With the modern era of technology, there are plenty of people who rely on being connected on the go. Drivers turn to these tools to make their journey much safer and convenient — from hands-free communication and entertainment tools to navigation. It does beg the question, however: mobile mounts vs. built-in displays — which is best? Each option has its own pros and cons, and the answer depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. This article explores both solutions to help you make an informed choice.
Why Choose Mobile Mounts?
Mobile mounts: Accessories that securely hold a smartphone while driving. They include dashboard, windshield, air vent, or cupholder mounts. Here are their main benefits:
Affordability
Mobile mounts are inexpensive. They usually cost $10 to $50, so they’re affordable for most drivers. On the other hand, mobile mounts are far cheaper than built-in displays, which are often thousands of dollars.
Compatibility
A key benefit of mobile mounts is that they work with all smartphones. Compatible with your favorite apps — Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, or Apple Music — whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, a mobile mount will keep your device in view.
Ease of Installation
Mounts for mobile devices are very easy to install, requiring no professional help. Installation on most mounts takes seconds, and if you want to switch it between cars, this can help you do that with ease.
Customizability
Using a mobile mount lets you customize your setup with the mobile apps and features you already know best. And smartphone apps being regularly updated means you always have access to the best navigation features and other functionality.
However, mobile mounts do have their downsides:
Messy Appearance: A mobile mount, with charging cables, can make your dashboard look messy.
Risk of Distraction: Bad placements on top of your dashboard could block your view or tempt you to interact with your phone while driving.
Battery Drain: Using a phone for navigation and as a media player can quickly deplete the battery, leading to a need to constantly charge it.
Why Choose Built-In Displays?
Built-in displays are factory-installed or aftermarket screens integrated into a vehicle’s dashboard.
Seamless Integration
Built-in displays are integrated into the car’s interior, meaning they’re designed to match seamlessly with the look and feel of the rest of the car, providing one cohesive style. Often, they work together with the next features you find in complex vehicle interfaces, such as the backup camera, parking sensors, and climate controls, to provide added convenience.
Safety and Accessibility
Factory units are meant to be used inside the car while driving. Many have larger screens, intuitive interfaces, and support for voice commands, all to minimize distractions. With features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, drivers can access their smartphone features on a larger screen without directly interacting with their phones.
Durability and Reliability
Unlike smartphones, which can overheat or run out of battery, built-in systems are powered by the car and built to withstand all kinds of driving conditions. They continue to work as long as the car does.
Advanced Features
Built-in displays also often feature added tools such as vehicle diagnostics, alerts when you drift from your lane, or connection with smart assistants. The enhanced features at this price point are not typically offered.
Still, built-in displays have their limitations:
Cost: These systems are typically pricier if not offered as standard equipment. Just adding one aftermarket can run from $500 to $2,000 or beyond.
Outdated Software: Built-in systems might have outdated software, as opposed to smartphones that receive updates regularly.
Cost of Repair: Should something go wrong with a built-in display, repairs can be expensive and nearly always require an expert service technician.
Conclusion
Whether to go for mobile mounts vs built-in displays depends on your needs, budget, and driving style. Trendy, cheap, versatile, and easy to install, mobile mounts are a very practical solution for most drivers. In contrast, built-in displays provide a refined and cohesive experience, equipped with advanced capabilities for improved convenience and safety.
For drivers who want the best of both worlds, most modern built-in displays now offer smartphone integration via tools like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This means you can run the features of your phone on a larger screen while benefiting from the newer built-in system features.
Whatever you choose, the “ideal” solution is to do what is safest and least distracting. Make every drive more fun and relaxed by selecting the setup that works for your lifestyle. reducing distractions and improving your drive.