They share many similarities due to commonAndroidancestry but are two very different solutions to the same problem.
Overall Findings
Runs on your phone, and interfaces with a vehicles head unit.
Requires a head unit thats compatible with Android Auto.
Available in most new cars and trucks.
Requires an Android phone with Android 8 or newer.
Works with a variety of map apps.
Some functionality is available via Google Assistant Driving Mode without connecting to a head unit.
Requires a data plan or mobile hotspot.
Operating system thats based on Android.
Runs directly on a head unit or tablet.
Works with both iPhones and Android phones.
Fully integrated with the vehicle.
Runs a limited number of Android apps.
Controls heat and air conditioning, the radio, rear seat entertainment, and other functions.
Navigation limited to Google Maps.
Android Automotive is an operating system that’s based on Android.
It’s designed for installation on vehicle head units, where it replaces amanufacturer’s infotainment software.
For example, Ford uses Android Automotive instead of their Sync system in several vehicles.
Voice Controls: Android Automotive Offers Total Integration
Uses Google Assistant.
Controls navigation, phone, texts, music, and other apps with voice.
Cant control vehicle features or functions like air conditioning.
Total integration lets you control vehicle systems like air conditioning.
Android Auto and Android Automotive use Google Assistant for voice control to perform the same tasks.
Navigation and Apps: Android Auto Is More Flexible
Uses Google Maps for navigation by default.
A variety of alternative map apps are available.
Works with a wide variety of Android apps.
Apps are installed on your phone.
Cant use alternative map apps.
Only works with a limited number of Android apps.
Apps have to be installed directly on the Android Automotive unit.
Android Auto and Android Automotive useGoogle Mapsby default, but Android Auto is more flexible.
Android Automotive is also significantly more limited in terms of apps.
Phone Compatibility: Android Automotive Works With iPhones
Requires a phone with Android 8.0 or newer.
Wireless connections require Android 11.0 or newer.
Some Samsung phones with Android 9.0 also support wireless connections.
Works with Android phones.
It also doesnt need a phone, and it works equally well with Android phones and iPhones.
Android Auto has a few advantages, the most important being its wide availability.
Most new vehicles support Android Auto and CarPlay, while Android Automotive is only available in a few vehicles.
To turn off Android Automotive, you’ll need to power off your car’s console.
In Android 10 and later, Android Auto is part of the operating system.
It will refresh alongside regular software updates.
