Tweet
The Miofive S1 Ultra offers dual 4K recording for both the front and rear of your vehicle, setting it apart from most other dash cams on the market. Its impressive features include Wifi, GPS, HDR, and Bluetooth, along with a 3-inch display and optional smartphone app for added convenience.
As many of you might know, 4K capture isn’t essential for dash cams, as 1080p or 1440p often provide enough detail for most driving scenarios. License plates, road signs, and key moments are usually clear enough with lower resolutions. However, 4K adds an extra layer of sharpness and clarity, which can be helpful in situations where finer details matter, such as in low-light conditions or when zooming in on footage.
For many buyers, though, budget considerations come first, and opting for a lower-resolution dash cam can save money without sacrificing too much in terms of practical performance. The S1 Ultra, as it turns out, does a great job of balancing features and price, keeping things very compelling for average consumers.
This review breaks down the key aspects of the Miofive S1 Ultra to help you determine if it meets your needs. Let’s dig in, shall we?
Design & Setup
The design of the Miofive S1 Ultra is straightforward and functional. The main unit is compact with a large lens and a 3-inch screen taking up most of the rear panel. Buttons for navigating the menu are located on the back, and the camera feels well-made, with a carbon-style finish that adds a premium touch.
The front camera mount, however, could be better. While it allows for horizontal and vertical adjustments, the horizontal lock doesn’t always hold securely.
Setting up the S1 Ultra is relatively simple. The included adhesive pads allow for easy mounting on your windshield. Running the power cables from the 12-volt socket to the camera is straightforward, with a tool provided to help tuck the cables into your vehicle’s interior panels for a cleaner look. The rear camera is smaller and adjustable through 360 degrees, is also mounted with adhesive.
The system starts recording automatically when you start your vehicle, and the optional app offers access to settings and video footage via Wifi. While you can use the dashcam without the app, it adds a level of convenience for those who prefer to manage settings through their phone.
Features
The S1 Ultra delivers on its promise of dual 4K video recording, making it a strong contender for drivers who want high-quality footage from both the front and rear cameras. The front camera records at 4K with 30 frames per second, while the rear camera can also record in 4K, though at a slightly lower frame rate of 25 fps. If you opt for 1440p resolution on the rear camera, the frame rate increases to 30 fps.
Additional features include GPS for location tracking, parking mode (when hardwired), and AI-powered driver assistance tools. The dashcam includes a 64GB microSD card, which is helpful for handling the large file sizes generated by 4K video. Footage can be viewed directly on the camera’s screen, transferred via Wifi, or downloaded from the microSD card. The app works well, allowing you to adjust video resolution, collision sensitivity, exposure, and other settings.
Performance
In terms of video quality, the S1 Ultra performs well. The 4K footage is clear and sharp, with accurate color reproduction and minimal noise. License plates and road signs are easy to read, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. However, the video quality can vary depending on lighting. Sunny days produce the best results, while cloudy or overcast conditions introduce a bit more grain. Still, the footage remains detailed and clear.
The performance of the rear camera at 4K is slightly less impressive due to the lower frame rate, but the difference between 4K at 25 fps and 1440p at 30 fps is minimal. Most users will find the 1440p resolution sufficient for rear-facing footage. We’re not talking about video game frame rates here; the picture and fps are more than enough to identify who might have hit your vehicle should that be needed.
Battery & Warranty
My driveway is such that I have to park facing west much of the day, and given that I work from home, my car sits in direct sun quite a bit. And even though I’m in Ohio, I get a fair amount of hot weather. I’ve seen first-hand how too much sun and heat can ruin tech and personal gadgets.
The Miofive S1 Ultra uses a supercapacitor instead of a traditional battery, which helps extend the unit’s lifespan in hot environments, such as when it’s exposed to direct sunlight inside your car. The dashcam also has a quick shutdown time after power is cut, ensuring that footage is saved safely.
Miofive provides an 18-month warranty, which is above average for dash cams and tech products. This longer coverage period offers peace of mind for those concerned about the camera’s durability.
Value
The Miofive S1 Ultra offers solid value, especially for those looking to balance performance with price. I mean, that’s most people, right? While it comes in at a higher cost than many 1080p or 1440p dash cams, the inclusion of dual 4K cameras sets it apart in its category.
The sharpness and detail provided by 4K recording, both front and rear, make it a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize clear footage, even if 4K isn’t strictly necessary for everyone. At $200 it’s right in a sweet spot where you might as well consider it and take advantage of the feature.
Speaking of features, others, such as GPS tracking, Wifi connectivity, and a parking mode, enhance its overall utility, while the 64GB microSD card and included mounting accessories add convenience right out of the box. It’s a great “starter” camera, but at the same time, it’s a well-rounded model for those demanding a bit more.
For those who prefer to shop with a tighter budget in mind, there are less expensive options available with lower resolutions, but the S1 Ultra’s combination of design, functionality, and video quality makes it a compelling choice for those willing to spend a bit more for better performance and long-term value.
Earned for achieving an overage average star rating of at least 3.75 stars, this product is an AndroidGuys Smart Pick, signifying a perfect blend of quality, performance, and value. It excels in key areas like design, innovation, and user experience, offering top-notch functionality at a great price.
Conclusion
The Miofive S1 Ultra is a reliable, well-designed dashcam with excellent video quality. Its dual 4K capability, robust feature set, and simple setup process make it a good investment for drivers who want a comprehensive recording system. While the frame rate on the rear camera could be higher and the windshield mount/vertical lock could be improved a smidge, the overall performance and value make this dashcam worth considering.
More...
