[pw4]

Something I've finally been convinced of. Spotify is a built-in app (at least in OS8 and up) but Spotify can also play through Android Auto. If you use the built-in Spotify app, the sound quality is better, particularly with bass response and bass clarity. Makes a noticeable difference on some music and not much difference on others. No idea if the same goes for Apple. This is with a high-end Samsung and the mid-range sound system of the 2-series.

[ryo-]

I've noticed the same thing. on android auto, my music is quieter and not as clear compared to the car app. maybe there is a setting in android auto to enable higher quality? I am not sure

[Ruebarb]

Same experience on all counts, volume, clairty and experience is better on BMW.

[TheStoka]

Its so much better through the Spotify app.

Is there anyway to default it to that, seems anytime my phone connects in auto default to android auto?

[IanH]

There is an android auto setting to "play music automatically" upon connecting. You should turn that to "off/disabled".

[TheStoka]

Originally Posted by IanH

There is an android auto setting to "play music automatically" upon connecting. You should turn that to "off/disabled".

That’s sorted it! Had a dig around in the car settings didn’t think to check the phone.

Still wish it was the same quality on both, AA sportify app works a lot quicker.

[IanH]

I spent a fair amount of time a-b testing Spotify in the car versus Spotify through android auto today.

The Spotify in the car is not higher audio quality than aa, just louder than the android auto stream under default settings. If you set the sound playback to loud in your phone Spotify setting it will end up mostly the same volume levels.

I was happy to figure this out, as using the head unit sound player while using android auto is not ideal.

[m36]

Spotify when using the iDrive app uses the data connection of the integrated SIM card of the vehicle ("BMW Connected Music"), whereas Android Auto/CarPlay uses the data connection on your phone.