4K dash cams come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and, most importantly, prices. Some of you may be torn between getting the premium dash cam and getting the budget-friendly one.
In this review, we'll compare the top-tier 4K BlackVue DR970X-2CH dash cam to the less expensive Vantrue X4S Duo. Let's see which, despite their price differences, provides the best value for money.
Quick reminder - before you get a 4K dash cam, make sure that the image sensor is at least 8MP. It’s also worth considering the resolution of the device you are watching said 4k footage on.
In terms of video capture, the DR970X-2CH records 4K UHD @ 30fps for its front camera and Full HD @ 30fps for its rear camera, which are powered by 8MP and 2.1 MP Sony STARVIS sensors, respectively.
The Sony STARVIS sensor is also present in the Vantrue X4S Duo, but only in the rear camera. Its front camera has an 8MP resolution as well, though the image sensor brand is Omnivision, which is inferior to BlackVue’s Sony, which is top of the line when it comes to image sensors.
The BlackVue DR970X-2CH also has the same image sensor and lens as the best-selling DR900X-2CH Plus 4K dash cam. However, it has been improved with a Sigmastar CPU and a new image processor with ISP tuning, resulting in better white balance, dynamic range, and video contrast in low-light conditions.
The front camera on the BlackVue DR970X-2CH has a 162-degree field of view and the rear camera has a 139-degree field of view.
This is much more competitive than the X4S Duo, which only has 131-degree front and rear cams. Yes, even the rear secondary camera of the DR970X-2CH can cover more than Vantrue X4S Duo’s main camera!
If the wide angle of the camera is too small, then that can affect how much of the road it sees, and the option you have when choosing a mounting position.
Like the rest of the BlackVue car dash cam lineup, the BlackVue DR970X-2CH is made up of a sleek and modernly designed front camera that is mounted to the windshield. It is built in a discrete manner and has a premium feel, including the rear camera.
The setup differs from the X4S Duo in that this dash cam has a suction cup mount, which a driver may find distracting. It also has a 3-inch screen for viewing footage, though we don't find it particularly useful because it only shows small details. Suction cups are also generally less stable to install, leading to shaky images, and have the potential to fall off in high heat. Leading us right to our next topic.
Parking mode is an important feature of dash cams, and BlackVue and Vantrue did their best to maximize it.
With its built-in Motion and Impact Detection, and Time Lapse Recording, the BlackVue DR970X-2CH can protect your vehicle's front and rear. The Vantrue X4S Duo also has a couple of Parking Mode options such as Motion Detection, Collision Detection, and Low Bitrate recording similar to VIOFO dash cams.
These features can be activated once the dash cam is hardwired to the vehicle’s fuse box - which is easier for the BlackVue DR970X-2CH as the hardwiring kit is already included in the package. With the Vantrue X4S Duo, you have to buy it separately.
BlackVue’s hardwire kits feature built-in voltage monitoring with the camera, allowing you to fully configure and change the voltage cut-off settings from the BlackVue app over wifi, tweaking and tuning it to your specific vehicle and situation. Vantrue’s hardwire kit on the other hand only has one cut-off option, which is 11.6V for standard 12V batteries. This is a little lower than we’d prefer, and when using the BlackVue hardwire kit, we set the cut-off to 12V or 12.2V.
With the goal to keep every drive and user experience convenient, BlackVue equipped the DR970X-2CH with built-in dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for seamless pairing, and built-in GPS. If you want to maximize your connectivity, you can also connect your DR970X-2CH to the CM100G LTE module that enables you to have 4G LTE connectivity whenever the camera is running!
Not only that, this device can also convert your BlackVue dash cam to a mobile hotspot that can connect up to five devices even when you’re on the go. From your laptops, gaming consoles, to your smartphones, connecting to the internet will surely be a breeze.
Unfortunately, this feature is not available with the Vantrue X4S Duo. It is worth noting, however, that Vantrue included dual-band Wi-Fi with this model. This is useful when downloading or viewing footage from the Vantrue app, which is available for free. The X4S Duo, however, lacks a built-in GPS when compared to the DR970X-2CH.
The BlackVue Cloud is an edge of the DR970X-2CH from the Vantrue X4S Duo.
You can receive Push Notifications on your phone as soon as the dash cam detects an impact on your parked vehicle, and you can see for yourself with Remote Live View. Even better, with Live Event Upload, BlackVue can instantly upload critical footage to the Cloud, such as a break-in or a hit-and-run. It also has two-way communication and an event map, which are very useful for fleets and when someone else needs to drive your vehicle.
On the other hand, you get a free Vantrue app with the Vantrue X4S Duo that allows you to view footage and download videos. This platform also allows you to configure settings, but it all of this must be done in the vehicle, and it does not provide the same level of security and convenience as the BlackVue Cloud.
The X4S Duo is designed for extreme weather conditions, according to Vantrue, with an operating temperature range of -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F).
While this is an impressive figure in comparison to other dash cams, the BlackVue DR970X-2CH outperforms it with an operating temperature of -20 °C 80 °C (-4°F176°F). This means that BlackVue dash cams are more reliable in inclement weather, whether it's a hot summer afternoon or a cold winter day.
It’s also worth noting that both of these models do use super capacitor batteries, a solid gold star in our book.
When comparing the BlackVue DR970X-2CH to the Vantrue X4S Duo, you are comparing a premium dash cam to a budget dash cam. The DR970X-2CH obviously has more features whereas the Vantrue X4S Duo provides the essential dash cam features, but in 4K. Good attempt.
However, video quality-wise, the BlackVue DR970X-2CH still delivers better footage, thanks to its 8MP Sony STARVIS sensors and a newly upgraded image processor and ISP tuning. While the Vantrue X4S Duo also carries 8MP Omnivision, the footage is still incomparable with BlackVue. It reminds us of how Vantrue markets its N4 dash cam as a real 4K when in fact, it’s not.
Built-in connectivity features of the DR970X-2CH are also worth highlighting: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Cloud Connectivity. The Vantrue X4S Duo has these as well, but the GPS is optional, which can be inconvenient if you want to know where your vehicle is. Unlike with the BlackVue DR970X-2CH and Cloud, you won't have to worry about locating your vehicle, being informed, or staying connected because the BlackVue Cloud already does everything you need for your car's security - wherever you are.
Again, BlackVue is a high-end dash cam. If you choose security, peace of mind, and convenience of managing your vehicle in the long run, the DR970X-2CH is a worthwhile purchase, considering its global industry reputation.
If you're willing to settle for lesser features, the Vantrue X4S Duo might suffice, but don't expect it to be an all-rounder companion for you, like what the BlackVue does.
4K video resolution, front and rear coverage, advanced parking modes, cutting-edge Cloud features, convenient installation and weather protection - enjoy them all with the BlackVue DR970X-2CH, now available here at BlackBoxMyCar! Shop for yours now!
