A Dashcam That’s More Than Meets the Eye: The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K Review
The demand for dashcams in India is steadily growing, becoming more than just a helpful accessory – it’s a necessity in many situations. They act as vital evidence in accidents, support insurance claims, and even provide a counter-argument against incorrect traffic fines. A dashcam can even capture breathtaking scenery on a road trip. However, many affordable dashcams compromise on feature quality and video quality. This is where the Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K enters the picture, offering a premium experience at an attractive price point under Rs. 10,000.
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K boasts not only high-quality video capture but also several helpful features. For this review, we’re exploring the dual camera model which includes both front and rear cameras, complete with the accessories. If you’re contemplating investing in a dashcam, this comprehensive review will shed light on whether the Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K is the right choice for you.
Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K Price in India
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K is available in India for Rs. 9,990, which includes only the front-facing camera. For those wanting the rear camera bundle, along with its accessories, the price jumps to Rs. 12,990.
Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K Design: A Blend of Functionality and Aesthetics
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K is compact and boasts a wide rectangular design. This shape gives it a sleek appearance, almost blending seamlessly into the car’s interior (though this may vary depending on your vehicle). The ultra-wide camera sensor is located at the front, while the back features a 2.8-inch viewfinder. This viewfinder allows you to easily switch between various modes and settings. Although it’s not a touchscreen, four dedicated buttons on the bottom of the camera provide access to these functions.
The left side of the camera features the power and reset buttons, while the right side houses a mini-USB port for connecting the front camera to the 12V charging socket. Next to the connector is a microSD card slot. A micro-USB port on top of the unit is used to connect to the rear camera. The package comes with a 12V power adapter, long cables for both the front and rear cameras, a suction mount, a pry tool, and a warranty card.
The rear camera has a cylindrical shape with one side being flat. The right corner boasts a 360-degree hinge cover, allowing you to adjust the camera angle while mounting it onto the car’s surface. Unlike the front camera, the rear camera does not require a suction mount, instead using double-sided adhesive tape for attachment.
Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K Features: Packed with Technology and Functionality
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K, as the name suggests, offers 4K resolution video feed. However, it’s not a true 4K as the 8-megapixel Sony IMX415 sensor actually records in 1080p and then upscales it to 4K. The front camera has an f/1.8 aperture which is designed to capture high-quality videos with a 140-degree field of view, even in low-light conditions. The camera also utilizes a digital noise reduction algorithm to minimize noise in the recordings. The optional rear camera, however, can only record in 1080p.
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K supports Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) which have become increasingly common in the automotive industry. The device harnesses built-in AI systems and real-time video analysis for various ADAS functions such as:
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Forward Vehicle Motion Detection
- Forward Collision Warning System
The Dashcam Pro 4K features built-in GPS for geotagging footage. This allows for accurate tracking of your driving route and speed.
You can enable or disable the ADAS features on the device by using the buttons, or more conveniently, via the Qubo Pro app. The app’s intuitive user interface simplifies control and management of various device settings, including:
- Enabling/disabling audio
- Parking mode
- Jolt triggers
Installing the app is essential as it provides a more convenient method for transferring photos and videos from the camera to your phone.
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K supports any Class 10 SD card up to 1TB. Should the storage become full, the dashcam will automatically delete older footage and replace it with the live feed. If you want to preserve some of the older footage, it’s best to transfer it to your phone using the app.
The app also provides options for enabling TimeLapse recording and reviewing footage of various events like "jolts" or "ride start/stopped". The device logs an event as a "jolt" whenever the car encounters a significant bump or pothole at a considerable speed. During such events, the dashcam will inform you with an audible tone. It also notifies you if the car exceeds a pre-set speed limit.
Transferring recorded footage from the camera to your phone involves a few simple steps. First, you need to scrub through the timeline and select the desired video start timestamp. Next, you can either screen-record the chosen segment or directly download it. The Qubo Pro app allows you to download 1-minute videos for up to three minutes, which will be saved in the app’s Gallery section. To save a video to your phone’s native gallery app, select the videos you want and tap the share icon at the bottom to download them.
Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K Performance: A Glimpse into Reality
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K’s front camera delivers impressive daylight video performance. With its wide field of view, you can clearly see and read the number plates of cars ahead, which is crucial for accident evidence. Anything beyond three meters might not be as detailed, but considering the limitations of dashcams, this is still a respectable performance.
During the review, we noticed freezing and skipping frames when saving footage to the phone, specifically when using a slower Class 10 memory card. After informing Qubo about this issue, they recommended (and shipped for review) a UHS-III (U3) Class 10 memory card, which successfully resolved the issue. In my opinion, it would have been beneficial to include a microSD card with the dashcam or at least provide a clear disclaimer on the website to inform buyers about the recommended microSD card.
If you plan on using the camera for recording videos during road trips, it does a good job of capturing colors, but its dynamic range might not be as impressive in harsh lighting conditions. For this type of footage, you might want to consider options like a GoPro or your phone’s camera.
Some older dashcams I’ve used struggled in low-light situations, but the Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K surprised me with its decent overall exposure. While it does tend to blow out highlights, especially where car headlights shine, the footage is still usable.
The ADAS features performed well. The camera immediately alerted me with an audio signal when a vehicle in front of me or a pedestrian was in close proximity to my car. Though beneficial for safety, this constant buzzing can be annoying in heavy city traffic. I chose to disable it after a couple of trips.
The rear camera can only record in 1080p resolution. I noticed that it defaults to mirroring the footage regardless of orientation. While the overall video quality is not as good as the front camera, it’s still adequate for identifying the number plate or details of the car behind you.
Qubo’s post-sales service seemed quite helpful as well. I called the helpline a few times for product-related queries, including asking for a feature explanation. They managed to answer all my questions satisfactorily, even without knowing who I was. Qubo also states that they will replace the unit if the user experiences any manufacturing-related issues within the warranty period.
Verdict: The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K: A Premium Choice with a Few Caveats
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 4K is a strong contender if you are seeking a reliable dashcam that offers a solid set of features. The front camera captures ultra-wide footage with decent detail, and its design is sleek and compact. The package comes with all the necessary accessories. The only drawback is the slightly higher price point compared to some other available online options.
Price: Rs. 12,990 (front + rear cameras)
Pros:
- Compact design
- Feature-rich
- Wide field of view on both front and rear cameras
- A complete set of accessories included with the camera
- Excellent customer care service
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- App experience could be improved
