Buy the Linkifun GT7H3 for $169.15 directly Using my coupon code CARPLAYLIFE at checkout
The Linkifun GT7H3 AI Box is the latest wireless adapter from Linkifun, offering a redesigned form factor while maintaining the same core internals as its predecessor, the GT7H. Running on Android 13 with an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration, it promises smooth multitasking, HDMI output, RGB ambient lighting, and wireless connectivity for both CarPlay and Android Auto users. But does it finally fix the performance issues seen in its earlier model? Let’s find out.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Inside the box, you’ll find the GT7H3 adapter, a USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to C cable, a mini HDMI to full HDMI lead, a 64GB TF card (with reader), and a user manual. The adapter itself is circular, finished in shiny black plastic with perforated holes underneath and a metallic heatsink underneath to aid cooling. A customizable RGB LED ring gives it a more personal to suite your car interior, while ports for HDMI, TF card, SIM, and USB-C power make it a versatile device for cars and home setups.
Design and Build
The GT7H3 adopts the popular “puck” design, which feels sturdy and compact. The RGB lighting adds visual flair that can match your car’s ambient lighting setup. Its HDMI-out capability allows connection to external displays, such as rear-seat monitors or even a home TV, expanding its usability beyond the car. However, due to its display being a direct mirror of the main display, the user experience can be a little disjointed compared to more tailored UI or bespoke media boxes when conntect to a TV display.
Performance and UI
Boot time is relatively average, at 36.26 seconds, loading into Android’s main menu interface. The UI is the typical QuickStep launcher; nothing extra has been offered here. It offers direct access to the usualy suite of pre-installed apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube. App launch times are modest, sitting around the middle ground of its piers. Once in the selected app, general responsiveness is good — until video playback is started.
Once I viewed YouTube, I was hit with the same inconsistent frame rate drop, and the result, audio desync issues began to appear, particularly in video playback and streaming apps like YouTube. Netflix performs much better, but gaming reveals further flaws. Audio crackling, inconsistent sound output, and very slow performance in graphic-heavy games like Asphalt Extreme indicate that the Snapdragon 6225 chipset struggles while HDMI hardware is enabled in its core operating system. Simply disabling the HDMI feature through software didn’t fix the issue; a firmware update is required, as seen and supported on the Bruxe R6-H AI Box.
CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless CarPlay connectivity worked, but it suffers from slightly reduced stream quality and laggy touch response. The resolution was higher than native, and this could have been reduced to help with the AV stream from my iPhone. Siri voice control works, and call functions are intact, but echo and gain levels are higher than ideal. Unfortunately, Android Auto connectivity was unreliable; it successfully connected to BT and WiFi, but failed to launch Android Auto properly onto the display. Restarting both devices didn’t fix this issue either, so I had to throw in the towel.
Mirroring Performance
Both Android and iOS screen mirroring are supported, but without sounding like a broken record, it was far from ideal. Wireless mirroring usually exhibits lag, and on the GT7H3, it was no different; it also suffered from poor aspect ratio scaling, making it impractical for anything beyond static content. This is consistent with many other AI boxes, so this isn’t something new to report. Only a select few AI Boxes do mirroring well; this wasn’t one of them.
Is it Worth Buying?
The Linkifun GT7H3 brings an attractive design and a common RGB flair to the AI Box market, but it carries forward the same performance limitations as the GT7H I tried to review a few months ago. The Snapdragon 6225 chipset, combined with HDMI integration, still leads to video and sound performance issues that undermine its premium potential. Remove this ability, and the GT7H/GT7H3 will likely fly!
At $199 (or $169 with code CARPLAYLIFE), it’s competitively priced, but buyers seeking smoother video playback and gaming should consider avoiding the 6225 with HDMI or choose an AI Box with a different chipset, such as their GT6 6125 or some of the newer 6350 Snapdragon chipsets that are now coming to market.
Linkifun continues to innovate with aesthetics and flexibility, but real progress requires firmware improvements or a chipset upgrade. Until then, the GT7H3 remains a stylish but flawed evolution of the GT7H.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction & specs overview
00:30 – Unboxing and included accessories
00:58 – Design and build features
01:59 – Comparison with GT7H and GT6 models
03:36 – Car setup and boot time
05:00 – App speed tests (Maps, Spotify, YouTube)
06:17 – Video playback & HDMI
08:52 – Gaming performance
12:20 – Hardware spec & 60 FPS
13:01 – Mirroring iOS & Android
15:04 – Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto tests
18:45 – Verdict, pricing & final thoughts
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