Key Takeaways
- The Vantrue Nexus 5 (N5) is a reliable four-channel dashcam that records in 2K and 1080p, providing total coverage of your car both inside and outside.
- The accompanying mobile app and desktop software make viewing footage and GPS data easy, offering a user-friendly experience.
- While the N5 is bulky, it is a worthwhile upgrade for drivers who need a dashcam with higher resolution and more channels.
Awareness is a big part of safe driving. Understanding what to look out for on the road ahead, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles and hazards, checking mirrors, and keeping an eye on your speed, gears, and steering all become second nature.
But there is only so much you can do to appreciate what is happening around your car. And then there’s the issue of what is going on inside.
Vantrue N5
8.5/ 10If the Vantrue Nexus 5 (N5) four-channel dashcam is on your list of possible purchases, you can expect a bulky—if reliable—dashcam that records in 2K and 1080p.
It is accompanied by a reliable mobile app and desktop companion software, which display GPS data alongside video footage.
- Captures footage outside and inside the car
- Features a GPS mount
- G-Sensor auto-records impacts, swerves, heavy breaking
- Useful mobile app for controlling the dashcam
- Desktop app for Windows and macOS makes viewing footage easy
- No 4K recording
- Front unit is quite large
- Fitting the rear cameras can be slow-going
Dashcam manufacturers have been upping the ante lately by adding more and more cameras. The Vantrue Nexus N5 is the first dashcam we’ve seen with not two, not three, but four cameras.
Why Would You Need a 4-Channel Dashcam?
Most people require a dashcam that points forward at traffic in the same lane; typically, the next lane is also covered. Some require a dashcam that monitors activity out of the back of the vehicle. This is useful for rear-end collisions, parking incidents, and the like.
Increasingly, we’re seeing dashcams with an interior camera as well. Vantrue has been doing this for a few years and recently released the Nexus 4 with a single internal camera. Elsewhere, we’ve reviewed the Viofo A139 Pro, which also featured an internal camera.
One shortcoming of multichannel setups for dashcams is that each peripheral camera reduces the available space on the dashcam’s storage. While loop recordings mean you'll technically never run out of space, regularly recording footage from multiple cameras can hasten the inevitable corruption of the card. Consequently, regular review and reformatting of SD cards is necessary for dashcam owners.
The Vantrue Nexus 5 features an incredible four cameras. One faces the road ahead, with a companion lens focusing on the driver and front passenger. Anyone behind should also be in shot. A third camera observes the road behind, while its companion is focused on the back of everyone’s heads. Vantrue isn't the only dashcam manufacturer with four-channel units; it's a dynamic that has been around a few years now, but struggled to really gain any momentum.
But, why would you need this? Is Vantrue keen to help drivers manage baldness? The only logical response for this fourth channel is for Uber drivers, taxis, and Hackney carriages. Family cars don’t require the fourth camera—it is fixed to the rear unit, so cannot be intelligently positioned—so it really does seem like a feature that's useful for vehicle hire operators only.
My vehicle is an MPV (seven seats) and as such ideal for reviewing a dashcam with four cameras.
Vantrue Nexus 5 Dashcam Features
The Vantrue Nexus 5 is visually similar (if not identical) to the N4. When I reviewed the Vantrue Nexus 4 it seemed that while the dashcam produced great results in 4K, the build quality was concerning.
Fortunately there is no such issue with this unit.
The Vantrue Nexus 5 boasts SuperHD recording (essentially 2K on one camera, 1080p on the others), with a maximum 1944P+1080P+1080P+1080P resolution, all @30fps. In the same order, the field of view (FOV) is 158+160+160+165 degrees.
Night driving is covered by infrared night vision, and the front unit cameras have WDR (Wide Definition Range). Both the interior cameras have IR LED lights, while the rear camera unit has HDR (high definition range) on both interior and exterior. The main unit features built-in Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz), and speed can be logged thanks to the GPS mount.
Beneath the 3.19-inch IPS display is a row of buttons, which are used for configuring the device. While these provide access to menus controlling most of the dashcam’s features, setting things up via the mobile device is easier.
Automatic event recording is initiated when the central unit’s G-sensor is triggered. The device records to a locked portion of the microSD card at this point. This directory will not be overwritten until it's filled (it reserves about one-third of the SD card’s volume).
With the mobile app linked, you can set a custom motion detection area and manage every other aspect of the cameras. The N5 also includes a hands-free voice control system and 24/7 parking mode. Buying the dashcam also gives you an 18-month warranty, although, in my experience, Vantrue cameras tend to last longer than those from other manufacturers.
Unpacking and Installing the Vantrue Nexus 5
Shipping in the typical Vantrue packaging, the Nexus 5 we received for review included the main dual-camera unit, the rear dual-camera satellite device (with a useful guide for correct placement attached), a quick start guide, and a multilingual manual (English, German, French, and Polish).
Also included is a GPS mount for the front camera unit, a USB Type-C car charger with a cable measuring 11.5 feet, a 20-foot rear camera USB Type-C cable, a shorter 3-foot USB Type-C cable for data transfer, and plastic crowbar.
Finally, there are two electrostatic stickers, two windshield cleaning cloths, a lint-free cloth, two 3M stickers, and warning stickers.
Unfortunately, no SD card was included.
This kit can also include a CPL filter and a wireless remote control as optional extras. Similarly, a hardwire kit and microSD card are also available. None of these were provided with the review device, though.
Installing the Vantrue Nexus 5 is straightforward enough if you need single/two-channel mode. With the additional cameras comes more cable routing, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Note that this dashcam does not ship with adhesive hooks for keeping the cables tidy. It’s been several years since I’ve seen a dashcam kit come with these, and while they can be picked up on eBay or Amazon for a few dollars, their omission is always frustrating.
Dashcam Setup and Positioning Considerations
With smaller, individual camera units, it is simpler to position your dashcams. Due to the Vantrue Nexus 5 kit featuring two dual camera units, things get a little tricky.
While both mounts feature adjustable ball joints, you still need to be careful where the cameras are mounted. For example, mounting the rear camera correctly is just as important as ensuring the internal view is unimpeded. At the same time, the rear-facing view should be similarly obstruction-free.
Although the vertical angle of the rear unit cameras can be adjusted independently, the horizontal cannot. Adjust left or right, and the other camera is similarly affected. This is an issue that affects the front-mounted cameras, too.
While the viewing angle of the cameras should cover all eventualities, it’s crucial with a four-channel dashcam setup to ensure positioning is settled before you start driving.
If you’re upgrading from a previous Vantrue system, you will need to swap the old cabling for the new. While it might seem like you’ll save time, the 6-meter cable is specifically designed for the rear-mounted two-channel unit.
Can You Talk to the Vantrue Nexus 5?
As well as providing considerable exterior video coverage for your vehicle, this dashcam features voice commands. Capable of detecting phrases in English, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese, the feature lets you enable and disable Wi-Fi, start video recording, take a photo, and do other basic tasks.
Given the size of the buttons on the device, and its small display, the voice command feature is most useful for enabling and disabling Wi-Fi.
Response from this system is good, although I prefer having a button to press for emergency recording.
Reviewing Footage and GPS Information With the Vantrue Apps
Viewing footage on the dashcam is better when a different app is used. While the IPS display will relate footage from all four cameras, the screen is tiny. It will show all four camera views while driving, but the 3.19-inch monitor isn’t really up to the task.
As noted above, the mobile app aids with setup, management, and reviewing footage. It’s not the only way to do it – there is an excellent desktop app for Windows and macOS—but it does the job if you’re out and about.
I prefer the desktop app, which reads the GPS data stored on the SD card and is paired with the corresponding footage.
However, the mobile option is perfectly good too, and once the footage is downloaded from the Vantrue Nexus 5, you can share it as required.
Does the Vantrue Nexus 5 Fulfill Your Dashcam Needs?
With a large main unit and striking similarities to the N4 Pro, the Vantrue Nexus 5 might lack the 4K footage of the other model, but makes up for it in total coverage.
Of course, there is little to be gained by monitoring your own family in the back of an SUV or larger vehicle. But if you drive an Uber or other vehicle-for-hire, or manage transport for a small organization (school, college, outdoor center, etc.) then a four-channel dashcam suddenly makes sense.
Installation can be tedious, especially if this is your first dashcam, but the Vantrue N5 is easy to set up and provides considerable coverage of your car, inside and outside, with at least 1080p resolution. Yes, it's big, but it's also very user-friendly.
If your existing dashcam doesn’t provide adequate resolution or channels, this could be the upgrade you’re looking for.
Vantrue N5
8.5/ 10If the Vantrue Nexus 5 (N5) four-channel dashcam is on your list of possible purchases, you can expect a bulky—if reliable—dashcam that records in 2K and 1080p.
It is accompanied by a reliable mobile app and desktop companion software, which display GPS data alongside video footage.
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