REVIEW – My 2025 Toyota Tundra Cremax comes with a large 14-inch display that can be used for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. I use the Apple ecosystem, so I use CarPlay. CarPlay offers nice features, but it cannot play movies or videos from companies like Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime. This is not usually an issue, but with the large screen and two kids who are often with me on long trips, the ability to watch a movie can be great for them and sanity medication for me. Enter the CARLUEX PRO+2.0 Multimedia AI Box.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $269
Where to buy: Carluex website
What is it?
The CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0 is a multimedia AI box designed to transform a car’s infotainment system into a wireless, app-powered entertainment hub, offering seamless wireless CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 4K streaming abilities.
What’s included?
- CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0 device for wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and 4K streaming.
- High-speed data cable (USB-A to USB-C adapter) for plug-and-play connection to any compatible car.
- Quick Start Guide to get set up in minutes.
Bonus Accessories (may vary by promotion)
- Clip & Strap for securing the device and organizing cables.
- HDMI Cable (Micro HDMI to HDMI, 2 meters) for rear-seat or dual-screen 4K streaming.
- Remote Control for easy navigation and control from any seat.
- MicroSD Card (32GB) + Card Reader for convenient storage expansion and file transfer.
Tech specs
• Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor with Adreno GPU
• Android 13 operating system
• 8GB RAM and 128GB built-in storage, expandable up to 512GB via MicroSD card
• Smooth 4K HDR video playback with rich colors and sharp details
• Qualcomm WCD9385 audio decoder supporting 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio
• True wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with fast pairing
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and built-in 4G LTE cellular support
• GPS navigation capability
• Compatible with 800+ CarPlay-enabled vehicles (model years 2016–2024), supports iPhone 5+ and Android 6.0+ devices
• Dual HDMI outputs for front and rear displays, plus a Micro HDMI port for rear-seat video output
• SIM card slot supporting multiple frequency bands
• Boot time approximately 18 seconds
• Plug & play design, no professional installation required (not compatible with BMW wired CarPlay models)
Design and features
• Powered by Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor with Adreno GPU for fast, smooth performance
• Runs on Android 13 OS with access to Google Play and APK installations
• Instant wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with fast, reliable pairing
• Smooth 4K HDR video playback with sharp details and rich colors
• Qualcomm WCD9385 audio decoder supporting 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio
• Built-in 128GB storage, expandable up to 512GB via microSD card
• Dual HDMI outputs supporting simultaneous front and rear screen playback
• Built-in 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz), and GPS navigation
• Supports SIM card for mobile data connectivity
• Compatible with 800+ CarPlay-enabled car models (2016-2024), supporting iPhone 5+ and Android 6.0+ devices
• Plug-and-play installation via USB port, no special tools needed (not compatible with BMW wired CarPlay models)
• Approximately 18 seconds fast boot time and ultra-responsive system
• Multi-tasking support with split-screen mode for navigation and media simultaneously
• Customizable launcher and interface
• Optional remote control available for cars without a touchscreen
• Ideal for families and travelers with rear-seat entertainment support via Micro HDMI port
• One-tap OTA firmware updates and remote engineer support for easy maintenance
The CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0 device for wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and 4K streaming features a compact, lightweight, and simple design that blends into the dashboard. The device is plug-and-play via USB and has a sleek housing that contains ventilation slots to prevent overheating during extended use. On the body, it offers a USB-C power port, a micro-HDMI port for a second display, a microSD slot for storage expansion, and a SIM card slot for mobile data access. Accessories include a remote with a keyboard to accommodate many makes of vehicles.
Performance
The CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0 Multimedia AI Box is a fantastic little, lightweight box that delivers impressive performance and versatility as an in-car entertainment system. It is powered by a decent Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor with the Android 13 OS installed. While the experience is smooth and on most occasions lag-free, I do find that I regularly must perform multiple touches to get a response. Once the touch works, the app launches quickly.
Starting from the beginning of using the device, it boots quickly once the vehicle ignition is turned on. The initial main screen is attractive, and the colors are vibrant. I tested multimedia playback from Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and other apps that I loaded, and the quality of the video playback is excellent. The audio is good, but I did find that I could not get audio playback when using my local station TV app. I am not sure why this is happening, but audio works for everything else.
The device’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration eliminates cables, simplifying connectivity with smartphones. The built-in HDMI port allows for the addition of another monitor, which would work for the kids in the rear seat of my truck, but I opted not to do that because of the wiring and powering needs, and since it would not be in the center of the 2 front seats, the kids will likely fight over it.
The device offers storage expansion up to 512 GB via the built-in micro-SD slot. This is great if I want to load videos and other media from it to use with the device.
While the setup is user-friendly and truly plug-and-play, requiring only connection to the car’s USB port, I do find navigating the settings a bit tedious, and although the device comes set to update the time automatically, it did not, and I had to access what seems like buried settings to force it to my region. Otherwise, the connection via the built-in Toyota Connect wireless connection via AT&T works very well and is fast and stable, and performs without lag or disruption. It is important to note that the videos show while driving, so drivers need to be very disciplined about paying attention to the road and not the screen that others in the car are watching.
Overall, the CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0 Multimedia AI Box provides good entertainment and transforms my 14-inch screen into a true multimedia system. The following video gives you a better understanding of the experience:
Final thoughts
The CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0 device, which supports wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and 4K streaming, is a fantastic addition to my truck. The device is so small that I hardly notice it at all. I love the interface, and I use it often, even instead of the nice navigation that comes with my truck. Well done!!
Note: Carluex has some promotions:
- PRO+2.0: $269, promotional price: $215
- Full accessory set: $80, promotional price: $64
- Original combined price: $349
- Discounted price with code: $244
What I like about the CARLUEX PRO+ 2.0
- It is small, compact, and lightweight
- It’s easy and quick to set up
- It is truly plug-and-play
- It works amazingly well
- The video is great
- It is portable and can be used with a SIM card as well
- Apps can be easily added
- It can extend to another HDMI monitor
What needs to be improved?
- It seems to get a bit hot quite quickly
- Navigating the settings can be a bit tedious
Price: $269
Where to buy: Carluex website
Source: Carleux provided a free sample for this review. Carleux did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.
Check out these other reviews!
- CARLUEX GO Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter review
- CARLUEX PRO+ Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter review – Add features to your boring car stereo!
Portable Wireless Carplay Car Stereo, 7" HD Touchscreen for Car with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with Backup Camera/Mirror Link/Voice Control/Bluetooth/GPS/AUX/FM Satellite Radio for All Vehicles
39% Off
