70mai Omni dash cam review: 4K surveillance with a twist (literally)

Irish Examiner

2 days ago

Dash cams have come a long way from grainy, single-lens recorders. The 70mai 4K dual-channel rotating dash cam, also known as the 4K Omni, takes things to a whole new level. This compact device combines impressive 4K front recording, a secondary rear camera, AI-powered security features, and a motorised lens that can physically pan across a full 340 degrees. I've spent the last month with it hardwired into my vehicle.
Design and build quality
The 70mai Omni looks more like a futuristic gadget than a traditional dash cam. Its rounded, 'egg-like' design isn't just for show, as the rotating camera module allows for wide-angle movement and flexible positioning, enabling full vehicle coverage with minimal obstruction from your windscreen.
The materials feel solid and well-constructed, with a high-gloss black and matte finish combination. A small screen allows for quick reference and basic configuration, while the ports (USB-C for power, microSD slot, and rear camera input) are smartly tucked away. A magnetic CPL (circular polarising lens) was included in the kit I received for this review, and it's a great addition. It helps reduce glare and improves overall image clarity.
Setup and installation
Everything you need is included in the box, including the main unit, rear camera, power cables, mounting tape, and even a plastic trim tool for tucking wires. Setting up the front camera is straightforward: peel and stick. Installing the rear camera requires a bit more effort, as the long cable needs to be carefully routed around your vehicle's interior trim and furnishings to ensure a tidy and secure setup.
Hardwiring is where things get more complicated. My kit came with the 70mai hardware kit UP04, which needs to be spliced into your car's electrical system. There's no plug-and-play fuse tap adapter included, but as long as you're careful and confident in your skills, installation isn't particularly difficult. There are three wires: red, black, and yellow. The red wire should be connected to a fuse that provides constant power, even when the engine is off. The yellow wire needs to be connected to a fuse that only supplies power when the vehicle is on. The black wire must be grounded to the vehicle's chassis. However, if you're not comfortable working with car wiring, I'd strongly recommend opting for a professional installation. Once installed, the 24/7 surveillance and 4G connectivity features come alive.
Features and smart tech
The 4K front camera uses Sony's Starvis 2 sensor and can record at 60fps (though this drops to 30fps when the rear camera is connected). Voice commands let you tell the camera where to look, left, right, inside, or forward. It feels futuristic and genuinely useful when something suspicious happens.
With AI Motion Detection 2.0 and dual Hall effect sensors, it can precisely track suspicious movement while parking mode is enabled. It supports instant alerts, live streaming via the app, 'Find My Car' GPS tracking, and buffered emergency recording. Add 4G connectivity, and you can monitor your car in real-time from anywhere. Of course, you'll need a 4G SIM card with an active data plan to use the 4G module.
The app is intuitive, allowing you to adjust recording sensitivity, change camera positioning for driving or parked modes, and download footage over WiFi 6. However, the remote view can be slightly delayed, and the 720p stream isn't quite as sharp as you might expect for live feeds.
You also get driver assist features, such as lane departure warnings and collision alerts, which are helpful, although not as refined as those found in modern OEM systems.
Image quality and performance
The front camera's image quality is top-tier. Recording at up to 4K 60fps with rich colour depth and impressive sharpness, it handles both day and night scenarios extremely well. 70mai's proprietary MaiColor Vivid+ and Night Owl Vision technologies work behind the scenes to reduce glare, balance exposure, and enhance details, particularly useful in night-time driving and low-light car parks.
The rear camera is slightly less exciting. It's limited to 1080p at 30fps, and while it does an adequate job for rear-end incidents or rear-view recording, I wish it offered a 2K option to match the main unit's quality.
The ability to manually pan and reposition the lens gives a huge edge for capturing side-window incidents or for use as a cabin cam. Motion detection works well, though it only applies to the front camera, not the rear.
Verdict
The 70mai 4K Omni Dash Cam is one of the most feature-rich and intelligent dash cams I've tested to date. The rotating lens, 4K clarity, 4G support, and AI surveillance offer peace of mind, whether you're on the road or parked. If you're serious about vehicle security, this dash cam is a worthwhile investment.
From €315
70mai