Updated Oct 19th, 2019
After three years the Yi Dash Cam has been replaced with our Anker ROAV A1 pick. You can see that review here (YouTube Link) along with our article on the top dash cams we recommend in 2019.
Ethics Disclosure
I’ve purchased all dash cams and accessories since 2017. No paid reviews here. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links.
Our Video Review
The Camera
This is the first dash camera made by XiaoYi after successfuly launching their home security and action companies. XiaoYi is a different company from XiaoMi who is known for their smartphones and other gadgets. XiaoMi invested money and owns shares of XiaoYi but they are different companies.
Specs
| Date Released | Jan 2016 // Intl Version March 2016 |
| Max Resolution | 1296P – 2304 x 1296 |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.7 inch,3umpixel, 4000mV / lux – s |
| Processor | Yi A12 (Novatek) |
| Lens | 6-G Glass Lens f/1.8 |
| Capacitor // Battery | 240mAH Lithium Polymer |
| LCD | 2.7 426 x 240 LCD |
| Diagonal FOV | 165° |
| Wifi | Yes ( 802.11n) |
| Bitrate | 20000 kbps |
| Size | 74 x 32 x 52.4 mm |
| Weight | 74g |
Video Quality
The video quality on the XiaoYi is outstanding for the price. It’s the sharpest quality I’ve seen day or night for $60 to $70. Getting into the technical details the resolution may be upscaled from it’s native resolution at 1080P. The AR0230CS sensor records at a maximum 1928 x 1088 not the 2396 x 1296 which is the eventual file output. For me this doesn’t really matter other than some marketing tomfoolery to entice buyers. The results speak for themselves. You can download raw videos and directly compare screenshots of the videos used in the review. 
Download Raw Videos: Ausdom A261 – Dome D201 – Mini 0806 – XiaoYi Yi 
Download Raw Videos: A118 – Blackvue – Mobius – XiaoYi Yi 
Download Raw Videos: Dome – XiaoYi Yi 
Download Raw Videos: A118 – Blackvue – Mobius – XiaoYi Yi
Ausdom
Dome D201
Mini 0806
XiaoYi Yi
A118
Blackvue DR650
Mobius
XiaoYi Yi
Dome D201
XiaoYi Yi
A118
Blackvue DR650
Mobius
XiaoYi Yi
Startup Times
Something I didn’t mention in the video but the Yi is one of the fastest cameras I’ve ever used. The camera starts in two seconds and is recording soon after. Most cameras take 7-8 seconds. I have no idea how Yi Technologies managed to create such wizardry. Great job, this means no waiting in a parking lot for your camera to startup.Chinese and International Editions
The XiaoYi comes in two different versions. One catered for their Chinese market and one in English for everywhere else. Courtesy of GeekBuying here are the differences between the two versions. The international version comes with a 3M tape mount. The Chinese version is suction. 
The international version includes a 1-amp, 1-port charger and is FCC/CE certified. The international version has two ports and delivers 2-amps. 
Can this item be record if we turn on the engine car?
Is Yi a good option for Canadian weather? I live in Vancouver and our summers rarely go above 34 to 36 c. You talked about lithium batteries being unreliable in hot weather. If I drive without the air conditioning, will the cam fail?