Introduction
In the world of dash cams, Vantrue has emerged as a notable brand, and its latest offering, the Vantrue N4, is a testament to its commitment to road safety and technological advancement. This detailed review will delve into every aspect of the N4, a triple-channel dash cam designed for comprehensive monitoring of your vehicle’s surroundings.
Triple Channel Monitoring – Front, Inside, and Rear
Rating: ★★★★★
The N4 stands out with its three-channel system, offering a 155° front camera, 165° inside camera, and 160° rear camera. This broad coverage ensures that every angle of your vehicle’s vicinity is recorded. The simultaneous recording at 1440P + 1440P + 1080P resolution is impressive, providing clear and detailed footage, crucial for identifying details during incidents.
4K & 1080P Front and Rear Dual Dash Cam
Rating: ★★★★☆
When configured for front and rear recording, the N4 shines with a 4K front camera and a 1080P rear camera. This setup is ideal for capturing crisp, clear images of road signs and license plates. However, its full potential is only realized when not using the inside camera.
1440P & 1440P Front and Inside Dual Dash Cam
Rating: ★★★★★
For those prioritizing front and interior monitoring, the 1440P resolution for both cameras is a major advantage. The adjustable inside camera offers flexibility and comprehensive cabin coverage, ideal for rideshare drivers. The high resolution ensures that every detail within the vehicle is captured with clarity.
Infrared Night Vision
Rating: ★★★★★
The N4’s night vision capability is exemplary, thanks to the Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and large aperture lenses. The addition of 4 IR LED lights for the cabin camera is a significant benefit, ensuring clear footage in total darkness. This feature is particularly valuable for night-time driving and for rideshare drivers operating in low-light conditions.
24 Hours Parking Mode
Rating: ★★★★☆
The parking mode offers continuous recording with an option for motion or collision-triggered recording. This feature is vital for monitoring your vehicle when parked. However, it requires a constant power supply, either through a hardwire kit or an external battery, which may be a consideration for some users.
Heat Resistance and Super Capacitor
Rating: ★★★★★
The use of a super capacitor instead of a lithium-ion battery is a significant advantage, especially in extreme weather conditions. This design choice enhances the durability and reliability of the dash cam, making it suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures.
Accident Witness and Safety Features
Rating: ★★★★☆
The G-sensor and loop recording are crucial for capturing and preserving incident footage. The addition of an optional GPS to track route, location, and speed is beneficial, although the GPS module is sold separately. The maximum support of a 256GB external memory is ample for extensive recording.
Warranty and Customer Support
Rating: ★★★★★
An 18-month warranty and responsive customer support provide peace of mind. The commitment to firmware updates is a sign of ongoing product support and improvement.
User Reviews
Rating: ★★★★☆
Positive user reviews highlight the camera’s excellent video quality, ease of installation, and the value of the upgrade from previous models. The clear night vision, easy wiring of the rear camera, and reliability in extreme temperatures are particularly praised.
However, some users noted the lack of WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, absence of an internal GPS, and the need for a more streamlined cable management system as drawbacks.
Negative Aspects
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The absence of WiFi or Bluetooth for easy footage access and the lack of built-in GPS are notable omissions in this otherwise feature-rich dash cam. The need for multiple cables for connection and power can be cumbersome. Additionally, the reliance on the h.265 codec might pose compatibility issues with older devices.
Summary and Overall Rating
The Vantrue N4 dash cam is a robust and comprehensive vehicle monitoring solution. Its triple-channel recording, high-quality night vision, and durability in extreme weather conditions are its strongest points. While it falls short in connectivity and internal GPS features, its overall performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for drivers seeking peace of mind on the road.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
The Vantrue N4 is an excellent choice for those who value high-quality recording and comprehensive coverage. Its few shortcomings are eclipsed by its strengths, making it a top contender in the dash cam market.