Opinion on which head unit to buy?

Looking for a somewhat cheap apple car play compatable head unit. Would love to get one that connected wirelessly to my phone but they are all around 500$ so I will settle for cable connection.

Anyone have opininos on which of these might be the "better" choice? I know that is subjective.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILXW650/Alpine-iLX-W650.html?tp=72357

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XAV1000/Sony-XAV-AX1000.html?tp=72357

I am nearly a complete noob on audio stuff. I like that the sony has a physical volume knob. I also like that the sony has a front facing USB input to plug my phone into since I have to plug it in.

I like that the alpine is a slightly larger screen, and that you can buy their nifty amp to put on the back of it and it will still fit in your dash with amp on the back. I am hesitant to get the alpine becuase it comes with a usb cable to hook to your phone but its only out the back-- how do I get that up and through my dash where I mount my phone in a holder attached to the windshield?

Thanks for your input.

I say swing by a higher end audio shop and see what interface you like better (usually they have some on a display rack powered on) or watch some demo's on youtube.
the usb cable can be routed however you like even if the plug is in the back.

x2.

Stop by an audio shop and let them walk you through all of the head units displayed, even if you have no intentions of purchasing the head unit from the shop. This will give you additional information on available features and functionality, which will help you make a more informed final decision on what to buy.

the alpine only looks like it comes with a loose usb cable so it would just stick out wherever you want. same website usb port/usb aux/usb dash mount will give you some other mounting options for a stationary usb port you can plug your cable into.

I converted one of the two existing cigarette lighter-type jacks on the front console for the USB jack from the head unit.