Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
If you drive an older car (model year 2005-2018), you probably envy the big touchscreens and smart features in modern vehicles. Upgrading your entire stereo system can cost $500+, which is expensive and complicated. The Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam (often listed as the 4K Mirror Dash Cam or Portable CarPlay Screen) promises a cheaper solution. It claims to add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to any car in minutes, without removing your old radio.
But is a $80 “smart mirror” actually reliable? Does it lag when using Google Maps? And is the 4K camera quality real or just marketing hype? This review focuses on the real-world performance of the Develuck Dash Cam. We will test its connectivity, screen brightness, and installation process without any fluff. If you want to modernize your old car on a budget, this honest review will help you decide if this gadget is worth it.
Real-Life Use Case
This product is a “problem solver” for anyone whose car lacks a modern infotainment system. It sits on top of your dashboard (or straps over your existing mirror), giving you instant access to your phone’s apps.
Typical use cases include 👇
- ✅ Modernizing Old Cars:Adding Spotify, Google Maps, and Siri/Google Assistant to a 10-year-old Toyota or Honda.
- ✅ Safety Recording: It records both front (4K) and rear (1080p) video simultaneously, protecting you in case of an accident.
- ✅ Parking Assistance: When you shift into reverse, the screen automatically shows the rear camera view with parking lines.
- ✅ **Hands-Free Calls: Making calls safely while driving without touching your phone.
It is important to note that while it supports FM transmission to your car speakers, the audio quality might have slight static compared to a direct AUX connection ❌.
What Is This Product?
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
The Develuck 11.26″ is a portable car DVR with a massive ultra-wide IPS touchscreen. It is **not** a traditional head unit replacement. Instead, it is a standalone screen that you mount on your dash or mirror. It connects to your phone wirelessly via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to run Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It simultaneously acts as a dash cam, recording the road ahead in 4K resolution. It powers via your car’s cigarette lighter socket (12V).
Key Features
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
- ✅ Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto:** Connects to your iPhone or Android phone automatically when you start the car, displaying your maps and music 📱.
- ✅ 4K Front Camera: Records sharp video where you can read license plates clearly during the day 📸.
- ✅ 11.26 Inch Split Screen: The ultra-wide display lets you see the map on one side and the rear camera view on the other side simultaneously.
- ✅ Loop Recording: Automatically overwrites old footage when the SD card is full, so you never stop recording 🔄.
- ✅ Audio Output Options: Built-in speaker, FM Transmitter (to play via car radio), and AUX cable support for better sound 🎵.
- ✅ Easy Installation: No need to cut wires or remove the dashboard. Just plug it in and stick it on.
✅❌ Real Pros & Cons (Mandatory Honest Section)
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
| 👍 The Good (Pros) | 👎 The Bad (Cons) |
| ✅ Value for Money 💰: For around $80 getting a 4K Dash Cam AND a CarPlay screen is an incredible deal. Branded units cost $300+ | ❌ Audio Quality: The built-in speaker is tinny and weak. The FM transmitter can have static hiss. You **must** use the AUX cable for good sound. |
| ✅ Smooth Interface: The touchscreen is responsive and the CarPlay connection is surprisingly stable with very little lag. | ❌ Messy Cables:Since it plugs into the cigarette lighter, you will have a wire hanging down your dashboard unless you hide it carefully. |
| ✅ Screen Brightness: The IPS display is bright enough to be seen clearly even on sunny days. | ❌ Mirror Glare: If you buy the “Mirror Mount” version, it can be reflective in direct sunlight, making the screen harder to see. |
| ✅ Instant Upgrade: It literally takes 5 minutes to install. It instantly makes a 2010 car feel like a 2025 model. | ❌ Heating: The unit gets quite hot to the touch after 1-2 hours of use (though it usually keeps working fine). |
| ✅ Dual Recording: Having evidence from both front and back cameras is a huge safety plus for insurance claims. | ❌ Rear Camera Install: While the main screen is easy to install, routing the wire for the rear camera to the back of the car takes time and effort. |
Price and Value
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
Current Market Price: $75.00 – $85.00 USD (varies by AliExpress sales and shipping).
At this price, the value proposition is extremely high. A standard CarPlay head unit installation costs $400-$600. This device gives you 90% of that functionality for less than $100. It is the cheapest way to get Google Maps on your dashboard safely.
- Who Should Buy This Product
- ✅ Owners of older cars (2000-2016) without touchscreens.
- ✅ People who rely on Google Maps/Waze and hate looking at a small phone mount.
- ✅ Uber/Lyft drivers who need a dash cam and navigation on one screen.
- ✅ Buyers on a strict budget who cannot afford a professional stereo install.
- Who Should Not Buy This Product
- ❌ Audiophiles who demand crystal clear, perfect sound quality (unless your car has an AUX port).
- ❌ People who want a “factory look” with zero visible wires.
- ❌ Users who live in extremely hot climates (batteries in dash cams can swell in 50°C+ heat).* ❌ Owners of modern cars that already have built-in CarPlay.
Helpful Buying Guide (Installation Tips)
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
To get the best experience and avoid frustration, follow these tips:
- 1. Use the AUX Cable: Do not rely on the FM Transmitter for music. Connect the included AUX cable from the screen to your car’s AUX port for the best sound quality.
- 2. Cable Management: Buy some small adhesive cable clips (usually included or cheap) to route the power wire along the edge of your windshield so it doesn’t hang down.
- 3. SD Card is Mandatory:CarPlay works without an SD card, but the Dash Cam recording** requires a high-speed Class 10 MicroSD card (64GB or 128GB). Buy one if you don’t have it.
- 4. Check Your Dashboard: Make sure your dashboard is flat enough for the adhesive mount, or that your rearview mirror is standard size for the strap mount.
Final Thoughts
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
The Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam is a fantastic gadget that breathes new life into older vehicles. It is not perfect—the audio requires an AUX connection for best results—but the convenience of having Wireless CarPlay and a 4K Dash Cam in one package is unbeatable. It is the best budget upgrade you can give your car in 2025.
You can paste this just before the Buy Now button 👇
👉 If you want to add smart features and safety to your old car without spending a fortune, the Develuck Screen is a smart choice. It offers navigation, music, and security all in one simple device.
People Also Ask Style
Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
Does this work with any car?
Yes, as long as your car has a 12V cigarette lighter socket (power outlet), it will work in any vehicle, including trucks and vans.
Is the installation difficult?
No, the main screen installation takes 5 minutes. Installing the rear camera is optional and takes about 30-45 minutes if you want to hide the wires properly.
Can I listen to music through my car speakers?
Yes! You can transmit the audio to your car speakers via the FM Transmitter (tuning to an empty radio station) or via the AUX cable (recommended for better sound).
Does it support Android Auto?
Yes, it supports both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It connects automatically via Bluetooth/WiFi when you enter the car.
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Develuck 11.26″ Dash Cam Review
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