The YI 4K action camera from YI Technology is officially (and finally) entering U.S. shores via online retail store Amazon, with shipments slated on July 12.
This pocket- and wallet-friendly gadget carries a whole slew of powerful features that's comparable to GoPro's HERO4 (and even beating some of its aspects), all for the very low price of only $249.99, with free shipping — it's supposed GoPro counterpart, HERO4 Black, retails for $500.
In case you're wondering if YI Technology's cheaper half price for the 4K cam means it suffers from half-baked features, well then, you're in for a treat.
Similarities
Both the YI 4K and GoPro HERO4 action cameras:
• Carry the same Ambarella A9 chipset, A9SE for Yi;
• Have a 12-megapixel Sony Sensor, IMX 337 for Yi while IMX 117 for HERO;
• Offer photo and time lapse video functions;
• And lastly, can record in 4K or 3,840 x 2,160px resolution at 30fps, 1080p or 1,920 x 1,080px resolution at 120fps and 720p or 1,080 x 720px resolution at 240fps.
Differences
The YI 4K, then, detaches itself from this point by:
• Offering a 2.190-inch Retina display built onto its back with 330ppi and a resolution of 640 x 360px while a HERO4 requires a separate purchase of an LCD BacPac to view recorded media;
• Carrying a 1,400 mAh battery that the company claims can record for 2 hours straight on 4K/30fps while a HERO4 Black needs a separate Battery BacPac to accomplish the same or else run for only around 1 hour;
• Allowing an expandable microSD memory of up to 128 GB while the GoPro can only handle 64 GB;
• And lastly, an Electronic Image Stabilization feature for more stable captures thanks to its built-in 3-axis sensor gyroscope, which the HERO4 does not have.
Conclusion
It is safe to conclude that the YI 4K performs just as well as a GoPro HERO4 Black edition action camera and even outperforms it in terms of battery life, functionality and stability. At the same time, it's relatively cheaper, much (much) cheaper.
If you've been sold, head on over to Amazon.com to place an order, with Night Black and White Pearl color options to choose from. The standard action camera will be shipped in as early as two days, along with its battery and USB cable. In addition, consumers may add two extra batteries and a dual USB charger in a separate purchase for an extra $16.95.
There's also an exclusive deal running for Amazon Prime Day of only $279, which includes the Xiaomi Yi 4K, its Bluetooth remote control and a selfie stick.
Meanwhile, it's introductory trailer may be viewed below:
