70mai A800S Review (2026)

70mai A800S Review (2026)

Overview – who this dash cam is for

The 70mai A800S is a front‑focused dash cam aimed at drivers who want crisp, high‑resolution footage without spending a fortune on a premium brand. It offers 4K‑class recording from the front camera and optional rear coverage, making it suitable for everyday UK commuters, new drivers and anyone who wants more detail than a basic 1080p unit provides.

This model is a good fit for people who are comfortable using a smartphone app and prefer a modern, screen‑based interface. It suits drivers who mainly care about capturing clear evidence of what happens ahead, but like having the option to add a rear camera later for extra protection.

Key features

4K‑equivalent front recording (up to 3840×2160) for high detail and sharper plates.
Optional rear camera input, allowing front‑only or front‑and‑rear setups.
Sony image sensor in the front camera for improved clarity and low‑light performance.
Built‑in GPS for location and speed data on recordings.
Advanced driver assistance features on some firmware versions (such as lane departure and forward collision alerts).
Parking surveillance mode when used with a suitable hardwire kit.
70mai mobile app (Wi‑Fi connection) for viewing, downloading clips and changing settings.
Loop recording and impact detection, automatically locking files around incidents.

Video quality – daytime and night performance

In daytime, the A800S’s key strength is detail. The high resolution from the front camera means number plates, road signs and markings are generally easier to read, especially when paused on a particular frame. This is helpful if you ever need to show exactly what happened in a dispute, as small details in the distance are more likely to be captured.

Colour and exposure handling are usually good, with the camera balancing bright skies and darker dashboards reasonably well. On typical UK roads with variable light, it copes well with quick changes from sun to shade, although, like most dash cams, direct low sun can still wash out parts of the image at certain angles.

At night, performance remains competent for a consumer camera. The sensor and image processing work to reduce noise and keep street‑lit scenes usable, meaning you can often identify vehicles and events in front of you. Fast‑moving plates can still be hard to read, especially in rain or under strong headlight glare, but this is common to many dash cams rather than specific to the A800S. The optional rear camera, if fitted, offers more modest resolution and is mainly helpful for context and showing rear‑end impacts rather than for fine detail.

Ease of installation

Installing the 70mai A800S in a typical UK car is similar to most modern dash cams and can be handled by a careful beginner. The main unit attaches to the inside of the windscreen with an adhesive mount, usually positioned behind or just to the passenger side of the rear‑view mirror to avoid blocking your view.

For a basic setup, you can power the camera from the 12V socket using the supplied cable. This involves tucking the cable into the edge of the headliner, running it down the passenger‑side A‑pillar and along the dash to the socket. This method keeps most of the cable out of sight and avoids any changes to the car’s wiring.

Adding a rear camera is more involved because you need to run a cable from the front unit to the rear window. This typically means guiding the cable along the roof lining, down trim panels and through any flexible rubber boot into a hatch or tailgate. It can be done slowly with minimal tools, but some drivers may prefer a professional installation for a tidier finish.

Using the 70mai app is part of the setup process. You connect your phone to the camera’s Wi‑Fi, then use the app to check the view, update firmware and adjust settings such as resolution and parking mode. This does not require technical knowledge but does rely on being comfortable with a smartphone.

Pros and cons

Pros

High‑resolution front recording offers noticeably more detail than basic 1080p dash cams, particularly in daylight.
Optional rear camera support provides flexibility for drivers who may want to start front‑only and add rear coverage later.
Built‑in GPS adds useful information such as speed and location to clips, which can help in disputes.
Mobile app integration makes it easy to review and download clips without removing the memory card.
Parking surveillance mode adds extra reassurance for cars frequently left in public or shared parking areas.
Overall design is neat and modern, with an integrated screen to frame the view and check recordings.

Cons

Rear camera, if used, does not match the front unit’s clarity and is better for general context than fine detail.
Installation becomes more complex once you add the rear camera and hardwire kit, especially if you are not confident working around trim and fuse boxes.
App and Wi‑Fi connections can occasionally be slow or fussy to connect, especially on older phones or in busy wireless environments.
The camera body and screen make it more visible than very small, “hidden” dash cams, which some drivers prefer.
Advanced driver assistance alerts can sometimes feel over‑sensitive and may be switched off by some users after a while.

Who should buy it

The 70mai A800S is suitable for drivers who prioritise front image quality and want a clear record of what happens ahead on UK roads. It will appeal to those who are comfortable using a phone app and like the ability to fine‑tune settings or quickly transfer clips to their devices.

It is a good choice for daily commuters, motorway drivers and people who regularly travel through busy junctions or complex urban traffic, where extra detail in the footage can be especially valuable. The option to add a rear camera also makes it a reasonable fit for owners of hatchbacks, estates and family cars, where rear‑end protection is a concern.

On the other hand, it may be less ideal if you want a very discreet device that is almost invisible from outside, or if you prefer to avoid dealing with smartphone apps altogether. Drivers who mainly care about parking surveillance and professional‑grade fleet features might also want to consider other models designed specifically with those use cases in mind.

Overall, the 70mai A800S offers strong front‑camera performance and a sensible feature set for everyday drivers in 2026. Its emphasis on higher‑resolution recording, GPS and app control makes it a capable tool for capturing what happens on UK roads, while the option for rear coverage adds flexibility. For those who do not mind an app‑driven setup and a bit of installation effort, it is a well‑rounded dash cam that should meet most routine needs.

If you’re unsure how to install a dash cam, see our step-by-step dash cam installation guide.