70mai Dashcam Review 2025: Budget Brand Deep Dive

What is 70mai? The Xiaomi-Backed Budget Dashcam Brand

70mai emerged in 2016 as an independent Chinese automotive electronics company, but it is not owned by Xiaomi. Instead, Xiaomi Technology is a strategic investor and authorized technology partner that has integrated 70mai into its broader smart ecosystem since January 2018. This partnership means 70mai dashcams work seamlessly with Xiaomi's Mi Home app and other smart home devices, giving budget-conscious drivers access to a connected vehicle monitoring system.

By 2018, 70mai had already shipped over 10 million dashcams to 92 countries, positioning itself as one of the world's fastest-growing dashcam manufacturers. The brand was co-founded with backing from both Xiaomi and Longcheer, a major OEM/ODM manufacturer that also produces devices for Huawei, Lenovo, and Motorola.

What sets 70mai apart in a crowded market is its focus on value. While competitors like Viofo and Vantrue emphasize premium features and superior night vision at higher price points, 70mai deliberately targets price-conscious buyers who still want modern features: 4K video, ADAS safety alerts, built-in WiFi and GPS, app-based playback, and dual-channel recording options.

The brand's philosophy is simple: deliver 80-90% of the performance of premium dashcams at 40-60% of the cost. Not every driver needs license-plate perfection or three-channel interior cabin recording. Many just want a reliable 4K front camera that won't break the bank, plus a rear camera for insurance protection. That is the 70mai sweet spot.

70mai sells directly through its official store (70mai.store), authorized Amazon sellers, and regional retailers. Warranty is 12 months on dashcams and 18 months on select flagship models. Customer support is available at help@70mai.com, though response times and resolution quality lag behind premium brands.

The Complete 70mai Lineup: Models, Specs, and Prices

70mai's current dashcam portfolio spans six key models, each targeting a different buyer profile. Here is the complete breakdown:

70mai A810 4K - The Flagship (Recommended)

Price Range: USD $150-180 (front only); $160-200 with rear camera kit

The A810 is 70mai's flagship and represents the best value in 4K dual-channel dashcams at any price point. Front camera captures true 4K UHD (3840x2160 at 30fps) using Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 CMOS sensor with a 68% larger chip and 90% increase in photosensitive area versus previous generations. This translates to genuinely impressive night vision performance. The rear camera is 1080p (1920x1080) with 130-degree FOV.

Key specs: - Front: 4K 30fps, f/1.8 aperture, 150-degree FOV, Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 - Rear: 1080p, f/2.0 aperture, 130-degree FOV, SC200AI sensor - 3-inch IPS display (640x360 resolution) - Dual 5GHz/2.4GHz WiFi for fast app connectivity and firmware updates - Built-in GPS, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE support (requires subscription) - ADAS: Pedestrian Alert, Cyclist Alert, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Moving Traffic Alert - 24/7 Parking Mode with motion detection and timestamp logging - Supports microSD cards up to 256GB (U3 or higher recommended) - 4K front footage consumes ~225MB per minute; 1080p rear uses ~60MB per minute

Note: When both cameras are active, frame rates drop from 30fps to 25fps, which some users find acceptable. Daytime video quality is rated excellent (5/5 points in professional reviews). Night vision is strong but slightly behind Vantrue S1 Pro Max for license-plate capture.

70mai A800S 4K - Older Flagship Alternative

Price Range: USD $130-150 (typically discounted)

The A800S is 70mai's older 4K model, still relevant for budget shoppers. It uses Sony IMX415 sensor with 7-layer glass optics and f/1.8 aperture. Resolution is 3840x2160 at 30fps front, 1080p rear. The A800S has a 3-inch display and supports dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz WiFi, but lacks the newer Starvis 2 sensor improvements found in the A810.

Key differences vs A810: - Uses older IMX415 sensor (less photosensitive) - No built-in 4G LTE or Bluetooth - Slightly lower night performance - Typically USD $20-30 cheaper - OTA firmware updates via app

Verdict: Skip the A800S. For $20-30 more, the A810's Starvis 2 sensor is worth it.

70mai Pro Plus+ A500S 2.7K - Hybrid Sweet Spot

Price Range: USD $100-120 (front only); $110-140 with rear camera

The A500S is marketed as "Pro Plus+" and occupies a unique mid-range niche. It records 2.7K front (2592x1944p) + 1080p rear (1920x1080p) using a Sony IMX335 sensor. This is not true 4K, but it sits between 2K and 4K resolutions, offering a compromise between file size and quality.

Key specs: - Front: 2.7K (2592x1944), 30fps, f/1.8 aperture, Sony IMX335, 140-degree FOV - Rear: 1080p, 130-degree FOV (requires RC06 rear camera) - 2-inch IPS display - Built-in GPS and WiFi (no 5GHz band; 2.4GHz only) - ADAS: Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning - 24/7 Parking Mode (requires optional hardwire kit) - Night Owl Vision with 2.5x low-light improvement and 3D DNR - Supports microSD cards 16GB-128GB

Verdict: Solid for drivers who want GPS logging and ADAS without paying for full 4K. Good for insurance claims and dash documentation.

70mai A500S 2K (Standard) - Entry Mid-Range

Price Range: USD $90-110

Do not confuse this with the "Pro Plus+" A500S. The standard A500S records 2K (2304x1296p) front + 1080p rear. It uses an older Sony sensor and lacks the PRO Plus+ marketing. Specifications are similar but with lower resolution.

Verdict: Avoid. The Pro Plus+ A500S at $100-120 is better value, and the A810 at $150 is worth stretching for.

70mai A400 - QHD Budget Workhorse

Price Range: USD $70-90 (front); ~$100 with rear camera RC09

The A400 records in QHD (2560x1440p), below 2.7K but above 1080p. It uses a 3.6MP camera and f/2.0 aperture. The A400 targets buyers who want a compact, simple dashcam without WiFi complications or GPS complexity.

Key specs: - Front: QHD 1440p (2560x1440), 30fps, f/2.0 aperture, 145-degree FOV - Rear: 1080p (requires RC09 rear camera) - 2-inch LCD display - Built-in WiFi (app control available) - Night Owl Vision with WDR - NO built-in GPS (major limitation) - Supports microSD cards 16GB-128GB - G-sensor for collision detection

Verdict: Good for compact car installations. GPS absence is disappointing at this price tier. The A500S or A810 are better overall unless space is critical.

70mai Dash Cam Lite 2 - Entry Level

Price Range: USD $40-60 (typically $45-50 on Amazon)

The Lite 2 is 70mai's entry-level dashcam, targeting first-time buyers or second/backup vehicle owners. It records 1080p Full HD (1920x1080) using Sony IMX307 sensor. This is the absolute budget option.

Key specs: - Front: 1080p (1920x1080), 30fps, f/2.0 aperture, 130-degree FOV - Rear: No rear camera support (single channel only) - 2-inch IPS LCD display - Built-in WiFi (app control) - WDR and Night Owl Vision - NO built-in GPS - NO Bluetooth or 4G - Supports microSD cards up to 128GB - Time-Lapse mode for parking surveillance (requires hardwire kit) - 500mAh battery (low capacity; mainly tethered to car)

Note: For parking mode and time-lapse, the optional 70mai Hardwire Kit (UP02) is required (sold separately, ~$30-40).

Verdict: Best bang-for-buck at $40-60. No frills, but reliable 1080p recording with solid app integration. Perfect for daily city driving or as a second camera.

Key Strengths: What 70mai Does Well

Despite being a budget brand, 70mai delivers several standout advantages that justify its popularity:

1. True 4K at Aggressive Pricing

The A810 records authentic 4K using Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor, not interpolated or fake 4K like some budget competitors. At USD $150-180, it undercuts Viofo A329 ($399) and Vantrue N4 Pro ($299) by significant margins. You get 80% of their performance at 40-50% of the cost.

2. Xiaomi Ecosystem Integration

70mai's partnership with Xiaomi means dashcams integrate cleanly with Mi Home app and Xiaomi smart home devices. If you already own Xiaomi smart speakers, lights, or doorbells, the 70mai app ecosystem feels natural. This is a rarely-discussed advantage for Xiaomi fans.

3. Solid ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) Implementation

Even budget 70mai models include: - Forward Collision Warning - Lane Departure Alert - Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection (on A810/A800S) - Moving Traffic Alert (on A810)

These are on-camera AI alerts, not smartphone notifications. While not as refined as premium dashcams, they genuinely help prevent accidents. Some drivers credit 70mai ADAS with preventing collisions.

4. Built-In GPS on Mid-Range and Flagship Models

A810 and A500S Pro Plus+ include GPS logging, which records speed, coordinates, and timestamp on video overlay. This is invaluable for insurance claims and proving fault in accidents. Budget competitors often omit GPS entirely.

5. Fast App Playback and Download

70mai's app is straightforward for viewing, editing, and sharing video. The A810 and A800S support dual-band 5GHz WiFi, enabling 5x faster file transfers than single-band competitors. Transferring a 5-minute 4K video to your phone takes seconds, not minutes.

6. Excellent Daytime Video Quality

In professional testing, 70mai dashcams consistently achieve excellent (5/5) ratings for daytime clarity. Colors are accurate, exposure is balanced (especially with the MaiColor Vivid+ processor in the A810), and license plates are readable at highway speeds. Nighttime performance is solid but not class-leading.

7. Dual-Channel Affordability

Getting a rear camera on a 70mai is surprisingly affordable. The A810 + rear camera combo costs $160-200. Comparable Viofo or Vantrue dual-channel setups cost $250-350+. This makes 70mai accessible for insurance-conscious drivers on tight budgets.

8. Loop Recording and G-Sensor (All Models)

Every 70mai dashcam supports loop recording (auto-overwrite when card is full) and G-sensor collision detection. These basics are essential and rarely missing, but it is worth confirming: 70mai doesn't skimp on fundamentals.

Competitive Analysis: 70mai vs Viofo vs Vantrue

To understand 70mai's market position, here is how the brand stacks up against category leaders Viofo and Vantrue:

70mai A810 vs Viofo A329 vs Vantrue N4 Pro

Resolution & Video Quality

70mai A810: - Front: True 4K (3840x2160) @ 30fps, Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 - Rear: 1080p - Daytime: Excellent (5/5); accurate colors, balanced exposure - Nighttime: Very Good (4/5); strong low-light but trails license-plate capture of Vantrue - Daytime performance is virtually identical to Viofo A329

Viofo A329: - Front: True 4K (3840x2160) @ 60fps (when HDR disabled) - Rear: 1440p - Daytime: Excellent (5/5); marginally sharper than 70mai - Nighttime: Excellent (5/5); professional-grade clarity - Price: USD $399 (2.7x the cost of A810)

Vantrue N4 Pro: - Front: True 4K (3840x2160) @ 30fps, Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 (identical sensor to 70mai A810) - Rear: 1080p - Interior: 1080p (3-channel system) - Daytime: Excellent (5/5); very close to 70mai A810 - Nighttime: Excellent (5/5); superior license-plate capture vs 70mai - Price: USD $299 (1.8x the cost of A810)

Field of View

70mai A810: 150-degree front FOV (widest of the three) Viofo A329: 140-degree front FOV Vantrue N4 Pro: 155-degree front FOV

The 70mai A810 has the widest field of view, capturing more peripheral road events. This is an underrated advantage for city driving and intersection recording.

Build Quality & Durability

70mai: Plastic housing, reliable but feels budget-oriented. 12-month warranty standard. Viofo: Premium aluminum build, feels solid in hand. 18-month warranty typical. Vantrue: Robust plastic/composite, very durable. 12-month warranty, excellent customer support.

App Stability & User Experience

70mai: Functional but reports of connectivity issues. WiFi drops in some cars. Occasional app crashes on older phones. No cloud storage; manual backup required. Viofo: App is adequate but considered "lousy" by community consensus. Limited features, less intuitive. Vantrue: Best-in-class app stability. Cleaner UI, faster load times, good feature parity with hardware.

Customer Support

70mai: Email support (help@70mai.com). Response time: 24-72 hours. Support quality: Adequate but sometimes slow. Viofo: Email/chat support. Response time: 12-48 hours. Support quality: Mixed reviews; some users report unhelpful responses. Vantrue: Email/phone/chat support. Response time: 4-12 hours. Support quality: Consistently praised; staff is knowledgeable.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

70mai A810: Best value (USD $150-180). Get 85% of A329 performance for 40% of the cost. Viofo A329: Premium performance but expensive. Best for license-plate capture priority. Vantrue N4 Pro: Best 3-channel option. Mid-tier price reflects added interior camera.

Budget Tier: 70mai A500S Pro Plus+ vs Viofo A119 Mini 2 vs Vantrue S1 Pro

70mai A500S Pro Plus+: 2.7K front, 1080p rear, GPS, ADAS. USD $100-120. Compact 2-inch display. Viofo A119 Mini 2: 1440p front, 1080p rear, no GPS. USD $98.99. Smallest physical form factor. Vantrue S1 Pro: 1440p front (Starvis 2), 1080p rear, optional LTE Module. USD $159.99. Best app experience.

Here, the 70mai A500S Pro Plus+ is exceptional value due to GPS and ADAS. Viofo A119 Mini 2 is slightly cheaper but lacks positioning data. Vantrue S1 Pro costs 50% more but offers superior night performance and app.

Entry-Level Tier: 70mai Lite 2 vs Budget Alternatives

70mai Lite 2 (USD $40-60) has no direct competitor at the same price point because most established brands (Viofo, Vantrue, Thinkware) do not make sub-USD $80 models. Chinese unbranded dashcams exist at this price, but 70mai Lite 2 benefits from brand reputation, warranty, and app support that generic alternatives lack.

Summary Competitive Matrix

Factor	70mai	Viofo	Vantrue
Best 4K Value	A810 ***	A329	N4 Pro
Daytime Video	Excellent	Excellent+	Excellent
Nighttime Video	Very Good	Excellent+	Excellent+
License Plate Capture	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent+
App Stability	Good	Adequate	Excellent
Customer Support	Adequate	Mixed	Excellent
Dual-Channel Affordability	Excellent	Good	Good
ADAS Features	Good	Limited	Good
Built-In GPS	Flagships only	Limited	Limited
Warranty	12 months	18 months	12 months
Price	Budget	Premium	Mid-High
Best For	Value buyers	Performance priority	App experience

Conclusion: Choose 70mai if budget is the primary driver. Choose Viofo if license-plate capture is non-negotiable. Choose Vantrue if app experience and support matter most.

Known Issues and Limitations

70mai dashcams are reliable, but potential buyers should be aware of these documented issues:

1. App Connectivity Problems (Most Common)

Multiple users report that the 70mai app occasionally fails to connect to the dashcam, even when both are on the same WiFi network. Symptoms: - App cannot pair with camera on startup - WiFi drops randomly during playback - Switching to phone's WiFi hotspot causes connection loss - "Token expired" errors requiring full device re-registration

In severe cases, users report that after a failed app connection or crash, the camera becomes unresponsive to WiFi attempts entirely, forcing a factory reset.

Root cause: 70mai's app and firmware are less optimized than Vantrue's. App developers prioritize feature velocity over stability. Workaround: Force-close the app, forget WiFi network on phone, restart camera, then reconnect.

2. Firmware Update Issues

Some users experience failed or corrupted firmware updates. Specific reported issues: - 70mai Omni X models stuck at 0-3% during update transfer - A800S firmware update causing camera to not auto-connect to app - Post-update: camera records but manual app connection required each startup - In rare cases: update failure leaves camera unable to boot ("black screen, only blue light")

70mai support has acknowledged version 1.7.61ww firmware caused problems and advised customers to downgrade to 1.6.57ww and avoid auto-updates via app.

Workaround: Do not update via app. Use manual USB update via Windows/Mac if available. Wait for 2-3 user reports of successful updates before upgrading.

3. MicroSD Card Degradation

Some users report microSD cards "burning out" or becoming corrupted after 6-12 months of continuous loop recording. This is partially expected due to constant read-write cycles, but 70mai's file-write algorithm may be suboptimal.

Prevention: Use U3 or U4 class cards (Samsung Evo+, SanDisk Extreme Pro). Avoid generic cards. Replace cards yearly (cost: $15-25).

4. Performance Drop with Dual Cameras Active

When both front and rear cameras are enabled, frame rate drops from 30fps to 25fps. This is a hardware limitation, but reviewers note it reduces motion smoothness and can cause slight stuttering during fast highway driving.

Workaround: Accept the trade-off, or use front-camera-only and add rear separately later.

5. 24/7 Parking Mode Requires Extra Hardware

70mai dashcams do not work in continuous parking mode without the optional hardwire kit (UP02, ~USD $30-40). The built-in battery (usually 500mAh or smaller) depletes in 4-5 emergency recording bursts. This is a cost surprise many buyers do not anticipate.

Genuine concern: Some users report that even with hardwire kit installed, parking mode occasionally fails to trigger on impact, or videos are not saved properly.

6. No Cloud Storage or Backup

Unlike some premium competitors, 70mai dashcams do not offer cloud video backup. All backup must be manual via app or USB transfer. This leaves users vulnerable to lost footage if the microSD card fails.

7. GPS Logging Only on Higher-End Models

GPS is absent on A400 and Lite 2, limiting insurance claim documentation. This is a trade-off for price, but notable.

8. Limited Night Vision Compared to Viofo/Vantrue Flagships

70mai's night video is very good but not class-leading. License-plate capture at night lags behind Vantrue S1 Pro Max and Viofo A329. If nighttime highway driving is your primary use case, consider spending the extra USD $100-150 on a Viofo or Vantrue model.

9. Warranty Claims Can Be Slow

70mai offers 12-month warranty (18 months on some models), but claim resolution times are reported as 10-20 business days. Vantrue and Viofo typically resolve in 5-10 days.

10. Build Quality Feels Budget

70mai housing is durable but feels plastic-y compared to premium competitors. Magnetic mounts are adequate but less robust than Vantrue's. This is a cosmetic trade-off but worth noting if durability is a priority.

Mitigation Strategies

1. Buy from authorized retailers (70mai.store or Amazon) to ensure warranty coverage.
2. Register camera with 70mai support immediately upon purchase.
3. Update firmware cautiously; monitor user forums before updating.
4. Budget USD $30-40 for optional hardwire kit if you want true 24/7 parking mode.
5. Use high-quality microSD cards (U3/U4 Samsung or SanDisk) and replace annually.
6. If app connectivity is critical to your workflow, consider Vantrue as an alternative.
7. If nighttime video is priority, jump to Viofo A329 or Vantrue S1 Pro Max.

Bottom line: 70mai issues are not dealbreakers for most users, but they require realistic expectations. You are trading premium support and flawless software for aggressive pricing.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy 70mai?

Best For: 70mai A810 (Flagship)

Ideal Buyer: Daily commuters, insurance-conscious drivers, road-trip enthusiasts who want genuine 4K recording without premium pricing.

Why: The A810 delivers 85% of Viofo A329 performance at 40% of the cost. True 4K front + 1080p rear, dual-band WiFi, GPS, ADAS, and excellent daytime video make it the best 4K dashcam for USD $150-180 globally.

Not ideal if: You need best-in-class license-plate capture (Viofo A329) or app reliability (Vantrue). 70mai's app occasionally drops connections, which is frustrating if you want instant playback.

Best For: 70mai Pro Plus+ A500S (Mid-Range)

Ideal Buyer: Budget drivers who want dual-camera setup with GPS tracking for insurance. Good for Uber/Lyft drivers needing trip logging.

Why: At USD $100-120, this is the cheapest model with built-in GPS and ADAS on the market. The 2.7K resolution (2592x1944) is not 4K but sufficient for license-plate reading on clear days.

Not ideal if: You need full 4K or the A810 is within budget. The A810 at $150-180 is only $40-60 more and delivers significantly better video.

Best For: 70mai A400 (Budget QHD)

Ideal Buyer: Used car buyers, second-car owners, drivers on strict USD $70-90 budget.

Why: QHD (1440p) is respectable, app control works reliably, and compact form factor fits tight dashboards.

Not ideal if: GPS matters to you (A400 lacks it). The A500S Pro Plus+ at $100-120 is better value.

Best For: 70mai Lite 2 (Entry Level)

Ideal Buyer: First-time dashcam buyers, delivery/food service drivers, backup cameras for secondary vehicles, budget under USD $50.

Why: At USD $40-60, it is the best bang-for-buck entry-level dashcam. 1080p is sufficient for most insurance claims. App integration and WiFi are genuine bonuses at this price.

Limitations: No rear camera support, no GPS, no ADAS. Battery is weak; hardwire kit essential for parking mode.

Do NOT Buy 70mai If:

1. License-plate capture is your #1 priority. Viofo A329 ($399) and Vantrue S1 Pro Max ($249) significantly outperform 70mai at night for plate reading. Professional delivery/rideshare drivers should choose Viofo.

2. App reliability is mission-critical. If you need flawless app connectivity, battery indicator accuracy, and cloud backup, choose Vantrue. 70mai's app occasionally fails, and there is no cloud storage.

3. You need 24/7 parking mode out of the box. 70mai requires the optional USD $30-40 hardwire kit. Vantrue and Viofo include this in some packages.

4. You want customer support that responds in under 12 hours. Vantrue has the best support. 70mai support is adequate but slower.

5. You live in extreme heat (>120F / 50C). 70mai uses conventional batteries on some models; Vantrue uses supercapacitors rated for extreme climates. Test before buying if you live in hot regions.

Value Ranking by Use Case

Use Case	Best Choice	Runner-Up	Avoid
Best 4K Value	70mai A810	Viofo A329 (better night)	Budget alternatives
Uber/Rideshare	Vantrue N4 Pro (3-channel interior)	70mai A500S Pro Plus+ (cheaper)	Lite 2 (no rear)
License Plate Capture	Viofo A329T ($799)	Vantrue N4 Pro	70mai A810
Budget Dual-Channel	70mai A500S Pro Plus+ ($100-120)	Viofo A119 Mini 2 ($98)	70mai A400
Entry-Level	70mai Lite 2 ($40-60)	Generic dashcam	None in this tier
App Experience	Vantrue (any model)	70mai A810	Viofo
Off-Road / Expedition	70mai A810 (GPS, durability)	Vantrue N5S (4-channel)	Lite 2

The Bottom Line

70mai is a solid, value-driven brand that serves a genuine market need: drivers who want modern dashcam features (4K, ADAS, WiFi, GPS on mid-range models) without paying premium prices. The A810 is genuinely excellent at USD $150-180. The Lite 2 is a steal at USD $40-60.

However, 70mai is not the best choice if you prioritize perfection. Premium brands like Vantrue deliver superior app stability and support. Professional-grade dashcams like Viofo lead in license-plate capture and nighttime performance.

Think of 70mai as the 'practical choice' for insurance documentation and day-to-day driving. It will record your commute reliably, capture important events, and provide evidence if an accident occurs. You will not get best-in-class performance, but you will not go broke either.

For most drivers under a USD $200 budget, the 70mai A810 is the default recommendation. It is the best-value 4K dashcam on the market.