Welcome to our THINKWARE U1000 Dual Dash Cam Review. Wondering if this dash cam is worth the price tag? Well, it comes with lots of great features that other basic dash cams do not have and if you are serious about obtaining great video evidence of an event, then yes, it’s worth it.
The THINKWARE U1000 is a dual dash cam so you get video coverage of what’s happening in the front as well as the back of your vehicle.
Believe it or not, rear-end collisions are the most frequent road accidents, so you definitely want to make sure you have all around protection while you are on the road. After all, some people just aren’t honest with respect to taking responsibility for their actions. So, it makes sense to cover yourself with the right video evidence.
The point of having a dash camera is to ensure you capture the best evidence of an event and the Thinkware U1000 is designed to provide that and much more.
When it comes to dash cams, THINKWARE has long been a trusted name in the industry. With the THINKWARE U1000 Dual Dash Cam, the brand raises the bar by delivering premium features like ultra-high-definition 4K resolution, advanced driver assistance systems, and seamless connectivity.
But does it live up to its lofty promise?
In this comprehensive review, we delve into its design, features, and performance to see if the THINKWARE U1000 truly sets the gold standard for dash cams. Let’s get to it!
THINKWARE U1000 Dual Dash Cam Review
The THINKWARE U1000 is the newest flagship model, so it’s designed to provide the best service as far as dash cams are concerned. It delivers sharp 4K video quality and boasts a comprehensive driver assistance warning system, in an effort to help keep drivers safe on the road.
This dash cam also utilizes super night vision technology and is capable of recording impressive videos in low-light environments as well. In this regard, it matters not if you are driving on a dark backcountry road or dimly lit parking lot. The video resolution can also be adjusted from 4K at 30fps down to 2K at 60fps for smoother videos and easy reading of license plates.
Features at a Glance
- 4K UHD 3840X2160 Front Cam
- 2K 2560X1440 Rear Cam
- 150° Wide Angle view
- Sony STARVIS image sensor
- Super Night Vision
- G-Sensor, w/Sony Sensor, Parking Mode
- Wi-Fi, GPS, Cloud Enabled
- Anti-file Corruption Technology
So, what sets this dash cam apart from the others?
Well, the night vision, noise reduction, and the anti-file corruption technology. It also has Wi-fi and GPS; features that most budget dash cams don’t provide, and it has some great cloud enabled features. For example, while the THINKWARE X700 dash cam has some of the same features, but it does not have Wi-Fi and GPS is optional.
Design and Build Quality
The THINKWARE U1000 is sleek and minimalist, with a modern rectangular shape that easily blends into your vehicle’s interior. Its compact size ensures it doesn’t obstruct your view while driving. The build quality feels premium, with sturdy materials that inspire confidence in its durability. The rear camera is equally compact, making it easy to install without drawing attention.
The package includes both the front and rear cameras, mounting hardware, and cables, along with a detailed installation guide. THINKWARE also offers an optional hardwiring kit for those who want to utilize the parking surveillance feature.
Key Features
The THINKWARE U1000 comes packed with features that set it apart from the competition:
1. 4K UHD Front Camera
The front camera records in stunning 4K Ultra High Definition (3840 x 2160), ensuring every detail on the road is captured. Whether it’s a license plate or road sign, the clarity is unmatched. The rear camera records in 2K QHD, offering excellent resolution for rear coverage.
2. Advanced Parking Mode
With the optional hardwiring kit, the U1000 offers an impressive parking mode. Features like motion detection and time-lapse recording ensure your vehicle is monitored 24/7, even when parked.
3. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The THINKWARE U1000 includes ADAS features like lane departure warnings, forward collision alerts, and red light camera notifications. These features not only make driving safer but also add significant value to the dash cam.
4. Wi-Fi and Cloud Connectivity
The THINKWARE Cloud feature allows you to connect the U1000 to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. From real-time alerts to video downloads and GPS tracking, the connectivity features enhance usability and convenience.
5. Super Night Vision 2.0
Driving at night? The U1000’s Super Night Vision 2.0 technology optimizes low-light recording, ensuring clear footage even in poorly lit environments. This makes it ideal for nighttime drivers.
Performance
The THINKWARE U1000’s performance is nothing short of stellar. The front camera’s 4K resolution delivers crisp, detailed footage that holds up even when zoomed in. The rear camera, while not 4K, still provides excellent clarity for rear-end incidents.
The ADAS features work reliably, offering timely alerts without being overly intrusive. The GPS tagging is accurate, and the Wi-Fi connectivity makes it simple to transfer files to your smartphone. The Super Night Vision feature performs exceptionally well, providing clear footage in low-light conditions with minimal noise.
One potential downside is that 4K recording can quickly fill up storage space. Thankfully, the U1000 supports microSD cards up to 128GB and uses efficient H.265 video compression to maximize storage.
Anti-file Corruption Technology
This dash cam is also designed to improve the reliability of your THINKWARE memory card. It does this by minimizing the risk of loss footage that can occur due to bad blocks and data corruption. Added to that, the THINKWARE cloud features include:
- Remote live view
- Geo fencing
- Parking impact notification
- Locate vehicle, and
- Driving impact notifications
Of course, a hotspot connection is required.
Installation and Ease of Use
Installing the THINKWARE U1000 is straightforward. The adhesive mounts make it easy to position the cameras securely, and the included cable clips help manage wiring neatly. The intuitive app interface makes it simple to access settings, view recordings, and update firmware.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Crystal-clear 4K UHD recording
- Reliable rear camera with 2K QHD resolution
- Advanced ADAS features
- Seamless cloud and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Excellent night vision performance
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other dash cams
- Requires a hardwiring kit for full parking mode functionality
- Large file sizes for 4K footage
Is the THINKWARE U1000 Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a high-end dash cam that delivers top-notch performance and a wealth of features, the THINKWARE U1000 is a strong contender. Its 4K resolution, reliable ADAS features, and cloud connectivity make it a standout choice for drivers who demand the best. While it comes with a premium price tag, its feature set and performance justify the investment for those who prioritize safety and convenience.
Final Verdict
The THINKWARE U1000 Dual Dash Cam is a powerhouse in the dash cam market. Its combination of 4K video quality, smart features, and robust performance makes it one of the best options available today. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a long-distance driver, this dash cam offers peace of mind and unparalleled clarity on the road.
Rating: 9/10
For those ready to upgrade their driving experience, the THINKWARE U1000 is a clear choice—literally and figuratively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the THINKWARE U1000 support voice commands? No, the THINKWARE U1000 does not currently support voice commands. However, its app and button interface are user-friendly and intuitive.
2. What type of microSD card is recommended for this dash cam? THINKWARE recommends using a high-quality microSD card with a capacity of up to 128GB and a speed rating of UHS-I U3 for optimal performance.
3. Can the U1000 operate in extreme temperatures? Yes, the THINKWARE U1000 is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F), ensuring reliable performance in various climates.
4. Is the parking mode always active? Parking mode requires the dash cam to be hardwired to your vehicle’s power supply. Once installed, it activates automatically when the vehicle is turned off.
5. How does the THINKWARE Cloud feature enhance the user experience? The THINKWARE Cloud allows users to receive real-time alerts, track their vehicle’s location, and remotely download footage via a smartphone, providing added convenience and security.
