The MINIX CP89-HD is designed for drivers who want the convenience of CarPlay and Android Auto without replacing their existing head unit. With its wide 8.9 inch display and slim, modern design, it instantly lifts the look and feel of an older dashboard. It aims to bring that familiar smartphone-style interface into any car, with minimal fuss during setup.
Out of the box, the unit feels more like a compact tablet than a basic add-on screen. The laminated IPS panel, strong magnetic mount and thoughtful power cabling give it a more refined feel compared to many generic portable car displays. It is clearly built for people who drive a lot and value both practicality and a neat, uncluttered interior.
Once powered on, the CP89-HD quickly becomes the central hub for navigation, music and hands free calling. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connect in just a few steps, and from there most daily tasks can be handled by touch or voice. The combination of smooth performance, wide viewing angles and flexible audio output options is designed to make longer trips more comfortable and more enjoyable.
Design and Functionality
The CP89-HD makes a strong first impression with its wide 8.9 inch display and slim rectangular footprint. It sits closer to a small tablet in appearance than a typical aftermarket car screen, which helps it blend nicely into a variety of interiors. The black finish and tidy proportions avoid drawing too much attention, while still feeling modern and purposeful.
The laminated IPS panel is one of the most noticeable aspects of the design. Because the touch layer is bonded directly to the display, there is no obvious gap between the glass and the image underneath. This gives icons and text a crisp, almost printed-on look that is easy on the eyes. It also helps reduce reflections and makes the screen feel more premium when you interact with it.
Resolution is another area where the CP89-HD feels more like a quality tablet than a basic accessory. The 1920 x 720 layout stretches across the ultra-wide format, giving plenty of room for split-screen navigation and media controls. Smaller details such as map labels, album art and notification icons are rendered clearly without jagged edges. The 60 Hz refresh rate contributes to smooth motion when maps scroll or menus slide in and out.
Brightness and viewing angles have clearly been given proper attention. With a peak output of around 700 nits and an IPS panel rated for a 170 degree field of view, the screen remains readable from either side of the cabin. Even in strong daylight, information remains legible rather than washing out into a dull haze. At night, the panel can dim to comfortable levels so it does not overpower your instruments.
A small ambient light sensor is subtly integrated into the top of the display. This sensor allows the unit to adjust its brightness in response to changing conditions as you drive. During the day the screen ramps up to cut through glare, then softens in the evening to avoid eye strain. You can still fine tune or override brightness in the settings menu if you prefer a fixed level.
The bezels around the screen are kept relatively thin, which helps make the most of the available size without feeling bulky. Only the lower edge is slightly thicker, framing the display without being distracting. This gives the unit a clean, balanced look that would not feel out of place next to factory equipment in newer vehicles. It also means the panel occupies more of the front surface, making touch targets easy to reach.
Along the left edge you will find the main connection points neatly grouped together. Power is delivered via USB C, alongside a 3.5 mm AUX output for direct connection to a head unit. There is also an AV input for an optional reversing camera, plus a microphone input for those who prefer an external mic. A second USB C port is reserved for firmware updates, ensuring the display can be kept current over time.
On the rear, MINIX has gone with a circular magnetic mounting plate that sits in a shallow recess. This recessed design helps centre and stabilise the mount, so it is less likely to twist or slip as the car moves. The magnet itself is strong enough to hold the screen firmly in place, yet still allows you to lift the unit off quickly when you leave the vehicle. It is a tidy solution that removes the need for fiddly clips or brackets.
A physical button on the back provides direct control over power states without hunting through menus. A short press brings up an on screen menu, letting you put the display to sleep, power it off or reboot when needed. The button is positioned so it can be found easily by touch once you know where it is. This little detail adds to day to day usability, especially if you share the car with other drivers.
The included mounting hardware has been designed to suit different dashboards and personal preferences. The classic suction mount attaches to the windscreen and offers a good range of adjustment thanks to its arm and ball joint. This makes it easy to position the display within reach while keeping it out of your direct line of sight. It is a familiar setup that will feel intuitive to most users.
For those who prefer a more integrated look, the low profile dashboard mount provides an alternative option. It uses an adhesive pad to sit directly on the dash, and its twin ball joints allow fine tuning of angle and height. Once the magnetic plate is attached, the screen simply snaps into place, giving a neat, almost built in appearance. This style works particularly well in cars with a more upright dash or where windscreen mounting is less practical.
Cabling has also been considered as part of the overall design. The supplied 12V to USB C power lead is long enough to be routed discreetly through trim gaps or along the edge of the cabin, helping to avoid clutter. It doubles as the antenna for the FM transmitter feature, so using it preserves all audio options. If you prefer a simpler run and do not rely on FM, the display can also be powered from a suitable USB port using a standard USB to USB C cable, giving flexibility in how you integrate it into your existing setup.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the MINIX CP89-HD is its support for both wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android handset, you can mirror key apps for navigation, music and messaging onto the large display. Once paired, the connection process becomes quick and familiar, making it feel like a natural extension of your phone.
The interface has been kept clean and straightforward so it is easy to find what you need while driving. Large icons and clear text on the wide screen reduce the need to squint or hunt through small menus. You can control most functions with simple taps or swipes, and voice commands through your phone’s assistant help keep your hands on the wheel. This blend of touch and voice control suits a range of driving styles and preferences.
The laminated IPS display is more than just a design flourish, as it underpins a very clear and vibrant viewing experience. With a 1920 x 720 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate, maps, album art and menus all look smooth and detailed. The Mitsubishi Clearfit film enhances clarity and touch response, making interactions feel fast and precise. This is especially useful when you are zooming into a map or quickly changing tracks.
Brightness and viewing angle performance also sit at the heart of the feature set. A rated output of around 700 nits gives the display enough punch to remain visible even in strong sunlight. The 170 degree viewing angle means both driver and front passenger can see the screen clearly without colour shift. Combined with the light sensor and automatic brightness adjustment, the display remains comfortable to use in different lighting conditions.
Audio flexibility is another strong point of the CP89-HD. You can route sound via Dual Bluetooth mode to your car’s existing Bluetooth system, plug in directly using the 3.5 mm AUX output, tune in through the built in FM transmitter or simply use the integrated speaker. This range of options makes it easy to integrate with cars of different ages and audio setups. It also means you can choose the method that works best for your typical trips.
The Dual Bluetooth system deserves special mention, as it allows the unit to maintain a link with both your phone and your vehicle. Your phone connects to the display, and the display then passes audio through to the car stereo. This arrangement can help provide more stable audio performance and a more consistent experience. It is particularly handy if your car’s factory Bluetooth is a little limited in terms of supported profiles.
Under the hood, the hardware has been chosen to keep things running smoothly. A low power dual core processor is paired with 256 MB of RAM, which is generous for this class of device. This combination helps the interface feel responsive when moving between menus, launching apps or switching from navigation to music. The 8 GB of onboard storage is used to handle the operating system and configuration, keeping the experience stable and predictable.
The unit runs a Linux based operating system that is designed for reliability and quick start up. From a cold boot, the main menu appears within a short time, so you are not waiting long before you can begin using your apps. The layout of the home screen makes commonly used functions such as CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, brightness and FM access just a tap away. This focus on practicality helps keep distractions to a minimum while you are on the road.
Practical extras further extend the feature list. There is support for an optional reversing camera through the AV input, allowing you to add visual parking assistance to older vehicles. Firmware can be updated via the secondary USB C port to improve performance or add refinements over time. These touches make the CP89-HD feel like a long term upgrade rather than a short lived gadget.
Vehicle compatibility is broad, as the CP89-HD is a self contained monitor that sits independently of your factory head unit. It works just as well in small hatchbacks as it does in larger SUVs, provided you have a suitable mounting position and power source. The included suction and dashboard mounts, along with the magnetic attachment system, are designed to accommodate many different interiors. This ability to move the unit between vehicles if needed adds extra value for households with more than one car.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Setting up the MINIX CP89-HD for the first time is straightforward, even if you are not particularly tech minded. Once the mount is in place and the power cable is routed to the 12V socket or USB source, the unit starts up quickly and presents a tidy home screen. The initial impression is that everything is clearly labelled and easy to understand.
Pairing your phone is a simple process that only needs to be done once for most people. After selecting Bluetooth in the settings menu, the CP89-HD appears in your phone’s list and connects within a few moments. Once the link is established, wireless CarPlay or Android Auto becomes available without any extra steps.
Auto connect behaviour is especially convenient in day to day use. Each time you start the car and power the screen, the unit looks for your phone and reconnects automatically. There is no need to dig through menus or confirm prompts each trip. This kind of predictability makes the system feel like a natural part of the car rather than an add on.
The main interface is laid out so that commonly used options are always within easy reach. Shortcuts to CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, brightness, FM and settings are arranged clearly, meaning you can get where you need to go with minimal taps. Icons are large enough to hit accurately while driving, and the responsive touch screen helps reduce frustration.
Navigation apps feel particularly at home on the wide screen. The 16:6 aspect ratio allows maps to stretch across a broad canvas, so you can see more of your route at once. Turn prompts, lane guidance and traffic information remain legible even when you glance quickly at the display. It is especially helpful on complex freeway interchanges or in unfamiliar city streets.
Multitasking feels handled in a practical way. When you are using navigation, you can still see media controls and basic information on the same screen. The system keeps up well when you are skipping tracks, accepting calls and following directions at the same time. This is where the combination of the dual core processor and generous RAM helps keep everything running smoothly.
Screen responsiveness is one of the more impressive aspects of daily use. Swiping between pages, scrolling through lists or pinching to zoom on maps feels fluid, helped by the 60 Hz refresh rate. There is very little lag between touch input and on screen reaction, which makes the unit feel modern and polished.
Clarity of the display stands out when you are dealing with small text or fine details. Street names, album titles and notification banners remain sharp, even when viewed from the driver’s seat at an angle. Colours look natural without being overly saturated, which helps with long term comfort on extended drives.
Performance in bright sunlight is a common concern with portable screens, and the CP89-HD handles this scenario very well. The high brightness rating allows the display to punch through glare on clear days, especially when the unit is angled thoughtfully. Reflections are kept under control thanks to the laminated construction, so you are not constantly fighting mirror like distractions on the glass.
Night driving requires a different kind of comfort, and the automatic brightness adjustment is very handy here. As ambient light levels drop, the screen gently dims to match the cabin. You can still see everything clearly without feeling dazzled, particularly when combined with your car’s own interior lighting. Manual controls are available if you like to fine tune the exact level.
Audio performance through Dual Bluetooth is likely to be the preferred option for many modern vehicles. Once the CP89-HD is paired with both your phone and your car stereo, sound is routed cleanly through the factory speakers. Music, podcasts and navigation prompts feel integrated with the rest of the cabin audio, and volume can be managed through your usual controls.
In cars that still offer a 3.5 mm input, the AUX connection provides a very direct and stable audio path. Plugging the supplied cable into the head unit removes the risk of radio interference and keeps latency extremely low. This is particularly welcome for those who are sensitive to small delays between video and sound.
The FM transmitter will appeal to drivers with older radios that lack Bluetooth or AUX inputs. In practice, once you find a quiet frequency, the connection tends to remain stable around town. There can be occasional hints of background noise in busier radio regions, but for talk content and navigation prompts it remains very serviceable. It is a useful option to have when other paths are not available.
The built in speaker adds another layer of flexibility. It is not designed to replace a full car audio system, but it is perfectly adequate for spoken directions, calls and casual listening at lower volumes. This can be handy when you are using the unit temporarily in a vehicle with limited audio options, or when you want to keep sound contained.
Call quality is very usable in real world driving conditions. Voices come through clearly via your chosen audio output method, and the microphone arrangement allows the person on the other end to hear you without constant repetition. Using the separate mic input with an external microphone can further improve clarity in noisy cabins.
Voice assistants integrate smoothly with the system, which makes day to day tasks more convenient. You can place calls, dictate messages, start playlists or request navigation routes without touching the screen. The responsiveness of CarPlay and Android Auto keeps these interactions feeling snappy, which in turn helps you keep your attention on the road.
The physical experience of the mount becomes more noticeable after a few days of use. The magnetic attachment holds the screen firmly, even over speed bumps or uneven roads. There is no rattling or wobbling that might distract you, and yet it remains simple to remove the display when you want to store it out of sight.
Cable management is easier than you might expect, thanks to the ample length of the supplied power lead. You can tuck the cable along trim edges, door seals or centre console gaps to keep things tidy. Once routed, the installation looks neat and deliberate rather than temporary or cluttered.
For households with more than one vehicle, the CP89-HD lends itself nicely to being moved around. The suction mount and dashboard mount can be positioned in different cars, and the magnetic connection means you can shift the screen itself with minimal effort. Once each vehicle has its power lead in place, swapping between them becomes a quick job.
If you take advantage of the optional reverse camera input, the unit adds an extra layer of practicality when parking. Engaging reverse can bring up a clear view of what is behind you, making it easier to judge distance and spot obstacles. The wide screen and IPS panel help maintain visibility even in challenging lighting.
Over longer trips, the CP89-HD proves to be a reliable companion. The Linux based system feels stable, with no obvious slowdowns or crashes when used for extended periods. It maintains a steady wireless connection with your phone and continues to deliver navigation, audio and calls without fuss.
As firmware updates become available, applying them through the dedicated USB C port is a simple process. Knowing that improvements and refinements can be added over time gives extra confidence in the investment. It helps the unit feel like a long term upgrade that can evolve, rather than a static gadget that will be left behind by newer phones and software.
Conclusion
The MINIX CP89-HD manages to deliver a refined in car display experience that feels noticeably more polished than many portable alternatives. Its wide laminated screen, slim design and quality mounting system make it look at home in a wide variety of cabins. By focusing on clarity, responsiveness and ease of use, it successfully modernises older dashboards without requiring a full head unit replacement.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support are at the heart of the package, and they work together with the responsive hardware to create a smooth daily experience. The range of audio outputs, from Dual Bluetooth through to AUX, FM and the built in speaker, means it can adapt to different vehicles and preferences. Navigation, media playback and hands free calling feel cohesive and reliable once everything is set up.
Small but thoughtful touches such as the ambient light sensor, physical power button and flexible mounting hardware add up to a product that feels well considered. Setup is approachable, and the automatic reconnection with your phone helps it fade into the background as a natural part of your routine. The ability to support an optional reverse camera further extends its usefulness for those wanting extra parking assistance.
For drivers looking to breathe new life into an existing car without embarking on a complex installation, the MINIX CP89-HD presents a very appealing option. Its balance of image quality, practical features and wide compatibility make it an attractive way to enjoy smartphone connected driving in almost any vehicle.
