The Nexar Pro Dash Cam is a feature-rich device that offers a 140-degree wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture more of the road.
It's also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to transfer and share footage from your smartphone.
The Nexar Pro Dash Cam has a compact design, measuring 2.4 inches in width and 1.2 inches in depth, making it easy to install in your vehicle.
This dash cam is designed to provide clear and crisp video, with a resolution of 1440p at 30fps.
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Review Verdicts
The Nexar Pro dash cam has received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers have praised its ease of installation, with one reviewer giving it a perfect score of 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
TechRadar's verdict on the Nexar Pro is that it's a fine dual-camera solution for those who need both dash cam and in-car security. The camera's 1080p video is great quality and backed up by GPS data.
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However, other reviewers have criticized the Nexar Pro for its lack of features and inability to change basic settings. One reviewer noted that having no button to manually save clips feels "borderline criminal".
The Nexar Pro has a 4.4 overall rating based on its performance in various categories, including ease of installation, video quality, user interface, and extra features. Here's a breakdown of its scores:
The Nexar Pro's companion app is also worth mentioning, as it contains a host of neat tricks and allows for voice control of the camera.
Pros and Cons
The Nexar Pro dash cam has its share of advantages and disadvantages. One of its notable pros is the excellent smartphone app and software, making it a great tool for rideshare workers.
The Nexar Pro dash cam also offers dual-view recording, allowing you to capture footage from both the front and rear-facing cameras in-cabin. This feature is particularly useful for rideshare workers who need to record their passengers and the road.
Here are the key pros and cons of the Nexar Pro dash cam:
- Excellent smartphone app and software
- Dual-view (front and rear-facing in-cabin) recording
- Great for rideshare workers
- So-so captures
- Pricey
- Problematic offloading with some phones
- Intrusive app
Note: We've included all the pros and cons mentioned in the article section facts for your reference.
Pros
If you're in the market for a car accessory, I've got some great news for you. The smartphone app and software for this product are truly excellent, making it a breeze to use.
One of the standout features of this accessory is its ability to record in dual-view, capturing both the front and rear-facing in-cabin views. This is a game-changer for rideshare workers who need to keep an eye on their passengers.
Here are some of the key pros of this product:
- Excellent smartphone app and software
- Dual-view (front and rear-facing in-cabin) recording
- Great for rideshare workers
This product's physical design is also worth mentioning - it's super-slick and appealing, making it a great addition to any car.
Cons
The not-so-great aspects of some dash cams and other devices. Let's take a look at what's lacking.
Some devices have no display, making it harder to view footage on the go. The Nexar Pro dash cam, for example, has no display, which might be a drawback for some users.
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Daytime image quality can be subpar on some devices, like the Nexar Pro, which doesn't quite live up to expectations.
Takes up a lot of space is another con we've seen, like with the Nexar Pro, which might not be ideal for smaller vehicles.
The Nexar Pro also has a dated design, which might not appeal to users who want a sleeker look.
Expensive for what it offers is another con we've seen, like with some dash cams that don't quite deliver value for the price.
Only 720p resolution recording with mediocre image quality is another drawback we've seen, like with some devices that don't quite meet expectations.
No integrated screen for live viewing is another con we've seen, like with some devices that require an external display.
Some devices have so-so captures, which might not be what users are looking for.
Pricey is another con we've seen, like with some devices that don't quite deliver value for the price.
Problematic offloading with some phones is another issue we've seen, which can be frustrating for users.
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Intrusive apps are another con we've seen, like with some devices that require a lot of interaction.
Here are some of the cons we've seen:
- No display
- Daytime image quality not great
- Takes up a lot of space
- Dated design
- Expensive for what it offers
- Only 720p resolution recording with mediocre image quality
- No integrated screen for live viewing
- So-so captures
- Pricey
- Problematic offloading with some phones
- Intrusive app
Design and Features
The Nexar Pro dash cam's design is definitely a conversation starter, with its pill-shaped design giving off 90s webcam vibes. Its cheap, scratchy plastic and minimal weight make it feel sub-premium.
The device has a separate cabin camera unit attached by a microUSB cable, which boasts 10 infrared cameras to help boost image quality at night.
One notable feature of the Nexar Pro is that it doesn't have a display. Instead, users can browse the microSD card to view footage or use their phone's app to extract footage.
The Nexar Pro comes with a range of features that may appeal to professional drivers, including 1080p front recording, 720p rear recording, built-in GPS, and collision detection.
The device automatically backs up incidents to the cloud via its onboard WiFi, and has unlimited cloud storage for uploaded clips only.
Here are some key features of the Nexar Pro:
- 1080p front recording
- 720p rear recording
- Integrated GPS with speed tracking
- Collision detection
- Unlimited cloud storage for uploaded clips only
Setup and App
The Nexar Pro dash cam's setup can be a bit finicky. The main unit may snag on the cheap mount, requiring some force to get it to click into place.
You'll also need to attach both the main unit and cabin camera using two separate mounts, which can take up a fair chunk of real estate and involve extra wiring. This is a design flaw that could be improved upon.
The Nexar Pro's companion app, on the other hand, is a game-changer. It features a clean design and virtually no lag when viewing the camera's live feed.
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Setup
Setting up a dash cam can be a bit of a challenge, but it's a crucial step in ensuring you capture high-quality footage of the road.
The Nexar Pro GPS dash cam's setup can be a fiddly experience, with the main unit sometimes snagging on the mount. It may take some force to get it to click into place.
Having to attach both the main unit and cabin camera using two separate mounts can be inconvenient, especially when it takes up a fair chunk of real estate and involves extra wiring.
Another drawback is that many rudimentary camera settings, such as video resolution, clip length, brightness, and G-sensor sensitivity, are unchangeable. These are variables that most dash cams feature as standard.
However, once mounted and plugged in, the dash cam starts recording automatically.
To ensure your dash cam doesn't obstruct your view of the road, it's best to install it behind your rearview mirror and tuck the cables into the upholstery.
There are two common means to mount a dash cam to your vehicle: adhesive mounts and suction mounts.
- Adhesive mounts attach to your windshield using some sort of glue. These are easy to attach but can detach in extreme heat.
- Suction mounts are easier to apply and remove and less likely to fall off during operation.
In our experience, the forward-facing Nexar Pro camera was incredibly easy to assemble, which only involved connecting the suction cup to the camera unit itself.
App
The app is a crucial part of a dash cam's functionality. It allows users to easily review and download footage, making it a must-have feature.
Some dash cams have clunky and dated apps that can be frustrating to use, but the Nexar Pro's app stands out as being clean and lag-free. It also stores clips on your phone and uploads them to the cloud, eliminating the need to scrub through footage on a computer.
If you're not interested in advanced features or don't have a computer, you might find that some dash cams don't have an easy way to interact with a computer. Downloading high-quality video files through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can take a long time, making it a hassle.
Not all phones are compatible with the Nexar app, so be sure to check the list on Nexar's site to ensure your phone is supported. The app can be finicky, taking multiple reboots to connect, but once connected, it's reliable and quick.
The app can be a bit annoying, constantly asking for location data and notifications. Turning off notifications doesn't always stop the app from bugging you, so be prepared for that.
You can still enjoy the live view and replay rides with GPS info on a map, making it a useful feature. However, some users might encounter issues with saving and uploading videos, especially if their phone isn't compatible.
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Video/Audio Quality
The Nexar Pro dash cam's video quality is mostly passable, but footage can look grainy and fuzzy compared to 1080p rivals.
During the day, sunlight can overload the unit's sensitive contrast, making the screen look glaring white. This can be a problem for professional drivers who demand consistent clarity.
The Pro handles low light pretty well at night, but it does panic adapting to bright lights and streetlamps due to its sensitivity.
Its cabin camera makes a decent effort, with 10 IR sensors capable of adjusting to the dark and offering a fairly clear view of the interior, albeit at just 720p.
Sound-wise, the Pro generally improves, with road noise kept to a minimum, though speech can be slightly muffled.
High resolutions don't always guarantee good image quality, and other factors like the size and effective pixel count of the image sensor can be more important.
A good memory card can impact recording quality, and for HD video, make sure to use an SD with a write speed of at least 10 MB/s from an established brand like SanDisk or Viofo.
The main forward-facing camera is a 2.0-megapixel GalaxyCore GC2053 CMOS sensor, and the rear unit is an ICT1024 ΒΌ-megapixel CMOS sensor of unknown origin.
Both cameras only record at 720p resolution, which can make it hard to decipher finer details, such as reading out a license plate.
Installation and Usage
The Nexar Pro dash cam is incredibly easy to install, thanks to its simple design. The forward-facing camera only requires connecting the suction cup to the camera unit itself.
You can easily position the cameras using the smartphone app, which provides a live view to see where each camera is pointing. This feature is especially useful for rideshare drivers who need to ensure they're recording the right areas.
The Nexar Pro Dual Dash Cam features a cabin camera, which is perfect for rideshare drivers who want to record their passengers. However, if you're looking for a cheaper model that's low profile, you might want to consider a different option.
Dash cam accessories, such as car chargers and mounts, are also worth considering when making your purchase. These can help you get the most out of your dash cam and make installation easier.
To install a dash cam, it's essential to ensure it doesn't obstruct your view of the road. The recommended placement is behind your rearview mirror, with cables tucked into the upholstery. This will help you stay safe while driving.
There are two common means to mount a dash cam: adhesive mounts and suction mounts. Adhesive mounts attach to your windshield using glue, but they can detach in extreme heat. Suction mounts, on the other hand, are easier to apply and remove and less likely to fall off during operation.
Here's a quick comparison of adhesive and suction mounts:
- Adhesive mounts: easy to attach, but can detach in extreme heat
- Suction mounts: easier to apply and remove, less likely to fall off during operation
Attaching your dash cam to your car battery is a more involved process and is best left to a professional. However, plugging it into your car's 12.0-volt lighter socket is a relatively straightforward process.
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Court and Legality
Dash cam footage can be a valuable tool in a courtroom, helping to clarify what happened in the event of an accident. It's often used to provide an objective account of the incident.
In the event of a dispute over what happened, dash cam footage can be submitted as evidence. This can help to resolve the issue more quickly and fairly.
Dash cam footage is considered admissible in court, just like any other type of evidence. This means it can be used to support or dispute claims made by either party.
Dash cam footage can be used to help identify the parties involved in an accident, as well as any other relevant details such as the location and time of the incident.
Value and Price
The Nexar Pro dash cam is available for $159.95 from Nexar's online shop, but it's worth noting that other brands offer better-specced packages at similar prices.
At the higher end of the price spectrum, the Nexar One Pro dash cam costs $450, which is a significant investment. However, its luxurious styling and feature set might justify the cost for some users.
The Nexar Pro GS Dash Cam system starts at $224.95, with a 64-gigabyte microSD card included in the higher-end $284.95 model, which provides up to 24 hours of continuous video recording backup. This price is on the higher side, and the camera's features don't necessarily justify it.
Solution for High-Mileage Drivers
High-mileage drivers can benefit from regular oil changes, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) recommending oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
For those who drive long distances, a good tire pressure gauge is essential to ensure optimal fuel efficiency and tire longevity, with proper tire pressure reportedly saving up to 3% of fuel.
High-mileage drivers often need to replace their air filters more frequently, with a clogged air filter reducing fuel efficiency by up to 20%.
A well-maintained engine can help extend the life of your vehicle, with a well-tuned engine reportedly lasting up to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Regular tune-ups can also help prevent costly repairs down the road, with a single tune-up reportedly saving up to $1,000 in repair costs.
For another approach, see: Ori Air Dash
Is the Dual System a Good Value?
The Nexar Pro Dual Dash Cam System has a price tag of $159.95, which is not bad for a branded dual dash cam setup. However, it's worth noting that other brands offer better-specced packages at similar prices.
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The starting price for Nexar's Pro GS Dash Cam system is $224.95, with a 64-gigabyte microSD card included, and it goes up to $284.95 with a 256-gig card. This is a fairly high price, especially considering that the Nexar Pro only records 720p resolution footage for both views.
In comparison, the KingSlim D4 dash cam can record up to 4K resolution and at minimum 1080p. There are also other dash cam systems at this price range that offer better recording resolution and more features.
The Nexar Pro's advantage lies in its comprehensive and reliable smartphone app functionality and integration. The app allows users to access past recordings, create clips, and generate detailed incident reports for insurance purposes. However, the app can be intrusive and annoying, especially when it notifies users of mundane events.
Here's a comparison of the Nexar Pro's price with some of its competitors:
The Nexar Pro's price may not be justified by its features, especially when compared to other dash cam systems on the market. However, its smartphone app functionality and integration may be valuable for users who want to keep an eye on family members or work for ride-sharing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Nexar dash cam without a subscription?
To use Nexar dash cam with live alerts, vehicle location tracking, and remote streaming, you need an active Nexar Connect plan. Basic features like recording and playback are available without a subscription.
Does Nexar record when a car is off?
Yes, Nexar dash cams record incidents while parked with their parking mode feature. This feature provides continuous security even when your car is not in use.
Does Nexar Pro have parking mode?
Yes, the Nexar Pro has parking mode, which allows for continuous recording and monitoring of your vehicle even when you're not in it.
Sources
- https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nexar-pro
- https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/nexar-pro-gps-dash-cam
- https://www.motor1.com/products-services/auto-products/dash-cam/
- https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/garage/car-accessories/nexar-pro-dual-dashcam-tested/
- https://www.pcworld.com/article/1529994/nexar-one-pro-dash-cam-review.html
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