Vantrue S1 dash cam review

Our Verdict

It's by no means class-leading, but the Vantrue S1 offers a decent front and rear dash cam system for slightly less. But had information technology been bundled with a few more features, it could have better set itself apart from its rivals.

For

• 4K front recording
• Adjustable camera
• Proficient daytime recording

Against

• Bulky blueprint
• Cheaper dual photographic camera systems available

Tom'south Guide Verdict

It's by no means class-leading, but the Vantrue S1 offers a decent forepart and rear dash cam system for slightly less. But had information technology been bundled with a few more features, information technology could have ameliorate set itself apart from its rivals.

Pros

• +

  4K forepart recording

• +

  Adjustable camera

• +

  Good daytime recording

Cons

• -

  Bulky design

• -

  Cheaper dual camera systems available

Vantrue S1 dash cam: Specs

Field of view: 170° front, 160° rear
Resolution: 1080p forepart and rear or 4K front only
GPS: Yes
Display: 2" LCD

The Vantrue S1 represents a neat petty bundle, with divide camera units, GPS, 4K recording and dual adjustable cameras.

Despite some dodgy night recording, the S1 is a reasonable effort from Vantrue. However, if it had more even features, it'd be a lot more competitive with its grade-leading peers for its price.

Vantrue S1 dash cam review: Price and availability

You tin can purchase the Vantrue S1 from Vantrue, Amazon and other major electronics retailers for $179.99.

Vantrue S1 dash cam review: Design & features

Pick up the Vantrue S1 and you might find its chunky build distracting. Indeed, its large, slanted pattern can seem intrusive, especially in smaller vehicles.

Fortunately, Vantrue's build quality has taken an upturn for the S1. While it's not going to compete with the likes of Garmin and Nextbase, the S1 features improve-grade plastic and a clearly labeled button organization.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Functionality-wise, in that location's some practiced news. This mid-range arrangement packs a few big features, including 4K recording when you're using the front cam by itself (it'southward 1080p with both cams recording), GPS, and a Sony Starvis sensor — something that reportedly offers clear recording no affair what the conditions. More on this later on.

Another welcome sight is its adjustable camera, which operates on a pivot, opening up options on where you want the device on your windshield.

(Image credit: Vantrue)

Of course, the S1 is also kitted out with all the standard dash cam features, such every bit an incident detection system and parking guard, both of which start recording following a standoff or incident. Equally usual, the 24/7 parking guard requires a hardwire connexion. There's also a timelapse mode to offer a speedy highlight reel of your road trips, but I'd wager this won't be in frequent utilize.

At its price tag, the S1 sits just under like-for-like branded cams. However, I feel its case could exist stronger if information technology included more ease-of-use functions, such every bit WiFi connectivity, vocalisation control, or a companion app.

Vantrue S1 dash cam review: Setup

The Vantrue S1'due south "lazy L"- shaped unit is designed to be mounted in parallel to the windshield using a slide fixture on a sticky mountain. However, there's no suction cup choice — one time the adhesive goes on, that's it.

(Paradigm credit: Tom's Guide)

That "50" shape is likewise not ideal, angling the screen away from the driver. I sometimes had to crane my neck awkwardly forward to check on it. The blueprint is likewise non going to piece of work for those with vertical windshields, such as in buses or trucks.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Its wiring arrangement is besides flawed. The sockets of the rear photographic camera and power cable rub against each other when connected to the unit of measurement, making them fiddly to insert. This might also cause additional wear and tear on the wires and connectors.

Fortunately, the S1's card arrangement was a pleasant surprise, with a simple rolling menu and context-sensitive buttons labeled throughout. My only existent gripe is that it's white text on an orangish backdrop, which is challenging to read, particularly with the screen's sharp bending.

Vantrue S1 dash cam review: Video and audio quality

During the mean solar day, the S1's rear and front cameras yield skillful results. Footage is ofttimes clear, sharp and detailed, with the right saturation of colors.

(Epitome credit: Tom'south Guide)

You lot also get a skillful view of the road with its wide angle lenses. Occasionally, dissimilarity can become an consequence, with sunlight amping up in the haziness in the epitome.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

At night, things get predictably fuzzier, especially with the rear photographic camera, which can struggle to provide clear, well-lit pictures without other sources of light. Streetlights tin can also pose an upshot, creating great meaning lens flares in the forepart.

(Image credit: Tom'southward Guide)

Plus at certain angles, headlights can interfere with seeing a vehicle's tags conspicuously. However, while many low-to-mid-range nuance cams struggle at night, this is a laudable effort..

(Image credit: Tom'due south Guide)

Sound is besides generally solid, though voices and playback come out slightly tinnier than they do in reality.

Vantrue S1 dash cam review: Verdict

Information technology'south past no means class-leading, just the Vantrue S1 offers a decent front and rear nuance cam system for slightly less.

Had information technology been bundled with a few more features, information technology could have prepare it apart from its rivals and earned itself some other one-half-star on this rating in the process. However, as it stands, with generally sharp and clear image quality, the S1 is a decent mid-range contender.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/vantrue-s1-dash-cam

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