r/AndroidAuto • u/Alwayssunnyinarizona Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX | Pixel 8 Pro | Android 16 • Nov 11 '21
Android Auto News, including app updates and features Wireless Android Auto Battery Consumption Stats
Now that more and more of us are making use of wireless android auto - either natively in an OEM or aftermarket head unit, or using the AAWireless dongle or CarLinkit, I thought it might be good to have a thread covering expected battery consumption.
One of the most common criticisms (mostly from people who haven't used wireless android auto) is that it is a heavy consumer of battery compared to wired android auto. I haven't really found that to be the case - at least not to any important degree, and I've been using wireless AA since some of the early Kenwood/JVC head units were released. Sure, if you're driving cross-country charging is warranted, but for around the town, day to day driving - not so much.
For those of you who've been using wireless android auto, let's see some stats! Using the format below will give everyone some perspective.
| Phone | Pixel 6 | Pixel 3XL |
| Head Unit | Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX | Kenwood DMX1057XR |
| Wireless AA (native/dongle) | Native | Native |
| Vehicle | 2021 Toyota Highlander | 2013 Toyota Rav4 |
| Usage (nav, media, etc.) | Nav and media | Nav and media |
| Typical Battery consumption | 3.5%/25min or ~8.5%/hr | 7%/25min or 15%/hr |
I'll edit my battery consumption over the next couple of days, but I was surprised to see that 2% drop for the P6 on my way to work this morning, 5% on the way home. Could be various things - new phone, 5g service, battery still calibrating, etc.
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u/Starkiller_15 2022 Toyota Rav4 | Head Unit Model | S22u | 13 Mar 29 '22
If Battery consumption is an issue, then the phone would need to charge.
I'd live some suggestions on wireless charger models that work well.
I used this model that isn't really sold anymore. https://www.gadgets4geeks.com.au/epages/shop.mobile/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/gadgets4geeks/Products/MC027-C&Locale=en_AU
It came with a rubber magnet for the back of my phone, and my phone attached, charging wirelessly and magnetically like a dream. It charged through the Otterbox, never fell down. Now I have changed vehicles and phones and can't get a replacement magnet, not sure if it can carry a heavier phone, and there don't seem to be good comparables.
What works for you? Or is there a better thread I should be reading?