DDPAI MINI5 Review

From documenting car chases to capturing scenic road trips, an onboard camera can be every driver’s best friend. One great example is the DDPAI MINI5 4K dashcam.

As the name says, it’s a mini dash cam for cars that continuously records everything you see on the public road. 

This is one of the more popular gadgets developed by DDPAI – a Chinese company whose forte is travel and lifestyle innovation. Since 2013, it’s been churning out solid tech pieces crafted with top-notch machine vision, artificial intelligence, and 5G interconnection in mind.

This particular tool is a testament to that.

It has the power to:

• record footage in 2160p UHD resolution 
• enable 5GHz WiFi connectivity
• locally store clips
• provide road signals like traffic stops

But those are just the basics. After seeing a pile of DDPAI MINI5 reviews, we went in and tested the camera to fully unlock its potential.

Here’s what we discovered from our test drive:

DDPAI MINI5 Specifications

The 5th gen dashboard camera is the newest addition to the brand’s MINI series. While the previous models are also impressive, this one offers more refined specs. 

Here’s what else to expect:

Camera

The 4K dashcam can record videos in 3840 x 2160p resolution at 30 frames per second. That’s the key ingredient for a clear and crisp quality! It also features an 8MP Sony IMX415 CMOS sensor, which simply means it’s got excellent image reproduction.

And if we’re talking clarity, the camera’s 7-glass dual-lens has a large f/1.8 aperture. It’s wide enough to take in as much light as your footage needs – especially when you’re driving in dark areas.

To complement that, DDPAI’s signature Realcube image technology is at work here. It fine-tunes your clips’ sharpness, vibrance, and brightness. It’ll be easier to point out details like a registration plate or road sign.

In terms of viewing angles, it has a 140-degree coverage, giving you a nice peripheral view. With this wide-angle lens, though, expect to see a glaring barrel distortion. Here's what the image quality looks like:

GPS

For easier navigation, DDPAI MINI5 has a GPS module built into the system. This means that while driving, the device can:

• track and record your vehicle’s speed
• detect your current location
• give you proper directions

If you need to review these stats, you can access and download them through the mobile DDPAI app.

Connectivity

Speaking of the app, connecting and transmitting content to your smartphone is lightning-fast. The built-in 5G WiFi network makes this possible. This high-speed connection adds to the unit’s seamless experience, free from any interference. 

To enable the connection, just press the WiFi button. It automatically pairs the device with your phone.

Built-in Memory

Unlike most 4K dash cams, MINI5 offers internal storage for your clips. It has a built-in eMMC memory that gives you 64 GB of storage space. 

Now, this is both good and bad news. 

The clear disadvantage is that there’s no option for expansion, as there is no microSD slot. 

But on the bright side, you won’t have to spend extra money for an SD card. Also, this storage type makes video transfers 10x faster compared to TF cards.

Power Source

The DDPAI MINI5 isn’t battery-operated. You don’t need rechargeable batteries to power up the unit. Instead, it uses a supercapacitor, which has a longer shelf life than a lithium-ion battery. This also prevents the camera from suffering temperature-related problems. It can withstand extreme weather conditions from -4F all the way up to 158F.

Audio Recording

If you want a complete event data recorder – sound included – this model fits the mold. It has a microphone that can capture external audio from your journeys. 

However, we’ve seen many negative DDPAI MINI5 reviews about this aspect. We can attest those claims; the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired. Although still quite audible, the audio feedback is a bit muffled.

Mounting

So – where will the dashcam sit? It comes with a mounting bracket and adhesives, so you can stick it to your windshield. Its sleek and discrete design allows the camera to sit behind your rear-view mirror without obstructing it!

The good thing is that the bracket has a tilt function to help you find the right angle. It also holds the camera magnetically. That means you can just detach it from the windshield if you're worried it might get stolen.

DDPAI MINI5 Features

Aside from the slew of DDPAI MINI5 specifications above, the device also comes with extra features that add great value.

Those include:

G Sensor

This technology enables the camera to detect motion, like an instant collision or shock. In that event, it will automatically record and block the video as important footage. You’ll be able to use this as evidence when you find yourself in road incidents. 

Sensor Reality (SR) Vision

Did you know you can access real-time traffic data? 

The SR interface can give you that. 

With the help of augmented reality, it can display relevant information on certain parameters like: 

• speed 
• turn 
• incline 
• decline
• lane change 

This tool takes the data from both the GPS and image sensor and flashes it on the video interface.

Parking Monitor

DDPAI MINI5 can enter parking mode automatically. It provides 24-hour parking surveillance to protect your vehicle from external threats. This, however, requires you to install the unit’s Smart Hardwire Kit which you need to buy separately.

Night Vision

Thanks to its wide dynamic range, the camera is able to record clear footage under dark or low-light conditions. Our only gripe is that some bright and reflective road signs appear a bit blown out on the footage.

DDPAI Mobile App

To connect and control the DDPAI dash cam, you have to download its official app on your smartphone. There, you’ll be able to see a live preview, access all your video clips, or manipulate the camera settings. This is also where you’ll choose whether to record in 1080p or 2160p resolution.

In addition, there’s a community section where you can interact with other users. You can also upload and share your video clips on the news feed. 

What’s in the Box?

Upon launching the tests for our DDPAI MINI5 review, we got the following things:

• Package case
• MINI5 dash cam unit
• Mounting bracket
• Single USB car charger
• 3.5M Type-C power cable

In the box you'll also find:

• Tape
• Installation pry bar
• Electrostatic stickers
• User manual

It’s also worth noting that installing the dash cam in your car is extremely easy. All you have to do is choose an area to position the camera, take off the 3M adhesive, and stick the mounting bracket to your desired spot. 

Once that’s done, you’re all set to record your road trips!

Pricing

The DDPAI MINI5 has a price of $130.99. It’s quite the investment, considering there are many good dash cams out there that won’t cost you over a hundred bucks.

If you have a tight budget, there’s a cheaper alternative – the DDPAI Z40. This piece placed high in our selection of dash cams under $100 list. The camera, however, isn’t as robust as the MINI5 in terms of resolution and image sensor. You’ll also miss out on the advanced features exclusive to the MINI5.

Now.

About the shipping.

Shipping & Delivery

DDPAI sends their products across the globe. The company offers free shipping on orders worth $100 or more, which the MINI5 qualifies for.

Warranty

If you run into some hardware issues on the MINI dashcam, you can take advantage of the product’s one-year warranty period. This duration starts from the day you’ve received the item. 

The warranty, however, is only applicable to products purchased on the official DDPAI online store. The service also works around strict and definite conditions.

These requirements are listed on the website’s warranty page.

Return Policy

If you’re not satisfied with the DDPAI MINI 5 drive recorder, you can return your item within 14 days. You’re free to request a full refund or exchange. Just be sure you’ve kept the unit in good condition along with its original packaging. 

If you’ve purchased the product from another channel, unfortunately, the company won’t be responsible for the return or exchange.

DDPAI MINI5 Review - Verdict

Alright, it’s crunch time.

Do all the DDPAI MINI5 specs stack up to make a worthy investment?

If you want a functional dash camera that offers basic and advanced necessities, then the answer is yes. It packs all the best things you can find in a dash cam – 4K resolution, loop recording, high-speed WiFi, and flexible mounting.

Aside from its high-res capability, its powerful motion detector and automatic recording can be a real life-saver, too.

Its SR vision, in particular, will provide enough data you can supply to law enforcement officers in case of road rages. This will help you steer clear of insurance fraud as well.

All things considered, you can rest assured that you’re making a wise purchase. That is, if substandard audio and non-expandable storage are a non-issue for you. Sound quality is this camera’s weakest point, which can be a dealbreaker for many users.

But if that doesn’t concern you, we totally recommend this unit – both for safety and recreational purposes.

We hope our DDPAI MINI5 review helped you make your decision!