Today we will test the MINIX CP89-HD system of the MINIX brand, so that you know all its details in our review. A tablet to make our car Smart with Android Auto or CarPlay.
The peculiar touch screen MINIX CP89-HD offers us thanks to its hardware the possibility of using Android Auto with our Android mobile or connect CarPlay from an Apple terminal. So we can comfortably have functions such as Google Maps with GPS, applications such as Spotify or any other compatible. Thanks to the included magnetic fixing brackets it is also possible to mount and dismount this hardware.
In this review we will check how this new tablet works and how it performs.
Details of the MINIX CP89-HD
Description
The MINIX CP89-HD tablet has an 8.9″ IPS OCA (Mitsubishi Clearfit) screen, with a resolution of 1920×720 and a refresh rate of up to 60 Hz. The light output is 700 nits maximum, so we have full visibility even on a very bright day.
In the rear area we have an on/off button. We also have a USB-C power port, another USB-C port to connect the cell phone and 3.5 mm audio jack for auxiliary output.
Along with the tablet we have a magnetic stand that can be combined with a long arm with suction cup or a short adhesive arm. In addition, we have a car charger 12V to USB-C 5V and a double jack cable.
As mentioned above we have a 2.5 mm jack to connect an optional rear camera. We just have to take the camera to the rear area of the car and splice the red cable with the 12V cable of the reversing light of our car. On YouTube there are multiple videos explaining how it is done.
In the rear area we have a magnetic circle that allows us to mount and dismount the bracket system that interests us. We have a long adjustable support with suction cup and a smaller one that is glued.
Start-up and configuration
Environment and user experience
We start the MINIX CP89-HD tablet and in a few seconds we reach the main system screen. We have shortcuts to CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Brightness, Settings, FM station, Bluetooth Dual and volume. In the settings menu we can change the date, wallpaper and other aspects.
Within the settings menu in the Bluetooth section is where we can connect our mobile. The process is very simple, we just have to pair it and the whole process will be done automatically. If we leave Auto Connect activated, the system will pair directly with our mobile without touching anything.
Within this configuration menu we also have Dual Bluetooth system, with this we can pair our mobile and also our Bluetooth car radio at the same time. So we can use our car speakers to play the audio we send to the MINIX tablet.
If we have a very old car radio, we can also use the AUX jack to output audio via cable. We also have the option of using the FM transmitter system, using an empty channel the tablet will create a radio channel that we can tune to listen to the audio we send from the mobile.
Testing Android Auto and CarPlay on MINIX CP89-HD
Environment and user experience
When we connect the MINIX CP89-HD with our smartphone, we automatically enter the Android Auto environment if we have an Android mobile or the CarPlay system if we have an Apple mobile. This environment can be controlled perfectly with the touch screen directly or by voice commands from the assistant.
In the list of apps as we see we have only some of those we have in our mobile, this is normal because not all apps have a specific version for Android Auto or CarPlay. The navigation screen will always be displayed split to the right or left side, we can configure it.
System performance
The tablet environment moves smoothly, we can access with touch any app that runs fairly quickly. The screen refresh at 60 Hz and the quality of the IPS panel makes it pleasant to use. Within the environment offered by the tablet we have specific settings to control the environment to our liking.
Conclusions and purchase link
Opinion about the MINIX CP89-HD
No doubt the MINIX CP89-HD tablet can be useful to update the multimedia system of our car, if we are a little handyman, we can even add a rear camera. As we have seen, the quality of the screen is quite high and we have a good image at any angle or external brightness.
The system connects seamlessly and quickly with our mobile without complications, we just have to pair it and start the tablet. In addition, we have extra features such as dual Bluetooth, AUX jack or FM transmitter, with it we can connect to any car radio by how old it is.
As we see the MINIX CP89-HD tablet presents an interesting solution to have Android Auto or CarPlay in our car without complicated installations. An alternative to consider if we want something of this style.
Where to buy
Reviews of the MINIX CP89-HD
- Good IPS display
- Multiple ways to connect
- Fast system
- Magnetic mounts included
- Dual BT
- Android Auto and CarPlay compatible
- Somewhat high price
