What Is MTK (MediaTek) in Android Head Units?
MTK stands for MediaTek — a Taiwanese semiconductor company that makes budget-tier chipsets commonly used in sub-$100 and sub-$130 Android head units. When a listing says “MTK processor,” it typically refers to one of several MediaTek chips: the MT6580, MT8227, MT8667, or similar variants. These are single-core or dual-core processors running at 1.0–1.6 GHz with integrated graphics that handle basic tasks adequately.
MTK units are the most common choice in the budget tier — and for good reason. They handle GPS navigation, FM radio, music playback, and basic phone connectivity without issue. If your use case is purely “GPS and radio,” an MTK unit can serve you well. Where MTK chips struggle is multitasking: running multiple apps simultaneously, using CarPlay emulation apps, or rendering high-resolution maps at speed. Most MTK head units ship with Android 8 or Android 9, with some newer variants reaching Android 10.
The core limitation is architectural. Single or dual-core designs at 1.0–1.6 GHz don't have the throughput to run modern Android apps alongside navigation without noticeable lag. App switching is slow, background processes get killed aggressively to free RAM, and heavy apps like Waze with real-time rerouting can cause the unit to stutter mid-drive.
What Is RK3399 (Rockchip 3399)?
The RK3399 is a hexa-core processor made by Rockchip, a Chinese semiconductor company that dominates the mid-to-premium Android head unit market. The chip features 2x Cortex-A72 performance cores running at up to 2.0 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 efficiency cores at 1.5 GHz, paired with a Mali-T864 GPU. This big.LITTLE architecture means demanding tasks run on the fast cores while background processes use the efficient cores — resulting in both performance and battery-conscious behavior.
RK3399 units are found in the $150–$300+ price range and are typically paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. That combination makes a significant real-world difference: apps stay in memory instead of getting killed, the launcher remains responsive while navigation runs, and video streaming, CarPlay emulation apps, and split-screen multitasking all work smoothly. Most RK3399 units ship with Android 10 or Android 11, with newer models reaching Android 12.
The Mali-T864 GPU also handles hardware-accelerated video decoding far better than the integrated graphics in MTK units. This matters for 1080p video playback, rear camera feeds, and the UI rendering of high-resolution launcher themes. On RK3399, these tasks run without frame drops; on MTK, they often stutter or refuse to play at full resolution.
MTK vs RK3399: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | MTK | RK3399 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Quad/Dual-core, 1.0–1.6 GHz | Hexa-core, 1.8–2.0 GHz |
| RAM (typical) | 1–2 GB | 4–6 GB |
| Storage (typical) | 16–32 GB | 64–128 GB |
| GPS Performance | Adequate | Excellent |
| App Multi-tasking | Limited | Smooth |
| Price range | $60–$130 | $150–$350 |
| Android version | 8–10 | 10–12 |
| Best for | Basic nav + audio | Heavy use, CarPlay apps, streaming |
The gap between these two chips is significant at every level — architecture, memory, storage, and real-world performance. The price difference reflects genuine hardware differences, not just brand markup.
Performance in Real-World Car Use
Benchmarks don't matter in a car — real-world performance does. Here's how the two chips compare across the tasks you actually use daily:
GPS lock speed
RK3399 units typically acquire satellite lock within 10–20 seconds on a cold start. MTK units can take 30–60 seconds or longer in areas with signal obstruction. The faster CPU processes satellite data more efficiently.
Map rendering (Google Maps + Waze)
On RK3399, Google Maps and Waze render smoothly with real-time traffic overlays and rerouting without stutter. On MTK units, complex map views — especially in dense urban areas or with Waze's full UI — can cause visible lag and occasional frame drops.
Bluetooth call switching
RK3399 handles audio source switching (music → incoming call → back to music) instantly. MTK units sometimes have a 1–3 second delay or brief audio dropout during source transitions.
Media player smoothness
Both handle music playback fine. For video, RK3399's Mali-T864 GPU handles 1080p decoding natively; MTK units often struggle above 720p or drop frames on high-bitrate files.
App crash frequency
MTK units with 1–2GB RAM frequently kill background apps to free memory. Apps you opened earlier are often reloaded from scratch instead of resuming. RK3399 with 4GB RAM keeps multiple apps in memory without reloading.
RK3399 wins clearly on all five. MTK is acceptable if you genuinely only need GPS navigation and FM radio — but the moment you add Waze, music streaming, or any multitasking, the performance gap becomes noticeable.
Other Processors to Know
MTK and RK3399 are the two most common chips you'll encounter, but the market has expanded. Here's a quick reference for every processor tier currently found in Android head units:
| Chip | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MTK (various) | Budget | Most common sub-$150 units. Adequate for basic nav + audio. |
| RK3399 | Mid-High | Best price/performance above $150. Hexa-core, 4GB RAM pairing. |
| RK3568 | High | Newer Rockchip, rivals RK3399, found in 2024–2026 units. Quad-core Cortex-A55 with improved GPU. |
| Snapdragon 665 | Premium | Rare, found in $400+ units. Best-in-class performance. |
If you're shopping in 2026, also keep an eye out for the RK3568 — it's a newer Rockchip option that matches or exceeds the RK3399 in many benchmarks and is increasingly common in mid-range units. For a dedicated RK3568 deep-dive, see our RK3568 vs RK3399 comparison. For the premium tier, see our Snapdragon 665 vs RK3568 comparison. For brand recommendations that use these chips, see our best Android head unit brands guide.
Which Processor Should You Buy?
The right choice depends entirely on your budget and how you actually use your head unit. Here's a clear decision framework:
Under $130 budget → MTK is fine
If you need GPS navigation, FM radio, and music playback — and nothing more — an MTK unit will serve you adequately. You're not going to run CarPlay emulation apps or Waze split-screen, but for basic daily commute use, MTK gets the job done.
$150+ and want real performance → RK3399 or RK3568
If you want smooth multitasking, CarPlay emulation apps, Waze with split-screen, video streaming, or a responsive launcher — go RK3399 or the newer RK3568. The extra $50–80 over a budget MTK unit buys you a completely different daily-use experience.
For curated picks at the $200 price point that use Rockchip processors, see our best Android head unit under $200 guide. For brand-specific recommendations across all tiers, see best Android head unit brands 2026.
Setup Tip: A Better Processor Still Needs Proper Configuration
Even the best RK3399 unit runs poorly out of the box. The stock launcher on most head units is bloated and poorly optimized — it burns RAM, slows the interface, and makes even fast hardware feel sluggish. Proper setup makes the difference between an RK3399 that feels premium and one that barely outpaces a budget MTK.
The key configuration steps: replace the stock launcher with a purpose-built car launcher, enable Developer Options and optimize animation scales, manage background apps, and apply the correct DSP and GPS settings for your region. For MTK users experiencing lag, see our guide to fixing Android head unit lag — those software tweaks can meaningfully improve performance even on budget hardware.
📘 Struggling with your head unit setup?
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Get Instant Access — $14.99 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is MTK good enough for an Android head unit?
Yes for basic GPS and music, no for heavy apps or CarPlay emulation. MTK chips handle navigation and audio playback fine, but struggle with multi-tasking, split-screen, and demanding apps.
What does RK3399 mean on a head unit?
It's the Rockchip RK3399 processor, a hexa-core chip that delivers smooth performance for car infotainment. It features 2x Cortex-A72 performance cores and 4x Cortex-A53 efficiency cores, paired with a Mali-T864 GPU.
Which is better: MTK or Rockchip for Android head units?
Rockchip (RK3399/RK3568) for most buyers who want reliable performance. MTK if you're on a tight budget and only need basic features like GPS navigation and music playback.
Does processor affect GPS accuracy on Android head units?
Yes. RK3399 units typically have faster GPS lock and smoother map rendering than MTK units. The faster CPU handles GPS processing more efficiently, which translates to quicker satellite lock and more responsive map updates.
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