Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (ACP/AA) devices for motorcycles have been popping up frequently lately. For some, these are superior to dedicated GPS units or mounting a smartphone on the handlebars.
The market is exploding with innovative moto electronics. A quick online search for “motorcycle CarPlay/Android Auto” or “motorcycle electronics” will put you down a deep rabbit hole of offerings.
The two apparent leaders in this field are Carpuride and Chigee. I have reviewed the Carpuride W702B and the Chigee AIO-5 Play for BMW separately. Now, it’s time to compare them.
First up, let’s look at a few specs:
| Specs | Carpuride W702B | Chigee AIO-5 Play |
| Active screen dimensions | 6.0” x 3.377” | 4.25” x 2.5” |
| Active screen area | 20.25 square inches | 10.624 square inches |
| Resolution | 720p | 720p |
| Screen-to-mount thickness | 2.125 inches | 1.125 inches |
| Weight | 15 ounces | 8.75 ounces |
| Over-the-air updates | No | Yes |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Guarantee | 2 years | 1 year |
| MSRP | $320 | $519 |
- The Carpuride W702B has twice the screen size of the Chigee AIO-5, yet costs nearly 40 percent less. However, both units have 720P resolution.
- Some riders consider a seven-inch screen too large for a compact motorcycle cockpit; others will prefer a larger screen.
- The Chigee AIO-5 has Multi-Controller actuation, the bike’s live data displays, and easy over-the-air Wi-Fi updates. The Carpuride does not.
- The Carpuride sits an inch farther from the cradle and closer to the rider because its base must extend out; the large unit does not fit inside the BMW cradle.
- The Carpuride W702B is shipped with a BMW mount and a ball mount. They are interchangeable so the unit can be used on other bikes with the included clamp and power cables. The AIO-5 works exclusively with the Nav Prep mount and looks more elegant.
- The Chigee has a slightly higher IP water protection rating, which is a consideration if you ride in inclement weather. The two units have identical impact protection ratings.
- The Carpuride has preset sound profiles (Rock, Classical, etc.) and a graphic equalizer for custom sound. I just left the sound standard.
These units are an alternative to GPS devices that can be considerably more expensive. With ACP/AA units entering the market with more features for less money, we may see the disappearance of dedicated GPS units. With the ACP/AA offline maps, one needn’t worry about lost cell connections in the outback.
The interface and functionality of these units are superior to any motorcycle manufacturer’s house-built or licensed infotainment system I’ve tested. Running ACP/AA on a motorcycle offers a great deal of valuable information for those enquiring minds.
Recent news has spoken of Porsche incorporating Apple Carplay with its DNA entwined with the car, and it will control much of the vehicle—far more sophisticated than a dash/smartphone connection. Other news reports suggest that GM wants to ditch ACP/AA for proprietary software, claiming better integration with their future features. So, this is still an evolving technology.
Returning to this comparison test, deciding between the Carpuride W702B and the Chigee AIO-5 Play is determined by your weighting of features, size, and price. Both units have the ACP/AA elements that define them. I like them both.
