Buy the Carluex Pro+ 2.0 AI Box for $232 directly here using the coupon code CARPLAY15 at checkout.
Buy the Carluex Accessory Bundle here
More CarPlay AI Box Reviews here
The Carluex Pro+ 2.0 AI Box is one of the latest multimedia adapters designed to bring Android 13 to your CarPlay system. Packed with features including HDMI output, Google Play Store access, and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, it aims to be a premium in-car entertainment solution. But does it deliver for its $274 price tag?
Let’s find out…
Unboxing & Setup
Inside the box, the Carluex Pro+ 2.0 comes equipped with a braided USB-C cable and USB-A to C adapter, and for $82 they sell an accessory bundle that offers an HDMI to micro HDMI cable, 32GB TF card and card reader, an additional USB-A to C cable and USB-C adapter, as well as a Bluetooth air mouse remote and magnetic airvent mount. The AI Box itself is compact with squared edges, Carluex branding on top, a USB-C power port, micro HDMI out, TF card slot, SIM slot, and passive cooling on the underside to help keep the Qualcomm 6125 chipset inside cool.
Setting it up is straightforward, and once connected to the car, you’re greeted by a familiar launcher with shortcuts for apps, maps, and widgets. Inserting a SIM, connecting to a mobile or in-car Wi-Fi hotspot is required to get the most out of any AI Box, mostly for app downloads and app operation from apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and more from the Google Play Store.
Performance
Performance is a mixed bag. Video playback on YouTube and Netflix runs smoothly enough in 1080p60 with an +80ms AV delay in YouTube; however, there is some occasional stutter when viewing benchmark-based footage, but this is less obvious during casual watching of content. Audio quality is solid, and stereo is supported. Google Maps runs well, though navigation data doesn’t pass through to the instrument cluster or HUD, which is to be expected on an AI Box.
The HDMI output is a unique feature for an AI Box, especially at this price range. This feature allows rear-seat passengers to enjoy mirrored content on a secondary HDMI display or even use the box as a smart TV box at home. Thanks to the QC6125 CPU/GPU, 4K 30fps playback runs well, but 4K 60fps struggles and isn’t possible. 1080p60 has no issues either.
Gaming
Gaming on the Pro+ 2.0 is possible with lightweight titles like Crossy Road, but the Snapdragon 6125 chipset struggles with demanding 3D games, producing lower graphics quality compared to competing AI Boxes. You’ll need to look at better-performing chipsets if you really want to be gaming on this hardware; however, cloud gaming over a reliable Wi-Fi connection or an inserted data SIM card would offer a higher quality gaming performance, especially when paired with a BT controller.
CarPlay & Android Auto
CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is available on the Pro+ 2.0, but sadly, both suffer from lag, no navigation pass-through, and limited call button integration on the steering wheel, which invokes the OS assistant instead of Siri in CarPlay or Google Assistant on Android Auto. Audio quality is acceptable from both platforms, but voice calls have a noticeable delay and their quality, especially in CarPlay, also takes a hit.
Is it Worth Buying?
At $232, the Carluex Pro+ 2.0 feels overpriced for the performance it offers. Competing AI Boxes in the same range, or cheaper, offer a smoother operation and even gaming experience, along with stronger CarPlay/Android Auto support. While the HDMI output and its accessory bundle are a plus that should be included in its base price tag, it’s hard to fully recommend this AI Box given there are stronger alternatives available.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Carluex Pro+ 2.0 AI Box introduction
0:45 – Unboxing Carluex Pro+ 2.0
1:04 – Carluex accessory bundle
2:10 – Hardware design & ports overview
3:13 – First setup in the car
5:14 – YouTube & Netflix streaming test
7:00 – Google Maps navigation performance
8:07 – Spotify, Google Gemini & remote control demo
9:56 – 4K video playback & benchmarks
11:38 – Gaming performance test
13:10 – CarPlay & Android Auto performance review
17:22 – Final verdict & should you buy it?
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