Skip to main content

Xiaomi’s YI Action Camera 2 can film in 4K for two hours

yi technology halo 360 camera launched xaiomi 21
GoPro might rule the action camera market, but that hasn’t stopped competitors from trying to dethrone the king. Xiaomi announced the YI 4K Action Camera 2, their latest attempt to undercut GoPro with an action camera that combines the best of what GoPro’s Hero4 lineup has to offer at almost half the cost.

Updated on July 11, 2016: The camera will be available directly from YI via Amazon.

Related Videos
Xaiomi YI 24

Unlike its predecessor, which targeted GoPro’s lower-level cameras, the YI 2 has its sight set on the big guns — GoPro’s Hero4 Silver and Black editions. Inside, the YI 2 contains an identical chipset to the one found in Ambarella’s A9. This chipset powers a IMX377 1/2.3-inch image sensor capable of capturing video with 4K resolution at 30 frames-per-second, as well as stills with its 12-megapixel sensor. In front of the sensor is a fast f/2.8 7-layer glass lens that offers a 155 degree viewing angle.

Xaiomi YI 22

On the rear of the camera Xiaomi includes a touchscreen, with 330 pixels-per-inch and 160 degree viewing angles, for controlling settings and reviewing images. The company has also included a 6-axis electronic image stabilization as well as a built-in lens distortion correction tool that automatically removes the distortion caused from the wide-angle lens.

Stabilization comparison: YI 4K Action Camera VS GoPro Hero 4 #YICamera

In terms of connectivity, the YI 2 includes both WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, meaning getting the footage from the camera to your smartphone should be as simple how it works on a GoPro.

If you’re interested in the gritty details, below is a comparison chart showing the Yi 2’s specs side-by-side with GoPro’s Hero4 Black edition.

GoPro:Xaiomi

Powering the camera is a 1,400mAh battery that Xiaomi claims is capable of lasting for two hours, if you’re filming in 4K.  You’ll get 8 hours in standby mode. If Xiaomi’s claims are true, the YI 2 is quite the battery improvement over GoPro’s Hero4 Black edition, which only has a shooting time of 55 minutes.

The Yi 2 is currently up for pre-sale on Gearbest for $250, a steal considering GoPro’s Hero4 Silver and Black editions come in at $399 and $499, respectfully. It’s available in black, white, and rose gold. Android Police is reporting that the camera will also be available through Amazon on July 12, and pre-orders are being taken now.

Editors' Recommendations

The GoPro Hero7 action camera gets price cut on Amazon ahead of Father’s Day
amazon fathers day deal on gopro hero7 action camera

Got an adventurous dad who likes to bike, hike, swim, surf, or ski? If so, an action camera might be your best bet for a fun, functional Father’s Day gift that he’ll actually enjoy. GoPro has long been a go-to among action cam aficionados, and the GoPro Hero7 Black is by far our favorite model on the market, marrying rugged durability with premium photo and video performance. Now, ahead of Father’s Day, you can capture yours on Amazon for just $329, down from its normal $400. Sunday is just days away, so act now before you disappoint dad by settling on another set of socks. If dad is more of a point and shoot kind of guy, we've also found a great Canon EOS DSLR camera deal.

The GoPro Hero series are the most advanced action cameras offered by the brand, and while the Silver and White editions are excellent cams in their own right, the Hero7 Black is the cream of the crop. A full range of features from stunningly smooth footage to housing-free waterproofing up to 33 feet place the GoPro Hero7 Black in a class above, and make this action cam a fantastic Father’s Day find. HyperSmooth stabilization provides built-in gimbal-like support throughout the shakiest moments, as for instance an eagle’s aerial flight. A smartphone-like touchscreen makes navigation a snap, and smart voice controls offer more freedom than ever to record videos or capture photos through audio commands. Simply say “GoPro, start recording” or “GoPro, take a photo,” and watch your father’s face light up with excitement over his awesome new action camera.

Read more
The Dragon Touch Vision 3 action cam is an affordable GoPro alternative
dragon touch affordable gopro alternative

In the arena of action cameras, GoPro has long held a firm grasp on the top spot. However, the hefty price tags on its products have kept some would-be adventurers out of the action. Swooping in to address this issue is GoPro alternative Dragon Touch, which is currently offering its awesome and affordable Vision 3 4K action camera on Amazon for just $50.

While GoPro alternatives now abound, many action cams will still set you back big bucks. For $50, the Dragon Touch Vision 3 offers an impressive array of many of the same features and capabilities found in much pricier products.

Read more
The GoPro Hero7 Black action cam gets over $100 knocked off its price
GoPro Hero7 Black

GoPro is the name that put action cameras on the map, and although there’s a mountain of competition out there today, this maker still stands at the top of the heap. Its latest flagship, the GoPro Hero7 Black, is the best one yet – not to mention simply the best action camera that you can buy – and it’s on sale right now on Rakuten for a deep discount that can let you score one for around $300 until the end of the month with promo code SAVE15.

GoPro has remained the gold standard for what an action camera should be thanks to the company’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to new designs. With each updated iteration, GoPro doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, it simply improves upon what it does best: Offering solid, high-quality wearable cams with great features and excellent high-definition recording capabilities. The GoPro Hero7 Black is no exception, setting the bar even higher thanks to some big improvements in processing power and image stabilization.

Read more