Dash cams have become a popular accessory for drivers looking to capture footage in case of accidents or other events on the road. Two popular models are the Vantrue N4 and Thinkware U1000.
This article will compare the key features and performance of these two dash cams to help you decide which is the better choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Vantrue N4 | Thinkware U1000 |
| Video Quality | 4K @ 30fps front, 1080p @ 30fps interior | 4K @ 30fps front, 1080p @ 30fps rear |
| Field of View | 160° front, 140° interior | 150° front, 140° rear |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| G-Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 256GB |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Overview of the Vantrue N4
The Vantrue N4 is a dual channel dash cam with both front and interior facing cameras. Key features include:
- 4K front camera captures highly detailed video footage at 30fps. 160° field of view provides wide coverage of the road.
- 1080p interior camera monitors inside the cabin at 30fps. 140° field of view captures all seats.
- Night vision using Sony STARVIS sensor technology improves video quality in low light conditions.
- GPS records speed, location and route traveled which can be viewed in playback software.
- WiFi allows for wireless video transfer to your smartphone and remote control of the dash cam.
- Parking mode activates recording when motion or impact is detected while parked. Requires hardwiring kit.
- G-sensor auto-locks video footage in the event of a collision.
- Loop recording overwrites oldest footage first when memory card is full. Supports up to 512GB memory cards.
- Stealth design is discreet without a bulky rear view screen.
Overview of the Thinkware U1000
The Thinkware U1000 is premium 4K dash cam with front and rear cameras. Key features include:
- 4K front camera records sharp video footage at 30fps with a 150° field of view.
- 1080p rear camera has a 140° viewing angle to capture footage behind the vehicle while driving.
- Super Night Vision 2.0 enhances night video quality for clear footage in low light conditions.
- Built-in WiFi for wireless video transfer and remote control from your smartphone.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) alerts driver of lane departures and potential forward collisions.
- Energy saving parking mode activates during parking incidents. Requires hardwiring kit.
- G-sensor auto-saves video clips during collisions and sudden impacts.
- Loop recording overwrites old footage on 256GB memory card.
- Sleek and modern design with 2” rear view LCD display.
Also Read: Comparison Between Vantrue N2 Pro and N2S
Key Differences Between Vantrue N4 and Thinkware U1000
- Video Quality
The Vantrue N4 has a 4K 16MP front camera that records sharp Ultra HD video at 30fps, while the interior facing camera captures 1080p Full HD video at 30fps. Footage is detailed with accurate colors and clarity in daylight and low light conditions.
The Thinkware U1000 also has a 4K front camera that provides crisp 2160p video at 30fps. However, the rear camera is 1080p versus the N4’s 4K interior camera.
Overall, the video resolution and quality is very comparable between the two models. Slight edge goes to the N4 for having 4K video on both front and interior cameras.
- Field of View
The Vantrue N4 has a 160° field of view on its front camera, which is slightly wider than the U1000’s 150° front camera angle. This gives the N4 better coverage of the peripheral vision on the road. Meanwhile, both models have a 140° field of view on the rear/interior camera.
The moderately wide viewing angles are sufficient to capture all seats inside the car as well as traffic behind the vehicle. Overall, the N4 has a slight advantage with its wider front camera angle.
- GPS
Both the Vantrue N4 and Thinkware U1000 have integrated GPS that records the vehicle’s speed, location, and route traveled. This data is embedded into the video files and can be viewed on Google Maps during playback.
GPS helps provide supplemental evidence and context in the footage, especially in accidents or traffic incidents. The GPS performance is very similar between the two models.
- WiFi
The Vantrue N4 and Thinkware U1000 both have built-in WiFi that allows you to wirelessly connect your smartphone to the dash cam. This allows you to view live footage, remotely control the dash cam, and transfer video files to your phone for storage.
The WiFi range and connectivity speed is pretty comparable between the two models. Overall convenience and user experience is about the same.
- Parking Mode
When hardwired, both the N4 and U1000 have a parking mode that auto activates recording if any motion or impact is detected. This provides 24/7 monitoring and protection while the car is parked.
Footage is saved in separate event files that do not overwrite regular driving footage. The U1000’s Energy Saving parking mode improves battery drainage by having the dash cam go to sleep and waking up only during parking incidents.
Both offer good parking surveillance, with the U1000 having slightly better optimized battery performance.
- Night Vision
The Vantrue N4 uses Sony STARVIS sensors for improved night vision, capturing clearer 1080p video in low light conditions.
The Thinkware U1000’s Super Night Vision 2.0 technology further enhances night video quality, producing full 4K resolution at night. Between the two, the U1000’s night vision capability produces superior overall low light video clarity and detail.
Also Watch This Review Video:
- G-Sensor
Both models have a built-in G-sensor that auto detects collisions and sudden impacts to the vehicle. This automatically locks the current video footage to prevent file overwriting.
The G-sensor sensitivity can also be adjusted in the settings. This is an important feature to ensure critical driving events are protected and retained. The G-sensor tech works reliably on both units.
- Storage
The Vantrue N4 supports up to 512GB microSD cards, while the Thinkware U1000 supports up to 256GB cards. With the larger storage capacity, you can record over twice as many hours of driving footage on the N4 before needing to overwrite old files.
However, 256GB should still provide ample space for most users. The N4 gets the advantage with its 512GB max capacity.
- Price
The Thinkware U1000 retails around $400 USD, while the Vantrue N4 sells for approximately $250 USD. There is a significant price difference with the U1000 costing about 60% more than the N4.
The extra cost may be worthwhile for some users who want the absolute best video quality and parking protection. But the Vantrue N4 provides good overall performance and value at a more budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Vantrue makes high-quality and reliable dash cams with competitive video quality and features. They are a popular mid-range brand among dash cam users. The Vantrue N4 is one of their top models, with great all around performance at an affordable price.
Yes, the N4 has built-in GPS that records your driving speed along with location. This speed data will be embedded in the video files and can be viewed during playback. The speed overlay can be turned on or off in the settings.
There is no definitive “best” dash cam overall since different models have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Vantrue N4 and Thinkware U1000 are both excellent options with stellar video quality, parking modes, and intuitive software. Your choice comes down to your budget and any key features that matter most to you.
No, Thinkware is a South Korean electronics company that specializes in automotive camera technology. They are one of the top premium dash cam brands worldwide. Their products like the U1000 are designed and engineered in South Korea.
Final Thoughts
The Vantrue N4 and Thinkware U1000 are both great 4K dual channel dash cams with competitive video quality and functionality.
For most users, the more affordable N4 represents better value given its cheaper price, 512GB storage capacity, and nearly equivalent performance to the pricier U1000 model. However, the U1000 still stands out for having superior night vision and parking protection.
Overall you can’t go wrong with either cam, but the Vantrue N4 likely makes more financial sense for the average driver. Do your research to pick the dash cam that aligns best with your vehicle needs and budget.