Pioneer AVH-1300NEX Review – Apple Friendly Stereo?

UPDATE: The last time I’ve checked this head unit was out of stock. The best alternative would be the Pioneer MVH-300EX. If you want a stereo that has a fresher look, better sound quality and an awesome display this is the winner you’ve been looking for.

Pioneer MVH-300EX

 

[lwptoc]

Nothing says iPhone compatibility than a dedicated Siri button…

I love my iPhone and carry it with me everywhere. When I’m driving, I also want to utilize my assistant. “Hey, Siri,” and I can get an answer. It’s good to feel like a boss.

Did you know that there are dedicated double din car stereos for iPhone users?

This is the reason why I’ve created this Pioneer AVH-1300NEX Review. It’s for fellow Apple lovers to know about this head unit.

Is it for just iPhone users? With other phones, the only thing that works is Bluetooth. Now, if you have an Android smartphone, look up the equivalent counterpart.

You can bring any old car into the 21st century with the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX head unit. Plus, it has a dedicated Siri button. You can’t go wrong with that.

Here’s a quick preview about the digital receiver. Besides the usual goods like radio and CD/DVD, Apple CarPlay works like a charm. Also, there are the well-known streaming apps: Spotify and Pandora. Last but not least, it’s SiriusXM ready, so you will have satellite radio.

Let’s get this Pioneer AVH-1300NEX review started.

Here’s the bird’s eye view for this head unit.

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
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Who is the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX for?

It’s safe to say that the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX car stereo is for Apple iPhone owners. Other phones can be used, but it’s not optimized for them. We all know that Apple CarPlay is for iPhone and iPad users.

So if you have an iPhone, then this head unit will be compatible.

Music sounds a lot better since I’ve installed the car stereo. Guess what? I haven’t changed the speakers. Nor did I invest in subs or amps. This little stereo did everything.

By getting this car stereo, you allow your personal assistant to ride with you. You can drive safer because you will have hands-free control of Siri.

You can choose from multiple music sources. Maybe you love radio both standard and SiriusXM is available. So you can enjoy satellite radio wherever you are. It has a USB port so you can connect a pen drive and listen from there.

What can the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX do for you?

The best way to answer this question is by saying that it makes life easier.

First of all, it delivers excellent, sound quality. Are you a fan of audiobooks and podcasts? Turn your travel time into something productive. This is what I’ve done. During my daily commute, I enjoy the company of books and famous people through podcasts.

I used to listen to music, but it got boring after all these years.

I love the 6.2” touch screen. It’s big and easy to read. Plus, it’s fast. I mean, I’ve tested many car stereos, and some are inhumanly slow. If you think that I’ve only experienced it with cheap ones you would be surprised.

You can customize the lighting for the radio receiver. The more it blends in the interior, the more it says stock. I love those stereos that don’t yell aftermarket. I love the refine look better over the cheesy one.

Maybe you want to connect multiple phones to the stereo? Now it’s possible with the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX double DIN stereo. Anybody can be a DJ during the trip.

As I mentioned that I listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Now you know that these are not short. It was a real pain to remember every time where I left off. With this car stereo, I don’t have to anymore. The audiobook is resumed exactly where I’ve stopped. If you listen to music, it’s not a big deal but with books that are 14h long…

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Pioneer AVH-1300NEX shortcomings

The Pioneer AVH-1300NEX head unit is good, and it still has some flaws. Let’s see if one or more of them are a deal-breaker for you. I’m letting you know, so there are no surprises.

From the visual point of view, the mic is ugly. It looks cheap and sticks out. Now don’t get me wrong it does a good job, but why did it have to be this big? You can’t even hide it because of the size.

If you are trying to install it by yourself brace yourself, the manual is thin. You have two choices; maybe you should consider both of them. Go online and get the extended manual. Then go on YouTube and find a tutorial video.

My biggest issue with this unit is that you can’t use two apps at the same time. You can either use the Appradio or Pandora. We’re in the 21st century. It’s not rocket science.

There’s no HDMI connector. What a bummer. If you need it, you have to pick a higher-end model.

Finally, I miss the remote. With it, I could blitz through the presets and get the right radio.

Check out: Pioneer AVH-1440NEX Review – The best CarPlay HU?

How To Get The Most Out Of Pioneer AVH-1300NEX?

First of all, you need to install it. Since I’m not that techy, I prefer that a pro handles it. I would rather get it done in a few hours, costing me money. Or the other options is tinkering for a few days and driving in silence.

Once the head unit is installed, time to do some hacking. The first thing to hack is the parking brake. This can be easily done with a bypass. Now, most people think that this is for people who want to watch videos while driving. Not only them to make certain setting changes, you either stop or use the parking brake bypass.

The next step is to update the firmware. Many customers reported issues with mirroring. The latest firmware update fixes that.

If you want to keep your steering wheel controls, it’s a good idea to get another device. I’m talking about the iDatalink Maestro (sold separately). With the help of this gizmo, you can control your stereo plus get some vehicle diagnostic info, as well.

A rear view camera (backup camera) is not included with the package. I highly recommend getting one. This camera makes parking safer and faster. In the package there are no rear view cameras (backup camera) included they are sold separately.

Pioneer AVH-1300NEX Review Conclusion

I just love this Pioneer AVH-1300NEX because it allows me to bring my personal assistant with me on trips. The sound quality is excellent.

I have no clue what the guys did with this car stereo. The bass is insane.

Now we’ve reached the end of my Pioneer AVH-1300NEX review. I hope you understand this head unit better. Get it for yourself if you like what you have read.

I am doing custom car stereo reviews. Reach out if you have a favorite one, which I’ve not covered. If the interest is big enough, I will analyze it. Share your experience below.

Catch you next time.

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
Click Here to Check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Doest this Pioneer Nex stereo has built-in Bluetooth?

Yes this Pioneer Nex unit comes with a built-in Bluetooth unit.

Can I use AppRadio mode with this Pioneer Nex unit?

You can use AppRadio mode with the Pioneer Nex unit. It helps you streamline the info functions of the stereo. If you want a more polished experience stick with Apple Car Play. With Apple Car Play you will have everything you need.

What are the files that this Pioneer DVD receiver can play?

This DVD receiver can play the most common files such as MP3 WMA.

Can I do audio streaming with this DVD receiver?

As long as your phone is compatible you can do audio streaming with this DVD receiver. You can use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to do audio streaming. These apps have all your favorite streaming options like Pandora and Spotify. You can even use Google maps with this unit. You can play music.

Does this DVD receiver supports Apple Carplay?

Yes Apple Carplay is supported fully by this DVD receiver. To get the best sound quality tinker with the audio settings.

What kind of USB input does this unit have?

It’s rear input USB. So you will need a USB cable (sold separately) to get access to it.

Can I do hands-free phone calls with this stereo?

Yes all you need is Bluetooth connectivity. If you have any android smartphone it will do the trick. Or with the help of Apple Carplay you can do it as well.

What are some secondary features of this head unit?

Wvga display apple carplay built-in Bluetooth.

What can the iDatalink Maestro this Pioneer in-dash receiver?

If you connect the iDatalink Maestro to this Pioneer satellite radio you will get back your steering wheel controls. Not only that but you can get vehicle information as well. For example the DVD receiver will display the tire pressure, temperatures, gauges voltages etc. This is why it’s a good idea to get an iDatalink Maestro installed. This unit doesn’t come in the package and it’s sold separately. By using this device you will have full voice control over your phone.

Last Updated on November 2, 2023 by Brian Beasley