In this blog post, we will review the Thinkware U1000 dash cam, a high-end premium dash cam that offers 4K video quality for the front camera and 2K for the rear.
The U1000 has been on the market since 2019 and has seen many improvements since then. In this review, we will discuss the design, video quality, parking mode capabilities, cloud connectivity, and other features of the Thinkware U1000.
The Best Dash Cam On The Market.
Capture the Moment in Clarity: Unmatched 4K Performance & Night Vision Excellence”
- AUltra-HD Quality: 4K front and 2K rear cameras for stunning footage. •
- Expansive Viewing Angles: 150° front and 156° rear coverage. •
- Advanced Features: GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless integration. •
- Dependable Protection: 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
| Feature | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | 4K front camera and 2K rear camera | High-resolution video quality | Lower low-light sensitivity with CPL filter |
| Design | Rectangular, wedge-shaped design with buttons on the back and LED status indicators | Easy to use, big emergency record button | None |
| Mount | Quick-release mount with double-stick tape | Solid and stable mount | Cannot rotate the dashcam sideways |
| Parking Mode Capabilities | Buffered impact detection and energy-saving mode | Long-term parking mode recording | Energy-saving mode disables continuous recording |
| Cloud Connectivity | Connects to the cloud for remote access and additional features | Access dashcam remotely | Not as user-friendly as Blackvue’s cloud options |
| Radar Module (Optional Accessory) | K-band transmitter for long-term parking recording and buffered impact detection up front | Unique functionality | Transmits on K-band, causing false alerts for radar detector users |
| Battery Options | Multiple battery options, including BlackboxMyCar BI-750 for extended recording times | Greater recording time with larger capacity batteries | None |
| App Functionality | View and adjust dashcam settings, play back previously recorded footage, and livestreaming | Easy to use, guidelines for aiming dashcam, view front and rear cameras | Cannot change parking mode settings remotely |
| Price | £279.00for the front-only version, £379.00 for the two-channel version | High-quality dashcam with a range of features | Expensive |
Design
The U1000 features a rectangular, wedge-shaped design with buttons on the back for easy control. There is a central emergency record button, which is separate from other buttons to avoid accidental presses. The status LEDs on top indicate recording, GPS lock, and cloud connection. The left side houses cable inputs, while the right side has the memory card slot.
Video Quality
The U1000 has impressive video quality, with its front camera offering 4K resolution, which is comparable to the VFO A129 Pro, a more budget-friendly option. The front camera also has a wide field of view at 150 degrees. An optional CPL filter can be added to improve daytime video quality.
Parking Mode Capabilities
The U1000 provides excellent parking mode capabilities, including buffered impact detection and energy-saving mode. The optional radar module can be added for enhanced parking mode features, combining long-term energy-saving with buffered parking recording.
Cloud Connectivity
The U1000 is a cloud-connected dash cam, allowing for remote access and additional features. While its cloud functionality is not as extensive as Blackvue dash cams, it still offers the ability to receive notifications and live-stream video when connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Battery Management
The U1000 has built-in voltage management, with options for wintertime battery protection. For extended parking mode recording times, the BlackboxMyCar BI-750 battery pack is recommended, offering 25% longer record times and faster recharging compared to the Cellink Neo battery pack.
App Functionality
The Thinkware app allows for easy setup, dashcam aiming, and playback of recorded footage. The app also provides additional features like lane departure warnings and forward collision detection, although their accuracy may vary.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-resolution video quality | Lower low-light sensitivity with CPL filter |
| Easy to use design with big emergency record button | Cannot rotate the dashcam sideways |
| Solid and stable mount | Not as user-friendly as Blackvue’s cloud options |
| Long-term parking mode recording | Radar module transmits on K-band, causing false alerts for radar detector users |
| Remote access to dashcam through cloud connectivity | Cannot change parking mode settings remotely |
| Unique radar module functionality (optional accessory) | Expensive |
| Greater recording time with larger capacity battery options | |
| User-friendly app with guidelines for aiming dashcam and viewing front and rear cameras |
Conclusion
The Thinkware U1000 is a top-of-the-line dash cam, offering excellent video quality, parking mode capabilities, and cloud connectivity.
While not perfect, it stands out as one of the best premium dash cams on the market, making it a great choice for those looking for high-quality, reliable dash cam performance make this into a table with all the key features and add pros and cons.
