Android Auto Compatible Phones: 8 Best Phones for Android Auto
Google has recently unveiled the new design of Android Auto. The redesigned interface features improved navigation, dark theme and intuitive functions, among others.
Now that it supports many useful and important features, the next concern is knowing the best Android Auto compatible phones.
What Is Android Auto?
You might have already heard of Android Auto before. But for those who don’t know what it is, it’s an Android app by Google designed for safe driving.
It lets you interact with your device without actually being distracted by it. You can use and command your device via Google Assistant. It is safer because you’ll be able to operate your phone hands-free. Learn more about Android Auto here. The great thing about this app is that it’s free. However, it’s not compatible with all cars.
But there are now many cars, particularly those manufactured from 2016 or more recent ones, that support Android Auto. Check out this complete list if you want to know which cars are compatible with Android Auto.
Before proceeding with the list of the best Android Auto compatible phones, you can also read this guide on how to use the app.
The Best Android Auto Compatible Phones
| Best Overall | Google Pixel 3 XL |
| Cheapest | Google Pixel 2 XL |
| Best Value | Google Pixel 3 |
| Highly Recommended | Nexus 6P |
| Runner Ups | Google Pixel |
| Google Pixel XL | |
| Google Pixel 2 | |
| Nexus 5X |
8 Best Phones Compatible with Android Auto
Smartphones that run on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher are said to be compatible with Android Auto. However, they are not compatible with Android Auto wireless. For wireless connections, Android phones that run on Oreo OS work best. However, not all of them are compatible with the app. With this, we have made a list of phones that are guaranteed to be fully compatible with Android Auto.
Most of these phones are made by Google. Others are by other brands but made in collaboration with Google. Check them out below.
1. Google Pixel
This smartphone Google first-generation Pixel phone. Released in 2016, this phone runs on Android 71. (Nougat), but can be upgraded to Android 9 (Pie). It may be no longer be a new model, but it’s still a pretty decent smartphone, especially if you are to use it on your car for Android Auto.
It’s a small phone that fits perfectly well on your hands. In this phone, Google primarily focused on the cameras, through HDR+ software optimization, IR laser-assisted autofocus, and 1.55 μm sensor. With such features, the Pixel has been considered as one of the best-rated smartphones in terms of camera.
Features:
- Glass-aluminum unibody
- Google Assistant
- 5.0-inch AMOLED display
- 12.3MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
2. Google Pixel XL
Like the Pixel, the Pixel XL was also hailed as among the best-rated smartphone cameras in 2016. While they are more or less the same in features, they differ in some ways. Pixel XL is slightly bigger and has a Quad HD display (in contrast with the regular AMOLED display of Pixel). It also has a bigger battery.
However, regardless of the difference, both Pixel and Pixel XL work perfectly well with Android Auto.
Features:
- 5.5-inch AMOLED Quad HD display
- 2.4GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor
- 12.3MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Google Assistant
3. Google Pixel 2
Pixel 2 was released in 2017 as the successor to Google Pixel. Like the Pixel, this second-generation smartphone is compact, but this one has a slimmer design. Its aluminum unibody is paired with a Gorilla Glass 5. While the 2 phones look similar at first glance, the biggest difference is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa-core processor which is faster and great for wireless support.
Features:
- 5.0-inch AMOLED display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa-core processor
- 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Slim design
4. Google Pixel 2 XL
Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were released together. Both have front-facing stereo speakers, the same cameras and processor. But at first glance, the difference is noticeable. Pixel 2 X is larger (with 6.0 screen) and P-OLED display. It also has a more cinematic, full-screen aspect ratio (18:9).
With cinematic display, larger screen, cameras and speakers, this smartphone is definitely great for entertainment.
Features:
- 6.0-inch P-OLED display
- Aluminum body
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa-core processor
- 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
5. Google Pixel 3
The Google Pixel 3 is the latest Pixel model, released just last year. Like the other Pixel models, this one puts more emphasis on cameras. With its 5.5-inch display, it is easily usable and compact enough. It has a powerful processor and sports an 18:9 aspect ratio that extends towards the edges, maximizing screen size. A handy phone with the power of larger phones.
Features:
- 5.5-inch P-OLED display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa-core processor
- Aluminum frame, Gorilla glass 5
- 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP dual front camera
6. Google Pixel 3 XL
For those who love larger phones, the Google Pixel 3 XL is the bomb. It sports the same aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5, P-OLED display, processor, cameras and front-facing speakers as the Pixel 3. However, it has a bigger screen (6.3-inch) and more sizeable battery (which means that it lasts longer on a single charge).
Features:
- 6.3-inch P-OLED display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa-core processor
- Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5
- 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP dual front camera
7. Nexus 5X
Before the Pixel phones came into the picture, there was the Nexus line. Nexus 5X was manufactured by LG but co-developed by Google. Released in 2015 together with the Nexus 6P, this phone is compatible with Android Auto. Since it runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgrade it to Android 9 (Pie) to use it for the app.
It is packed with great features like quality cameras and the Nexus imprint, among others.
Features:
- 5.2-inch LCD display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- Gorilla Glass 3
- IR laser-assisted autofocus
- 12.3MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
8. Nexus 6P
Nexus 6P was unveiled in 2015, together with the Nexus 5X. This smartphone is manufactured by Huawei and developed by Google. It has a thin and light design and features an aluminum unibody. It features a 1.55 µM sensor, similar to Pixel cameras, making it great for mobile photography.
While it was released to formally launched Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), this smartphone is upgradeable to Android 9 (Pie). Like the other smartphones developed and marketed by Google, this works best with Android Auto, including the wireless and updated version.
Features:
- All-metal design
- 5.7-inch WQHD AMOLED display
- 12MP camera with 1.55 µM sensor
- 2GHz Snapdragon 810 (V2.1) processor
Questions People Ask
Which Phones are compatible with Android Auto?
Android phones which have Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) are supported, but for better performance Android 6.0 (Marshmellow) and up to the latest versions.
How do I connect Google Pixel to Android Auto?
To connect Google Pixel, or any other compatible phone for that matter, you must first unlock your phone’s screen. Connect the phone to your car with a USB cable, or wirelessly. Google may ask you to download certain apps. After this, review safety information and Android Auto permissions. Finally, turn on the notifications for the app.
Is Android Auto free?
Yes, it’s free. You can download the app directly from Google Play and install it on your phone.
Safety and Entertainment While Driving
Using our phones while driving is a no-no. But with Android Auto, you can use compatible phones even when you’re driving. Who says you can’t have entertainment while your eyes are on the road? Use your phone hands-free and command Google Assistant to play that favorite tune or anything.
Android Auto now supports more and more features to ensure a safer and more entertaining driving experience. We’re excited what the app may bring next in the near future.
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