The Nextbase iQ assessment: Sensible however expensive

I’ve been utilizing a touch cam for some time now, and whereas many fashions get the job finished if you would like primary video capabilities, not all of them provide extra superior options and capabilities. The Nextbase iQ, nevertheless, is extra appropriate for anybody who needs subsequent stage in-car video surveillance.

It’s undoubtedly a step up from extra funds fashions, providing forward-facing video, cockpit protection with the choice to plug in a rear-facing digital camera too. In consequence, the Nextbase iQ is likely one of the best dash cam fashions. When you require the entire digital camera’s options and capabilities to be enabled, you’ll have to pay for one of many Nextbase subscription packages to go along with it.

The corporate has been fairly shrewd although, because it gives variations on the theme. There’s an entry-level 1K decision mannequin, intently adopted by a 2K version. Topping all of it off although is the 4K Nextbase iQ, which is the one I’ve been testing lately. Now that I by no means exit within the automobile and not using a sprint cam, I’m discovering that this premium mannequin is the one I really feel happiest with mounted to the windshield.

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Nextbase iQ

The Nextbase iQ is likely one of the chunkier sprint cams in the marketplace however that’s for good cause. It comes with a small mountain of cool options and shoots nice video. Nevertheless, the extra options that include a Nextbase subscription are what assist to justify the digital camera’s price ticket. 

Execs

• Complete function set
• Strong construct high quality
• Fine quality video and audio seize

Cons

• Huge and hulking
• Superior options price additional
• Must be linked to ODBII port or hardwired

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Worth, availability, and specs

The Nextbase iQ sprint cam is out there in three totally different variations. Probably the most inexpensive incorporates a 1K sensor and prices $500. The 2K mannequin is an additional $100, whereas the flagship 4K variant is $700. It is a sensible sprint cam although, so I believe it’s worthwhile signing up for one in all Nextbase’s iQ subscriptions.

These are priced to go well with totally different budgets, beginning with Defend costing £7 month-to-month or £7 yearly, whereas Defend Plus is £10 per thirty days or £100 yearly. For the US, the Nextbase Defend plan at the moment prices $10 per thirty days. Nextbase additionally gives the plan for $100 yearly. The entry-level Solo version can be utilized without spending a dime. For a whole surveillance resolution, the Nextbase rear digital camera will be bought for $200.

Design and construct

Appears the half

Nextbase has chosen to do issues a bit of in another way, and, in consequence, the iQ appears to be like like no different sprint cam mannequin in the marketplace. For starters, I believe it’s on the cumbersome aspect, particularly in the event you’re putting in in a automobile with a smaller windshield. Nevertheless, the iQ is properly made, with the lens and sensor contained in a extra conventional a part of the unit, whereas there’s additionally a blob-style microphone unit and twin aerials connected to that.

It is easy to work out the half that goes on the display as that comes with an adhesive 3M pad, whereas the cable ports are designated in self-explanatory vogue. Together with the sprint cam, the field accommodates the entire different elements wanted to get the digital camera up and operating. Some extent to notice in regards to the Nextbase iO is that it must be linked utilizing your ODBII port, which is often discovered someplace underneath the sprint.

I usually just like the comfort of having the ability to join a dashcam into the 12V socket of my automobile, which permits me to change it to different autos once I have to. The ODBII port isn’t a everlasting connection, although in my expertise unplugging once more will be tough because the connector is commonly fairly tight. I discovered this facet of the Nextbase iQ to be one in all its least interesting.

Setup and set up

Plug and play

I used the Nextbase iQ with simply the usual setup, so didn’t have the rear-facing digital camera to check. The remainder of the set up is simple sufficient and will be finished in lower than half an hour. Cable administration is often the half that takes me the longest to finish, however not less than there’s loads of cable size to make the job simpler. The 3M self-adhesive pad could be very sticky so fortunately I managed to get the place proper the primary time.

The added bonus with the Nextbase iQ is that after it is in place there’s an angled joint between the microphone and digital camera. This allowed me to vary the angle barely in order that I may make certain I’d get an optimum recording of the view forward. The opposite lens faces inwards, so it’s on the again aspect of the unit. It’s this that information you and your automobile’s occupants in addition to anything that must be captured within the cockpit.

The subsequent a part of the setup puzzle concerned me downloading the supplementary Nextbase iQ app and creating an account. The app itself is properly laid out and helps stroll you thru the setup and set up course of, so I used to be fairly assured I’d acquired all of it proper as soon as it was up and operating. Having the app additionally means you’ve acquired immediate entry to all of your account content material, irrespective of the place you occur to be.

Working with the app

Video on faucet

Probably the greatest issues in regards to the Nextbase iQ is its vary of sensible options, which remodel it from an on a regular basis sprint cam right into a potent safety software. There are three core instruments, that are actually spectacular, together with Sensible Sense Parking, that will help you get your automobile into areas simpler. Secondly, the Witness Mode is invaluable if it’s essential to hold an incident utilizing voice-activation whereas it duly will get saved to your cloud house, which is a part of a subscription. The opposite bonus options is Stay View, which provides you simply that: across the clock monitoring of your automobile.

If I’m utilizing the Solo model of the Nextbase iQ I discover that it’s acquired much less to supply with solely the likes of voice management and textual content notifications providing any actual curiosity. As such, I discovered that the subscription angle is the best way to go along with this sprint cam. Defend is a perfect bundle for me, I believe, with the Stay View function that runs as much as 60 minutes, Sensible Sense Parking, Witness mode, RoadWatch AI, Guardian Mode, a Distant Alarm and, crucially, cloud storage of knowledge for 30 days.

The Defend Plus subscription could possibly be the one I’ll go for in future. It’s bristling with nice stuff, like app voice management, real-time picture notifications, Stay View (as much as 120 minutes), Stay View Look Again, Sensible Sense Parking, Witness mode, RoadWatch AI, Guardian Mode and Distant Alarm. The cloud backup is best too providing 180 days and equally spectacular are the Emergency SOS and Automated incident back-up instruments.

Utilizing the machine

Loads of scope

There’s little doubt the Nextbase iQ has sufficient muscle to maintain you lined, with a specification that’s pretty much as good as they arrive. My 4K take a look at mannequin options 3840 x 2160p video content material, which is great, whereas the sector of view is 140-degrees and due to this fact greater than satisfactory. The inside digital camera additionally delivers crisp and clear video with a Full HD view of the cabin that gives up 180-degree protection.

Once more, it’s the connectivity of the Nextbase iQ that’s most interesting for me. I really like the best way that it screens every thing and retains content material backed up within the cloud, so I don’t have to fret about it. It’s additionally acquired all of the instruments wanted to maintain it related for a couple of years too, with GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as properly. The 4G connectivity is delivered utilizing Vodafone within the UK and mainland Europe, whereas the identical job is dealt with through T-Cell within the US.

Do you have to purchase the Nextbase iQ

The Nextbase iQ is a superb sprint cam and, factoring within the high-end price ticket, may be a bit an excessive amount of for these wanting into proudly owning a primary video capturing machine. I like the best way I can choose and select the mannequin variant although, and in addition the best way that Nextbase gives subscription packages to go well with totally different pockets too. I believe the center tier mannequin is the one to purchase, though there’s no disputing the fabulous 4K high quality delivered by the premium version.

Granted, I am much less thrilled in regards to the ODBII plug-in technique, however I can see why that is in all probability the mandatory option to go if I’m anticipating a continually linked and all the time on sort of surveillance. After all, it may be hardwired if most popular, which is an alternative choice and cleverly, the Nextbase iQ isn’t going to run down my battery both, because the system robotically shuts it down if the ability is getting low.

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Nextbase iQ