Comparison TrendVision aMirror Slim Pro vs TrendVision aMirror

The operating system (OS) under which the registrar operates.

Note that not every firmware is an operating system. A full-fledged OS has two key features: firstly, an extensive set of additional features (often very far from the original purpose of the registrar), and secondly, the ability to further expand this set by installing additional applications. In fact, the presence of an "OS" turns the recorder from a simple car video camera into a multifunctional device — to the point that some of these models can be removed from the mounts and used as tablets.

As for specific operating systems, almost all devices with this type of firmware use one or another version of Android, a free “OS” from Google, which, thanks to open source code, can be optimized without much difficulty even for such specific equipment as DVRs. Note that models with Android necessarily have touch screens and wireless modules for accessing the Internet — Wi-Fi, sometimes also 3G / 4G modems (see "Functions"). The Android brand store offers a very extensive set of applications, many of them run without problems even on registrars; and for models with specific hardware characteristics, specialized software may be produced.

It is also worth mentioning that this OS is presented on the market in different versions (the oldest of the current ones is 4.4). However, in this case, this point mainly affects compatibility with individual application...s. It makes no sense to describe the rest of the functional differences between the versions in detail: the Android editions used in DVRs are often so heavily modified that the difference between the Android versions is practically lost against the background of these modifications.

The type of connector used in the recorder to power it. First of all, you should pay attention to this item if you plan to change the registrar with ready-made wiring for one or another type of connector ( miniUSB, microUSB, USB-C, DC 12V). Thus, the replacement of the registrar rests simply on installing a new one without re-changing the cable.

Model of the processor used in the dashcam

The term "video chip" is used mainly for devices with classic capabilities, "processor" — for advanced models with an abundance of non-standard functions. However, anyway, we are talking about the same component — the main computing unit, the characteristics of which directly affect the capabilities of the recorder as a whole. Knowing the model of the processor, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate how satisfied you are with a device based on such electronics. Of the most advanced modern chips, one can name, in particular, Ambarella A7L, Ambarella A12, Novatek NTK96655, Novatek NTK96660 and HiSilicon Hi3516.

The viewing angle provided by the main camera of the dashcam. It is usually indicated along the diagonal of the frame, less frequently along the horizontal, which is why models with the same numbers in the specifications may differ somewhat in actual field of view. So, if you have any doubts about this, it wouldn't hurt to find and watch video samples from different models when selecting one.

All else being equal, a wider viewing angle allows you to cover more area, but individual details in the frame appear smaller. Furthermore, wide-angle lenses cause geometric distortions in the image (however, a DEWARP function may be provided to correct this, see "Features"). As for specific numbers, viewing angles up to 120° inclusive are considered relatively small for modern recorders, values of 121 – 140° can be called medium, 141 – 160° are above average, and the most wide-angle models are capable of covering an area of more than 160°.

The maximum video resolution supported by the optional DVR camera. Depending on the design and configuration, we can talk about both a remote camera and a camera for filming the interior (see above for both); this nuance should be clarified separately.

The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image from the camera will be, the more small details will be normally visible on it. On the other hand, high detailing affects the volume of materials to be filmed and the requirements for the “hardware” of the registrar (and, accordingly, affects the cost).

In general, additional cameras of modern recorders can be divided into the following categories:

— SD. "Standard" resolution (as opposed to HD — "high resolution"). A rather modest frame size, which at the same time allows you to significantly save memory for video recording and is suitable even for low-cost recorders. Specific resolution options include, but are not limited to, 628x582, 640x480, and 720x480.

— HD 720p. The traditional, most popular resolution for this video recording standard is 1280x720. In addition to it, registrars also found 960x720 (aspect ratio 4:3) and reduced in height 1280x480. HD is the most modest of today's high-definition standards, but still provides pretty decent detail.

— Full HD 1080p. The "classic of the genre" for this standard is the resolution of 1920x1080, however, there are other values in registrars, including very speci...fic ones — such as 1440x1080 (4:3 aspect ratio) and 1920x540 (halved vertical resolution). This is a fairly solid indicator even for the main camera of the registrar, and there is no need to talk about additional ones.

— Super HD. Not a particularly popular standard in video technology, which, nevertheless, has found application in video recorders. Most often provides a resolution of 2304x1296, which provides even more

Viewing angle of the additional dashcam camera. Depending on the design and configuration, it may refer to either an external camera or an interior camera (see above for both); this nuance should be clarified separately. The viewing angle can be specified both horizontally and diagonally, which is why models with the same figures in the specifications may slightly differ in their actual field of view. However, in this case, this difference is not critical.

In theory, a wider viewing angle allows for capturing a larger area, but individual details in the frame become smaller. Additionally, wide-angle lenses can cause geometric distortions at the edges of the image; the DEWARP technology (see "Features") used to eliminate them is usually not used in additional cameras.

The diagonal of the display installed in the DVR.

A large display, on the one hand, provides additional convenience, on the other hand, it affects the dimensions and price of the entire device. Therefore, manufacturers choose a diagonal in such a way that the device can be used normally and at the same time it is not too expensive and bulky. So, for a classic registrar that does not have additional functions, a small display is enough — 2 – 2.5", 1.5 – 2", or even less : it completely allows you to manage the settings and control what exactly gets into the frame, and to fully view the footage, you still need a computer, TV or other large screen. A size of 2.5 – 3 " by the standards of such devices can already be called average, and screens of 3" or more are typical mainly for fairly advanced models, often with an abundance of additional functions.

Also note that there are models that do not have a display at all. To control the operation parameters and check the position of the frame, such a recorder is connected to an external device — for example, to a smartphone via Wi-Fi.

The largest size of the memory card allowed for the device. This limitation is primarily due to the fact that more powerful hardware is required to work with larger volumes. In addition, there are nuances associated with individual subspecies of cards. Anyway, this value cannot be exceeded: with a high probability, the registrar will either work incorrectly, or will not be able to work at all, or even completely fail.

Most modern registrars support cards up to 32 GB or 64 GB, but there are models that are compatible with more capacious cards — 128 GB or even 256 GB.

Availability of a backup power source in the device's design. Such a source is activated when the main power from the vehicle's onboard network is unavailable, for finalizing recording when the ignition is turned off, in the event of an accident, and in other situations (e.g., if you need to view recorded videos on the dashcam).

— Battery. The battery "under the hood" of most dashcams usually has low capacity, sufficient for a few minutes of autonomous operation. Typically, this is a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery, which acts as an additional guarantee in case of emergencies. Primarily, the battery can be useful in the event of an accident: if damage causes power loss at the cigarette lighter socket, the dashcam will still remain operational and can continue recording for at least a few more minutes after the incident.

— Supercapacitor (ionistor). A special energy storage device - an ultra-high capacity capacitor. This type of storage has several advantages over a battery. Specifically, supercapacitors are immune to low and high temperatures, sunlight, they do not lose capacity as they wear out, and do not catch fire or explode even in extreme situations. Moreover, if a strong impact occurs (such as in an accident), this kind of power source is more likely to remain functional compared to a battery. Ionistors are rightly considered a much more advanced and reliable option...for backup power. However, the capacity of such a capacitor is only enough to save the last recorded video and power down correctly — it does not allow the device to operate autonomously even for a few minutes. Nonetheless, for typical dashcam use, nothing more is generally required, so in such cases, the practical advantages of this type of backup power noticeably outweigh its disadvantages.