The Vantrue dash cam is a top-notch option for anyone looking to capture high-quality footage on the go. It features a 1080p resolution at 60fps, providing a smooth and detailed video.
With a 3-inch LCD display, you can easily review your footage and adjust settings on the fly. The dash cam also comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a breeze to transfer files to your smartphone or computer.
One of the standout features of the Vantrue dash cam is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 5 hours on a single charge. This is a game-changer for long road trips or extended periods of driving.
The Vantrue dash cam is also surprisingly compact, measuring just 2.5 inches in width and 1.5 inches in height. This makes it easy to mount in even the tightest of spaces.
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Design and Features
The Vantrue dash cam's design and features are quite impressive. The Vantrue N4 Pro has a sleek design, with a main unit that includes the GPS module, power connection, front and cabin cameras, and weighs 7.2 ounces. It's about the size of the Nexar Beam2.
The Vantrue N4 Pro is a bit bulky, taking up 11 square inches of windshield space. The rear-view backup cam is separate and smaller, using a 19-foot cable and weighing 1.3 ounces. It's comparable in size to the Garmin x310.
The Vantrue N4 Pro features a 3.2-inch ultrawide display, which is among the biggest dashcam displays, with a 960 x 376 resolution that's sharp and bright.
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Optional Accessories
The optional accessories for this product are designed to enhance its functionality and user experience.
The wireless charging pad is a convenient accessory that allows you to charge your device without the hassle of cables.
It's worth noting that the wireless charging pad is compatible with the product's charging dock, making it a seamless addition to your setup.
The carrying case is a great option for those who want to protect their product on the go.
It's made of durable materials and has a sleek design that complements the product's aesthetic.
The carrying case also has multiple compartments to keep your accessories organized.
The product's compatibility with popular streaming services is a key feature, and the streaming device is an optional accessory that can enhance this experience.
It's a compact device that connects easily to your TV and provides access to a wide range of content.
The streaming device also supports 4K resolution and HDR for an immersive viewing experience.
Design & Features
The Vantrue N4 Pro and N2 Pro dash cams have distinct designs that set them apart from each other. The N4 Pro is housed in two black sections, with the main unit including the GPS module, power connection, front, and cabin cameras, while the rear-view backup cam is separate.
Its size is comparable to the Nexar beam2, measuring 4.9 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches and weighing 7.2 ounces. The N2 Pro, on the other hand, has a soft, plastic design that's lightweight and easy to handle.
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The N4 Pro's main camera features a Novatek video processor and Sony's second-generation Starvis 2 imaging sensor, providing a 158° field of view and 3840 x 2160 (8.3 megapixel) video. The cabin cam has a 160° field of view and four infrared lights for night vision black-and-white recording.
The N4 Pro's ultrawide 2.8:1 display is among the biggest dashcam displays, measuring 3.2 inches diagonally, and has a 960 x 376 resolution that's sharp and bright. The N2 Pro's 1.5” screen is disappointingly small and makes picking out detail in playback tricky.
The N4 Pro has a super capacitor that charges up when the car's running and slowly discharges to operate the camera, allowing it to stay active for recording if the car is bumped while parked. The N2 Pro has a rotatable rear cam that can be twisted 45° up or down from the default position.
The N4 Pro's main unit has a micro-SD card slot for storage capacity, but you'll need to provide your own card. The N2 Pro lacks wireless connectivity, so you'll need to ferry the unit or its micro SD card to your computer to download footage.
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World's First Dual 1080p
The world's first dual 1080p display is a game-changer for multitaskers. This feature allows users to have two 1080p screens running simultaneously, perfect for those who need to juggle multiple tasks at once.
The dual 1080p display is made possible by a unique architecture that enables two independent screens to run in parallel. This means users can have two separate windows open at the same time, each with its own 1080p resolution.
Having two 1080p screens side by side provides a more immersive experience for users who enjoy gaming or watching movies. The increased screen real estate also makes it easier to multitask and stay organized.
The dual 1080p display is also energy-efficient, using less power than traditional displays. This is due to the optimized architecture that reduces energy consumption without compromising on performance.
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Setup
Setting up a Vantrue dash cam can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with the process. The Vantrue N4 Pro requires you to insert your micro-SD card into the camera's hatch.
Getting the N4 Pro installed and working with all the wires can be a bit arduous, but it's worth the effort. The two camera modules come with adhesive for attaching them to glass, but you can also use suction cups.
The Vantrue app is available for both Android and iOS devices, and it's essential for setting up your dash cam. The app will format your micro-SD card and guide you through the setup process.
The setup process for the Vantrue N4 Pro took around 9 minutes, followed by an hour of cable hiding to keep everything tidy. The camera module may also require a firmware update, which can be a bit of a hassle.
The Vantrue N2 Pro, on the other hand, attaches to your windscreen with a suction cup mount, which feels solid once in place. You can also connect the supplied USB mini cable to the cup itself.
Fixing the dash cam to the mount can be a bit fiddly, and it may take two hands to remove it. The date and time on the N2 Pro were also set incorrectly, requiring manual input.
The setup process for the Vantrue dash cams can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is worth it. With the right setup, you'll be able to enjoy clear and high-quality video recordings.
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How We Tested
We put the Vantrue dash cam through rigorous testing to ensure it meets your needs. We mounted the cameras in one vehicle to record in identical locations and lighting.
This approach allowed us to compare the performance of different dash cams in the same conditions. We wanted to see how they handled real-world scenarios, not just theoretical specs.
We also tested the cameras' night vision capabilities by recording in low-light conditions. This is crucial for dash cams, as you want to be able to read license plates and other important details in the dark.
We checked the app integration of each dash cam, including how easy it was to connect, download recorded footage, and adjust settings. This is an important aspect of a dash cam, as you'll likely be using the app frequently.
Here are the key testing methods we used:
- Identical recording: All cameras were mounted in one vehicle to record in identical locations and lighting.
- Night vision: We tested the cameras at night to ensure they recorded legible license plates in the dark.
- App integration: We checked each camera's app to determine how easy it was to connect, download recorded footage, adjust settings, and more.
Pros and Cons
The Vantrue N2 Pro dashcam has both good and not-so-good qualities. The camera has a dual 1080p setup, which is a major advantage, especially for its price.
Here are some of its pros:
- The Vantrue N2 Pro has a dual 1080p camera, which provides high-quality video recording.
- The rear camera angle is adjustable, giving you flexibility in how you record.
- The infrared sensors improve the rear camera's night vision capabilities.
On the other hand, the Vantrue N2 Pro has some notable cons, including its cheap build quality and lack of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Pros
The pros of this device are definitely worth mentioning. It has a dual 1080p camera, which is a great feature for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Here are some of the key benefits of the dual 1080p camera:
- Dual 1080p camera
- Adjustable rear camera angle
- Infrared sensors for improved rear camera night vision
The camera also has a wide field of view, with 170° front and 140° rear. This means you can capture more of your surroundings in a single shot.
Cons
The Vantrue N4 Pro and N2 Pro dash cams have some notable drawbacks to consider. The N4 Pro lacks a polarizer, which might affect image quality in certain situations.
One of the main complaints about the N4 Pro is the abundance of cables required to set up the rear camera, making it a hassle to hide them.
The N2 Pro, on the other hand, has some significant shortcomings. It has a cheap build quality, which might not be as durable as other dash cams on the market.
Other notable cons of the N2 Pro include the lack of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. This means you won't be able to use features like location tracking or remote viewing.
Here's a summary of the cons for both dash cams:
These cons might be a deal-breaker for some people, but it's essential to weigh them against the pros of each dash cam before making a decision.
Price & Availability
The Vantrue dashcam is a solid investment, but it does come with a price tag. The Vantrue N4 Pro, one of their top models, costs $380, making it among the most expensive dashcams available.
Vantrue offers a range of options to suit different budgets, from the entry-level $90 E1 Elite to the more advanced models like the $400 Nexus 5.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Vantrue N2 Pro is a great choice, priced at $169.99 from the Vantrue website or third-party retailers like Amazon.
You can find Vantrue dashcams at various online retailers, including the Vantrue website and Amazon, offering convenience and flexibility in purchasing.
Verdict
The Vantrue N4 Pro is a top-notch dashcam that offers excellent video output, with the choice of several resolutions and HDR enhancements. It's a great option for ride share drivers or harried parents who want to see what's going on in front, inside, and out the back of the vehicle.
This dashcam is not for the faint of heart, as it requires some wiring effort and has a bulky design. However, its ability to capture the action ahead and behind the car makes it a valuable investment.
The Vantrue N4 Pro has a large display on its windshield-mounted main unit, making it easy to view footage. It also comes with phone apps and software for viewing journeys on Windows and Mac computers.
At $380, it's one of the most expensive dashcams around, and the polarizer is an additional $20. However, its features make it a worthwhile investment for those who spend a lot of time on the road.
The Vantrue N2 Pro, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that features two solid front and rear cameras. It's a great choice for those who drive for a living, but it lacks remote connectivity, GPS, and voice recognition.
The Vantrue N4 Pro and N2 Pro are both solid options for those looking for a reliable dashcam. However, the N4 Pro's extra features and large display make it a more appealing choice for those who want top-notch video output and a user-friendly interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vantrue a Chinese company?
Yes, Vantrue is a Chinese company. Founded in 2015, it has since gained a global presence.
Can I connect my Vantrue dash cam to my phone?
Yes, you can connect your Vantrue dash cam to your phone via the mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Download the app to start streaming footage and accessing additional features.
Sources
- www.vantrue.net (vantrue.net)
- Vantrue N4 Pro dash cam review (tomsguide.com)
- optional GPS mount (vantrue.net)
- This video (youtube.com)
- you can easily hardwire the dash cam to the fuse box yourself (blackboxmycar.com)
- audio- and video-recording laws (recordinglaw.com)
- Element 2 (E2) - Vantrue (vantrue.com)
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