MEKEDE DUDU7 12+512GB for VW Transporter 2020 - Headunit Chat

Holmless

New Member
My New MEKEDE DUDU7 (12+512GB) – Initial Thoughts

I’ve recently purchased the MEKEDE DUDU7 (12+512GB) from Alibaba for £500 delivered. I’ll be sharing my findings, joys, and frustrations here as I test it out. If any of you have already bought this radio, I’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and potential gotchas!

Why I Chose This Radio

For the full specs and details, check it out here: MEKEDE DUDU7.

I’ve been investing quite a bit of time and money into upgrading my sound system, so I wanted a head unit that could take my setup to the next level. My main criteria were:
  • Massive storage: I needed a unit capable of holding full-quality tracks from Spotify and my personal music library. The DUDU7’s 512GB internal storage is one of the largest available and, while it’s not enough for my entire library, it’s an excellent start.
  • Customizability: Android-based head units stood out for their flexibility and support for internal HDDs, and the DUDU7 fits the bill perfectly.
  • Future-proofing: While I don’t plan to use Apple CarPlay much, it’s nice to know it’s there in case Apple makes it more useful down the line.
Initial Impressions

So far, I’ve plugged it in and had a quick play, and I must say: it’s phenomenal. It’s by far the fastest and most responsive head unit I’ve ever used, with zero lag. Navigating through menus and apps feels seamless, and the display is vibrant and crisp.

Next Steps

I’m about to hook up my amps and fully integrate it into my sound system, which I’m really excited about! I can’t wait to hear how it performs when properly set up.

Summarised Specs here:

MEKEDE DUDU7

Operating System and Processor:
  • OS: Android 13
  • CPU: 12-Core UIS7870 Customised Version A76 2.7GHz 6nm Processor
Memory and Storage:
  • RAM: 12GB
  • ROM: 512GB UFS 3.1 with read speeds over 1700MB/s
Display:
  • Size: 10.3 inches
  • Resolution: 2000x1200 QLED Touchscreen
Connectivity:
  • Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto: Supported
  • Bluetooth: Qualcomm 3031 Chip, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support
  • Wi-Fi: Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, supports 5G Wi-Fi
  • USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Type-C), 3x USB 2.0
Audio and Amplification:
  • Power Amplifier: TDA7808 Digital AB Type
    • Maximum Power Output:
      • 50W per channel at 4Ω (peak power).
      • RMS Power Output: Typically around 25W–30W per channel at 4Ω with low distortion (Total Harmonic Distortion - THD).
    • Load Impedance: Supports 4Ω and 2Ω loads, though performance is optimized at 4Ω.
  • DSP: AKM7739 Velvet Audio Technology
  • Audio Outputs: Optical, Coaxial, RCA 5.1 Channel Outputs
Navigation and Positioning:
  • GPS: Dual-band 6-mode L1 L5 B1 B2a E1 E5a
Additional Features:
  • Microphone: Digital Noise Cancellation
  • 360° Panoramic Imaging System: Supported (requires additional 360 chip)
  • Voltage Range: 9V–16V
 
Hi @Holmless

I'd be interested in knowing the results of running the program 'fake test device' on the headunit.

The Chinese like to fake the android device operating versions etc. Android 13 runs way higher security checks, so Chinese units tend not to use version 13. Running that program can reveal some interesting results.

I have an android 13 unit in my astra, or should I say, android 9 version.......
 
Hi @Holmless

I'd be interested in knowing the results of running the program 'fake test device' on the headunit.

The Chinese like to fake the android device operating versions etc. Android 13 runs way higher security checks, so Chinese units tend not to use version 13. Running that program can reveal some interesting results.

I have an android 13 unit in my astra, or should I say, android 9 version.......
I will jump on this later this week.
 
What fitting kit, interfaces was used to install it ?
Mekede supplied the facia and it fits perfectly. The white double d looking cable has no home and neither does the yellow USB-C lead. I believe there is a USB-C retention cable but I have not tried any yet. Once I do I will add my findings here.
 
The DUDU7 seems to be getting very positive reviews at the moment, i've been looking out for facias and deals myself however not taken the plunge yet. I noticed you linked the Mekede M7 and not the Mekede DUDU7. the M7 does is slightly older and does not have the latest OS (DuduOS). so would be interested to know if they have supplied a DUDU7 with facia. From what i've found from the mekede forums someone does have a (universal) DUDU7 installed in a transporter...they posted about some minor bugs relating to the canbus interface unit and the steering wheel controls (if i recall correctly, pressing the steering wheel button to talk to google resulted in audio being muted, i think an updated firmware was being provided for testing)
 
Been looking for a Android head unit, I've got a few questions if you done mind.
  • How does it connect to the can bus for things like rear parking sensors etc?
  • Does it have Google Play Store on it ?
  • Also do you have a link to get the one that comes with the facia you ordered?
TIA
 
The DUDU7 seems to be getting very positive reviews at the moment, i've been looking out for facias and deals myself however not taken the plunge yet. I noticed you linked the Mekede M7 and not the Mekede DUDU7. the M7 does is slightly older and does not have the latest OS (DuduOS). so would be interested to know if they have supplied a DUDU7 with facia. From what i've found from the mekede forums someone does have a (universal) DUDU7 installed in a transporter...they posted about some minor bugs relating to the canbus interface unit and the steering wheel controls (if i recall correctly, pressing the steering wheel button to talk to google resulted in audio being muted, i think an updated firmware was being provided for testing)
Sorry my mistake, I have the DUDU7 and it fits perfectly, and works perfectly (so far).
I will go through everything soon but soo far here are the few issues:
  • It won't connect to my iPhone hotspot, it just refuses to get an ip address. I am in contact with their support team but as yet no luck.
  • It won't switch to night mode when I turn on my lights... I may need to fiddle a bit with the software but no luck yet.
  • I cannot connect my USB-C socket to it yet as I cannot find the correct adapter for it (yet)
  • The radio is a POS, Again I don't have the correct adapter for the FM plug but there seems to be very little improvement from the last Android unit.
The picture shows it fitting perfectly. I have not secured the clocks facias yet as I need to remove it all again tonight to get the speakers wired into my new AMPS which have now arrived.
IMG_1017.jpeg
 
Been looking for a Android head unit, I've got a few questions if you done mind.
  • How does it connect to the can bus for things like rear parking sensors etc?
  • Does it have Google Play Store on it ?
  • Also do you have a link to get the one that comes with the facia you ordered?
TIA
The Canbus integration was instant and so far everything thwart can work works.
Yes 100% native Android 13 with store and it works super quickly
I have asked the supplier to give me a link to the part.
 
Hi @Holmless

I'd be interested in knowing the results of running the program 'fake test device' on the headunit.

The Chinese like to fake the android device operating versions etc. Android 13 runs way higher security checks, so Chinese units tend not to use version 13. Running that program can reveal some interesting results.

I have an android 13 unit in my astra, or should I say, android 9 version.......
Can you share the link to the "Test" so far it all seems legit, all my apps report V13 etc
 
Update:
  • The fan on the DUDU7 is a bit annoying at times. You cannot turn it off! I will try to add sound absorbing material behind it to reduce the noise.
  • Wifi turns off on its own. You have to manually turn in it back on.
  • It refuses to connect to my IOS hotspot but connects to everyone else's!!!! I blame Apple for this.
  • The CanBus:
    • Lights not working
    • Indicators not working
    • Parking sensors not showing distances (reverse is fine, as is my camera)
  • Support issues. I have been in touch with their support team using the WhatsApp channel, and via Alibaba.
    • The default answer to most of my questions is to ignore them and either tell me the function does work or randomly ask about a different issue.
These are not deal breakers, especially not at the price.
I will be working on wiring in my 2 AMPs and 10 speakers this weekend! I have been running with just 6 speakers so far, Alpine fronts and Fli 12" subs at the back and it has been epic!!! with all 10 in place it is going to epic :-)

Have any of you considered this radio yet? It would be great to have another person to voice ideas off about getting this all working sweetly.
 
I have had my Mekede DuDU 7, installed in my other 2017 VAG vehicle, since October 2024 and after a few teething problems, I would have to say its probably the best Anroid head unit out there. All steering wheel controls work, front and rear parking sensors display, and factory rear camera connected and worked also. Mekede support forum is fantastic and most problems get resolved on there. They seem very helpfull and want to help.
The DuDu 7 is so good I was hoping to install another one in my 2021 Multivan with a MIB 2existing head unit in it, but from what I can tell, and what I have heard its next to impossible to do. Anybody have any experience with this ??/
Photo of my existing setup.
02 Yeti DuDu.JPEG
 
Update:
  • The fan on the DUDU7 is a bit annoying at times. You cannot turn it off! I will try to add sound absorbing material behind it to reduce the noise.
  • Wifi turns off on its own. You have to manually turn in it back on.
  • It refuses to connect to my IOS hotspot but connects to everyone else's!!!! I blame Apple for this.
  • The CanBus:
    • Lights not working
    • Indicators not working
    • Parking sensors not showing distances (reverse is fine, as is my camera)
  • Support issues. I have been in touch with their support team using the WhatsApp channel, and via Alibaba.
    • The default answer to most of my questions is to ignore them and either tell me the function does work or randomly ask about a different issue.
These are not deal breakers, especially not at the price.
I will be working on wiring in my 2 AMPs and 10 speakers this weekend! I have been running with just 6 speakers so far, Alpine fronts and Fli 12" subs at the back and it has been epic!!! with all 10 in place it is going to epic :)

Have any of you considered this radio yet? It would be great to have another person to voice ideas off about getting this all working sweetly.
As it turns out it is in Fact EE that won't allow my iOS hot spot to work. I have tried the various work arounds but in the end I am gong to get a cheap SIM card and avoid using my phone.
 
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