ATOTO F7G2A7SE Android Auto + Apple Carplay Head Unit tested in my Saab 9-3

I review this Atoto Linux-based head unit
Get it here: amzn.to/3Uk0h0a
0:19 Unboxing
1:37 Inspecting Design and Inputs
3:36 Dealing with Non-Standard Size
5:04 Wiring it in to the Car
8:46 Boot-up time
9:50 Features
11:18 Testing Android Auto
12:37 Sound Quality + Settings
14:06 Negative Points

[@Bearded_Ax]

I sure hope ATOTO looks at this. It seems relatively plug and play, of course all your upgrades that you did for your JOYING head unit (CANBUS, Reverse cam, after-market amps etc.) probably account for some of that. If they had the box/bezel and steering wheel control thing figured, I'd throw money for sure. Until then, looks like I'll be copying your JOYING install or the ICM2 kit upgrade. Thanks for all that you do! Great vid!

[@samerawaragi3041]

Thank you so much for doing this very nice detailed review. I think the 2 negative points about installation and steering wheel you mentioned will make me go to the route of getting android vehicle specific. They are 150 dollars more but the wiring and steering wheel is done for you in addition to getting the wifi feature for broadcasting and the latest android version. Thanks again for this video really enjoy it.

[@SaabUnleashed]

I had a Xtrons, Joying and Kenwood head units in this car before this one, all had working steering controls, there's just something weird about this one

[@red-pm5qg]

I just installed this unit in my gmc yukon the steering wheel controls work great in it so it is something to do with the Saab

[@marzX]

did you have a problem with it being to tall or did it fit standard double din dash kits

[@red-pm5qg]

@@marzX i didn't have any issues with it being to tall it fit perfectly in my truck

[@thebnicho]

Thanks for this review, very helpful. Liking this one for the price. The car I'm looking to fit a head unit in doesn't have steering wheel controls, so no big deal there. One feature I'd really like that not all head units have is the ability to search for a track on a USB or SD card by title or artist. Did you happen to test that? The Xonrich unit I have in another car has this feature and it's very handy. Thanks.

[@charlesomeni4256]

Bought an Atoto A6, tried installing it the other day. The steering wheel controls worked until I powered the car down, after I powered it up again nada. I have two steering wheel decoders so I'm sure the issue lies with the Atoto

[@j.carlosfuentes357]

I hooked 1 for my friend and steering wheel controls wouldn't work on his truck because decoders work only with certain stereos and atoto was not on that list!

[@Explore-Gobal]

My wife would like to have a similar head unit installed in her 2008 9-3 convertible. I'll be doing the install as I do all her Saab maintenance. Which headunit would you recommend. Backup camera, bluetooth, and Apple car play are must haves. Thanks and subscribed.

[@paulgwizdala7768]

Did you install a head unit into her 93? Curious which you decided on.

[@DEEsr2582]

You are da 🐐🐐🐐when it cums to android car stereo 💯💯💯even saw your review video on anmazon keep up the good work 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@damienos]

Hey! This is an excellent video & review. I just wanted to drop a quick comment on the steering wheel controls not working. I installed this exact unit recently (also using a Connects2 harness) and my steering wheel controls DO work, but the set up is not obvious. I think the issue is the confusing message on the ATOTO saying "Press and hold. Select one from below list". I understood this to mean hold the steering wheel control (which does not work), but this actually means touch an icon (on the screen) and hold it. When highlighted, it then waits for you to hold the physical steering wheel control. You then repeat this for each icon and button combo. If you still run this unit and try this out, let me know the results. Hopefully this can help someone else too.

[@SaabUnleashed]

The problem that I had was that it would only allow the buttons to learn one function. For example, I would train a single button for volume up, and all the steering buttons would then be volume up and I can't program anything else

[@SaabUnleashed]

They might have addressed this issue since

[@arnoldwilson3719]

​@@SaabUnleashed the car buttons resistance might be too low. although I have a different vehicle I used 2 different resistors one 300 ohms and the other 2000ohms on the key wires. Also I grounded the third wire from the steering wheel hope this helps.

[@davidefogli3743]

I have a Saab 9-3 and the steering wheel controls work. Atoto A6 PF🎉🎉🎉

[@SaabUnleashed]

Yeah they all work fine, it was just this model that had problems

[@johng.4959]

Nice video! Have there been any updates to this model? I'm considering this and recently saw the A6 was updated with faster processor and ram. Wondering if you compared both of these with each other? Thanks for your reviews!

[@SaabUnleashed]

There is no comparison between this and the A6. The A6 runs Android and needs a good spec. This F7 does not run android and therefore you can't install apps, so CPU and RAM are not a factor.

[@johng.4959]

@@SaabUnleashed Thank you for that! I never thought about it that way. I'm basically using Android auto at this point. So independent of price... And there are some features like The equalizer and other things, but for a basic user, stick with the A7? They offer an XE version with QLED for not much more.. I know you had some trouble with your steering wheel controls so I was wondering if they might have fixed that with a software update but who knows. Appreciate the help!

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@johng.4959 QLED is always good. I can't comment on the steering controls except to tell you that others have had success, so it might have been a "me problem". If you're not interested in video capabilities and the other benefits of a full Android system, the F7 Android Auto head unit will do the job

[@johng.4959]

@@SaabUnleashed Thank you for this. Appreciate the honest opinion and subscribe to see more content! 👍

[@Thejoker-zg1gk]

Hi awesome video man where did you get that hissing resister pack from would like to put one In my 2008 vectra do you have a link 👍🏻

[@Reedafor]

Nice video! One question I have been trying to find an answer to is this: does your phone actually charge while using Android Auto? I have read that some radios don't put out enough power so the phone is slowly losing charge while using AA. What has been your experience?

[@malayaleeking]

Thanks for the video and review! Just installed this yesterday and wondering what your long-term review/experience is with it. Everything is functional, but Android Auto would randomly stop after 10-15 minutes of playing music, or starting guidance. Wondering if you ran into the same issue, and more specifically, if the only firmware update they have available fixed it? Cheers!

[@SaabUnleashed]

That sounds like a USB cable problem, cheaper cables do cause issues with AA

[@malayaleeking]

Thanks, I'll give that a try. 🤞

[@donalkeane81]

Great review, Did the resistor pack come with the ATOTO? Thanks

[@SaabUnleashed]

No it doesn't

[@davidefogli3743]

I installed Atoto A6. Why don't you display the maintenance percentage?😮

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

Regarding the steering controls, seeing as you have programming option in the settings, I'm sure the decoder is built in. I have an aftermarket unit with the same setup and the buttons work just fine.

[@SaabUnleashed]

There's two types of decoding. Resistive and Digital. Aftermarket head units all have resistive "decoders", so these will work straight away in cars that have resistive signals for the steering controls. If a car has digital signals for the steering buttons, CANbus decoders are required to convert the digital signal on the car's CANbus network into a resistive signal that the head unit can understand. No head unit has digital decoders built in because it's basically a different signal depending on the make and model of car

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

@@SaabUnleashed what year is your Saab? My Land Rover is a 2004

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@oilyragsgarage7200 The year isn't really relevant to this conversation, but this Saab 9-3 is a 2009

[@SaabUnleashed]

But I also had a Saab 9-5 of the same year which used resistive decoding, which meant no separate CANbus decoder required

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

@@SaabUnleashed thinking back, yes my car had resistive buttons, confirmed by the service manual and checked those values. Apologies about that.

[@thestreamreader]

Is there really a need for the external microphone or does the microphone on the unit work fine?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Well, I speak from general experience that the external ones are better because they are closer to your face. That's not to say that all built in Microphones are rubbish as I haven't tested them all. But in countries such as the UK where the steering wheel is on the right, you will find that the microphone is always on the left of the head unit, which moves it further still from the driver.

[@jeffcyho]

Hi there. I just bought this stereo for a 2012 Ford Smax. I'm learning as I go along and where do I find out which connector, adaptors, cambus will be required get it all working? Many thanks in advance

[@kenselleck2414]

Have you reviewed the ATOTO S8G3B74PM? If so is there another head unit that you would recommend instead at a similar price point?

[@arturpytel9940]

Have you been able to fix steering wheel buttons to work with this radio? I'm looking for an Atoto for my MY12 Mazda MX5, with Bose amplifier and I believe I will have to use a Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Interface, but I also saw some videos showing that it actually works with just 2 wires plugged directly from radio to OEM car socket (no additional interface).

[@ShaunWard-Ellis]

I know this is an old review but before stating the SWC don't work then the Connects2 harness instructions need to be viewed first. if the harness isn't connected in the right order it makes clear the SWC functions won't work! Old adage of always read the instructions first and don't assume you know everything.

[@SaabUnleashed]

You do realise that this channel is primarily dedicated to testing head units and in this car more than 50 head units have been installed. So when I say it he SWC don't work, they don't work :)

[@ShaunWard-Ellis]

OK thanks for letting me know. Connects2 were quite adamant that the order of connection was critical with their canbus interface and harness when I had a similar problem with my Peugeot 207 and ATOTO install so I thought there may have been a similar issue with yours. Apologies as I realise my comment was quite disrespectful.

[@SaabUnleashed]

No problem, you make a good point about ensuring the wiring is correct

[@ronedelenbos272]

What's your thoughts on the Atoto vs the Joying ? Are the sound qualities and performance equal ?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Performance can't really be compared because the Atoto isn't an Android unit. As such, it runs at the speed of your phone through Android Auto. The Joying on the other hand is Android. Both Xtrons and the Atoto sound great. The Atoto has more sound options than the Xtrons I tested though

[@kevinedwards122]

Hiya I fitted one today worked fine for ten minutes then when placed it into the unit it started to smoke then it died any ideas 💡 kind regards Kevin

[@slepax]

I have (/had?) this unit and while it is great their support is horrible. I had a minor issue with Android Auto and their support suggested updating the unit software. Using files they provided me with and the process they asked me to follow (as there is nothing on their website), the unit is now stuck in an endless boot loop. Not only being very slow to respond, their best solution now is that I will send the unit back to them (at my own expense) for either repair or to be replaced with a refurbished unit. Not going to happen.

[@StevePelcz]

Thanks for putting this video together! Got mine today and was able to set up Bluetooth and carplay however the FM antenna converter that came with my Metra kit doesn't seem to plug in to the FM antenna port on the head unit. I'm a total noob here so not sure if there's a more specific name for this FM antenna port and if I should be buying some kind of additional converter? If anyone happens to know that'd be a life saver.

[@johnbennett1464]

I've put a Sony head unit on mine. Can't be happier with the phone and Android connectivity.

[@henrysimmons5221]

Where did you buy the stero dash kit?

[@VioleNFaN]

I think this stereo will be great in my 9-3. But how do you know before you buy an head unit that is fits so poorly? Or have Atoto changed this now?

[@SaabUnleashed]

It's the same, but there's an easier way to fit it with minimal modification to one of the aftermarket fitting kits. I'm about to release a video on Atoto's latest radio and I explain how to fit it easier

[@VioleNFaN]

@@SaabUnleashed Sounds great. Do the A6 version have the same problem? I will buy either F7 or A6. Have not decided which one yet.

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@VioleNFaN both of them are the same physical unit, so both will require a bit of custom fitting for the 9-3. My opinion is the A6 is better due to sound quality and it also runs Android.

[@VioleNFaN]

@@SaabUnleashed Thank you. I got for that one. Do you remember which mounting kit had the best fitment? I will go for a connects2 mounting panel in my 9-3.

[@gman9275]

If you used manual focus, would make this much better.

[@capture1985]

How did you change the boot up screen logo to saab?

[@jaimebernal7884]

should the FAKRA end of the antenna adapter i need be male or female?

[@kaktus3957]

Where did you get the resistor pack to aboid the hissing noise? Thanks!

[@SaabUnleashed]

ebay.us/pe9T1A

[@davidwilson581]

Is there a delay in the amplifier as my resistor pack takes a minute or longer to control the sound.. Any issues with the resistor pack that you know off?

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@davidwilson581 A delay isn't possible. All the resistor pack does is reduce the output volume

[@rayseveryday]

Hi, will this fit in a 2007 Subaru Impreza? Cheers

[@ragtopdee7408]

I have a saab 93 converable with phone controls on the steering wheel! It has never worked! Is this a gimmick,broken or actually have a phone connection somewhere?? Saab 93 tdi 2007 convertible

[@SaabUnleashed]

Bluetooth was an option on the 9-3 and a fairly rare one at that. More than likely you won't have it, but you can check by going through the menu on the SID screen in your instrument cluster. If you have a "Phone" option, then you have bluetooth.

[@Thejoker-zg1gk]

Witch ISO harness did use A / B Im installing in a 2008 vectra c ?

[@guip6426]

Hi, finaly which « cage » did you use to fit in the saab 93? Thank your reply

[@SaabUnleashed]

I used the modified one I showed in this video. It didn't stay in the car because the steering controls never worked

[@budzamorski5451]

I purchase the Connect2 Saab 9-3 bezel in advance of buying stereo. I now see the Atoto F7 is too big to fit. Can you list a stereo that will fit inside the Connect2 CT24SA10 bezel.

[@SaabUnleashed]

That is actually the best bezel for the ATOTO, but you need to make slight modification to the fins on the rear side so that it fits properly

[@budzamorski5451]

Thank you. I purchased the Atoto A6 performance model. It didn't come with ISO wiring harness for plug n play. Would you know if a harness is available? Also do you need a Connects2 decoder and resistor pack?

[@kingkong2598]

Would it be working with 2003 saab 9-5????

[@DonnyHammell]

Which of the supplied ISO looms did you use?

[@SaabUnleashed]

I believe it was B

[@jfhillman]

Thanks for all your reviews and guides. I've finally got myself an ATOTO F7 SE and am about to install it in my 9-3. In your Xtrons installation video, you mention taking the ignition live from the cigarette lighter, but not in this video - is it not necessary here? I see in the manual there's a red wire in the loom labelled ignition/accessory, so maybe that takes care of it?

[@SaabUnleashed]

All you need to do is use the connects2 harness, no separate feed is required nowadays. I'm not sure if you watched this video though, there are issues with this head unit in the Saab 9-3, no steering controls.

[@jfhillman]

Thanks, I've watched the review and am aware of the swc issues, but at the price I can live with that, given it has physical buttons. I also *think* I've got it to fit perfectly in the Connects2 bezel (the one without the extra frame) just by sawing away some of the plastic molding on the reverse side, so no visible damage. I haven't got it in the car yet though...

[@jfhillman]

One more question: this model doesn't have its own GPS antenna, so will reply on the phone's. If I route the USB to the glove box and keep my phone in there, will it pick up a good enough signal (in your experience)?

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@jfhillman Depends on the phone, but you *should* be ok. But if you have issues, it would be better to avoid putting it in a location that has a dashboard directly above it. Generally better to have it in the cabin somewhere with line of sight to the car windows

[@jfhillman]

@@SaabUnleashed I'll try the glove box first, as that will be neatest. I was thinking of trying to thread it through behind the speedometer to the speaker grill on the driver's side (would drill a small hole in the grill), which is near where I keep my phone in a cradle at the moment, but I'm not sure my arm's long enough! Maybe the centre speaker grill.

[@American97percent]

The disadvantage is there is no Wi-Fi in this model and you cannot watch movies in the mirror. The cable for connecting to a smartphone without fixing, like on other models, dangles in the cabin. It's good that I don't have a SAAB, and a Honda is not such a big loom. I had to buy adapters for the Element on Amazon, for the Alli pin and an adapter for the antenna. The only thing is that even the amplifier works ... but sometimes it hangs in the Apple-Google relationship ... I did not take the rear camera, but everything works for others. Probably it is also necessary to sell and buy a more expensive model with great opportunities.

[@SaabUnleashed]

Did you get your steering controls to work? I couldn't get it to work properly in the Saab or an Audi A3. I could assign a single button, but it would recognise all buttons pressed as that button, so I couldn't assign any of the other buttons

[@American97percent]

@@SaabUnleashed Oh no. I did not set the task of steering on the steering wheel. I have Element 2005, there is only cruise control. But the lack of Wi-Fi to watch videos upset me. Video is not transmitted over the cable in any way. This means that the ELM cannot be connected.

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@American97percent You should get an Android head unit instead

[@American97percent]

@@SaabUnleashed Headache. But Android has billions of fans ...

[@corvette427c]

@@American97percent I also have a Honda Element and Im considering getting this unit. I would like to ask if you still have it on your car and what is your overall impression of this unit? Thanks in advance!

[@nurmisuari2923]

Hi, where can I get the android player?

[@uodavid]

What about the previous review the Xtron?

[@SaabUnleashed]

What do you mean? I have had the Xtrons unit in the car for years, it's great.

[@chopjockey]

1:53 Are you mixing your rights from your lefts?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Oops :D

[@TheMarcelunicul]

I can fit an aftermarket radio if I have Bose sistem speakers with amplifier, and i can still use them?Or I need to change everything?Thank you

[@SaabUnleashed]

If you're talking about the 9-3, you don't need to change anything. Just make sure you buy this kit - ebay.us/Or2mg3

[@TheMarcelunicul]

@@SaabUnleashed yes Saab 9-3 Aero,thank you🙏

[@TheMarcelunicul]

Hi,i bought the kit - ebay.us/Or2mg3 you told me but is not working,i don't have any sound on my speakers plus the frame is small,is not fitting,the player is not going in,i received the wrong size?or i need to adjust on my own?like cutting in frame???

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@TheMarcelunicul So the speakers probably aren';t working because you need to connect the blue and white amp wire on the loom. As for size, what head unit did you buy?

[@TheMarcelunicul]

@@SaabUnleashed thank you,I fix the sound,but I don't have all the speakers, is any other cable I need to connect?I bought Xtrons android

[@kutunuikunikuni1301]

Dude...are you an Atoto dealer?

[@AdbeatSChannel]

Does this fit a saab 9-3 sportsedan vector 2004 2.0t ?

[@SaabUnleashed]

There is no head unit that fits that car without a significant amount of modification

[@AdbeatSChannel]

@@SaabUnleashed Yikes, tell me about it :/

[@jasonwong35]

in the video, maps is in DARK mode. Is your ILL wire ON?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Yes actually, it's a connection on the loom that you have to cut if you're using the ISO wire otherwise its permanantly connected on the block. That being said, I much prefer dark mode anyway

[@jasonwong35]

@@SaabUnleashed I want it to go dark mode when I turn on lights or ILL wire. Will it do that?

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@jasonwong35 yes of course, that what's is there for. But you will need to run a wire to your headlight switch if you don't have a relevant wire at the head unit by default

[@黄冠鈞]

❤2002year. saab. 9-5. Can use?

[@SaabUnleashed]

Yes, you can use this guide for any head unit in the 9-5 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXTXnyAeLhrobc

[@RcNeil]

Beautiful stereo but No DAB 😭😭😭😭

[@sen9644]

Will this work for a 2006 9-3 convertible

[@SaabUnleashed]

No, you need a custom install for that car

[@sen9644]

@@SaabUnleashed how do I get that

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@sen9644 Several on my videos contain options for that particular car, but the full custom install guide is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6teZWdjbOjhdU

[@sen9644]

@@SaabUnleashed thank you

[@sen9644]

@@SaabUnleashed thank you

[@Nikochicoo]

Have you tried this on your OG9-5 ? :)

[@SaabUnleashed]

You should install a head unit with advanced canbus integration in the 9-5NG, this is not that

[@Nikochicoo]

@@SaabUnleashed Was thinking for 98-10 Model =D Just picked one up for testing at amazon for around 109€. For ng9-5 there are other headunits more fitting :)

[@Nikochicoo]

@@SaabUnleashed no I mean OG, so 98-10. I just ordered one for funs at amazon for €109, so lets see how it works. Ng9-5 there are other options, usually those adapter to Opel mokka

[@SaabUnleashed]

@@Nikochicoo ah sorry. To early in the morning. It will work on the OG 9-5. They released a newer version of which I recently tested the bigger screen in the 9-3, steering wheel controls resolved so by default it will work in the 9-5.

[@jesusreal77]

Does anyone know if the atoto f7 standard has KZbin?

[@SaabUnleashed]

No it doesn't.

[@jesusreal77]

@@SaabUnleashed okay but could you install it on play store or it doesn’t have play store?

[@SaabUnleashed]

It's not an Android unit, so no, it doesn't have the play store

[@patrickbrown2256]

Mines been draining the battery

[@josearrvizo359]

This have for amp

[@mireillelarguier1128]

Ce serait bien en Francais

[@kingkong2598]

Would it be working with 2003 saab 9-5????

[@SaabUnleashed]

Should be fine, yes

[@sama7666]

would this work on 2015 lancer