MEKEDE 6.86 Inch 1Din Carplay Android Auto Car Radio Multimedia Video MP5 Player Review
We’ve all been there: you’re driving an older car that runs perfectly, but the dashboard feels like it’s stuck in the year 2005. You’re stuck fiddling with an AUX cord that only works if you hold it at a specific angle, or you’re squinting at your phone mounted on the dashboard just to see a GPS map. It’s annoying, and frankly, it’s a distraction.
If you want to modernize your ride without spending hundreds of dollars on a custom professional installation, you’ve probably stumbled across the MEKEDE 6.86 Inch 1Din Carplay Android Auto Car Radio Multimedia Video MP5 Player With BT FM Stereo USB Type-C Plug Autoradio review searches online.
I’ve spent some time testing this unit to see if it’s actually a smart upgrade or just another piece of cheap tech that ends up in a junk drawer. Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is This Thing?
The MEKEDE 6.86-inch unit is an "aftermarket" head unit designed for people who have a standard 1-DIN slot (the smaller, rectangular radio slot) in their dashboard.
The main appeal here is simple: it brings modern smartphone connectivity to older vehicles. It packs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into a slim, 6.86-inch touchscreen display. It’s a budget-friendly way to get hands-free calling, music streaming, and navigation without tearing your entire dashboard apart. Plus, many sellers offer free shipping, which makes the price point even more attractive for DIY enthusiasts.
Real-World Features: How Do They Help You?
It’s easy to look at a spec sheet, but how does this thing actually feel on your morning commute?
1. The Screen: Just Right for Small Spaces At 6.86 inches, this screen is an interesting middle ground. It’s not as massive as the double-DIN tablets you see in luxury cars, but it’s significantly larger than your phone. It fits perfectly in most 1-DIN slots without blocking your view of the road. The clarity is decent enough for reading maps, even on sunny days.
2. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto This is the "killer app" of the device. Once you pair your phone via Bluetooth for the first time, it connects automatically every time you start the car. Having your Spotify playlist, Google Maps, or Waze pop up on the screen automatically is a total quality-of-life upgrade. No more plugging and unplugging cables every time you get in or out.
3. The USB Type-C Advantage It’s great to see that MEKEDE included a Type-C plug. Most modern phones use this standard now, so it’s nice that the hardware is keeping up with the times. It provides a more stable connection than the older, flimsy micro-USB ports found on cheaper units.
4. FM Stereo and Bluetooth If you don’t want to use CarPlay, the built-in Bluetooth works fine for simple audio streaming. The FM radio function is standard—it does the job, though it’s not going to win any awards for long-range signal reception.
The Good and The Bad: An Honest Look
No piece of tech is perfect, especially at this price point. Here is the honest breakdown of my experience.
The Pros: Easy Installation: If you are even slightly handy, you can get this running in under an hour. Modern Interface: It makes your older car feel five to ten years newer instantly. Price: It is extremely budget-friendly compared to replacing a factory unit with a top-tier brand name system. Compact Size: Fits into tight 1-DIN slots where larger screens simply wouldn't fit. Responsive Touch: The screen reacts quickly enough that you aren't left waiting for menus to load.
The Cons: Plastic Feel: The casing feels a bit lightweight and "plasticky." It’s not going to feel like a premium factory-installed unit. Audio Quality: If you have an expensive aftermarket sound system with subwoofers and high-end speakers, this unit might be a bottleneck. The internal amp is basic. Sun Glare: On very bright days, the screen can be a little reflective. You might need to adjust the angle of the mount to compensate. Boot Time: It takes about 10–15 seconds to fully boot up when you turn the key. It’s not instant, but it’s manageable.
Who Is This For (And Who Should Skip It)?
This is for you if: You drive an older vehicle (think 1995–2012) with a standard radio slot. You are on a strict budget and want the benefits of CarPlay/Android Auto. You want a DIY project that doesn’t require a degree in electrical engineering.
Skip this if: You are an audiophile who demands crystal-clear, high-fidelity sound. Your car has a complex integrated dash where the radio controls are tied into the A/C or car settings (this unit won't talk to those systems). You want a screen that looks like it came from the factory floor.
What Are Other People Saying?
To get a better sense of the long-term reliability, I looked at a few user experiences.
“I put this in my 2004 Honda Civic. The install was straightforward. I’m not a mechanic, but I watched a YouTube video and got it done. It’s not high-end audio, but having Waze on the dash instead of my phone mount makes driving so much safer.” – Mark R.
“I was worried about the price, but I figured for the cost, it was worth a shot. It’s been three months and the wireless CarPlay hasn’t failed me yet. The screen is a bit basic, but it does exactly what it promised.” – Sarah J.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
After putting the MEKEDE 6.86 Inch 1Din Carplay Android Auto Car Radio Multimedia Video MP5 Player With BT FM Stereo USB Type-C Plug Autoradio through its paces, I can say it’s a solid value.
It isn’t a luxury piece of equipment. If you go in expecting a $1,000 Pioneer or Alpine experience, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you want to modernize your commute, get rid of messy cables, and have a reliable screen for navigation and music, this is an excellent choice.
Given the budget-friendly price and the fact that you can often find sellers offering free shipping, it’s a low-risk way to give your old car a new lease on life. It’s functional, it’s modern, and it solves the exact problem it claims to solve. Just keep your expectations realistic regarding sound quality and build materials, and you’ll likely be quite happy with the upgrade.
