Despite paying a premium for top-end cars, many buyers still have to deal with outdated wired connections for using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on the go, making every drive a battle with cables. However, the Portronics Tune wireless adapter claims to solve this problem by instantly unlocking wireless connectivity, without opening any screws or hampering the infotainment’s warranty. But does the device deliver the freedom it claims? Let’s find out.
Portronics Tune Wireless Adapter: Price & Availability
The Portronics Tune is available via the company’s official website and Amazon for around Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 2,300.
Pros
- Compact design
- Wireless connectivity
- Plug-and-play setup
- Fast connection speed
- Relatively stable media streaming
- Virtually lag-free experience
- Compatible with both Android and iOS devices
- Doesn’t affect OEM controls
Cons
- Call quality could be better
- Requires adapters for cars with USB-C ports
- Increases the phone’s battery consumption
- 6-month company warranty
- No official firmware support
- Limited support for aftermarket infotainment systems
Portronics Tune Review: Design & Build
The Portronics Tune is a small, lightweight (glossy finish, plastic-built), pen-drive-sized dongle that can easily fit in the USB-A port on your car’s center console without causing any trouble. When not in use, you can tuck away the device somewhere in the center console, the glovebox, or the sunglass holder with ease.
Moreover, the build quality is functional (not premium), as it is supposed to be a set-and-forget device, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
In the box, you get the Portronics Tune adapter and a user manual, and that’s it. Although this isn’t an issue for the majority of car owners, those with a USB-C data port require a USB-A to USB-C adapter (like we had to, as we tested the product on a Skoda Kushaq).
Given that the target audience of the product is fed up with using wires (putting them in circles around the gear lever, untangling the low-quality ones, and removing them from the way while picking up something from the center console), the product should solve its purpose of making things simpler for users. Thankfully, the device does that (to a good extent).
Portronics Tune Review: Initial Setup
The setup procedure is relatively simple but slightly longer for first-time or non-tech-savvy users. Before you start, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the required smartphone.
- First, plug the Portronics Tune into the USB-A port used for wired Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
- Wait 10-15 seconds for it to power up and enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
- When the device is ready, it should show up in the Bluetooth settings menu, under the “Available” or “Other” devices section in Android or iOS, respectively, with the name “Portroncis Tune.” Meanwhile, your car’s infotainment system could also show the adapter’s name on the screen (with a black background).
- Continuing the setup process on your smartphone, connect with the device by initiating the pairing process and granting the required permissions.
- Following this, launch Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on your phone. Within seconds, you should see your car’s infotainment screen mirroring your smartphone, and that’s it.
Remember that this is a one-time setup (takes around a minute or two). Afterwards, just plug in the device for automatic wireless connection or leave it plugged in. In some cases, you might have to select the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay option on your car’s screen after the third step.
Portronics Tune Review: Performance
For wireless adapters, the key performance metrics include connection speed, connection stability, latency, audio quality, call quality, versatility, and the overall user experience, so let’s go through them one by one.
In terms of connection speed, it is only the initial pairing procedure that takes around a minute or two. Thereafter, the Portronics Tune takes around 10 to 25 seconds to boot up and connect every time you start your car or turn on the electronics. Even though this isn’t as good as a native wireless infotainment system, it is fairly reasonable.
While the connection speed is excellent (when compared to third-party solutions), the stability is near perfect. We didn’t face any issues with the connectivity most of the time, even during longer drives (14 to 15 hours), in areas with moderate to heavy wireless interference. Although we’ve heard about random disconnection being a common problem between Tune users, replugging the device should solve the issue.
Despite establishing a connection wirelessly, the Portronics Tune doesn’t exhibit any major latency-related issues. There’s little to no lag while navigating menus or maps on the screen, and the same goes for accessing media (though we did notice the music tracks playing within a couple of seconds after selecting them, even in areas with excellent cellular reception).
Portronics Tune Review: User Experience
The audio quality, particularly while streaming music tracks wirelessly, doesn’t take any noticeable hit (perhaps due to the usage of a high-bandwidth 5GHz Wi-Fi connection).
However, attending calls while using the device was a bit of a hassle. When tested on a Skoda Kushaq (via a USB-C adapter), the other person wasn’t able to hear our voice (from the car) most of the time. However, when used on a Kia Seltos (via the car’s USB-A port), the adapter worked fine eight out of 10 times.
Giving credit where due, the wireless adapter supports both Android Auto (Android 11 or higher) and Apple CarPlay (iOS 12 or higher), which makes it a one-stop solution for buyers who own both an Android smartphone and an iPhone. It also supports all the OEM controls (such as buttons on the center console and those mounted on the car’s steering). Moreover, the user experience was fine on the Kia, but it could be better on the Skoda.
A prominent downside of the device is that it increases the smartphone’s battery consumption, as the adapter establishes a wireless connection using the phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. For city commutes, this isn’t a problem. However, during long trips, you might have to carry a cable to keep your phone plugged in.
Review Verdict: Should You Buy the Portronics Tune?
If you own a car that doesn’t support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, getting the Portronics Tune could eliminate the daily hassle of connecting and disconnecting the wire. The device is specifically useful with the top models of many popular brands in India, such as Hyundai and Kia, as they include a wired infotainment system. Its pros outweigh its cons, making it an easy recommendation, whether you have an entry-level hatchback or a premium compact SUV.
Smartprix ⭐ Rating: 8.3/10
- Design and Build: 8.25/10
- Initial Setup: 7.5/10
- Connection Speed: 9/10
- Connection Stability: 8.5/10
- Audio Quality: 8.5/10
- Call Quality: 7.5/10
- Versatility: 9/10
- User Experience: 8.5/10
First reviewed in August 2025.
