Pioneer – AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX
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Pioneer now has two double din head units that are CarPlay compatible and feature AppRadio Mode. Both are very similarly priced and have very similar features….So what’s the difference?
I decided to make a helpful feature comparison chart to really see what the main differences are between Pioneer’s new AppRadio 4 and their AVH-4000NEX. Scroll to the bottom of the post to check out the chart.
Here is a summary of the main differences between AppRadio 4 and AVH-4000NEX:
Screen differences – AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX
- Capacitive vs Resistive
- 6.2″ vs 7″
- Fixed screen vs motorized and detachable
Capacitive vs Resistive
The Pioneer AppRadio 4 features a capacitive 6.2″ touch screen while the AVH-4000NEX features a 7″ resistive touch screen.
Capacitive is technically supposed to be brighter and more responsive, especially to lighter touches. Although the AppRadio 4 features a capacitive touch screen, which would imply it’s just as sensitive and responsive as your new iPhone, I doubt Pioneer is using the same type of quality capacitive touch screen as what’s in your iPhone.
When comparing Pioneer’s AVIC-7000NEX to it’s capacitive sister, the AVIC-8000NEX, most of my customers and staff did not find the capacitive version to be that much more responsive to warrant the additional cost. Additionally, both myself and consumers have been concerned about glare issues in practical applications.
Take a look at two examples of capacitive touch screens installed in vehicles below.
I had recently had a customer exchange his Kenwood DNN991HD (capacitive touch screen) for a Pioneer AVIC-7000NEX. He was thoroughly annoyed at the glare he encountered and the difficulty he experienced just trying to see the screen.
Aside from the style of screen and size, the Pioneer AVH-4000NEX has a motorized screen so you can adjust the angle and how it sits in your dash. Additionally, it also features the added security benefit of a detachable face.
Feature differences – AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX
When comparing the AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX, it quickly becomes apparent the AVH-4000NEX has a few more features over the AppRadio 4 including the following:
- CD/DVD Drive
- SD Card
- HD Radio
- SiriusXM Ready (requires SXV200)
- Navigation Ready (requires AVIC-U260)
- Dual Zone
Dual zone is a pretty cool feature largely for parents. It allows you to load a DVD in the front player and have the audio and video of that DVD fed to a rear monitor. Kids can stay entertained while they listen and watch using headphones while Mom and Dad can listen to another source on their front two speakers. Pretty cool, right?
Conclusion
Based on features alone, the AVH-4000NEX seems to be a better value. What do you think? Take a look at the feature comparison chart below and feel free to weigh in with your own comments and thoughts on the topic.
AppRadio 4 vs AVH-4000NEX feature comparison chart
 |  |
|
| Display | ||
| Screen Size | 6.2" | 7" |
| Type of Touch Screen | Capacitive | Resistive |
| Anti Glare Screen Coating | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Angle | No | Yes |
| Resolution | WVGA (800 x 480) | WVGA (800 x 480) |
| Customizable | 5 Display Colors, 112-Key Colors, 13-Background, Splash Screen | 5 Display Colors, 112-Key Colors, 13-Background, Splash Screen |
| Detachable Face for Security | No | Yes |
| Audio Section | ||
| RCA Preouts | 3 pre outs (4V) | 3 pre outs (4V) |
| EQ | 13 Band | 13 Band |
| Crossover | Yes - HPF & LPF Adjustable from 50 Hz- 200 Hz Slope adjustment -6 dB/oct to -18 dB/oct. | Yes - HPF & LPF Adjustable from 50 Hz- 200 Hz Slope adjustment -6 dB/oct to -18 dB/oct. |
| Time Alignment | Yes | Yes |
| Source & Expansion Options | ||
| Navigation Ready | No | Yes - Requires AVIC-U260 |
| SD Card | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Dual Rear USB Ports | Dual Rear USB Ports |
| Rear Aux in | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite Radio | No - N/A | Yes - Requires SXV200 |
| Dual Zone | No | Yes - Awesome feature for parents. Allows audio and video of a DVD from front source to be routed to rear monitor. Kids can listen on headphones while parents can listen to another source on front speakers. |
| HDMI input | Yes | Yes |
| CD/DVD | No - Mechless | Yes |
| HD Radio | No | Yes |
| AM/FM Tuner with RDS | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Wheel Control Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse Camera Input | Yes | Yes |
| Phone App Integration | ||
| CarPlay Compatible | Yes - iPhone 5 & up | Yes - iPhone 5 & up |
| AppRadio Mode for iPhone 4/4s | Yes - Requires CD-IU201S | Yes - Requires CD-IU201S |
| AppRadio Mode for iPhone 5 & up | Yes - Requires CD-IH202, Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter & Apple Lightning to USB Cable | Yes - Requires CD-IH202, Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter & Apple Lightning to USB Cable |
| AppRadio Mode for Android | Yes - Requires CD-AH200, compatible with select Android Devices. | Yes - Requires CD-AH200, compatible with select Android Devices. |