car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

2023-01-03 12:32:11

As you have read, a couple of weeks ago I decided to upgrade my wife’s ride. Not only did I respray her whole car, I also decided to install a new car audio system.

Just like me, my wife doesn’t really bother about how huge the bass sound is, or if the stereo has thousands of functions. The important thing was that the car stereo produced sound, and could play MP3 and CD.

The installation of the Double DIN car stereo system was quite tedious. I tried to learn as much as I can from what was done, but with little space to see, it was not easy.

So, I really can’t say much about what the technician did. All I can say is that the installation looked quite easy, and it required tactfulness when opening the original car components.

This new unit worked as it should without any problems, but a couple of months, it also failed. This time, the new unit kept on although the car engine was completely dead and the ignition was pulled out. To add to the situation, the reverse camera also failed to function.

My checks online reveal that these China made double DIN car stereos cost less than RM299. In fact, some are priced just about RM189 on Lazada. Of course brands are set aside since there’s plenty of unknown brands.

Remember however that the cheap rice does come with some short-comings like a shorter warranty, an unknown brand name and a very ‘normal’ display on the LCD screen panel.

In terms of sound, I can’t really differentiate if it’s better or worst because sound is sound to me, particularly when it’s coming from the car audio system.

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

Working with a laptop computer can be a challenge—especially if you need to multitask with multiple windows open once. But when you’re on-the-go, it isn’t practical to lug around a full-size monitor. This is where portable monitors come in: This is where portable monitors come in: These lightweight, external second screens go where your laptop goes. The best portable monitors can increase your available screen real estate, which can improve your productivity without requiring the same weight or bulk as a dedicated monitor.

Portable monitors typically come in sizes that pair well with laptop computers—14 to 17 inches—and typically offer a baseline resolution of 1080 pixels. The larger you go in screen size or the more screens you add, the heavier your remote work setup will be. Some monitors stand apart with 2K or 4K resolution—like our best overall pick, the SideTrack Solo 4K 15.6-Inch—while others have a touchscreen display, a fast refresh rate, built-in speakers or some combination of all four.

The SideTrak Solo is a free-standing portable monitor, unlike most other models from this company that attach to your computer screen. The Solo is among the priciest models we’ve seen, but it also packs all the features you could want in a monitor—with 4K resolution, a touchscreen and built-in speakers. It connects to your computer using a single cable and also has a built in blue light filter to help reduce eyestrain.

For less than $200, you can easily connect this Lepow C2S portable monitor to your laptop computer and benefit from an additional 15.4-inch screen. You get 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate in a 1.7-pound package. The display uses an integrated and adjustable-angle kickstand so you can position it horizontally or vertically. The monitor has multiple inputs, with USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI and Mini-DisplayPort, plus a second USB Type-C port for power.

It has a 178-degree viewing angle, wide enough so you can sit off center from the monitor and still clearly see the screen. The monitor has three modes: extend, duplicate and second screen. The dual built-in speakers produce stereo sound, and it has a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting headphones.

The Newsoul MDS-15608 monitor comes in at a budget price, one of the lowest we’ve seen for a model with multiple inputs. It displays content at 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, with a refresh rate of 60Hz and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This highly affordable monitor comes with a wall mount and a foldable screen cover which doubles as a stand for either horizontal or vertical use. The screen has a 178-degree viewing angle, making it useful for sharing what’s displayed on your screen with others—like a PowerPoint presentation.

Its 16:9 aspect ratio LED screen has an anti-glare coating to help with eyestrain. You also get a 178-degree viewing angle. The monitor’s brightness can reach a reasonably bright 300 nits, which makes it easier to use in ambient light. Built into the base are two USB 3.1 Type-C ports for connecting to your laptop and power. And it comes with a protective sleeve, so you can comfortably toss the monitor into your bag when on-the-go.

This screen also has a maximum brightness of 300 nits, brighter than some laptops and other portable monitors. To help prevent eyestrain, it has blue-light reduction built in. Without speakers or lots of ports, though, this monitor is all business—making it good for work, but not play. It has just two USB Type-C ports, one on each side of the monitor’s adjustable base.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16AMT 15.6-inch display sets itself apart by having a built-in rechargeable battery inside its slim, two-pound chassis. This monitor offers 1,920 x 1,080 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It also has two 1W internal speakers for stereo sound. The 7800mAh battery lasts for up to four hours per charge.

The monitor adapts automatically to horizontal or vertical orientation. Its touchscreen works with Windows, Android and Chrome OS. The certified flicker-free backlit screen also has blue light filtering. Together, these features work to mitigate eye fatigue. The included Smart Case protects the screen during transport. It folds out to create a multi-position tabletop stand.

The ViewSonic TD1655 is a 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor at one of the best prices of any similar model from major manufacturers. This pick is also one of the few touchscreen monitors to work with both Macs and PCs—thanks to ViewSonic’s vTouch driver. This driver enables full touch and gesture control on the display when paired with macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Monterey or Ventura running on Intel, M1 or M2 chips. The touchscreen works without the driver on Windows 10 or newer computers with USB Type-C connectivity.

The TD1655 has a 16:9 aspect ratio and comes with a screen cover and a built-in stand to use in either horizontal or vertical orientation. It also comes with a passive stylus for use on the in-cell capacitive LED touchscreen. The screen is flicker-free—with a blue light filter to reduce eyestrain. And it packs two 0.8-watt speakers, plus an impressive 250 nits of brightness.

Australian start-up Espresso Displays’ eponymous V2 model comes in 13- and 15.6-inch versions with a touchscreen, along with a 13-inch version without touch. Espresso’s prices are a bit more than some competitors, but all models share the same stylish design aesthetic, plus a bevy of features other portable monitors don’t have. Take the 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor, for example. It has a brushed aluminum and glass chassis and a super-slim (0.2-inch) design, with a 16:10 aspect ratio display and two USB Type-C ports. The maximum screen brightness is 300 nits.

This model works with a pressure-sensitive stylus, though the tool doesn’t come with monitor and costs an extra $79. However, the stylus supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and closely mimics the feel of pen and pencil—making this a great choice for drawing or writing on screen. Other optional accessories include a choice of stands, the coolest one being the espressoStand, a $69 foldable magnetic stand for mounting the monitor for vertical or horizontal viewing. Last but not least, this pick is versatile. The Espresso comes with its own software, called Duet, allowing you to use the touchscreen on both Mac and PC laptops.

While this 12.5-inch monitor is a smaller-size display than most, the SideTrak Swivel mounts directly to your laptop’s display with a magnetic frame. It then pulls out from behind the screen when needed. This approach makes it extremely easy to transport and ensures both displays are at the same height. You can manually adjust the SideTrak’s viewing angle, or you can rotate the monitor 360 degrees. If you’re looking for some detachment, the Swivel’s collapsible mounting frame also allows the monitor to stand on its own using a built-in kickstand.

This version of the SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is compatible with Windows or Mac laptops, with a built-in display between 13 inches and 17 inches. It is not, however, compatible with Microsoft Surface devices that have their own kickstand, or with many 2-in-1 laptops whose screens contort into different positions. The 16:9 monitor’s refresh rate is 50Hz (most portable monitors are at 60Hz), but its brightness is higher than others, at a maximum of 300 nits. The unit comes with the mounting plates needed to attach securely it to your computer.

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.

Each 16:10 aspect ratio display measures 6.5 millimeters thick, with 1920 x 1200 resolution at 60-hertz refresh rate. And each monitor can rotate 180 degrees. This setup is compatible with all Windows PCs, Macs and ChromeOS-based computers, yet it only adds two pounds to what you need to carry around. Overall, this is an extremely useful design that’ll dramatically boost your productivity when working (or playing) remotely. It’s well worth the investment.

The ViewSonic VX1755 targets gamers who need portability and speed. This 17.2-inch display carries 1080p resolution, and it has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support to help gameplay look buttery smooth. It also has an anti-glare and flicker-free screen with a built-in blue light filter.

Consider the overall size and weight of the monitor, especially if you expect to carry it along with your laptop when on the road. Smaller screen sizes are lighter than larger ones, by nature. An attached monitor may make sense, given its small size and light weight. It also conveniently attaches to your laptop’s screen, so you can carry everything as one unit.

As a secondary monitor used for multitasking, you may find a smaller size display will accommodate your work habits and need for extra portability. Meanwhile, if your work requires photo editing, writing, drawing or annotating, choosing a second monitor with a touchscreen display will be likely be beneficial.

In general, larger displays cost more. Higher resolution and faster refresh rates also add to the price of a portable monitor. Well-known brand names—like ViewSonic, ASUS, Lenovo or Dell—carry a small premium over some of the generic models you can find at Amazon and other e-tailers.

All non-touchscreen portable monitors can work with a Mac or a PC. Some models can work with other operating systems, such as ChromeOS or Linux, so double check the specs if you want to use the monitor with one of those operating systems.

Touchscreen portable monitors are trickier. All have Windows support, but only some support additional operating systems—including MacOS, ChromeOS and Android. If you want to use the monitor with a Mac, look specifically for monitors with a dedicated driver or software to enable touch. ViewSonic, Espresso and SideTrak all come with some variation of Mac software.Use your Apple iPad as a second screen for your MacBook or iMac thanks to the SideCar feature.Apple

If you’re a MacBook (or iMac) user and have an iPad tablet, the latest MacOS and iPadOS operating systems have a Sidecar feature, so you can use your iPad tablet as a second monitor for your computer—either with or without a cable.

Portable monitors are small, compact and lightweight computer screens designed to be connected to your laptop computer to expand the on-screen real estate available to run your favorite applications. A portable monitor makes multitasking on a laptop computer much easier and more efficient.

Most portable monitors rely on your laptop computer’s battery power to function—requiring just one cable to link it with your computer. This option will reduce your laptop computer’s battery life between charges. However, some portable monitors have their own built-in rechargeable battery. All are easy to transport and can likely fit within your existing laptop case, briefcase, or carry-on bag.

The best portable monitors come in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your work habits and needs, as well as how much you want to spend.The SideTrak portable monitor attaches to the back of your laptop computer"s existing screen and ... [+]provides a second screen.SideTrak

As for thickness, most portable monitors are less than 0.5 inches and the monitors themselves weigh less than two pounds. Most come with a travel case or cover—making them very easy to transport with your laptop computer. Of course, this varies based on the screen size and model you choose.

A portable monitor adds screen real estate, either doubling or tripling your screens (if you get a multi-screen model as from Xebec). This makes multitasking much easier, and it allows you to view multiple applications at once. The extra screen space can help if you have a laptop with a smaller display, such as a 13-inch ultraportable laptop.

It all comes down to what you use your computer for, whether being able to multitask is important to you and how much physical space you have to set up your equipment on a desk or flat surface. Most people discover that having two or even three screens can be extremely beneficial for increasing their productivity and making their workflow easier. This is a must-have accessory if you’re a remote worker who need to be highly productive from airports, hotels, or even coffee shops. However, not everyone needs a 4K resolution portable monitor or one that’s 15-inches or larger. You’ll typically save money going with a smaller display that offers 1080p resolution.

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

The Kenwood DMX905S is one of five Kenwood models that feature wireless Android Auto, along with a traditional corded Apple CarPlay app. The Kenwood worked well in our testing, but small usability details separated it from our top pick. It has a capacitive display, although pinching-and-zooming didn’t work in Google Maps. The unit’s hard buttons are large enough to press easily, but they don’t have the nice tactile feel of the Pioneer models’.

Because the Kenwood and JVC brands are owned by the same company—JVCKenwood Corporation—the JVC KW-M845BW is similar to the Kenwood DMX905S, above, with wireless Android Auto and only minor design differences. Its 6.8-inch screen is resistive instead of capacitive; it has only one USB port, instead of two; and you can’t change the buttons’ illumination color. It has also only three small, hard buttons, which offer less versatility and are more difficult to use than the Kenwood’s. Most irksome for us, though, is that we had a difficult time wirelessly connecting to Android Auto with our Pixel 2 XL test phone, and switching between two Bluetooth-connected phones wasn’t as seamless as with the Pioneers.

The JVC KW-M730BT, our previous runner-up, and the newer JVC KW-M740BT are almost identical models. When plugged in with a USB cord, both CarPlay and Android Auto worked well. The Pandora and Spotify apps were also flawless when using a Bluetooth connection. Our main gripes are the three tiny hard buttons across the top, which offer less functionality and aren’t as easy to access on the fly as those on the other models we tested. Also, you can’t customize the buttons’ illumination colors.

The new Sony XAV-AX5000 is very similar to our budget pick, except that it has a larger, 7-inch, bezel-less display and smaller, hard buttons across the bottom, rather than the XAV-AX100 model’s volume knob and left-mounted buttons. We had no problems connecting to CarPlay and Android Auto through a USB cord, and the AX5000 provides dual USB ports and satellite radio capability. It could be another good budget choice, but it’s sparse on features, compared with our other picks. It doesn’t come with a GPS antenna; it uses the one in your phone. The display isn’t as customizable. You can’t vary the buttons’ colors. And you can’t connect this model to an iDatalink adapter for use with a car’s steering-wheel controls and other features.

Our former also-great pick, the Alpine iLX-107, was the first replacement car stereo to offer a wireless connection to Apple CarPlay, although it doesn’t include Android Auto. The iLX-107 model’s interface is relatively easy to use, with responsive capacitive volume buttons below the screen. Its screen can be finicky, though, and we often had to hunt and peck to find what we wanted in the menus. The iLX-107 has a 7-inch screen and a host of extra features, such as satellite radio and HD Radio, multiple color choices for the controls, and the capability to pair with up to five smartphones over Bluetooth, but it tends to be more expensive than our top pick.

The Alpine iLX-207 has the same bright, 7-inch display as its cousin, the iLX-107, along with Android Auto, which the iLX-107 lacks. However, it doesn’t have the iLX-107 model’s wireless CarPlay connectivity or its slick capacitive volume buttons. Instead, it has a thick lip across the bottom of the screen that protrudes about half an inch from the display, and houses several large plastic buttons that provide some tactile feedback. The iLX-207 worked fine overall, and includes satellite radio compatibility, HD Radio, selectable illumination colors and wallpaper, and an HDMI input and output. But as with the iLX-107, we often had to hunt and peck to find what we wanted in the menus.

The Sony XAV-AX210 is similar to our budget pick, the Sony XAV-AX100, with a 6.4-inch display and volume knob. But it adds a CD/DVD player, satellite radio capability, variable illumination, and the ability to connect to an iDatalink adapter for use with a car’s steering-wheel controls and other features. An SXM version that includes a SiriusXM tuner as part of a package is currently being sold.

The Pioneer AVIC-8201NEX is very similar to our upgrade pick, but without its wireless capability for CarPlay and Android Auto; you need to plug in with a USB cord. Like the AVIC-W8500NEX, this Pioneer comes with a built-in navigation system, capacitive touchscreen, satellite radio compatibility, HD Radio, and Pioneer’s Dual Zone Entertainment (which gives rear-seat passengers the option to enjoy different content than front-seat passengers).

The Kenwood DNX875S is essentially the same as the DMX905S digital media receiver, above, but with an integrated Garmin navigation system. You can connect to Android Auto either wirelessly or with a USB cord, and to CarPlay with only the cord. But, as with the JVC KW-M845BW, above, we had problems wirelessly connecting to Android Auto with our Pixel 2 XL test phone, and switching between two Bluetooth-paired phones wasn’t as seamless as with the Pioneers. We like the nav system; in our car GPS testing, we’ve found Garmin’s navigation system to be easy to use, with an intuitive interface, reliable and responsive routing, and helpful lane guidance at highway interchanges. As with Pioneer’s Here mapping, Garmin’s traffic data isn’t as comprehensive or accurate as that of Google Maps and Waze, though. The DNX875S is compatible with Kenwood’s DRV-N520 dash cam, and can accept two camera inputs.

Our previous upgrade pick, the Kenwood DNX694S, and the newer Kenwood DNX695S are very similar models. We had no trouble connecting to CarPlay and Android Auto through a USB cord. Both models come with built-in Garmin navigation, a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, satellite radio compatibility, variable color adjustments for customizing the controls’ backlighting, and dual video inputs for connecting multiple cameras. Unlike on the other Kenwoods we tested, the buttons are located on the left side of the screen, where they’re easier for a driver to reach, and the CD/DVD slot is visible above the 6.8-inch display. Both models can connect to the company’s DRV-N520 dash cam, and when a backup camera is connected, the stereo overlays helpful parking-guidance lines onto the camera’s image. According to Kenwood’s Seth Halstead, drivers can also connect other accessories, such as an add-on forward-collision warning system.

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

To select the best touchscreen car stereos, I reviewed pricing, functionality, customer reviews, and quality ratings. I selected head units with the best reviews possible, but I also looked at ease of installation and longevity. Paying someone to install a stereo can add up to big bucks, so it’s good to have the option to install it yourself. I also selected screens that fit in the largest number of vehicles, as a big screen can be a big pain in older cars.

I also kept entertainment in mind, because that’s the primary purpose of a car stereo. I selected head units that offer the broadest possible feature set, including things like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and SiriusXM tuner compatibility. You can be confident that these touchscreen car stereos are packed with the most desirable features.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.Learn more

The Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX is one of the most complete and feature-rich touchscreen car stereo systems on the market today. It’s not cheap, but its nine-inch HD display, single-DIN fit, and wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities make it a great choice for a wide variety of vehicles. The WT7600NEX features an 8.0-inch screen, but if you’re looking for a larger display, Pioneer sells the same unit with a 10.1-inch display.

Installing an aftermarket head unit can be annoying in older vehicles with factory tape players and other basic stereos due to the size of newer products. Pioneer addresses that issue with a single-DIN installation that easily slides into an existing stereo slot. The only downside here is that the large screen “floats” in front of the dash, and can obscure buttons or air vents if they are too close to the display.

Boss is a strong brand in the aftermarket audio space, and it offers touchscreen car stereos with great value and plenty of features. The BE950WCPA offers wired OR wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice controls, Bluetooth, auxiliary inputs, inputs for a backup camera, and more. With 20 watts RMS or 80 watts peak by four channels, the Boss system also has enough power to fill almost any vehicle with clean sound.

Buyers report that the Boss unit is reasonably easy to install, but many complain of poor documentation and unclear directions. Unlike some touchscreens on our list, the Boss is a full double-DIN unit, meaning you can’t install it in a smaller single-DIN space. Even though the body is larger, the screen measures just 6.75 inches, so in this case, the tradeoff for a lower price is a smaller screen and annoying directions.

Sony has decades of experience building audio equipment, and its expertise shows in the XAV-AX8100. The touchscreen car stereo system offers an 8.95-inch display that mounts on a single-DIN chassis. The display is three-way adjustable, so you can get the positioning just right, and Sony included physical buttons for fast access to functions like volume and track adjustments. The unit also comes with a 10-band EQ system to dial in your desired sound.

Although it features a large screen, some buyers state that the Sony unit is not bright enough for easy viewing in direct sunlight. Most rave about the responsiveness and value represented by the Sony unit. The physical controls make it easy to change the volume level or track, making the device less distracting to use when driving.

Many newer vehicles come with giant infotainment displays from the factory, but if you want that functionality in an older model, you can’t go wrong with the Alpine Halo11 iLX-F411. The 11-inch touchscreen car stereo system features a single-DIN chassis with the ability to install in larger spaces using an adapter. The floating screen design is adjustable and offers multiple viewing angles.

The Alpine head unit comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Pandora and Spotify controls with a connected smartphone. The unit offers inputs for a rearview camera and a switcher to accommodate a two-camera system. SiriusXM requires a separate tuner, but once installed, the head unit supports traffic, weather, and sports info from the satellite radio company.

Stereo manufacturers do their best to build head units with the ability to install in a wide variety of vehicles, but sometimes the fit just isn’t there. If you have an oddball car with a dash that seems like it will never fit a new touchscreen car stereo system, the DMH-WC5700NEX could be your ticket. Pioneer designed the unit to accommodate modular installation, meaning the screen and chassis can be installed together or separately. If your dash is giving you hassle, you can mount the display and hide the chassis in the glove box or other out-of-the-way location.

The Pioneer’s 6.78-inch display isn’t the biggest on our list, but it’s bright, responsive, and easily viewable from almost any angle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come in wired or wireless, and Amazon Alexa capability is built in. A 13-band EQ allows fine-tuning of sound and SiriusXM is available with a separate tuner.

When you desperately want a touchscreen but don’t want to spend much cash, Kenwood’s got you covered. The DDX276BT doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it does have smartphone connectivity for streaming music, and you can still use it to take phone calls hands-free in the car. The 6.2-inch is bright and responsive, and the head unit includes USB inputs and can be installed to work with factory steering wheel controls.

I picked the Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX as the best overall touchscreen car stereo system because it offers an excellent mix of screen size, features, ease of installation, and quality. I chose the Boss BE950WCPA for value because it gives up very little in the pursuit of a good price.

The most important thing to consider before buying a stereo is the size. The best touchscreen car stereo system in the world won’t do you any good if it doesn’t fit your car. It’s also good to check for overall fit, meaning the space the screen takes up on your dash. Air vents and physical buttons can be obstructed by a giant screen, which will be annoying even if you love the display. That said, it’s possible to buy adapters and brackets that allow you to install single-DIN head units in larger spaces, but that’s an added cost you’ll have to pay on top of the purchase and installation price.

You have a couple of options when it comes to choosing a touchscreen head unit. The lower-cost option is to prioritize the touchscreen and price over all other functionality. On average, expect to pay $300 or less for a budget touchscreen stereo.The second option is to prioritize features and functionality. Most touchscreen car stereo systems with robust feature sets start for around $500, but it’s possible to spend more than $1,500.

A: While it’s common to find touchscreen car stereo systems without a CD player, we’re not yet in a place where they can be phased out completely. Many people have older cars with old stereos that play CDs and many companies still make them, so we’re likely to have them around for some time to come.

A: “Best” depends on your needs and wants when it comes to car audio. If you prioritize a display and want the graphical component that they bring, a touchscreen may be best, but if you want a simpler experience, there are dozens of straightforward head units on the market.

A: The stereos in many newer cars are integrated with several vehicle functions, like climate and safety systems. Even if a replacement fits, which in many cases it won’t, you’ll lose all of the functionality benefits that a tightly wound in-vehicle ecosystem brings.

A: You can install a backup camera with a standalone display, so you’re not required to buy a new stereo to get a camera. If you want an all-in-one solution, many touchscreen car stereos offer connections for backup cameras, but it’s an extra cost.

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

Buick is making a lot of right moves lately, and the Envision is shaping up to be its latest. Slotting nicely in size between the elfin Encore and fullsize Enclave (Buick’s two best-selling vehicles), the Envision targets the meatiest part of the SUV market where buyers want a Swiss Army Knife vehicle that does it all. The Envision doesn’t have a pair of scissors folded up in its center console, but it does do everything well that most buyers will ask of it. And if you care about this sort of thing, it happens to be one of the first vehicles sold in the U.S. that’s manufactured in China.

An already dated design. The Envision’s biggest fault is its styling. At these prices, buyers don’t mind paying a little extra to be seen in something fetching, but the Envision is inoffensive and plain. It avoids being ugly at the expense of not being noticeable at all. And it’s a shame, because Buick designers are hitting home runs elsewhere; just look at the Avenir concept car and the new LaCrosse. The Envision, though, looks as staid as a starched shirt. And those portholes, which sit atop the hood and are visible from the driver’s seat, are as tacky as they are tacked-on.

Nitpicks. Overall, the Envision is an SUV worth recommending, which makes writing a list of cons a challenge. So here are some nitpicks I discovered during my time driving one: the touch-sensitive controls for changing the temperature are difficult to engage; there’s no button to go straight to the navigation screen (you have to hit Home first); the wood applique doesn’t look real; and the sideview mirror blinkers are blindingly bright from inside the car at night. I could probably list more after logging some extra miles, but I doubt any foibles will erase my overly positive impression of living with the Envision.

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

The Xpeng P7 is an all-electric midsize sedan made by Xpeng Motors, a company that has grown quickly since its estblishment back in 2014 and one that is valued now at $37 billion. The Xpeng P7 is its second model - it was released in 2020 and a small refresh followed in 2021. The car has earned the nickname “China’s Model 3” and we had a chance to drive it and put that claim to a test - let’s see what the fuss is all about.

Xpeng P7 is 4,880mm long, it is 1,896mm wide and 1,450mm high with a wheelbase of 2,998mm - it makes it larger than Tesla Model 3 and nearly as big as the Model S. In terms of appearance, the P7 at first glance looks very premium, the Tesla Model S and Model 3 similarties being clearly visible. The car rides on 19" wheels as standard and comes with ful length glass roof.

The low-set front face creates a striking shape, the arc-shaped light bar that runs across is quite futuristic. The sleek front reduces the drag coefficient down to 0.236Cd, something that electric car makers work really hard to achieve in order to improve battery range. The design of the P7 has that timeless vibe and probably won’t feel outdated for at least 10 years.

The side of the P7’s body is relatively smooth, it doesn’t use any traditional hard-edged body lines and it gives the vehicle a seamless look - all the way from the front to the rear. P7 is a fastback and the rear carries on with the same aesthetic as the front - a full-length light bar stretching across the boot with little overlaps onto the sides. The rest of the back is pretty simple, two more separate rear lights on both sides, the Xpeng logo stretched out below the light bar, and a P7 model designation on the lower right of the boot.

The interior of the Xpeng P7 is very clean and modern yet it keeps some areas traditional. The dashboard is very minimalistic with the air vents tucked away underneath and out of sight. All areas that can be touched are made of high-quality materials, mainly soft leatherette with some chrome added in places. Areas that are rarely touched use hard plastics though, not surprising considering the price of the car. The build quality is on-par and maybe a bit better than what’s expected at this price point, most areas are sturdy and feel great.

The boot is a pretty good size, it is a bit shallow and quite long to reach into so getting things from the very back of it can be hard. There is dedicated space to put a backpack or some shopping bags under the bonnet - another car utilizing the “frunk” idea which is just fantastic.

The cockpit on our test car is equipped with a 10.25” LCD instrument panel situated behind the steering wheel and an integrated 15” central infotainment screen. Both screens are blended together under a single piece of glass. The car can be equipped with 18 Dynaudio speakers with support for 7.1.2 channel audio but our test car had the standard 8 speakers. They still sounded pretty good, though.

The P7 uses an Xmart OS system with nearly all the functions of the car controlled via voice using Xpeng’s virtual assistant. We have tested the Chinese version of the car using Chinese spoken commands. This is one of the best systems we’ve used in terms of response speed, recognition rate, and the number of functions controlled. Smart OS supports downloads of mainstream applications for music, karaoke, gaming, video, and also e-commerce.

Having a car that almost doesn’t have physical buttons can get annoying though, the boot has no button to open it manually. You will need to use voice control, your phone, or the key to get it opened - imagine standing in the rain, both hands full of shopping, shouting at the car… Also - the side mirrors can be only adjusted using the infotainment screen at first, only after that initial adjustment you can use the steering wheel-mounted touch-sensitive buttons - why? It feels way too complicated.

We have tested the 4WD Performance P7. It offers three driving modes: economy, standard, and performance. Driving in these different modes naturally caused different changes to the way the car drove, mainly the torque delivery and the strength of regenerative braking.

In performance mode, the acceleration is more instant and feels very strong, the regenerative braking is the weakest of all modes. On the other hand, the economy mode has the weakest acceleration and the strongest regenerative braking. The standard driving mode fits right in between the other two. In fact, in the standard mode, if you can control the accelerator pedal reasonably well, you can use regenerative braking to brake without needing to use the brake pedal. During our time with the P7, it seemed that the “one-pedal driving” technique, as introduced by Nissa, was entirely possible without any special mode that some other cars use.

After the test drive, the main feeling was that the P7’s chassis is indeed well-tuned and taut. It is worth mentioning that Xpeng has employed German carmakers’ tradition of focusing on vehicle control in terms of handling. This shouldn’t be a surprise though, considering the chassis was co-developed with Porsche. The steering is well damped but not too heavy, reasonably well-weighted. It is sensitive and precise. The braking on the other hand is a bit soft, it takes a heavy foot to exert relatively strong braking force.

In terms of suspension, Xiaopeng P7 uses a completely independent setup - front double wishbones and a rear five-link. This results in the car having stronger lateral support which is reflected when cornering. P7 uses the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system to adjust damping in real-time, according to road conditions, and comes with three predefined settings. The shock absorption performance is remarkable and the ride quality is pretty good, definitely designed with a Chinese audience in mind though. When driving over small bumps and potholes there is basically not much information transmitted to the car. The wind noise is well suppressed up to 100km/h but the tire noise is clearly noticeable from the speed of 40km/h.

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

Digital Media Receiver featuring 10.1" HD Screen / Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto / HDMI Input / 4-Cam Input / High-Resolution Audio / iDatalink Maestro Ready / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ

Multimedia Receiver featuring 6.8" Clear Resistive Touch Monitor / Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto /4-Cam Input / High-Resolution Audio / iDatalink Maestro Ready / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ

Multimedia Receiver featuring 6.8" Clear Resistive Touch Monitor / Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto / HDMI Input / 4-Cam Input / High-Resolution Audio / iDatalink Maestro Ready / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ / USB Type-C

Digital Media Receiver featuring 6.8" Clear Resistive Touch Monitor / Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto / 4-Cam Input / High-Resolution Audio / iDatalink Maestro Ready / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ

Multimedia Receiver featuring 6.8" Clear Resistive Touch Monitor / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / High-Resolution Audio / iDatalink Maestro Ready / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ

Digital Media Receiver featuring 6.8-inch Capacitive Touch Control Monitor (6.8" WVGA) / Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto / USB Mirroring for Android Phones / iDatalink Maestro Ready / HDMI Input / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ / Short Chassis

Digital Media Receiver featuring 6.8-inch Capacitive Touch Control Monitor (6.8" WVGA) / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / USB Mirroring for Android Phones / iDatalink Maestro Ready / HD Radio / HDMI Input / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ / Short Chassis

Digital Media Receiver featuring 6.8-inch Capacitive Touch Control Monitor (6.8" WVGA) / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / USB Mirroring for Android Phones/ iDatalink Maestro Ready / HDMI Input / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ / Short Chassis

Digital Media Receiver featuring 6.8" Clear Resistive Touch Monitor / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / High-Resolution Audio / iDatalink Maestro Ready / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ

Multimedia Receiver featuring 6.8" Capacitive Touch Monitor / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / USB Mirroring for Android Phones / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ

Digital Media Receiver featuring 6.8" Capacitive Touch Monitor / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / USB Mirroring for Android Phones / Bluetooth® / 13-Band EQ / Shallow Chassis

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

Post-Tesla, we got the Taycan, and a whole new style of Porsche interior. Yes, Stuttgart has been dabbling with touchscreens in 911s and Caymans already and gone a bit pixel-crazy in the 918 Spyder, but all of a sudden, buttons were verboten. Alongside a main touchscreen front and centre, you can option in a second monitor for the passenger.

The climate control switches are gone, replaced by you-guessed-it. Even the classic five-wide Porsche dial cluster is completely digital and framed by touch-sensitive buttons to stiffen up the suspension and turn on the lights. Brave new world, huh?

car lcd touch screen reviews made in china

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