Nav vs non nav 8.4 uconnect

[jscoc]

Are there any real difference between the two units beside the obvious of not having navigation, are the displays the same and do they have the same features besides nav?

 

[ksn240]

For the most part. The non nav unit does not have any online connectivity. No hotspot/apps/etc. Other than that, there's really not any differences.

 

[VaderRebel]

For the most part. The non nav unit does not have any online connectivity. No hotspot/apps/etc. Other than that, there's really not any differences.

That's one big *** difference.

 

[jscoc]

apps on the uconnect ? what kind of apps are we talking about?

 

[ksn240]

apps on the uconnect ? what kind of apps are we talking about?

Weather/traffic/ability to use your phone as a fob, etc. There are a few others but I can't recall at the moment.

 

[ksn240]

That's one big *** difference.

Indeed it is. I bought my 2019 thinking the Nav could be updated afterwards and found out it can't. I will swap the radio out at some point. Not so much for the nav but the extra features that come with it.

 

[Believemeustink]

There is a small aesthetic feature about the 4C Nav vs 4C. The Uconnect faceplate on the 4C Nav is glossy and the screen is flush with the faceplate. The standard 4C is recessed a tad bit.

See attached for reference.

 

[YoAdrian]

Are there any real difference between the two units beside the obvious of not having navigation, are the displays the same and do they have the same features besides nav?

I just spent an hour in a Laramie w/o Nav (8.4” UConnect 4) and a BigHorn w/ Nav (8.4” UConnect 4C). Here are my brief impressions.

Initial look: The 4 has matte surround trim and a matte screen, and is inset maybe 5mm below the level of the panel. It looks fine, and light is not quite so reflective so visibility is good. The 4C gets glossy surround trim and a glossy screen, plus it is not inset. The result is it appears shinier, slightly bigger (4mm?), and “fancier”, even though it is the same size.

Resolution and color: I could not tell any difference in the colors or resolution of the picture. I expected the matte 4 to be lower in quality but this is not the case at all. The matte screen is bright and fine and colorful. The only very noticeable difference is the matte vs gloss surface, some may like matte (less reflective), some may like gloss (colors might appear to pop more). Edit: I’m not sure the screen surfaces are different any more.

Responsiveness: This was going to affect my decision the most, as I hate a slow, laggy user interface. I could actually detect a VERY slight, barely noticable advantage in reaction to the 4C, but the 4 was extremely quick and responsive too. I made up a test where I changed sattelite stations as fast as I could hit the button... the 4C handled every single rapid tap with a change and “beep”, the 4 changed stations, but missed a “beep” maybe once every five channels. I would be happy with either system.

Nav and extra software: I must say I didn’t want the Nav since I can do CarPlay maps which are always updated, but the built in maps are quick and easy to use. As I was testing, a real-world weather warning popped up asking if I wanted to look at the radar map. I selected it, and immediately was presented with a nice pic of where thunderstorms were coming in from vs where I was. That feature alone may have just sold me on the NAV upgrade... was this Sirius Travel Link? Do you need to pay a subscription? Edit: you get 5 years free, then it is pay to play. I need to learn this before I decide... Nothing else in the software list stood out as useful to me, although some might disagree (App Manager, Wifi hotspot, SOS, Assist, Projection Manager, Activate $ervices).

I would be happy with either... I would not feel like I was missing much with the non-Nav version as long as I could use CarPlay. I also think the Nav system is nice and very useful with the weather info. Stay tuned and I will try to add some photos from my dealership visit here.

Here’s another thread discussing similar things: https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/glossy-matte-8-4-uconnect-faceplate.1274/

 

[YoAdrian]

Regarding “glossy” vs “matte” 8.4” UConnect 4 vs 4C displays, I think the displays may both be the same but the trim surround makes the 4C look glossier. The non-glossy version looks as great as the glossy. I have attached a glossy vs matte slide show, including a pic of the different app choices in the 4C NAV version. You can also see what Sirius Travel Service gives you when there’s a storm a brewin! Enough talk, to the pictures, enjoy all. Part 1 of 3.
- YoAdrian

 

[YoAdrian]

Regarding “glossy” vs “matte” 8.4” UConnect 4 vs 4C displays, I think the displays may both be the same but the trim surround makes the 4C look glossier. The non-glossy version looks as great as the glossy. I have attached a glossy vs matte slide show, including a pic of the different app choices in the 4C NAV version. You can also see what Sius Travel Service gives you when there’s a storm a brewin! Enough talk, to the pictures, enjoy all.
- YoAdrian

Part 2:

 

[YoAdrian]

Part 2:

Part 3!

 

[Edwards]

Weather/traffic/ability to use your phone as a fob, etc. There are a few others but I can't recall at the moment.

There's an app where I can use my phone as a key fob? That's awesome!

 

[Believemeustink]

There's an app where I can use my phone as a key fob? That's awesome!

The Ford Escape I currently have has this functionality its really nice in the winter. I dislike that they bundled the feature in with the nav package

 

[ksn240]

There's an app where I can use my phone as a key fob? That's awesome!

I believe it's part of the XM Guardian package or one of the other ones. It's free for a time then you have to pay for it.

 

[Rayzram]

Big questions is this....Can we make a non Nav unit turn into a Nav unit? Soo many things not available between the two. Had I known I would have not settled for this truck and went with one that had nav. I never dreamed the non nav unit is so limited. Can not even remote start truck or unlock doors from phone with a non nav unit. I will learn to do without but it is a huge let down, and is so confusing I still dont totally understand what is what, what you have to have for this, or that. I called into the uConnect assistance and even they could not tell me much.

 

[VaderRebel]

The Nav unit has GPS and LTE connectivity. This is required for remote functions and HD radio. The head unit prior to 2018 could be updated with a fee from the dealer to change the sales code and update the software to enable connectivity. It seems for 2019 there are two seperate units and the lesser cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations, not software. That is my understanding of the changes for 2019's 8.4 head units. @Jared B could confirm, or maybe @BobbiBigWheels ?

 

[Deleted member 85]

The Nav unit has GPS and LTE connectivity. This is required for remote functions and HD radio. The head unit prior to 2018 could be updated with a fee from the dealer to change the sales code and update the software to enable connectivity. It seems for 2019 there are two seperate units and the lesser cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations, not software. That is my understanding of the changes for 2019's 8.4 head units. @Jared B could confirm, or maybe @BobbiBigWheels ?

Even for 2018 Ram 1500 DS trucks, the Uconnect 4C and 4C NAV are two different things now. Before, I could download navigation onto a Uconnect 3C, hence, we didn't order many trucks with nav, and downloaded as we needed. It's made it tricky for inventory's sake now, as if a truck does not have Nav, it never will. My thoughts are that on the 2019 Rams, if it does not have Nav, it does not have any of the other capabilities you listed.

 

[VaderRebel]

There you have it. Right from the man himself. If you don't order Nav, you can't upgrade at the dealer. Buyer beware.

 

[Deleted member 85]

There you have it. Right from the man himself. If you don't order Nav, you can't upgrade at the dealer. Buyer beware.

I think that eventually the entry level 2019 Rams will have the newer Uconnect 4C 7.0" that does not have Nav, and it will replace the Uconnect 8.4" 4C that does not have nav, with only the 8.4" Nav or 12" Nav available with Nav.

Nav.

 

[VaderRebel]

I think that eventually the entry level 2019 Rams will have the newer Uconnect 4C 7.0" that does not have Nav, and it will replace the Uconnect 8.4" 4C that does not have nav, with only the 8.4" Nav or 12" Nav available with Nav.

Nav.

Have a Nav day!