CarlinKit Mini Ultra review: Inconsistent wireless CarPlay adapter
At a glance
Expert note
Pros
- Easy to configure
- Works perfectly
- Supports the divided screen
- Tiny and practical
Disadvantages
- Occasional accidents by driving
- Can only be used directly by a single user
- Access to configuration via the IP interface instead of the application
- Operating instructions in English or Chinese only
- Not compatible with BMW or Tesla cars
Our verdict
The CARCLINKIT Mini Ultra does what it is supposed to do – most of the time. When it works, it works well.
Price during the examination
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Best price today
Best prices today: mini ultra carplay fürs iPhone wireless adapter
$ 45.98
The CARCLINKIT Mini Ultra is an adapter for cars with USB-A ports that have no support for Wireless Carplay. The company promises a configuration of Plug-And-Play, where you connect the Mini Ultra to your car, and you can then connect your iPhone so that you can use Carplay. It works, but not without some problems.
After connecting the mini Ultra to the USB-A port of your car, you log in by finding it in the Bluetooth settings of the iPhone. After the initial configuration, your iPhone will automatically connect to the Mini Ultra and immediately. You should also use Wi-Fi, making mini drive performance faster. An USB-C USB-A adapter is also included.
Each time I had to remove the mini Ultra to use the USB port for something else, then connect the mini ultra again, I encountered transmission problems between my iPhone and the mini ultra. Sometimes the problems were resolved quickly, other times, I had to wait a bit until the connection stabilizes. In the majority of cases, however, I was immediately online with Carplay shortly after starting the car.
During a short trip, I had two connection interruptions, which I was able to rectify quickly by disconnecting the adapter from the USB port and immediately restoring it.
When the Mini Ultra works, it works perfectly. Reactivity – The speed at which Carplay reacts – is very good. However, I noticed that the Mini Ultra created a good amount of heat.
You cannot connect two different iPhones with this adapter, although this is a fundamental limitation of Bluetooth implementation. If you decide to use the Mini Ultra with another iPhone, Carlinkit declares that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be deactivated on the iPhone that you do not use.
The manufacturer explicitly emphasizes that its adapter is not compatible with BMW or Tesla cars. The adapter also works with Android Auto.
Should you buy the carlinkit mini ultra?
He does what he is supposed to do – most of the time. He has a few gaps and I had occasional disconnections between the adapter and the mobile phone. You can probably find a more reliable adapter from another business.
This article originally appeared in our Sister Macwelt publication and was translated and located in German.
