**

Miofive S1 Ultra Review: 4K Dash Cam Performance, Value, and Downsides Explored

The dash cam market is booming, with options ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end devices boasting features like 4K resolution and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Miofive S1 Ultra sits firmly in the mid-range, promising impressive 4K picture quality at a relatively affordable price. But does it deliver on its promises? This in-depth review delves into the S1 Ultra's strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right dash cam for your needs. We'll cover aspects crucial to buyers searching for keywords like "best 4K dash cam," "Miofive S1 Ultra review," "dash cam with parking mode," and "4K dash cam with GPS."

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Solid Build

The Miofive S1 Ultra comes packaged neatly, including the dash cam unit itself, a suction cup mount, a car charger, a USB cable, and a user manual. The dash cam boasts a compact and sleek design, easily blending into your vehicle's interior. The build quality feels surprisingly robust for its price point; it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. Initial setup was straightforward, with clear on-screen instructions guiding you through the process. This ease of setup is a significant plus for those unfamiliar with dash cam technology.

Picture Quality: 4K Clarity at Your Fingertips

The most significant selling point of the Miofive S1 Ultra is its 4K (3840 x 2160) video resolution. During our testing, the image quality proved impressive, capturing sharp details even in challenging lighting conditions. Number plate recognition was excellent, even from a distance, crucial for potential insurance claims. The wide field of view also ensures a comprehensive recording of the road ahead. However, it's worth noting that while the 4K footage is superb during daytime, nighttime performance shows some expected limitations with a slight increase in noise and reduced clarity. This is a common issue even with more expensive dash cams.

Key Features Affecting Picture Quality:

• Ultra HD 4K Resolution: Captures incredibly detailed footage.
• Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Improves image clarity in high-contrast situations.
• Night Vision: While not perfect, the night vision capabilities are acceptable for a dash cam in this price range.
• HDR Video: Further enhances dynamic range and color accuracy.

Performance and Features: More Than Just a Camera

Beyond its impressive picture quality, the Miofive S1 Ultra offers a range of features:

• Loop Recording: Continuously overwrites older footage, ensuring memory capacity is used efficiently.
• G-Sensor: Automatically saves footage upon impact, preserving critical evidence in the event of an accident.
• Parking Mode: (Requires hardwiring) This crucial feature monitors your vehicle even when parked, detecting and recording any incidents. This is a feature often sought by users searching for "dash cam with parking mode battery."
• GPS Tracking: Records location data, valuable for accurate incident reconstruction.
• Built-in Microphone: Captures audio for a complete record of events.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for first-time users. The accompanying app (available for both iOS and Android) allows for easy video playback and management. The app allows for easy download and sharing of crucial video evidence.

Downsides and Areas for Improvement

While the Miofive S1 Ultra boasts many advantages, it's not without its shortcomings:

• Nighttime Performance: As mentioned, nighttime video quality, while usable, is not as crisp as the daytime footage.
• Lack of Advanced ADAS Features: Some competitors offer features such as lane departure warnings or forward collision warnings. These features are absent in the S1 Ultra.
• Parking Mode Power Consumption: While offering parking mode, the continuous power draw during parking could potentially drain your car battery if not hardwired correctly. This needs careful consideration and potentially the purchase of an additional low-voltage cut-off device.

Miofive S1 Ultra vs. the Competition

Compared to other dash cams in a similar price range, the Miofive S1 Ultra stands out with its 4K resolution and relatively solid build quality. However, higher-end models offer more advanced ADAS features and potentially superior low-light performance. It's a worthwhile comparison to check out reviews for competitors such as the BlackVue DR900S-2CH or the Thinkware Q800 Pro. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.

Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for Most Drivers

The Miofive S1 Ultra provides excellent value for its price. The 4K resolution is a significant advantage, delivering crisp, detailed footage during the day. While nighttime performance could be improved and some ADAS features are missing, these are common trade-offs at this price point. If you're looking for a reliable dash cam with impressive 4K picture quality and a comprehensive feature set, the Miofive S1 Ultra is a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize clear daytime footage and value for money. However, if advanced driver-assistance systems or top-tier night vision are paramount, you might want to consider a higher-priced model.