AINAVI A5 13.1-inch car stereo: features, specs and who it suits

The AINAVI A5 is a 13.1-inch Android car stereo that replaces the factory radio in 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. It fits the original dash mounting location, keeps the steering wheel controls and other factory features, and adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on a much larger screen. Here is what its specs mean and how to check whether it fits your truck.

Which trucks it fits

AINAVI builds the A5 for 2014-2018 Silverado and Sierra trucks with the factory IO3, IO4, IO5, IO6 or IOB radio systems. These are GM option codes, and they are usually printed on the Service Parts Identification label, typically found in the glovebox. AINAVI's fit guide shows the factory screens these systems use: 4.2 inches (IO3 and IO4), 7 inches (IOB) and 8 inches (IO5 and IO6).

The unit comes with its own dash frame and installs in the original mounting location using the factory screws, with no dash cutting or custom brackets.

The screen and hardware

The 13.1-inch 2K display is fully laminated, which means there is no air gap between the glass and the panel underneath. Laminated screens typically show less reflection and glare, which helps in a sunny cab. AINAVI doesn't list the exact pixel count.

Inside are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. RAM decides how smoothly it handles several apps at once, such as maps beside music in split-screen; storage holds apps and offline maps. Wi-Fi 6 on 5 GHz and Bluetooth 5.4 handle wireless connections. AINAVI also lists a built-in equaliser, screen mirroring, an automatic night mode, adjustable brightness and custom themes.

CarPlay, Android Auto and Android apps

CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly or over a USB cable, for navigation, hands-free calls, music and messages with Siri or Google Assistant. Wireless keeps the cabin free of cables; a wired connection is typically the more stable choice. Because the head unit runs Android itself, it can also run apps without a phone connected.

As AINAVI notes, CarPlay and Android Auto limit video, web browsing and other distracting functions while you drive.

What it keeps from the factory system

The factory steering wheel controls, the chime speaker, the factory rear-view camera and the climate-control display all keep working, and the factory USB ports stay powered for charging.

Trucks with a factory Bose system use a fibre-optic connection to the Bose amplifier, which often complicates replacing the radio. AINAVI says no fibre-optic decoder box is needed: its own adapter plugs into the factory Bose amplifier, drives all the door speakers, suppresses electrical noise and keeps the volume levels in sync. AINAVI suggests reading its installation guide first and offers technical help by message.

Camera, GPS and radio

A 1080p HD backup camera is included, or you can keep the factory rear-view camera if your truck has one. Built-in GPS works with online and offline navigation apps, and there is FM radio with RDS, which shows station and track information. The box also contains the power cable, an RCA cable, two USB cables, an external microphone, a GPS module and a reversing control cable. AINAVI provides firmware updates on request.

Who it suits

It suits owners of 2014-2018 Silverado and Sierra trucks with one of the older factory radios who want a much larger touchscreen and wireless phone connection, without giving up the steering wheel controls, chime, climate display or Bose sound.

What to check before you buy

• Your truck: confirm the model year and the radio code on the parts label in the glovebox.
• Sound system: check whether your truck has the factory Bose system and read the guide for it.
• Your phone: wireless CarPlay and Android Auto need a phone that supports them.
• Installation: decide whether you'll fit it yourself or use an installer, and read the guide first.
• On the road: set up navigation before you drive, and follow local rules on screen use.

The short version

• A 13.1-inch 2K Android car stereo for 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.
• Fits trucks with factory IO3, IO4, IO5, IO6 or IOB radios, using the factory screws.
• 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and wireless or wired CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Keeps steering wheel controls, the chime, the factory camera and climate display; an adapter works with factory Bose.
• Includes a 1080p backup camera, GPS module and FM/RDS radio.

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