Android Auto vs. Carplay: Which is better?

Android Auto and AppleCarplay have altered the user experience for drivers when it comes to in-car infotainment systems, making it more uniform across makes and models. Both provide a cutting-edge, interconnected strategy that is based on how we use our cellphones, saving us the hassle of getting used to a new interface. The top Android phones are compatible with Android Auto, much as most iPhones are compatible with AppleCarplay. Most importantly, they make it possible for drivers to access their personal information and preferences regardless of the car they are driving, saving them from having to reset their choices each time they move vehicles. 

However, there are certain differences between Android Auto and AppleCarplay, and each offers advantages and disadvantages. 

User Experience

The Android Auto interface did not previously support multitasking and simply displayed a single app on the car's screen. On the other hand, since iOS 13, AppleCarplay has provided a dashboard UI that combines music, maps, and Siri suggestions onto a single screen. This makes it simpler to quickly access whatever you need without having to open multiple apps.

To keep up with its competitor, Google recently modified Android Auto so that shortcuts to the most recent music, navigation, and phone apps are constantly displayed at the bottom. The Now Playing card is also intelligent because it is aware of your default apps and shows Spotify or YouTube Music handily depending on which one you use. 

Navigation

Android Auto enables you to pan and explore the remaining route on navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze exactly as you would on your phone. Even though iPhone users are not required to use Apple Maps, utilizing navigation apps with AppleCarplay is not simple because you must use the arrow keys to move the map, which is risky and counterproductive when driving.

Similarly, while switching to a different route is as simple as tapping the one that is grayed out on Android Auto, doing so has no effect onCarplay Screens. Instead, you must return to the list of available routes and select the one that resembles the one you saw on the map. If you want to explore the map or identify alternate routes while driving, Android Auto beats outCarplay.

Voice Assistant

The most convenient way to interact with a car or phone while driving is definitely via a voice assistant and voice commands. This feature is supported byCarplay and Android Auto due to Siri and Google Assistant. The latter is frequently complimented for greater comprehension of requests and for supporting a wider variety of third-party services. You can anticipate improved Google Assistant with the 2022 Android Auto upgrade. The update includes contextually-suggested message responses and allows you phone or message your favorite contacts with a single press. Before Google released the update, Android Auto narrowly edged outCarplay, but with Siri assistance, it now beatsCarplay.

The UI forCarplay allows you to edit or send a message, however it does not display the message.

The ability of Google Assistant to translate what you say on the screen makes in-car conversations less stressful. When sending a message, this is very helpful because it makes it simple to see errors. Some could claim that doing this while driving is risky, but the transcription only appears for a brief period of time before going away, forcing the motorist to return their attention to the road.

Phone Calls and Alerts

Apple Carplay is more obtrusive than Android Auto since banners display at the bottom of the screen, which keeps you from seeing where you are required to go if you need directions, even though both operating systems are built to manage them securely. Banners are displayed at the top of the screen on Android Auto. Android Auto, unlike AppleCarplay, allows you to ignore or mute a notice, which is useful if you only want to get other notifications.

AppleCarplay occupies the entire screen, which is intrusive while driving. Even worse, while getting a call, AppleCarplay shows it on the entire screen, covering up what was previously visible. Android Auto, on the other hand, displays a tiny banner at the top of the screen. The first operating system remains on the call page when you pick it up, while Android Auto displays the controls in the dock.

Users of both platforms can add third-party applications including podcast, music, and navigation apps. However, there are not quite as many apps available with Android Auto as there are with AppleCarplay modules because the former is compatible with more apps than the latter, particularly those that deal with messaging. 

Support is improved with the 2022 update app for Android Auto. Version 1.3 of the Android for Cars App Library includes improved navigational tools, media suggestions, and audiobook and podcast progress meters. 

Screenshots

AppleCarplay and Android Auto both give users the option to capture a portion of the screen and share it, even if capturing a screenshot while driving is still uncommon. With an iPhone, the procedure is as simple as hitting the volume up and side buttons at the same time, but with Android Auto, it requires more effort. If you need to take a screenshot of your car's screen, you probably won't choose an iPhone over an Android phone, but you best have one of those.

Conclusion

It is crucial to try both Android Auto and AppleCarplay and develop your own perspective on what matters to you when driving. We highly recommend that you set your needs before making any purchase to avoid dissatisfaction. When it alerts you while you are driving, Android Auto is less intrusive, which keeps your focused on the road and the map. As opposed to displaying the voice assistant logo in full view, it works better at previewing what you said or a message you are about to send. Recent updates have also enhanced its user interface, giving it a more contemporary style and enabling multitasking on your car's touchscreen.