Engadget review: Wireless Android Auto brings convenience, battery drain and heat

According to the review, wireless Android Auto is not a single radio link. It uses Bluetooth for the initial handshake and then creates a Wi-Fi Direct connection to handle data-heavy tasks such as maps, media, touch input and voice commands. Both connections remain active during the entire drive, and disabling either one will disconnect the car from the phone. The compatible handset must run Android 11 or later with support for 5GHz Wi-Fi Direct. Many newer vehicles have the function built in; older cars can gain it with a wireless adapter that plugs into the existing USB port. In some cases, drivers may have to enable wireless Android Auto in the Android Auto developer menu if it hasn't been enabled already.

Engadget says the most obvious benefit is the lack of cables. After a one-time pairing, the phone automatically reconnects every time the car starts, so there is no need to hunt for a cable, find the phone port or plug in before driving. The system remembers multiple paired phones, giving households with several drivers a practical way to switch connections; if several devices attempt to connect, the person who is not driving can simply turn off Bluetooth. Removing the cable also cleans up the center console and frees the USB port for charging earbuds, smartwatches or a passenger's device.

On the downside, maintaining wireless links alongside Bluetooth and GPS consumes power. Engadget says the phone battery drops by about 10 to 15 percent per hour while driving. Heat buildup is another concern, particularly in summer or when a phone is also running navigation for an extended period. Older phones may show sluggish map rendering and sudden music interruptions. While wired connections provide a stable USB link and a steady charge, wireless setups can have slight latency or random disconnects.

The article notes that the value of wireless Android Auto depends on driving habits and phone hardware. For daily commuters on shorter trips, automatic connection and the convenience of going cable-free improve the driving experience almost immediately. On longer drives, however, particularly when navigation is active the entire time, the heat and battery loss may make plugging the phone in a more reliable choice.