Size

The Size is one of the main differences between the two forms of DIN radio, as this difference helps outline some of the key differences in how these systems function. First and foremost, single DIN radios are smaller, and thus are far more limited in the features and functions they're capable of. For some people this may be a positive or a negative depending on how you intend to use the system, and is mainly a personal preference.

Usability

In terms of Usability, the double DIN radio has far more features available to the user. This is a result of the larger screen size, which enables manufacturers to get a bit more creative with the systems themselves, allowing for touch screens, GUI upgrades, increased processing power, and features like Apple Carplay, Android Auto, hands free controls via Microphones installed into the systems and much, much more.

These systems have slowly become something akin to a Tablet in the front of your car, able to receive text messages, display Apple Maps, Carplay Apps, and still function as a Car Stereo, and if that's what you're looking for we advise getting a Double DIN radio, over a Single DIN radio.

Form over function

Form over Function is a phrase that gets thrown about a fair amount, excpecially in architecture, when discussing the look of buildings. With the Double DIN radio, We suggest that Form lead to Function, as the increased screen size gave way to ambition and creativity for the GUI, features, applications and usage of these systems.

Integration

Double DIN head units also allow for the use of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and can even take some USB forms, like USB-C, SIM Cards, SD Cards, AUX Connections and Micro-USB to upload files, like maps, MP3 files, and sometimes even MP4 files. This connectivity is quite useful excpecially if you're looking to use some of the more technical features of these systems, as these connections give you the ability to do so.

Feature Difference

What does the Single DIN offer you then? Well surprisingly it still offers a good selection of features, which it does perfectly if not better than the Double DIN radios which are slowly becoming more and more complicated every year.

The Single DIN radios, have been around for a longer time, which gives them a certain maturity, that the Double DIN cannot offer, a simple, functional design which fits into most cars with ease, and can still have many of the features that the Double DIN radio has too. The thing it lacks is the real-estate for a mobile style GUI, and applications.

If you have the space, appreciate the look, have the extra cash available to you and believe the features available with a Double DIN radio/in-car entertainment system are useful to you , I don't see why not. With Double DIN radios Form equals Function, the bigger the system, the more use is will be to you. Overall, the choice is up to consumers, but now a days most manufacturers are mainly focusing on installing Double DIN

Here at Iceboxauto we install both kinds of DIN radio, single and double with 12 years of Experience you'll be sure that whichever model you decide to get, we know exactly how it's going to get into your car at a good price too. We sell aftermarket OEM models mainly, which offer some extra features as opposed to a stock model.

Please send us an email or a text about a system if you're unsure if it's suitable for you, or take a look at the rest of our website to find a system that's suitable for you today!