Carlinkit TBox Mini vs. TBox Basic: Which One is Right for You?

Carlinkit TBox Mini vs. TBox Basic: Which One is Right for You?
Carlinkit offers multiple Android AI Box solutions to upgrade your car’s infotainment system without replacing the original screen. Two of the most popular options are the TBox Mini and the TBox Basic. While both devices enhance in-car entertainment, they have key differences in performance, size, and features.
Let’s compare TBox Mini vs. TBox Basic to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
1️⃣ Design & Size
Model | Size | Design |
---|---|---|
TBox Mini | ✅ Compact & Lightweight | Smaller than the Basic, making it easier to install and less noticeable. |
TBox Basic | 🔸 Slightly Larger | A bit bigger but still compact and easy to install. |
Winner: TBox Mini 🏆
👉 If you prefer a small and discreet device, the Mini is the better choice.
2️⃣ Performance & Processing Power
Model | Processor | RAM | Storage |
---|---|---|---|
TBox Mini | ✅ Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-core | 4GB | 64GB |
TBox Basic | 🔸 Standard Quad-core Processor | 3GB | 32GB |
Winner: TBox Mini 🏆
👉 The TBox Mini has a more powerful 8-core processor and more RAM/storage, making it faster and smoother for multitasking.
3️⃣ System & Connectivity
Feature | TBox Mini | TBox Basic |
---|---|---|
Android System | ✅ Android 13 | 🔸 Android 11 |
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | ✅ Wireless & Wired | ✅ Wireless & Wired |
SIM Card & 4G Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
WiFi & Bluetooth | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: TBox Mini 🏆
👉 The Mini runs on a newer Android version (Android 13), which offers better app compatibility, smoother performance, and longer support.
4️⃣ Multimedia & Features
Feature | TBox Mini | TBox Basic |
---|---|---|
YouTube & Netflix Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Google Maps & Navigation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Split-Screen Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Voice Control & Google Assistant | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: TBox Mini 🏆
👉 The Mini supports split-screen mode, allowing you to use multiple apps at once (e.g., YouTube + Maps).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Feature | TBox Mini 🏆 | TBox Basic |
---|---|---|
Performance | ✅ 8-core, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage | 🔸 4-core, 3GB RAM, 32GB Storage |
Android System | ✅ Android 13 | 🔸 Android 11 |
Multitasking (Split-Screen) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Size | ✅ Compact & Lightweight | 🔸 Slightly Larger |
Best for… | Faster, smoother performance, better multitasking | Basic Android experience, budget-friendly option |
💡 Choose TBox Mini if you want:
✔ Faster performance for streaming, gaming, and navigation.
✔ Better multitasking (split-screen support).
✔ More storage & RAM for smoother app usage.
✔ A smaller, more compact device.
💡 Choose TBox Basic if you want:
✔ A budget-friendly Android AI Box.
✔ Basic Android Auto & CarPlay functionality.
✔ Standard performance without heavy multitasking.
Conclusion 🏁
Both devices transform your car’s display into a smart Android system, but the TBox Mini is the better choice for speed, multitasking, and future-proofing. If you’re on a budget and just need basic Android features, the TBox Basic is still a solid option.