled by the car (headlights on/off). So I need to manually switch between these modes in AA settings itself. - When I initiate a call with AA, I get an overlay on the screen with the head unit's native phone functionality. Therefor I cannot control AA anymore while calling. - I cannot separately control the volume of the Radio, AA music, and AA navigation. - I cannot use the radio and AA at the same time. I know that a vehicle with OEM integrated AA, does not have such 'problems'. Will I also not have these 'problems' if I install the Atoto F7? Furthermore, does the Atoto F7 have a built-in microphone, or does it come with an external mic? Thanks for clarifying!

[@rossmartens]

I really like how far it pops out this is exactly what I've been looking for

[@felixdiamkilgaming1104]

For me I see not running Android as a benefit, boots faster and runs more smoothly in general

[@adidragan]

Looking at the amazon listing links, it seems to be sold as a 2-Din unit now? I can't seem to find a "F7XE" for sale that is both single-DIN and wireless android auto compatible. Shame really, seemed to be exactly what I was looking for both in terms of having physical buttons, being single din and as a bonus having wireless android auto.

[@Krakzzz]

Great Information. Hello I am looking for a recommendation of a car media GPS radio system. This will be installed in an old truck "Free" - so not in a shaft, 2Din is too clunky for me so size 1Din with screen - screen rather smaller 7 inches than too large - gladly also extendable. Unimportant is a superior sound quality - the truck makes so much noise .... There is no integration with the electronics of the car - there is no such thing Important is radio - FM if possible DAB+ and Android Auto with Handy Mirror and a fluent work of the device Handsfree would be nice to have A pure mirror screen for the cell phone is out of the question because of the radio I would also like to have a screen because of the navigation - otherwise I would just take a 1Din radio from Kennwood Can you recommend something?

[@jonathanortiz8118]

I’ve yet to look through all of the comments, but i am looking to do a complete stereo and sound overhaul on my 98 4Runner. Would i have any trouble connecting this unit to an external amp? Most other units specify that there will be no problem doing so, but i couldn’t find anything on this one specifically. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

[@jayjay378378]

Does it have dsp?

[@HamakClothing]

Hi... I have the exact same unit but wireless Android Auto doesn't work as the unit is refusing to acknowledge the wifi password. So neither wireless CarPlay nor A.Auto is working even after resetting both the unit and my phone. Do you have any idea where I can get firmware updates?

[@JoseCruz-nn1mm]

How to remove the screen

[@bleached_potato1354]

So if I were to install it in a saab 9-3 aero with single dim slot will it work

[@davidwilson581]

Was thinking the same thing of this item pushed in instead it looks quite nice and flush and not protuding that much.... 😎

[@edbenderbold3032]

Hey thanks for your videos very informative. Looking to buy this unit in the u.s. amazon doesnt seem to have much atoto anymore. anywhere else you can recommend buying one? thanks.

[@rogerwhiteley8995]

I like the look of this head unit, but am confused as the description in the Amazon Link says Double Din and yet the head unit in the video is a Single Din that takes the space of a "Double Din". Can someone clarify? I have a single din setup in my car with space below for the screen to float so this would be ideal and at an attractive price point.

[@adrianms2581]

Hello, in your opinion which brand has the best sound quality, Teyes, Xtrons or Atoto? And do you think any of these are at the level of a mid-range Pioneer? I want to buy one of them but I can't decide and I'm interested in good sound quality, thanks!!

[@Tackyauto]

Is there a way of changing the home screen to have different app shortcuts on it?

[@notbanksy8294]

Wireless Android Auto, for cheaper than a Atoto s8, that doesn't even have wireless for Android. weird.

[@NigelM18]

Sorry if I missed if you covered it. On the home screen with the clock you have the 4 apps, can you change them with the other apps? For example I want quick access to the fader that's in the eq.

[@SaabUnleashed]

No you can't change them on the F7

[@dfireballwow]

I have this one in my 1991 Toyota pickup. It dies a pretty good job. I wish it was a little louder. But I think it is my speaker. My next decision is what brand head unit do put in my 2020 Honda cr-v hybrid I've been looking at Joying and T'eyes. I like to have a 10 inch or larger. I really like T'eyes but their website is a little confusing.

[@xanpagebrown]

it'd be great for my dad to have in his van (VW T4) because he only has provisions for a single din head unit, however for my car (2010 VW Polo) it wouldn't work very well because i like it when it looks as stock as possible.

[@freddiems]

I ordered ATOTO F7 XE 7 inches. It will work like this one?

[@Phenx]

hew, what is the fastest android 2din available in the market with apple carplay?? I used one which was very laggy and it was a real pain in the assto use it..

[@SaabUnleashed]

CarPlay is just a steaming service. The main cause for lag is poor networking components and you generally won't get that with the higher end Android brands

[@TheNoim]

How dark can the display go? I currently have a alpine ilx-f903d but it is way to bright in the night, even with the lowest brightness. And the contrast sucks. Is this an issue in this unit?

[@drjd2real]

They have 3 levels of automatic brightness, but you can turn the brightness down just like your cell phone. I have the s8 premium and it sucks. The touchscreen stopped working and Atoto is giving me the runaround with the warranty. I'll probably just throw it in the trash. These units do not have good clarity. They are lying when they say 720p or qled. They are ugly from the side compared to Alpine. I don't think they can handle vibrations from a real high powered system, and the Bluetooth call quality is nowhere near Alpine. It will have a lot of glare compared to Alpine.

[@NowWeEats]

Dang man I just can't find what I'm looking for... I want a reasonable priced head unit with wireless android auto but now that I find one it's not an android so I won't get Google play store.... It seems like either I sacrifice the play store to get wireless Android auto or I spend $1,000 and get them both.....

[@SaabUnleashed]

That's not true at all. Almost every head unit I review on my channel both runs full Android and also has Android Auto. This is not an Android head unit in this video

[@NowWeEats]

@@SaabUnleashed I'm thinking I'm going to go with a refurbished ATOTO s8 Ultra for $281.00 but I'm going to attempt to offer 200 and see what happens.

[@sillyrunner1]

I have an iPhone and my wife had an android. Will this remember which phone it was last connected to or will we have to choose car play or android auto for each start? Also what happens if we both go into the car at the same time? Can you set default devices? Thanks

[@andrekrausz2407]

Thanks for the video. Are there high-pass filters for the front and rear speakers? I have 3.5 inch speakers in my dash and I don't want to run them full range.

[@SaabUnleashed]

Only the Android ATOTO units have that

[@KingdomLaz]

I'm interested in Linux headunits. Are they better (more reliable, more stable, quicker, less freezing) than Android headunits? I only plan to use Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

[@SaabUnleashed]

No, the "Linux" had units aren't better. They're just cut down, basic head units made to utilise less hardware specification. I've yet to see one that matches the sound DSP control of the high end android head units.

[@rossmartens]

This is what I'm looking for for my 86 mustang

[@JacquesLeach]

Every time I read the reviews about Atoto head units, someone mentions the issues with the unit overheating and the wiring going bad. Is this a brand wide issue or just with a certain model?

[@SaabUnleashed]

I have never had issues like that and I have multiple Atoto units

[@LittleMikeStarCraft]

I need one that sticks out like this, so nice.

[@Truth.be.told.always]

Great review! Btw how's the call quality? Been hearing mixed reviews.. Is the external microphone a necessity or is the built in one just fine?

[@ajgor1million]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH21louFm7qKpLM&ab_channel=AjgorOneMillion

[@jimmyjames3401]

Interested in this as well

[@crypt9268]

Well?

[@Truth.be.told.always]

Update! I purchased the 7 inch version about a year ago. And I will say that yes. The external microphone is a necessity. Hang it around the rear view mirror like a car freshener. The cable is long enough to connect to the radio and be moved around so it can't be seen.

[@crypt9268]

@@Truth.be.told.always is the radio good quality?

[@L4NTZ]

Seems like it would have some gaps if i try to install it in my 2005 Saab 9-3. Cause of the curves the radio has, what do you think? Would i have to carve my existing radio to make it look good?

[@SaabUnleashed]

The only aftermarket head unit that looks marginally good in that car is the Joying 8.8 inch. And don't forget the enormous amount of work required to fit anything aftermarket, I did a video

[@king11692]

Does this come with Google play

[@Babyburns]

Would you recommend getting this unit?

[@leowood1105]

What’s the distance between the unit and the back of the screen?

[@magg992008]

One of better single din head units I found, any others you can recommend?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Look at Joying and Idoing

[@trumpsmum9210]

How do you sounds like an old lady robot?

[@AlpacaV]

Can you connect a dashcam to the F7 xe?

[@escuelitadelbuc]

Very good video. Always with very interesting news. Congratulations.

[@iredialeroy7637]

Awesome review. I just order for the 10 inch of the atoto 7 xe. Now my question is, can I just hooked up with my old connection of atoto 6 pf 9 inch?

[@SaabUnleashed]

You'll have to wait and see, not all of their loom plugs are the same

[@iredialeroy7637]

Alright cheif will let you know after I received the box....thanks though

[@TheOlenyash]

I love how the video cuts or switches angles every time you press something to hide the response delay and glitches.

[@0togtr811]

How do I get atoto to sent me a headunit as well?

[@user-hm8pb8ei2y]

Is it possible to play KZbin on it?

[@SaabUnleashed]

No, not on this one, you'd have to buy the Atoto S8

[@stewpercharged8961]

This is what I need 👀

[@juicebox853]

Please, I like your videos, but the music level is too high

[@SaabUnleashed]

Ok, good advice, thanks. I'll adjust it down for the future

[@whitelx]

I am looking at the 7" F7 XE and 7" A6 PF. Main use is for carplay with Amazon music and google maps. I see the F7 is Linux based with a locked down OS and A6 is Android. Do you feel one is more stable than the other with respect to OS? is the response, both screen and processing, better on one vs the other? The difference is only a few bucks. I don't have steering wheel controls. The ability to run additional apps isn't really a factor for me since it almost always streaming Amazon music. Although the tire pressure monitoring and torque apps may prove to be useful in the future, I believe the A6 can integrate those.

[@SaabUnleashed]

There is no comparison for me, I will always default to the Android head units, A6 or S8 for a magnitude of reasons. You can even get the Atoto steering control add-on if you get one of their Android head units

[@whitelx]

@@SaabUnleashed Thanks, A6 PF is on the way :)

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@whitelx Is it for the Mustang?

[@whitelx]

@@SaabUnleashed nah, for my Corolla. Mustang has a very old Alpine 7977. I may consider putting the single DIN 8" in it later on.

[@daimill1728]

Works ok with Amazon Music? Curious how it would look in a pre facelift where the CD player lives 🤔

[@SaabUnleashed]

It will work with Amazon music as the app is compatible. But I don't recommend a screen in that position as it's too low down, takes attention from the road. It would be better to mount it in place of the ICM

[@SaabUnleashed]

I assume we're talking about a 9-3 :)

[@daimill1728]

@@SaabUnleashed yes mate 👍🏻 I’ve got a P99RS to fit but I’m edging more towards something like this, won’t sound as good but much more up to date & less hassle!

[@AdrianaForeverrr]

Do you recommend any in dash head unit to replace where an icm2 sits but doesn’t block access to the center air vents or cup holder?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Think I answered this on Facebook :)

[@AdrianaForeverrr]

@@SaabUnleashed yes you did :) much appreciated

[@roman.93]

Love your channel! Here in the US, the Dasaita head units are discounted for Prime Day. Do you have an updated review of the 11.6" 1080p unit? It's $446 USD currently and I would be using it in a 2015 Camry. Or should I just get the one they make for my car specifically for $424? Any insight would be appreciated!

[@SaabUnleashed]

The 11.6 is decent, a lot of my complaints were to do with the Vivid launcher which was incomplete at the time of my review. But it has since become excellent, so no longer an issue. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure it comes with the connections to integrate with your car

[@roman.93]

@@SaabUnleashed Thank you! Do you know if the low res on AA and CarPlay has been fixed?

[@Uprise95341]

I have the 10 inch version to this, it works good but when I’m playing the radio it’s pretty loud but when I connect CarPlay or android auto it significantly lower. Any reason why this is happening?

[@Jan7727]

Does your radio also have this Linux version as os?

[@Uprise95341]

@@Jan7727 yes

[@Jan7727]

@@Uprise95341 can you please tell me the name or send me an Amazon link. I'd also like to buy it

[@sejefrede1]

You can change volume for both in the settings ;)

[@MortenKrarupNielsen]

So no DAB? Thanks for a great channel.

[@SaabUnleashed]

No DAB on this one, but the Atoto A6 and S8 will allow DAB and they're in the sales I believe

[@jace2957]

great video

[@martinfeatherstone3595]

Great video thanks for making. Quick question - do you know if the screen be mounted remotely?

[@SaabUnleashed]

On this one, no. You want either Joying or Idoing for that.

[@ajgor1million]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH21louFm7qKpLM&ab_channel=AjgorOneMillion

[@MrJohnno1969]

CAN I HAVE IT. PLEASE

[@SaabUnleashed]

The link is in the video description

[@MrJohnno1969]

​@@SaabUnleashed I know but I was just hoping you give me one :)

[@koenielinux3131]

What OS is this exactly? Linux, I know but Android run on linux as well...

[@SaabUnleashed]

It's just a custom OS. Totally unmodifiable, just like the big brand head unit OSs