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