Chigee AIO-5 Play Review: Simpler, Still Premium

Chigee presents a simplified device compared to the 5 Lite, but which promises the same level of quality. Let's find out together.

A few weeks ago Giamba , our collaborator for a few months, reviewed the Chigee AIO-5 Lite . It was the first Carplay for motorcycles that we reviewed on our site and since then I have had the opportunity, personally, to test several devices in lower price ranges. Chigee has decided to bring that premium user experience to a simpler and also cheaper device, for those who are not interested in the dashcam system and also want the possibility of powering everything with a simple USB socket . In fact, this solution greatly increases versatility and facilitates the exchange even between different motorcycles, without necessarily having to buy multiple devices. The AIO-5 Play was born with these intentions , available in two variants. One universal , like the one we tested, the other dedicated to BMWs , therefore compatible with the German company's navigator plate and with the handlebar controls, the famous wheel that acts as a TFT controller and more.

The quality of a premium product is evident in the packaging and small details.

Unboxing and package contents

Extremely well- finished packaging, similar to Apple products. Once the lid of the box is lifted, we are struck by the attention to detail. The lid itself is padded with sponge on the inside, but not only that. A welcome print with the logo and the drawing of a stylized enduro helmet, with mask included. An instruction sheet, brief but complete, completes the paper supply of the package. In the upper part of the same we find the device, protected by a film on the display, while in the lower part a small box that contains all the remaining components supplied.

• Chigee AIO-5 Play including 17mm RAM mount
• A universal metal handlebar bracket, made entirely of metal
• Three rubber rings to adapt the bracket to various handlebar thicknesses
• Power cable for USB type A connection
• 220cm power cable for fixed battery connection
• 5 Nylon Cable Ties
• 2 hook and loop straps
• 2 clips for easy cable management
• Anti-theft tool for mounting and dismounting the bracket
• 2 Chigee logo stickers

Complete equipment then, in our case enriched by two extra accessories, as simple as they are useful. A protective glass film, to protect the display, and a rubber case to be used when the bike is stationary, for even greater protection.

Unboxing video showing the contents of the box.

Technical features

• 5-inch IPS display with 1280×720 resolution and built-in brightness sensor
• 60 FPS display and 1000 nit brightness
• Dual Bluetooth 5.0
• Built-in GPS
• Dual-Core A53 1.2Ghz processor
• 2GB DDR3 RAM
• 8GB EMMC internal memory (7 usable)
• 8GB Micro SD
• WLAN 2.4/5G
• IP68 waterproof certification, guaranteed operation between -20°C/65°C
• Dimensions 137x79x27mm and weight 265g

The Play loses compatibility with dashcams, but maintains compatibility with other accessories, such as tire pressure monitoring sensors (internal or external), the handlebar controller and the OBD.

The operating system, called CGOS, is proprietary, even though it is based on Linux. Updatable OTA via wifi, unlike the other devices tested here we find a software that perfectly exploits the hardware, precisely because it was created by the same manufacturer. Apart from RAM (2GB vs 4GB) and internal storage (8GB vs 32GB), no compromises compared to the top of the range AIO-Lite.

Installed on 28mm cross member on KTM SMT 890.

How does it go on the road?

Adapting it to the bike was simple. The quality of the bracket is really excellent and also allows for installation on naked sports bikes, because the overall dimensions are minimal and the feeling of solidity is high. Using the proprietary tools, we can screw in the anti-theft screws, which have a particular shape that discourages removal by malicious people. The RAM type sphere is 17mm, the plate that connects it to the device has rubber pads that absorb vibrations. The USB A connection, the main novelty of this Play, gives priceless versatility. In a few seconds the device is ready for use on our bike, a KTM SMT 890. In my case I used a 28mm 3D printed crosspiece.

Bright display and very responsive touch.

Once turned on, we are amazed by the quality of the display (to which we have already applied the glass film, with extreme ease and without the risk of bubbles) and the fluidity of the transition from one page to another of the Carplay system. The settings are not many, but those useful for customizing your user experience. The physical buttons, located on the upper part, are four:

• Home Key to return to home in every interface
• Switch Key to switch between all the various screens
• Lock Key to lock the screen
• Power, to turn off the display if touched quickly, to turn it off and on if held for 2 seconds, to force a restart if pressed for a long time

Aside from the classic Carplay or Android Auto use, this device has two screens independent of the smartphone that provide us with some useful information, with a nice graphic design. In the first screen we see the real speed calculated by the integrated GPS , a summary of our trip in km and time duration, a compass , the sunset or sunrise time and the tire pressure if the optional TPMS sensors are present.

The second dashboard, on the other hand, richer in information and with more racing graphics, is perfect for an extra accessory not yet available. That component that, by communicating with the OBD, will be able to provide extra information on engine rpm, temperature, in addition to the data already mentioned for the first graphic with the addition of altitude.

The intercom works perfectly and works while remaining associated with the smartphone, the visibility of the IPS display is always excellent, stability and speed are top notch. In general, for me who have had the opportunity to test all the various Carplay of various price ranges, the user experience with this Chigee justifies the price difference with the rivals. Which remain valid solutions, but obviously with a few more compromises and a perceived hardware and software quality of different thickness.

A mention also to the cables which, as in the Lite version, have an almost maniacal care also denoted by the rubber cap that covers the USB type A connector.

Full video review with all features.

Price and final considerations

Around 371 euros, discounted by 10% currently, with a cost of around 335 euros, shipping included. Using a quality courier like FedEx it is easy to run into additional import costs, which should not exceed around 50 euros.

Is it worth spending this kind of money on a device like this? If we want uncompromising quality, an ultra-stable system and a user experience similar to that of top brand smartphones, for me it is. After all, we are on a spending budget very similar to the various Tom Tom Rider or Garmin, which until recently were the only solution for having a navigator on a motorcycle without exposing your phone to the summer sun or various types of weather. On a naked bike, it is one of the few systems that allows for a very clean and minimalist installation, with an (optional) attachment reserved for sports bikes with semi-handlebars.

The additional modules then make the management of the whole thing even more interesting and, in my opinion, finds its best results when used on a BMW, which allows for a quick release and total compatibility with the handlebar controls of the Bavarian manufacturer.

SOURCE: Recensione Chigee AIO-5 Play: più semplice ma sempre premium