AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX

Pioneer App Radio 4 features CarPlay, three 4 volt preouts, 13 band EQ and more.

Pioneer – AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX

Estimated read time: 2 minutes 30 seconds.  Want to read later?

Pioneer now has two double din head units that are CarPlay compatible and feature AppRadio Mode.  Both are very similarly priced and have very similar features….So what’s the difference?

App Radio 4 SPH-DA120
Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120

I decided to make a helpful feature comparison chart to really see what the main differences are between Pioneer’s new AppRadio 4 and their AVH-4000NEX.  Scroll to the bottom of the post to check out the chart.

AVH-4000NEX
Pioneer AVH-4000NEX

Here is a summary of the main differences between AppRadio 4 and AVH-4000NEX:

Screen differences – AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX

  • Capacitive vs Resistive
  • 6.2″ vs 7″
  • Fixed screen vs motorized and detachable

Capacitive vs Resistive

The Pioneer AppRadio 4 features a capacitive 6.2″ touch screen while the AVH-4000NEX features a 7″ resistive touch screen.

Capacitive is technically supposed to be brighter and more responsive, especially to lighter touches.  Although the AppRadio 4 features a capacitive touch screen, which would imply it’s just as sensitive and responsive as your new iPhone, I doubt Pioneer is using the same type of quality capacitive touch screen as what’s in your iPhone.

When comparing Pioneer’s AVIC-7000NEX to it’s capacitive sister, the AVIC-8000NEX, most of my customers and staff did not find the capacitive version to be that much more responsive to warrant the additional cost.  Additionally, both myself and consumers have been concerned about glare issues in practical applications.

Take a look at two examples of capacitive touch screens installed in vehicles below.

Alpine iLX-007 installed in dash
Check out the glare reflecting off this capacitive touch screen from Alpine, the iLX-007.

I had recently had a customer exchange his Kenwood DNN991HD (capacitive touch screen) for a Pioneer AVIC-7000NEX.  He was thoroughly annoyed at the glare he encountered and the difficulty he experienced just trying to see the screen.

Kenwood connected to iDatalink Maestro RR in Jeep
Dome light reflecting off Kenwood’s DNN991HD capacitive touch screen in a Jeep Wrangler.

Aside from the style of screen and size, the Pioneer AVH-4000NEX has a motorized screen so you can adjust the angle and how it sits in your dash.  Additionally, it also features the added security benefit of a detachable face.

Feature differences – AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX

When comparing the AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX, it quickly becomes apparent the AVH-4000NEX has a few more features over the AppRadio 4 including the following:

  • CD/DVD Drive
  • SD Card
  • HD Radio
  • SiriusXM Ready (requires SXV200)
  • Navigation Ready (requires AVIC-U260)
  • Dual Zone

Dual zone is a pretty cool feature largely for parents.  It allows you to load a DVD in the front player and have the audio and video of that DVD fed to a rear monitor.  Kids can stay entertained while they listen and watch using headphones while Mom and Dad can listen to another source on their front two speakers.  Pretty cool, right?

Conclusion

Based on features alone, the AVH-4000NEX seems to be a better value.  What do you think?  Take a look at the feature comparison chart below and feel free to weigh in with your own comments and thoughts on the topic.

AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX feature comparison chart

Pioneer AppRadio 4
Pioneer AVH-4000NEX
Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120
Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120
AppRadio4 vs AVH-4000NEX
Pioneer AVH-4000NEX
Display
Screen Size6.2"7"
Type of Touch ScreenCapacitiveResistive
Anti Glare Screen CoatingNoYes
Adjustable AngleNoYes
ResolutionWVGA (800 x 480)WVGA (800 x 480)
Customizable5 Display Colors, 112-Key Colors, 13-Background, Splash Screen5 Display Colors, 112-Key Colors, 13-Background, Splash Screen
Detachable Face for SecurityNoYes
Audio Section
RCA Preouts3 pre outs (4V)3 pre outs (4V)
EQ13 Band13 Band
CrossoverYes - HPF & LPF
Adjustable from 50 Hz- 200 Hz
Slope adjustment -6 dB/oct to -18 dB/oct.		Yes - HPF & LPF
Adjustable from 50 Hz- 200 Hz
Slope adjustment -6 dB/oct to -18 dB/oct.
Time AlignmentYesYes
Source & Expansion Options
Navigation ReadyNoYes - Requires AVIC-U260
SD CardNoYes
BluetoothYesYes
USBDual Rear USB PortsDual Rear USB Ports
Rear Aux inYesYes
Satellite RadioNo - N/AYes - Requires SXV200
Dual ZoneNoYes - Awesome feature for parents.
Allows audio and video of a DVD from front source to be routed to rear monitor. Kids can listen on headphones while parents can listen to another source on front speakers.
HDMI inputYesYes
CD/DVDNo - MechlessYes
HD RadioNoYes
AM/FM Tuner with RDSYesYes
Steering Wheel Control ReadyYesYes
Reverse Camera InputYesYes
Phone App Integration
CarPlay CompatibleYes - iPhone 5 & upYes - iPhone 5 & up
AppRadio Mode for iPhone 4/4sYes - Requires CD-IU201SYes - Requires CD-IU201S
AppRadio Mode for iPhone 5 & upYes - Requires CD-IH202, Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter & Apple Lightning to USB CableYes - Requires CD-IH202, Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter & Apple Lightning to USB Cable
AppRadio Mode for AndroidYes - Requires CD-AH200, compatible with select Android Devices.Yes - Requires CD-AH200, compatible with select Android Devices.

Pioneer AppRadio 4 vs Alpine iLX-007

Alpine iLX-007 installed in dash

Pioneer AppRadio 4 vs Alpine iLX-007

I’m pretty psyched about both of these two new models from Pioneer and Alpine.  It’s about time Pioneer ramped up their audio section in their AppRadio.  It’s nice to see they’ve finally included higher fidelity features into the new AppRadio 4 such as three 4 volt RCA preouts and a 13 band EQ.  I never understood the logic, “Well if they want apps on their radio, they obviously don’t care about system expansion or sound quality.”  The additional sound quality features and user friendly interface are a welcome change to the AppRadio series.

Pioneer App Radio 4 model SPH-DA120
Pioneer App Radio 4 model SPH-DA120

I can’t wait to test out the new iLX-007.  I think the last really exciting thing Alpine did was figure out a way to interface Pandora radio into their car stereos (Side note – the digital output on their INE-W957HD is pretty cool too, but not a lot of people take advantage of that feature or even know it exists).  Check out Alpine’s new CarPlay deck, looks pretty slick, right?

Alpine iLX-007 installed in dash
Alpine iLX-007 installed in dash

I’m writing this post now, because I anticipate both Pioneer’s AppRadio 4 and Alpine’s iLX-007 will become hot sellers during the upcoming holiday season.  Consumers are going want to know, which is the better CarPlay deck?  The AppRadio 4 of the iLX-007?

I decided to put together a feature comparison chart to best compare these two models.  This way, I’ll be ready to explain the pro’s and con’s of each when the busy shopping season arrives (Might sound silly, but seriously – the holiday season is right around the corner).

Compare the features and benefits of the Pioneer AppRadio 4 vs the Alpine iLX-007

Pioneer AppRadio 4
Alpine iLX-007
Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120
Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120
Alpine iLX-007 installed in dash
Alpine iLX-007 installed in dash
Display
Screen Size6.2"7"
Customizable5 Display Colors, 112-Key Colors, 13-Background, Splash ScreenN/A
Audio Section
RCA Preouts3 pre outs (4V)3 preouts (2V)
EQ13 BandBasic 2 band, unless using Alpine Tune It App then 9 band EQ
CrossoverYes - HPF & LPF
Adjustable from 50 Hz- 200 Hz
Slope adjustment -6 dB/oct to -18 dB/oct.		Using Alpine Tune It App - HPF & LPF
Adjustable from 20 - 200 Hz
Slope adjustment 0 to -12 dB/oct.
Time AlignmentYesYes - through Alpine Tune It App only
Source & Expansion Options
BluetoothYesPhone Connection Required via USB to Lightning
USBDual Rear USB Ports1 Rear USB Port
Rear Aux inYesYes
Satellite RadioNo - N/ANo - N/A
HDMI inputYesNo
CD/DVDNo - MechlessNo - Mechless
AM/FM TunerYesYes
Reverse Camera InputYesYes
Phone App Integration
CarPlay CompatibleYes - iPhone 5 & upYes - iPhone 5 & up
AppRadio Mode for iPhone 4/4sYes - Requires CD-IU201SNo
AppRadio Mode for iPhone 5 & upYes - Requires CD-IH202, Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter & Apple Lightning to USB CableNo
AppRadio Mode for AndroidYes - Requires CD-AH200, compatible with select Android Devices.No

Pioneer Announces New CarPlay AppRadio 4

Pioneer App Radio 4 model SPH-DA120
Pioneer App Radio 4 features CarPlay, three 4 volt preouts, 13 band EQ and more.
Pioneer AppRadio 4 features CarPlay, three 4 volt preouts, 13 band EQ and more.

AppRadio 4 aka SPH-DA120 ready to roll out

UPDATE – 10/24/14 – Full length AppRadio 4 review here.

Estimated read time: 1 minute 10 seconds.  Want to read later?

Pioneer has announced that it has started shipping the all new AppRadio 4, model number SPH-DA120, to its dealers and distributors.  The AppRadio 4 is also CarPlay compatible.

It’s nice to see there has been a pretty big improvement in sound quality features in the new AppRadio 4.  Things like equalization control and high voltage pre outs were always lacking in previous AppRadio models.

The new AppRadio 4 features a 13 band EQ, 4 volt pre outs and time alignment.  It appears to share the same graphic user interface as the current NEX models.  The NEX line has proven to be sound quality oriented as well as user friendly.

App Radio 4 SPH-DA120
AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120 – NEX style user interface

New features of the AppRadio 4 include:

  • 6.2″ capacitive touch screen
  • HDMI input
  • Bluetooth
  • Apple CarPlay (for iPhone 5 or later)
  • App Radio Mode for iPhone (4s and up – typical App Radio Mode accessories required, see connectivity notes)
  • App Radio Mode for Android (typical App Radio Mode for Android accessories required, see connectivity notes)
  • Dual rear USB Port
  • 3 preouts rated at 4 volts
  • 13 Band EQ
  • Digital time alignment
  • Siri
  • Google Voice
  • AM/FM Tuner

AppRadio Mode Connectivity Kit

Depending on what device you have, you will still need an additional connectivity kit.  Pioneer lists the same accessories that were applicable to previous App Radio models.

To access AppRadio Mode, iPhone 5 users will still need a CD-IH202, Apple Lightning to USB and Apple Digital A/V Adapter).  Android users will need a CD-AH200.  iPhone 4/4s users can use a CD-IU201S.  The Apple CarPlay feature requires no additional parts, simply connect to the USB using a standard USB to lightning cable.  Keep in mind, you will not be able to easily utilize CarPlay and AppRadio Mode at the same time as each use different style connections and both connect to the USB 1 port.

Shop AppRadio 4 now.

Pioneer App Radio 4 model SPH-DA120
Pioneer AppRadio 4 model SPH-DA120

Alpine CarPlay Car Stereo Revealed iLX-007

Surely a simulated image of the new Alpine CarPlay head unit the iLX-007

Alpine may beat Pioneer at being first to release a CarPlay compatible car stereo

World's first dedicated CarPlay stereo, the Alpine iLX-007
World’s first dedicated CarPlay stereo, the Alpine iLX-007

Check out Alpine’s new iLX-007 CarPlay capable car stereo.

Estimated read time: 1 minute 33 seconds.  Want to read later?

According to Alpine, this is the world’s first car stereo dedicated to the Apple CarPlay experience. The iLX-007 is a Mech-Less unit (meaning no CD mechanism) which is a growing category in this industry.  This new CarPlay model from Alpine features a 7″ capacative touch screen designed to look, feel and fit just like an iPad or in your dash.  CarPlay will allow iPhone users to access apps such as Maps, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Beats as well as utilize Siri to send, read and reply to text messages for you.

Like most Alpine car stereo models, this new model is Power Pack ready.  Additional features include 3 preouts (2 volt), back up camera input, and aux input.  This new tablet style stereo from Alpine also lists the feature “CarPlay wifi ready”.  Without any further elaboration at this point from Alpine, I am assuming this means it tethers off of your iPhone for internet access allowing users to access many of the apps on screen that require internet access (much like Kenwood’s wifi enabled receivers such as the DNN991HD).

The new Alpine CarPlay head unit is mechless and thus 1/2 as deep as traditional double din stereos.
The new Alpine CarPlay head unit is mechless and thus 1/2 as deep as traditional double din stereos.

It’s possible users will be able to access an internet browser from the dash when the vehicle’s parking brake is engaged, but at this point that is my own personal speculation.  We will have to wait for further information.  More details are expected to become available after Apple’s press event currently scheduled for Tuesday September 9th where industry analysts expect the iPhone 6 to be announced.

This model does not feature iDatalink Maestro integration, however we may see additional models come out in the future that do support this feature (hopefully along with other desired features such as 4 Volt preouts and 9 Band EQ maybe?).  This may be the first in a whole new line of CarPlay head units from Alpine.  Alpine’s anticipates this model to be released and begin shipping this month.  If that’s the case, you can expect to see this model in stores in early October.

Surely a simulated image of the new Alpine CarPlay head unit the iLX-007
Surely a simulated image of the new Alpine CarPlay head unit the iLX-007

Shop for Apple CarPlay Compatible Stereos