Geely Starray Infotainment Showcase: 13.2-inch Screen & Connectivity Test

Geely Starray Infotainment Showcase: 13.2-inch Screen & Connectivity Test

The Geely Starray's cabin is dominated by its signature feature: a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen that anchors the entire infotainment experience. Positioned between the Coolray and Monjaro, the Starray makes technology and connectivity its central selling point. This showcase review deep-dives the 13.2-inch screen, tests smartphone integration and connectivity, evaluates the voice control and AI features, and assesses the software update potential that determines whether the tech stays current over years of ownership.

Updated August 2026.

Geely Starray

Starting Price: 85,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

Geely's newest mid-size SUV, positioned between the Coolray and Monjaro. It pairs a 1.5L turbo with a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen and Volvo-influenced safety, competing with the MG HS and Haval H6.

Key Highlights

• 1.5L turbo with 177 hp
• 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen
• Volvo-influenced safety systems
• Sits between Coolray and Monjaro
• 5-year / 150,000 km warranty

Best for: Buyers who want fresh design and tech between the Coolray and Monjaro.

13.2-inch Screen Deep Dive

The Starray's 13.2-inch vertical display is one of the largest portrait-orientation screens in the segment, and its resolution and brightness are strong enough to remain readable in direct Gulf sun. The interface is organised into clearly carded zones, climate, navigation, media and vehicle settings, which keeps the most-used functions visible without diving through menus.

Touch response is crisp and the processor handles multitasking, such as running navigation while streaming music, without noticeable lag. The vertical layout is particularly effective for maps, which display more of the route ahead than a landscape screen, and the climate controls retain a persistent strip so they are always one tap away.

Connectivity & Smartphone Integration

Smartphone integration is where the Starray earns its showcase billing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, so drivers can mirror their phone's navigation, music and messaging without a cable, and the connection pairs reliably on startup. Bluetooth supports multiple device pairing for households that share the car.

Beyond phone mirroring, the Starray offers built-in 4G connectivity for live traffic, online music streaming and over-the-air capability. USB-C fast-charging ports front and rear keep devices powered, and the wireless charging pad is a useful convenience. The connectivity package is comprehensive and well-executed for the price point.

Voice Control & AI Features

The Starray's voice assistant allows hands-free control of navigation, climate, media and phone calls, which is genuinely useful for safe driving on Sheikh Zayed Road. Natural-language commands for common tasks, such as 'navigate to the nearest petrol station' or 'set temperature to 22', are recognised reliably without rigid phrasing.

AI features extend to learning driver preferences for seat position, climate and frequently used routes, and the system can suggest shortcuts based on usage patterns. It is not as deep as the most advanced AI assistants on premium cars, but for the price the voice and AI capability is genuinely ahead of most rivals in the segment.

Software Update Potential

The Starray supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates, which means the infotainment system, voice assistant and some vehicle functions can be improved after purchase without a dealer visit. This is critical for tech-focused buyers, since it keeps the car's digital experience current over years of ownership rather than freezing at the point of sale.

Geely's update cadence is still maturing in the UAE, but the underlying hardware, the fast processor and ample screen resolution, gives the Starray headroom to receive richer features over time. Combined with built-in 4G, the OTA potential is the feature that future-proofs the Starray's tech story better than rivals without update capability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 13.2-inch vertical screen is bright, crisp and effective for maps
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pair reliably on startup
• Voice assistant handles natural-language commands for safe hands-free use
• OTA update capability keeps the digital experience current over time

Cons

• Portrait screen layout takes adjustment for drivers used to landscape
• AI features are capable but not as deep as premium rivals' assistants
• OTA update cadence in the UAE is still maturing

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Starray support wireless CarPlay?

Yes. The Starray supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so drivers can mirror their phone's navigation, music and messaging without a cable. The connection pairs reliably on startup, and Bluetooth supports multiple device pairing for households that share the car.

How responsive is the 13.2-inch screen?

Touch response is crisp and the processor handles multitasking, such as running navigation while streaming music, without noticeable lag. The screen's resolution and brightness are strong enough to remain readable in direct Gulf sun, and climate controls retain a persistent strip for one-tap access.

Can the software be updated OTA?

Yes. The Starray supports over-the-air software updates, so the infotainment system, voice assistant and some vehicle functions can be improved after purchase without a dealer visit. Combined with built-in 4G connectivity, this future-proofs the tech story over years of ownership, though Geely's update cadence in the UAE is still maturing.

Verdict

As an infotainment showcase the Geely Starray delivers on its promise. The 13.2-inch screen is genuinely usable, smartphone integration is wireless and reliable, the voice assistant is ahead of most rivals at the price, and OTA capability future-proofs the digital experience. For tech-focused buyers who want a connected cabin without paying a premium badge price, the Starray is the strongest infotainment-led value in its segment.