Xiaomi Yi 4K Vs GoPro Hero4 Silver

Today I am going to compare the greatest action camera ever, the GoPro Hero4 Silver, with the new amazing Xiaomi Yi 4K. The GoPro has been the best for a while now, and it makes sense that other companies are catching up. The new Xiaomi Yi 4K is a beefed up action camera of it’s previous version. It also shows from the increased price tag. I recently reviewed the Xiaomi Yi 4K on it’s own and I was amazed of the video quality. Even the technical specifications look amazing. So I was only left with one option, I had to compare these 2 action cameras and see which one is a better action camera to buy.

Xiaomi Yi 4K Dimensions: 65x42x30mm / 2.5×1.6×1.2″

Weight: 95g / 3.6oz

Video Quality: 4K 30fps; 2.5K 30fps; 1440p 60fps; 1080p 120fps; 720p 200fps

Photo Quality: 12MP

Modes: Timer, Burst, Time Lapse Photo, Shutter, Loop Recording, Auto Low Light

WiFi: Yes

GPS: No

LCD: Yes

Digital Image Stabilization: Yes

Battery Life: 2 hours at 4K Check Best Price On Amazon!

GoPro Hero4 Silver Dimensions: 59x41x30 / 2.3×1.6×1.2″

Weight: 83g / 2.9oz

Video Quality: 4k 15fps; 2.7k 30fps; 1440p 48fps; 1080p 60fps; 720p 120fps

Photo Quality: 12MP

Modes: Night Photo & Night Lapse mode, Burst mode, Auto-Low Light mode

WiFi: Yes

GPS: No

LCD: Yes

Digital Image Stabilization: No

Battery Life: 1 hour at 4K Check Best Price On Amazon!

Let’s start with the basics. Based on the dimensions and design, the two action cameras are quite similar. The Xiaomi Yi 4K is a little bit bigger and also weighs more because of that. The Xiaomi has also got 3 color options to choose from: white, black and pink. Another note on the design is that the Xiaomi has only got 1 button on the camera – power/record. Everything else is done from the LCD touchscreen. GoPro Hero4 Silver on the other hand has a little bit more going for it on the surface. There is a separate button for WiFi, power, settings and recording. The settings can also be changed via the LCD touchscreen though. If there is one thing I want to give to GoPro is the way their camera feels. I don’t know if it is just me but it just feels like it has been made out of better quality materials. It just looks serious. Maybe it is the Xiaomis modern look that makes me prefer the GoPro design.

Design is cool but features are what really matter. Just judging from the technical specifications, the Xiaomi Yi should have an upper hand based on video resolutions and frame rates. It is able to record in 4K at 30fps and 1080p 120fps. GoPro on the other hand 4K at 15fps and 1080p at 60fps. Of course there are other resolutions as well, as you can see from the technical spec table. I just feel as you will be using those two the most. I know I do. The higher frame rates sound great and we should see a pretty nice difference in 4K. I’m not sure if the 120fps vs 60fps makes that much of a difference at 1080p though. For example Hollywood movies are made with 24fps so anything bigger than that should look the same to our eyes. Only difference is if you want to make some slow motion videos in 1080p. Then yeah the 120fps will become of use.

Also I want to add that the Xiaomi Yi does have a Digital Image Stabilization. Which should make their videos way more smoother during movement. PS! Digital Image Stabilization does not work at 4K! And finally the battery life, which has always been a problem for GoPro. Hero4 Silver is able to continuously shoot 4K videos for 1 hour. Xiaomi Yi 4K on the other hand for 2 hours.

Simply judging from the technical specifications, I have to give it to the Xiaomi Yi 4K. All of this for $249 is just amazing. $150 cheaper than its rival GoPro.

Video

Here is a 4K and 1080p video comparison between the 2 action cameras. When I was reviewing the Xiaomi Yi 4K action camera, one thing I really loved were the colors. I mentioned how they look as natural as GoPro’s. Well now that I can see both of them side by side, I have to say, I think the GoPro still has better colors. Compared to other budget action cameras though, the Xiaomi Yi 4K is light years ahead.

Now what makes the Xiaomi Yi 4K video good is the digital image stabilization system. Notice how much smoother its video is, while GoPro’s is shaky due to movement. Hopefully the new GoPro will have it featured. Now sharpness. Both of the action cameras function really well. Details are sharp and clear, very good for $249. I have to give it to GoPro though, when you pause the video, you will notice that the GoPro is a bit sharper and has less blur. It is really hard to notice but it is there.

Here is a great example how both of the action cameras handle slow motion and low light conditions. In my opinion the Xiaomi Yi 4K is way better at both. Well it does make sense, the Xiaomi Yi 4K can record 120fps at 1080p while GoPro at 720p. So that is where the difference comes from. Also Xiaomi has always been great at low light. You have much more visible details and the streetlights don’t blind the view.

Conclusion

This is a hard one. I’m not exactly sure which one is the best action camera. I personally prefer the GoPro Hero4 Silver. I just like the design more. That is really about it. Also I use a gimbal quite often, which makes the digital image stabilization system useless for me. Let me put it like this, if you are looking for a cheaper action camera, then get the Xiaomi Yi 4K. It is seriously amazing and I can see many disagree with me and claim it as the best action camera available. And I can’t argue with that, it really is that close. So in my opinion it comes down to personal preference.

Also for some reason I feel as the Xiaomi Yi 4K is better as a casual action camera if that makes sense. Like attaching it to your car or motorbike while cruising down the city. GoPro on the other hand fits more in the extreme sports scene. Obviously it doesn’t have to be like that but I just get that feeling.