VOLAM 10.25" Wireless Android Auto CarPlay Device Review: A Large Screen Upgrade for Older Vehicles

Introduction

Modern cars come with a lot of technology, but if you drive an older vehicle, you might be missing out on features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The VOLAM 10.25” Wireless Android Auto CarPlay Device aims to solve that problem by bringing a large touchscreen interface, navigation, music streaming, and even video playback to almost any car. This portable device mounts on your dashboard or windshield and connects wirelessly to your phone, giving you access to familiar apps without replacing your car’s head unit.

This review covers everything you need to know about the VOLAM device, from what is included in the box to how it performs in real-world driving situations. We will look at the display quality, the setup process, the backup camera option, and some important quirks to keep in mind before you buy.

What Comes in the Box

The VOLAM device arrives with a generous set of accessories. Inside the box, you will find the CarPlay device itself, a dash mount, a windshield mount, a cigarette lighter power adapter, a rear camera with its cable, a plastic pry tool, extra double-sided tape for the mount, a 3.5 mm audio cable, a dash mounting plate, and a user manual.

Having both a dash mount and a windshield mount is a nice touch, as it gives you flexibility depending on where you prefer to place the device in your vehicle. The dash mount has a flexible base that conforms to the contour of your dashboard, and it uses double-sided tape for installation. The windshield mount uses a suction cup with a locking latch for a secure hold.

Design and Ports

The VOLAM device features a large 10.25-inch color LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 720p. The display is thin and low profile, which helps it blend in with your car’s interior without looking bulky. On the left side of the device, you will find a USB-C connector for power, a connector for the rear camera cable, and a micro SD memory card slot. On the right side, there is a 3.5 mm audio jack for outputting audio to your car radio, along with a reset switch. The center of the device is where you install the mount, and there is a built-in speaker.

On the top edge, you will find the power switch and vents to help cool the device during use. The build quality feels solid, and the slim profile makes it easy to position without obstructing your view of the road.

Setup and Installation

Installing the VOLAM device is straightforward, thanks to the included mounts. If you choose the dash mount, you will need to stick the double-sided tape onto your dashboard and wait about 24 hours before attaching the unit. This waiting period helps the tape bond properly and prevents it from coming off while driving. The windshield mount is quicker to install: you simply stick the suction cup onto the windshield, push down the latch to lock it in place, and then clip the device onto the mount.

To power the unit, you plug the cigarette lighter power adapter into your 12V accessory port and connect the USB-C end to the device. The rear camera, if you choose to install it, connects via a dedicated cable that runs to the back of your vehicle. The camera is waterproof, so you can mount it inside the rear window or outside the vehicle. If you connect the red wire to your backup light, the display will automatically switch to a backup parking view when you put the car in reverse.

Using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Once powered on, the device walks you through language and country selection before showing the home screen. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with buttons for the currently open app, previously open app, back, split and full screen, and home. There are dedicated buttons for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, as well as built-in apps for video streaming.

For Apple users, the device is compatible with iPhone 7 and newer running iOS 10 or later. Android users need Android version 11 or newer. Pairing is done through Bluetooth, and the device name appears as T88 RX2917A. In testing, the Android Auto connection started automatically within about 15 seconds of turning on the ignition, which is reasonably quick.

Once connected, you have access to compatible apps like Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, calendar, messages, and weather. The split-screen feature is particularly useful, allowing you to run navigation on one side of the display and a music app on the other. This makes it easy to keep your route visible while controlling your audio.

Built-in Video Streaming Apps

One of the standout features of the VOLAM device is the inclusion of built-in video streaming apps. You can watch content directly on the display, which is great for passengers or when you are parked. To use these apps, you need an internet connection. The device supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, so you can connect to your home network or your phone’s mobile hotspot while on the road.

The large 10.25-inch screen makes video playback enjoyable, and the touchscreen responds well to inputs. A floating white circle at the top of the screen brings up a quick menu for adjusting volume, brightness, and switching between split-screen and full-screen modes.

Audio Output Options

The VOLAM device offers four choices for audio output: local speakers, Bluetooth transmitter, FM modulator, and auxiliary 3.5 mm cable output. If your car supports Bluetooth audio, that is the recommended option, as it transmits sound from the device to your car’s speakers with clear quality. The setup process involves pairing the device with your car’s Bluetooth system, and once connected, you can adjust the volume through the on-screen controls.

For cars without Bluetooth, you can use the 3.5 mm audio cable to connect the device to your car’s auxiliary input. This provides a reliable wired connection for audio playback.

Backup Camera Installation and Performance

The optional backup camera is a valuable addition for safety and convenience. The camera is waterproof and can be installed inside the vehicle on the rear window or outside near the license plate. If you mount it outside, you will need to route the cable from the exterior into the vehicle.

Connecting the red wire to your backup light enables automatic switching: when you put the car in reverse, the display shows the backup camera view with parking guidelines. In testing, this worked seamlessly, and the view was clear and helpful for parking. When you take the car out of reverse, the display returns to its regular view.

Things to Consider Before Buying

While the VOLAM device performs well overall, there is one notable issue to keep in mind. If you wear polarized sunglasses while driving, the display will appear black. This is because the LCD display has a polarized filter that darkens when viewed through polarized lenses. This is something to consider if you regularly wear polarized sunglasses, as it could make the screen difficult to read in bright conditions.

The device also tends to get warm during use, which is normal according to the included instructions. The built-in vents help with cooling, but it is worth being aware of if you plan to use the device for extended periods.

Buying Advice

The VOLAM 10.25” Wireless Android Auto CarPlay Device is an excellent solution for anyone with an older vehicle that lacks built-in smartphone integration. It is also a good option for those who want a larger display than what their factory head unit offers. The large screen, split-screen capability, and built-in video streaming apps make it a versatile addition to any car.

At the time of this review, the device retails for around $130, which represents good value considering the features it offers. The included backup camera adds further value, especially for drivers who want extra assistance when reversing.

Conclusion

The VOLAM 10.25” Wireless Android Auto CarPlay Device delivers on its promise of bringing modern connectivity to older vehicles. The large touchscreen is bright and responsive, the wireless connection to your phone is reliable, and the split-screen functionality is genuinely useful for multitasking while driving. The built-in video streaming apps and optional backup camera round out a feature set that is hard to beat at this price point.

If you are looking for a practical way to add navigation, hands-free calling, and entertainment to your car without a costly head unit replacement, the VOLAM device is worth serious consideration. Just remember to factor in the polarized sunglasses limitation if that applies to your driving habits.