The MMI box came out 20 years ago it was developed by Korean engineers as far as I can remember. In the beginning it was usually used to solve the problem of reversing. Later on, it was used to add functions that the original radio didn't have, such as navigation, audio and video playback. Now the MMI box is mainly used to realize the cell phone CarPlay or Android auto function. Or to realize the 360 degree panoramic camera function. Most of the MMI boxes on the market are specialized for each car model, for example, it is specialized for BMW/Mercedes-Benz, so it can't be used in Toyota or other brands of cars.
The best thing about the MMI box is that it retains the stock display and is a hidden installation.
From about 2020, the market launched the Linux system of screen replacement products, its biggest feature is to replace the original car's small display (low resolution) into a high-definition large-size display, and with touch function. This way it solves the desire of many car owners who need a large display.
The most appearing on the market are 7″ 9″ 11″ 8.8″ 10.25, 12.3 and even 14.9″ displays. These displays have resolutions ranging from 800×480 to the highest 2k resolution. Thus solving the problem of clarity of HD maps and HD movies.
Meanwhile, the Linux display supports touch functions, which is very convenient when it comes to map navigation and music selection or movie playback menu selection. Most of the MMI box it can only use the original car control keys to select these menus seems rather stupid. This year's new Linux display, it even supports the original car interface for touch control, greatly improving the user experience.
Since 2015, many cars have closed the analog aux input interface, and then all use digital audio, in order to solve the problem of sound, MMI box and Linux display they all use the original bluetooth to get the sound method, which greatly improves the quality of audio. And Linux supports raw bluetooth to get music on any system, so it's even better.
Of course MMI box it is a newly added accessory, you have to find a space in the car to place it, when we have little space in the car, this seems to cause a lot of trouble for the owner, and the Linux display it is a complete replacement of the original display, it does not need to take up additional space .
Yes, they are both Linux systems and they both support stock information displays. They also both support support for stock knob or button controls. They also both support support for the stock interface display, and the stock camera or aftermarket camera.
MMi box and Linux display they are getting closer and closer in price and are now almost the same. If your original display is a very large display and is a high definition display, I would recommend using an MMi box because the original display is an automotive grade display that has good temperature and durability.
But if your original display is a very small display and has a low resolution, I suggest you replace it with a Linux display. This way you can get HD picture quality. When you use YouTube or play videos, you can get amazing picture.
So I suggest you to choose the one which is suitable for you according to your current car's status.
