Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: Great but Fragile Aftermarket Solution

Review of the Atoto S8 Pro wireless CarPlay receiver: large display for CarPlay

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Atoto S8 Pro

2.5/5 Buy on Amazon

Atoto S8 Pro is an aftermarket infotainment system with wireless CarPlay , GPS tracking and a bunch of other functions in a design with a serious weak point.

Sometimes products come to market that are designed to do one specific task well. The Atoto S8 Pro is definitely not that product, but it is a great Wireless CarPlay receiver that requires extra care when installing.

My personal use case only requires CarPlay, but I tested other aspects of the Atoto S8 Pro for this review. This device runs a fully functional Android experience that includes the YouTube app, its own music app, and apps in the Google Play store.

It looks like Atoto has all the features covered and more will be released in future updates. My biggest complaint at the moment is the archaic nature of the firmware update, which ruined my original review unit.

I installed this unit on my 2016 Honda HR-V with the optional dash. It fits well into the dashboard, even with the very large touchscreen display.

Atoto S8 Pro Carplay wireless receiver review: design

Atoto S8 Pro is a double-din unit with a large 10-inch display. There's nothing special about the device itself, as most of the device is hidden inside the dashboard.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: The large, bright display has enough resolution to make CarPlay icons look clear

Unlike other car stereos with displays, the display is not integrated with the actual head unit. Instead, it is mounted using a mounting block attached to the periscope neck, so the monitor floats in front of the dashboard.

The display is large, but not too big for our car. Some vehicles may have problems with a protruding monitor because it may obstruct controls, vents, or other features. Be sure to check sizing and compatibility before purchasing.

Review of the wireless CarPlay receiver Atoto S8 Pro: physical buttons are necessary for security

Some CarPlay devices, factory or aftermarket, try to do away with physical controls altogether, but thankfully the Atoto S8 Pro doesn't do that. Having physical buttons for volume, mute, home, and track skip makes it easy to control media without looking.

Atoto S8 Pro Carplay Wireless Receiver Review: Installation

Installing the Atoto S8 Pro is not much different from installing any other car stereo system. However, you'll want to install it professionally or use the help of a friend if you're not familiar with the process.

Review of the Atoto S8 Pro wireless CarPlay receiver: connecting the connection kit before installation

After the wires were attached to the harness, I noticed that there was a bundle still disabled on the dashboard. It looked like it was for the steering wheel, which Atoto has wires for, but I ignored them during the initial installation as those wires weren't labeled and it would have been a time consuming job.

The dashboard and everything necessary was installed without problems (purchased separately). Note that the display has different angle and height settings, which should be adjusted before screwing everything down.

To test the latest features, I had to install a firmware update. To install this update, I needed a FAT32 SD card with an installation file that fits into a slot behind the dash.

Review of the Atoto S8 Pro wireless CarPlay receiver: installation was easy

I realized this only after installing the device. The dashboard kit I ordered covered the SD card slot, so I had to pull the unit back out to insert the card for the update.

However, everything went completely wrong.

Single point of failure

There are a few things you should pay attention to with the Atoto S8 Pro. A periscope monitor is attached to it using a few screws and a ribbon cable — everything went dark after installation.

Climbing behind the device and blindly unscrewing various screws was not the best solution. In addition, my dashboard cannot be removed while the monitor is installed, so it had to be done in that order.

I thought I had removed the necessary monitor bracket mounting screws, but I left one important screw hidden behind the monitor. When I went to pull the monitor out, the unit came free from the bracket and I tore the ribbon cable off the mounting plate.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay receiver review: the tape was attached to the mounting plate with glue

Oops.

After contacting Atoto, they sent me another device to complete the test. I carefully installed the device and made sure there was room to access the SD card even with the monitor on.

I admit that it was my mistake, but anyone can make it. Accidentally ripping your monitor out of its mounting bracket shouldn't be so easy.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: All three screws must be removed

The screws that detach the monitor from the mounting bracket are too easily accessible when the monitor is installed . Plus, the screws are next to the ones you'll actually have to remove, making things even more confusing.

If you can install the Atoto S8 Pro without any problems, it is a great CarPlay device. However, I have to rate the overall score on how easy it is to accidentally damage it.

Remove the right screw to adjust the angle, the left screw to adjust the height, both screws will destroy the device

Carplay Atoto S8 Pro wireless receiver review: features

The Atoto S8 Pro is powered by a 12nm ARM Cortex Octa-Core processor that delivers a smooth experience on a 10-inch display with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. It is an LCD display with QLED backlighting for improved color reproduction.

There are two Bluetooth radios: one 5.0 for connecting the device and 4.1 only for the Internet modem. A dedicated SIM card slot provides paid internet access and GPS, but it's not necessary if you're relying on CarPlay.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: SD Card Slot and USB-A for Media or Updates

Add media files like videos and music files via SD card slot or USB-A port. Internet tethering also works via the USB-A port.

I was also able to test the Atoto backup camera, which is necessary since my Honda's backup camera won't work with an aftermarket unit. It has a unique feature: when backing up, it tries to build a top-down view, which can come in handy in difficult situations.

Like other infotainment systems, Atoto S8 Pro runs on Android. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are available via the Car Link app.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: Full Android Runs CarPlay

Instead of a simple CarPlay launcher, Atoto opens up the system to more Android features. There are several pre-installed apps such as YouTube as well as Google Play Store.

To take advantage of the apps, you'll need an Internet connection, so either connect your iPhone to the Internet or insert a SIM card. The same goes for GPS features like speed-compensated volume control, which increases volume at speeds over 50 mph based on GPS location.

YouTube works fine, but of course you shouldn't use it unless your car is parked. We would like the video to automatically pause while the car is moving, but this setting is disabled by default and is toggled by the user.

This is an AppleInsider review, so I won't be covering the Android side of the device. The following options exist, but they are optional and do not affect CarPlay.

TrackHU

Well, I say accessible, but after updating the Atoto S8, the TrackHU application did not appear. But that's what the app does if you can install it and run it.

Review of the Atoto S8 Pro wireless CarPlay receiver: TrackHU is an additional application for tracking cars

TrackHU is a car tracking service that connects via GPS via an installed SIM -card card. It is capable of updating the vehicle's location every 15 seconds.

This system has pros and cons. It is accurate and helps keep track of your vehicle, especially if it is stolen.

However, if the S8 Pro is turned off, GPS tracking will not occur.

Since I couldn't get the app to work, I settled on my preferred tracking method: AirTag. I have one stuck in an unknown location on my car and it will work whether the car is on or not.

ChatGPT in cars with Drivechat

If you are from For those people who would benefit from ChatGPT in their cars, Atoto has a solution – DriveChat. Version 1.5 is available now, with more advanced systems planned to be introduced later.

Short video of Elon Musk humorously stands for “Ellen Musk”, doesn't really say what's possible with DriveChat, and the Atoto website isn't much help either. The goal appears to be for the chatbot to provide answers to travel queries, but it's unclear whether it will be able to respond to information and open apps like Siri.

I'm not crazy about this idea, but it's there if you want it. Fortunately, this is not necessary.

In the case of the Atoto S8, luck is not on my side. The DriveChat app appeared after I installed the required update, but it opens to a blank screen, so something isn't working yet.

Since I was unable to try this feature, it will not affect my review score. Atoto assures me that DriveChat 2.0 will be ready for prime time, so if you want to try out this feature, this update is worth paying attention to.

Using Atoto Wireless Carplay S8 Pro Receiver

When you're in the car and your iPhone is paired with the Atoto S8 Pro, all that's left is CarPlay. If you've used CarPlay before, there's no surprise here.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: Great CarPlay Features

However, there are a few tricks that will help get things going, especially if you're sharing your car. The wireless CarPlay system is based on a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it's very sticky with this unit.

If your partner was previously connected to CarPlay and you want to connect, you will have to turn off Wi-Fi by tapping your device name in the Bluetooth menu of the Atoto Phone app. Yes, as confusing as it may sound.

After receiving the correct device to connect, you select the device linking app. It says that it should automatically start when the device is connected, but in my experience it didn't.

Atoto S8 Pro Wireless CarPlay Receiver Review: Large touchscreen works great with CarPlay

If you open the device communication app too early, you will see connection loading screen. The connection process can sometimes take several seconds.

After connecting everything will be smooth. CarPlay works as it should and the touchscreen is responsive.

One notable problem with the device is the lack of automatic brightness adjustment. If you want the display to be dimmer or brighter, you exit CarPlay back to Android, tap the sun icon at the top of the display to cycle through the four presets, and then return to CarPlay.

I will also note that the sound mixing of the Atoto device is quite self-confident. You'll have to spend some time with the Android equalizer app to make sure you have the right sound.

Wireless CarPlay and much more

I've owned cars with built-in CarPlay and have previously used aftermarket solutions. The Atoto S8 Pro has proven to be one of the most stable devices I've owned.

There are many special features included in Atoto S8 Pro. If these interest you, then you will probably be pleased with this device.

I like the large, responsive display, but I'm sure there are cheaper options for those looking for devices without the bells and whistles. However, if you purchase the Atoto S8 Pro, you will have a working device without any major complaints — if you don't break it.

Atoto S8 Pro Carplay wireless receiver review — pros

Large, bright display.
Responsive and supports multi-touch gestures.
Physical buttons for easy control.
Various tilt angles and height levels available .
All Android devices are available outside of CarPlay, as well as additional features

Review of the wireless Carplay receiver Atoto S8 Pro — cons

Easy to damage
Unintuitive pairing method during setup
Features such as DriveGPT and TrackHU are missing, despite the fact that they are listed in product description, even after update
No over-the-air updates
Included SD card slot cannot be accessed without disassembly for firmware updates on some dashboard configurations
Display brightness is not automatically available and is only available when exiting CarPlay

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Atoto S8 Pro is designed to do everything a user could want to do from the driver's seat and more. A single point of failure significantly reduces the score.

It's a good device with a great display that delivers near-flawless Wireless CarPlay performance, but there are likely lower-priced models if your only goal is access to Wireless CarPlay.