How IDoing Units Compare to Factory Options
Upgrading your Subaru WRX/STI is a rite of passage for many owners. You might focus on performance parts like exhausts and suspension, but the in-cabin experience, where you spend most of your time, is just as important.
The infotainment system, or head unit, is the central hub for your media, navigation, and vehicle settings. While factory systems have improved over the years, they often lag behind the technology you use daily. WRXDaily will detail how IDoing units compare to factory options, so you have a clearer picture of the benefits an aftermarket upgrade provides.
Understanding the Factory Head Unit Limitations
Subaru’s factory head units serve their basic purpose. They offer radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and in some newer models, basic app integration. However, owners of WRX/STI models from 2002 to the present often encounter several limitations.
For older models (2002-2014), the technology feels particularly dated. These units typically feature small, non-touch screens, limited connectivity options beyond an AUX port or basic Bluetooth, and clunky user interfaces. Navigation, if included, often relies on outdated maps.
Even on newer VA chassis models (2015-2021) and the current VB chassis, the factory StarLink systems can be a source of frustration. Owners report slow response times, software glitches, and a restrictive operating system. While these units introduced larger touchscreens and features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, their performance can be inconsistent. The processing power is often just enough for basic tasks, and multitasking between apps can cause noticeable lag.
What is an IDoing Head Unit?
IDoing head units are popular aftermarket infotainment systems designed for many car brands, including Subaru. Unlike universal head units that require complex wiring and custom mounting, IDoing units are built to be a direct, plug-and-play replacement for the factory system. Their design fits perfectly into the dashboard of specific WRX/STI models, retaining a clean, OEM-like appearance.
The core of an IDoing head unit is its Android-based operating system. This provides a user experience similar to an Android tablet, with access to the Google Play Store. You can download and run a wide array of apps directly on the head unit, including advanced navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, and video players like YouTube.
Core Feature Comparison: IDoing vs. Factory
When you place an IDoing head unit side-by-side with a factory one, the differences become immediately apparent. The upgrade touches nearly every aspect of the in-car tech experience.
Display and User Interface
IDoing units feature large, high-resolution touchscreens that are far superior to most factory offerings. The screen is more responsive, the colors are more vibrant, and the larger size makes it easier to see and interact with while driving.
The Android interface is intuitive and customizable. You can arrange app icons, change wallpapers, and set up widgets just like on a smartphone. This contrasts with the rigid, unchangeable interface of Subaru’s factory systems.
Processing Power and Performance
This is one of the most significant reasons for upgrades. IDoing units are equipped with more powerful processors and increased RAM compared to their factory counterparts. The result is a faster, smoother user experience. Apps open quickly, the system boots up almost instantly, and there is no lag when switching between navigation and music.
A factory head unit often struggles under a similar load, leading to frustrating delays. The superior hardware in an IDoing head unit for a WRX makes the entire system feel more modern and capable.
Connectivity and App Integration
While newer factory units offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, IDoing units take connectivity to the next level. Many models offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, freeing you from plugging in your phone every time you get in the car.
More importantly, because IDoing runs on a full Android OS, it can project apps from your phone and run them natively. You can download any app directly from the Google Play Store onto the head unit itself. If you install a SIM card into the unit, it can have its own Wi-Fi and often its own 4G/LTE cellular connection. This provides more reliable app performance and frees up your phone's hotspot.
Audio Quality and Customization
For those who care about sound quality, an IDoing head unit offers a substantial improvement. They include built-in Digital Signal Processors (DSP) with extensive equalization (EQ) options.
This allows you to fine-tune the audio output to match your speakers and personal preferences with much greater precision than the basic bass, mid, and treble controls found in a factory system. The internal amplifiers are also cleaner and more powerful, which results in better sound clarity and volume even with factory speakers.
Installation and Vehicle Integration
One of the best aspects of IDoing head units is their straightforward installation. The direct-fit replacement design comes with the correct wiring harnesses and a bezel that matches your car’s dashboard. For most WRX/STI models, the installation is plug-and-play. You do not need to cut or splice wires, which preserves your vehicle’s factory wiring.
IDoing units also maintain integration with key vehicle functions. Steering wheel controls for volume, track selection, and voice commands are typically retained. The unit can also display information from the car’s CAN bus system, such as climate control settings, door status, and other vehicle data, depending on your model year. This seamless integration makes the upgrade feel like it came from the factory, only better.
Is an IDoing Head Unit the Right Choice for You?
Choosing to upgrade your head unit depends on what you value in your driving experience. If you are satisfied with basic radio and Bluetooth functions and rarely use navigation or other apps, the factory system might be sufficient.
However, if you feel your car's technology is holding you back, an IDoing head unit is a compelling upgrade. It transforms the interior of your WRX/STI. It bridges the gap between your car and the technology you use everywhere else in your life. Their ability makes a huge difference in daily driving and on long road trips.
Now that you’re more familiar with how IDoing units compare to factory options, is it an upgrade you’d consider? For any WRX/STI owner looking to modernize their vehicle's interior, WRXDaily can help you find the right unit for your WRX/STI model. Consult our expert staff for recommendations, install tips, and more.