In this last period we have often talked to you about car monitors able to bring the wireless experience of Android Auto or CarPlay to a car that is not very recent, but although these are very simple systems to use for someone less accustomed to technology, the solutions that we have brought to you on the blog are still too "difficult". So here we are with LAMTTO RC16, a monitor that extends horizontally, leaving the driving view free, while ensuring an excellent view of what the infotainment system has to offer us. Lean and no-frills software make this solution ideal for tech dummies and now I'll talk to you about it in this review.
On offer on Amazon
One of the aspects that the user can immediately notice when he gets hold of this LAMTTO RC16 is certainly its design, based on truly perfect dimensions as regards the display. We are in the presence of an IPS touchscreen with a width of 9,26 inches and with an excellent HD resolution that allows you to have all the information in a detailed manner and at the same time without cluttering the view of the driver of the car too much, as it extends horizontally, leaving the view of the windshield free. Regardless of the brightness conditions, the screen performed really well, always remaining very bright even when there was direct sunlight. There is no self-adjusting brightness sensor, but we can decide to enable night mode in a certain time slot. Despite the generously sized display, the installation is not invasive, and this is important to ensure that the focus remains on driving. As for the mounting method, we can choose whether to anchor the monitor to the windshield via a suction cup arm or to the dashboard, using two different types of bracket, one circular and the other shaped, both with a 3M adhesive base.
In terms of inputs, LAMTTO RC16 offers a Type-C port for the exclusive use of power and then an AUX input to connect external devices, such as old MP3s or for direct connection to the car radio if you have this type of input. We then have a micro SD slot and an AV-IN input to connect any rear cameras, to be purchased separately. Unfortunately, the rear camera for operation requires a voltage connection to the car with reverse gear and does not allow you to record videos. The micro SD input is therefore useless, also because we do not have a player at the system level, to read any films or music from the card. We have 4 different ways for audio, that is, using the integrated speakers of the LAMTTO RC16, AUX output, using Bluetooth 5.3 or the classic FM transmission method, synchronizing the car radio already present on your car with the chosen frequency.
The only functions available are therefore Android Auto or CarPlay if you have an iPhone, in addition to the possibility of mirroring the screen of your smartphone on the LAMTTO RC16 monitor. Without beating around the bush, whether you use Android Auto or CarPlay, you can benefit from access to GPS navigation via Maps or other systems of your choice such as Waze. You can access music from Spotify for example but also calls and all in a more than safe way, being able to manage the commands with just your voice by calling up the assistant of your phone, with the classic command Hey Google or Hey Siri. The wireless connection was always fluid and constant without any disconnection.
In practice, LAMTTO RC16 allows you to use your smartphone remotely without taking it out of your pocket, integrating it perfectly with the system and always keeping your eyes firmly on the road. Calls are very clear to listen to as well as all the navigation information and even music playlists in the background. In mirroring mode, unfortunately you cannot use apps like Netflix or Prime Video due to DRM and copyright, but you can for example consult an email, have full access to messaging apps like Telegram and Whatsapp, generally castrated, but also play games and watch videos on YouTube, of course all to be done when you are parked and not driving, unless it is your guest who benefits from this. You can also control the home automation system such as surveillance cameras.
Conclusions and price
We have therefore thoroughly tested this device, about which I was a bit skeptical due to the truly limited functions, but if we consider what was said at the beginning of the review, I can conclude that LAMTTO RC16 is certainly indispensable for those who want to keep up with the times, modernizing their car, but have difficulty understanding some functions. The combination is in fact more than successful, since there is quality, both for the screen and for the construction and above all a lot of ease of use. The comforts are many and we must also talk about the selling price which does not seem prohibitive at all. LAMTTO RC16 is sold at a list price of $ 109,99 but through the discount code LM10 you can enjoy a 10% discount, for a final price of $ 98,99 on the official website. You can pay with different methods, including PayPal. You can also buy it on Amazon by redeeming a 10 euro coupon that brings the final price to €89,99, including Prime shipping (you can find it with the VOLAM brand which also belongs to the LAMTTO brand).
