70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S – Retro Innovation Meets Modern Tech Sensibilities

My most recent experiment in the Retro Tech Drive lab was with the 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S. Despite its compact design, this dash cam is bursting with features, offering incredible value without compromising on the vintage aesthetics we love.

Specifications

Armed with a Sony IMX307 image processor and F/2.2 aperture, the 70mai smart dash cam captures 1080P full HD resolution, recording every detail of your drives with precision. Even in low light, this dashcam does an excellent job of brightening up scenes. Adding to the sense of security it instills is the built-in G-sensor, a feature that auto-records emergency situations, saving the captured videos safely so that they can’t be overwritten.

The cornerstone of its user-friendly interface is the voice control feature. This allows for hands-free operation that’s perfect for the safe and conscious retro car enthusiast. Its ability to support a high-endurance Class 10 microSD memory card, from 16GB up to 64GB (not included), makes it perfect for long rides.

The built-in WiFi and app control add a twinge of modernity to this retro-tech device. Not only do these features allow for easy viewing and downloading of footage, but they also help to keep the device updated through OTA updates.

User Experience

The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S receives predominantly positive reviews, with users praising its cost-effectiveness and overall functionality. Installation was simple, with its peel and stick feature adding a level of convenience. However, some users did report issues with using the static plastic to mount it to the windshield and resorted to two-way tape as an alternative.

Some users did report that incident sensitivity, a feature that triggers additional footage capture during sudden stops or collisions, might be trigger-happy even at lower settings. The sound alert announcing the start of recording every time the vehicle turns on might also be a minor annoyance if you prefer a completely silent driving experience.

Regarding connectivity, it’s been noted that while the built-in WiFi and app control features are excellent, accessing the camera’s footage requires either removing the memory card to review footage on a computer or being present in the car. The manual connection process with the app, which functions like a hotspot, may be a bit cumbersome.

However, common consensus boils down to one main factor: value for money. The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S provides excellent image resolution, compact design, and advanced features for a relatively lower price makes it a great bargain. Nevertheless, this device seems to be an excellent piece of technology that respects an older aesthetic while offering advanced features. As a retro futurist, it is this balance that really grabs my attention.

Final Verdict

All factors considered, the 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S earns a solid 4/5 stars. With a few small tweaks, it could easily soar to an even higher rating. For those wishing to retrofit their retro car with a bit of modern innovation, this might be the dashcam to consider.

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Check it out on Amazon.com (United States)

Check it out on Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom)

Check it out on Amazon.fr (France)