GoPro on notice: Xiaomi Yi 4K looks to dethrone Hero4 as go-to high-res action cam

posted Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 3:35 PM EDT

GoPro's Hero4 has been the go-to 4K action camera since its release, but Chinese company Xiaomi may have something to say about that with its new Yi 4K. Released in China in May, the Yi 4K is now available in the US for $250, which compares very well to the $450 asking price for the GoPro Hero4 Black.

The Yi 4K's predecessor, the Xiaomi Yi HD offered 1080p video recording for under $100, but it didn't include an LCD screen. The Yi 4K includes a 2.19-inch LCD touchscreen. Additionally, the new camera has two hours of recording time, image stabilization via a three-axis accelerometer and three-axis gyroscope, manual controls and high-speed video.

Both the Yi 4K and GoPro Hero4 offer similar lenses, 12-megapixel still image recording, time-lapse video support, manual mode and much more, but the Yi 4K has some features that the GoPro doesn't. The Yi 4K utilizes a newer version of Sony's IMX 12-megapixel 1/2.3" sensor, includes lens distortion correction, electronic image stabilization, a timer mode, dual microphones, more battery life and its built-in touchscreen display.

For more information on the Yi 4K, see here. If you're looking for a 4K action camera, it looks like a promising and affordable option. You can order it now through Amazon and you can preorder it through B&H as well.