Botslab G980H Dash Cam Review: A Comprehensive All-in-One Solution

In today’s fast-paced world, road safety is more important than ever. Dash cams have evolved from being luxury gadgets to essential tools for drivers, providing crucial evidence in accidents & contributing to overall driving safety. Enter Botslab, renowned for its cutting-edge smart home products, as it brings the G980H Dash Cam into the automotive scene. In this review, we’ll explore its features, performance, pros, and cons, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your vehicle.

The dashcam is priced at $219, but they are currently offering significant discounts of up to 50% off. You can view the product on Amazon here.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Botslab G980H Dash Cam arrives in sleek packaging with a premium feel. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• Main Dash Cam Unit: Featuring the 4K front camera.
• Rear Camera: A 1080P camera for rear recording.
• 64GB MicroSD Card: Generous inclusion for ample storage.
• Power Cables: For both front and rear cameras.
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter: For power supply.
• Mounting Accessories: Including electrostatic stickers and spare adhesive pads.
• Pry Tool: Assists in tucking away cables during installation.
• User Manual: Detailed instructions for setup and usage.

(Including a 64GB MicroSD card is a thoughtful touch. It allows users to start using the dash cam immediately without needing to make additional purchases.)

Design and Build Quality

Main Camera Unit

The main camera boasts a compact and discreet design, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. Key features include:

• Physical Buttons: Three buttons beneath the screen for intuitive control.
• 2.45-inch IPS LCD Screen: Located on the back for easy navigation and playback.
• Lens: The Sony IMX415 sensor is capable of recording true 4K.
• Mounting Mechanism: Secure attachment with adjustable angles.

Rear Camera

• Compact Design: Minimalist build that mounts discreetly on the rear window.
• Lens: Equipped with a 150° wide-angle lens.

Build Quality

Thanks to the integrated supercapacitor, both cameras are crafted from durable materials to withstand temperatures ranging from -20C to 70C. This ensures longevity and reliable performance in various climates.

Key Features

True 4K Quality with Sony Technology

• Enhanced Rear Camera: Records in 1080P, optimized to approximate 2K quality through Botslab’s algorithms.
• Sony IMX415 Sensor: Delivers unmatched detail with true 4K resolution on the front camera.
• F1.5 Aperture & Wide-Angle Lenses: The front camera has a 170-degree lens, and the rear camera has a 150° lens. Both cameras can capture up to six lanes of traffic.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

These features are particularly beneficial for new drivers but can be turned off via the app if preferred.

• Pedestrian Collision Alerts: Warns of potential collisions with pedestrians.
• Lane Departure Warnings: Alerts if you drift from your lane.
• Front Vehicle Movement Alerts: Notifies when the vehicle ahead moves, which is useful in traffic.
• Headway Monitoring: Advises on maintaining a safe following distance.
• Driver Fatigue Alerts: Reminds drivers to rest after two hours of continuous driving.

Reliable Recording with GPS Integration

• G-Sensor: Automatically locks and saves footage during sudden movements or collisions.
• Built-in GPS: Integrates with Google Maps, recording driving paths and speeds for easy route tracking.
• Real-Time Speed Display: Both on the dash cam’s display and recorded videos.

More Features

• WDR Wide Dynamic Technology: Enhances image quality in varying lighting conditions, ensuring clear footage in overly bright and dark environments.
• Supercapacitor: This device replaces traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering better performance in extreme temperatures and saving footage even during sudden power losses.
• 24/7 Parking Mode: With the dedicated hardwire kit (sold separately), the G980H provides continuous surveillance, recording incidents when the car is parked.

Installation and Setup

The G980H is designed for user-friendly installation:

1. Mounting: Use the included electrostatic stickers to attach the front and rear cameras without leaving residue.
2. Cable Management: The provided pry tool helps tuck cables along the vehicle’s trim for a clean look.
3. Power Connection: Plug into the cigarette lighter adapter; use the optional hardwire kit for parking mode.
4. Memory Card: Insert the included 64GB MicroSD card.
5. Botslab App: This app is available for iOS and Android and connects via 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. The app offers these features:
   • Live video preview.
   • Video download and sharing.
   • Settings customization.

Dashcam Performance

Video Quality

Daytime Recording

• Front Camera: Produces crisp, detailed 4K footage. License plates and road signs are easily discernible.
• Rear Camera: Offers clear 1080P recordings, sufficient for capturing rear-end incidents.

Nighttime Recording

• Front Camera: Excels in low-light conditions due to the F1.5 aperture and WDR technology, minimizing noise and enhancing clarity.
• Rear Camera: Performs moderately; some glare from headlights may affect footage quality.

User Experience

• On-Device Navigation: The intuitive menu system is accessible via physical buttons.
• Screen: A 2.45-inch display is sufficient for adjusting settings and reviewing footage on the go.
• User-Friendly App Interface: Simple to navigate with straightforward options.
• App Connectivity: Fast and stable connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with easy downloading, editing, and footage sharing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High-Quality Recording: True 4K front camera with excellent night vision.
• Advanced Safety Features: Comprehensive ADAS suite enhances driving safety.
• Easy Installation: User-friendly setup with included tools.
• Wide Field of View: Captures a broad perspective with wide-angle lenses.
• Durable Build: Supercapacitor ensures reliability in extreme temperatures.
• Generous Inclusions: Comes with a 64GB MicroSD card.
• App Integration: Seamless connectivity with a functional app.

Cons

• Rear Camera Night Performance: Moderate quality with potential glare issues.
• Hardwire Kit Extra: An additional purchase is required for full parking mode functionality.
• Limited Remote Access: Cannot access recordings unless near the dash cam.

Personal Opinion

Having tested the Botslab G980H Dash Cam extensively, I can say that it offers exceptional value for its price point. The high-resolution recording, advanced ADAS features, and user-friendly design make it stand out in a crowded market. The front camera’s 4K video quality is impressive, capturing clear and detailed footage in various lighting conditions.

The ADAS features are not just add-ons; they genuinely enhance driving safety, providing timely alerts without being intrusive. While the rear camera’s nighttime performance could be improved due to some glare issues, it still provides valuable rear coverage. The installation process was straightforward, and the app integration added to the overall positive experience.

In my opinion, the G980H is an excellent investment for drivers who prioritize safety, quality, and convenience.

Concluding Thoughts

The Botslab G980H Dash Cam is a versatile, feature-packed device that provides great value for its price. Its superior video quality, advanced safety features, and intuitive design make it an excellent option for drivers looking for a comprehensive dash cam solution.

Although there are minor downsides, like the extra expense for the hardwire kit and the rear camera’s average performance in low light, the overall advantages far outweigh these issues.

Choosing the Botslab G980H Dash Cam is a wise investment for boosting road safety and protecting against unexpected events. Its reliable performance, high-quality footage, and enhanced safety features deliver peace of mind and practical benefits for any driver.