Audi RS Android Head Unit Upgrade Review

Audi RS Infotainment Upgrade: The S-PLAY Android Head Unit

The Audi RS7, a pinnacle of performance and luxury, sometimes leaves its owners wanting more from the integrated infotainment system. While the factory navigation is present, its lack of touch functionality and dated interface can be a significant drawback for drivers accustomed to modern smartphone interactions. Traditionally, solutions involved CarPlay integration or mirroring existing systems. However, a more comprehensive approach has emerged: replacing the entire factory display with a high-resolution Android head unit. This review focuses on the S-PLAY 12.3-inch monitor replacement for the Audi RS7, offering a significant leap in usability and features. The original Korean context highlights the limitations of the stock monitor, particularly the absence of touch controls and a less-than-ideal display for modern content. This upgrade directly addresses those pain points, providing a seamless and feature-rich experience.

Before and After: A Visual and Functional Transformation

The most striking difference is the visual upgrade. The S-PLAY unit boasts a 1920x720p high-resolution display, offering significantly sharper visuals compared to the stock screen. Crucially, it introduces full touch functionality, allowing for intuitive and immediate interaction, much like a smartphone or tablet. While the original jog dial is retained for an alternative control method, the touch interface dramatically improves usability, especially while driving. Beyond the display itself, the integration is designed to be flawless. Custom-fit dash kits ensure the new unit sits perfectly within the dashboard, maintaining a factory-like appearance and avoiding the awkwardness often associated with aftermarket installations. This attention to detail preserves the premium interior aesthetic of the Audi RS7. Furthermore, the S-PLAY system doesn't discard your existing features. It seamlessly integrates with the car's existing information displays and, importantly, retains functionality with the factory reverse camera. This means you get the safety and convenience of the backup camera feed automatically appearing when you shift into reverse, all on the new, larger, and higher-resolution screen.

Enhanced Functionality and User Experience

At its core, the S-PLAY is powered by the Android operating system, unlocking a world of possibilities. Unlike the restrictive nature of factory navigation systems, this Android head unit allows you to install and use your preferred navigation apps, such as Google Maps, Waze, or local alternatives like T Map or Kakao Navi, via a SIM card or Wi-Fi hotspot. This freedom to choose the best navigation tool for the moment is a game-changer. Entertainment is another major benefit. With access to the Google Play Store, you can install popular streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, and various other OTT services. Watching videos on the expansive 12.3-inch, high-definition screen transforms downtime in the car. The unit also supports split-screen functionality (Picture-in-Picture), allowing you to multitask, for example, by following navigation directions on one half of the screen while watching a video on the other. Audio output is handled by connecting through the car's AUX input, ensuring that navigation prompts and media playback utilize the Audi RS7's premium sound system for clear, high-quality audio. The responsiveness of the touch interface is notably quick, and screen transitions are smooth, contributing to an overall premium user experience that feels like a true factory upgrade rather than an aftermarket add-on.

Installation process:

1. The original factory monitor is carefully removed from the dashboard.
2. A custom-fit dash kit is installed to ensure a seamless integration of the new unit.
3. The 12.3-inch S-PLAY Android head unit is connected and mounted.
4. Vehicle systems, including the reverse camera and audio output (via AUX), are integrated.
5. Thorough testing is performed to ensure all functions operate correctly.

The installation typically takes around 2-3 hours and can usually be completed within a single day. Pricing for this upgrade in Korea can range from approximately 1.5 million KRW (around $1,100 USD) for base models to over 3 million KRW (over $2,200 USD) for units with enhanced processors and higher resolutions, depending on specific options and the complexity of integration with the Audi RS7's systems. It's important to note that this installation was performed in Korea, as detailed in the original source context.