Xiaomi Yi 1080p Action Camera Specs Revealed for Adventure Lovers

The Xiaomi Yi 1080p Action Camera delivers stunning Full HD video and 16MP photos in a rugged, adventure-ready design. With advanced image stabilization, 150-minute battery life, and 40m waterproof housing, it’s built to capture every extreme moment with crystal clarity.

Key Takeaways

• 1080p Full HD video: Capture crisp, high-quality footage at 60fps for smooth adventure recording.
• 16MP Sony sensor: Delivers stunning low-light performance and vibrant daytime shots.
• 155° wide-angle lens: Frame more of your action with immersive, distortion-free perspectives.
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi control: Pair with smartphones for live preview and remote operation.
• 990mAh removable battery: Swap batteries quickly for extended outdoor shooting sessions.
• Waterproof up to 40m: Dive deep without a housing—ideal for snorkeling and water sports.
• Compact and lightweight: Weighs only 72g—easy to mount on helmets or gear.

Why the Xiaomi Yi 1080p Action Camera is a Game-Changer for Adventure Enthusiasts

Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, wind rushing through your hair, the sun setting behind a vast mountain range. You reach for your action camera, press record, and capture that perfect moment in crisp, vibrant 1080p. That’s the magic the Xiaomi Yi 1080p Action Camera promises—and for many, it delivers. Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a thrill-seeking biker, or just someone who loves documenting life’s adventures, this little device packs a punch without breaking the bank.

When I first unboxed the Xiaomi Yi, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard whispers about its solid performance and budget-friendly price, but I’d also read mixed reviews about its features compared to GoPro. After using it on a week-long kayaking trip and a few trail runs, I can say this: it’s not a GoPro, and that’s okay. It’s its own thing—compact, reliable, and surprisingly capable. If you’re considering an action camera that won’t drain your wallet but still captures great footage, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera specs that make it a favorite among adventure lovers.

Design and Build: Small, Sturdy, and Ready for Action

Compact and Lightweight for On-the-Go Use

The Xiaomi Yi 1080p is about the size of a matchbox—small enough to fit in your pocket, light enough to forget it’s there. Weighing just 72 grams (2.5 oz), it’s perfect for long hikes, bike rides, or even strapping to your dog’s harness (yes, I tried that—more on that later). The matte black finish gives it a sleek, modern look, and the rubberized coating adds a bit of grip, which helps when your hands are sweaty or wet.

One thing I love is the minimalist design. There are only two buttons: one for power/mode switching and another for shutter/record. No confusing menus, no tiny dials—just press and go. This simplicity makes it ideal for quick captures, especially when you’re mid-adventure and don’t want to fiddle with settings.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Now, let’s talk about toughness. The Xiaomi Yi isn’t officially waterproof, but it comes with a standard waterproof housing that’s rated to 40 meters (130 feet). I took it snorkeling in the Caribbean, and it handled the saltwater like a champ. No fogging, no leaks—just clear, colorful underwater footage.

The housing is made of thick plastic with a secure latch, and the lens cover is scratch-resistant. I dropped it (accidentally, of course) on rocky terrain, and aside from a tiny scuff, it survived unscathed. That said, I wouldn’t recommend using it *without* the housing in heavy rain or extreme conditions. It’s splash-resistant at best, so if you’re planning on white-water rafting, keep it in the case.

Mounting Options and Accessories

One of the best things about the Xiaomi Yi is its compatibility with GoPro mounts. That means you can use your existing helmet, chest, or handlebar mounts without spending extra. I used a chest mount for a mountain biking trail, and the footage was smooth and immersive—perfect for showing off those tight turns and jumps.

Xiaomi also sells a range of accessories, including a floating handle (great for water sports), a suction cup for car dashboards, and even a selfie stick. The only downside? Some third-party mounts feel a bit flimsy, so I’d stick with reputable brands like Joby or Peak Design for heavy-duty use.

Video and Image Quality: Crisp 1080p with Room to Grow

1080p Full HD at 60fps: The Sweet Spot

The star of the show is the 1080p video at 60 frames per second (fps). For most users, this is the sweet spot—smooth enough for action, detailed enough for scenic shots, and small enough to not eat up your storage. I shot a sunset timelapse on a beach, and the colors were vibrant, the motion was fluid, and the detail was impressive for a camera under $100.

It also supports 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 120fps for slow-motion effects. The 120fps mode is fun for capturing fast action—like a skateboard trick or a waterfall—but the lower resolution (720p) means you’ll lose some sharpness. Still, it’s a great option for creative shots.

Photo Capabilities: 16MP Sensor with a Few Quirks

The Xiaomi Yi has a 16-megapixel Sony Exmor R sensor, which sounds impressive on paper. In good lighting, photos are sharp, with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. I took some landscape shots during a sunrise hike, and the results were Instagram-ready—no editing needed.

But in low light? That’s where things get tricky. Without a wide aperture or image stabilization, night photos tend to be grainy and soft. The camera also struggles with fast-moving subjects in low light, so don’t expect crisp action shots at dusk. For best results, stick to daytime or well-lit environments.

Field of View and Lens Quality

The Yi has a 150-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, which is great for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting your entire bike into the frame. However, it does introduce some barrel distortion—straight lines curve slightly, especially at the edges. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re shooting architecture or precise scenes, you might notice it.

Pro tip: Use the “Medium” field of view setting (available in the app) to reduce distortion. It narrows the angle to around 120 degrees, which is still wide but more natural-looking. I used this mode for a city tour, and the buildings looked much more proportional.

Battery Life and Storage: What You Need to Know

Battery Performance: Real-World Expectations

The Xiaomi Yi comes with a 1010mAh lithium-ion battery, which Xiaomi claims lasts up to 120 minutes in 1080p/30fps mode. In my experience, that’s optimistic. With 1080p/60fps and Wi-Fi enabled, I got about 70–80 minutes—still solid, but not quite two hours.

For longer adventures, I recommend carrying a spare battery or a portable charger. The battery is removable, which is a huge plus—unlike some action cameras that require you to charge the whole unit. I swapped batteries mid-hike, and it was seamless.

Storage and File Management

The Yi supports microSD cards up to 64GB (Class 10 or higher). I used a 32GB card and recorded about 90 minutes of 1080p/60fps footage before it filled up. That’s plenty for a day trip, but if you’re shooting long timelapses or multiple activities, go for 64GB.

One thing to note: the camera doesn’t have internal storage, so you *must* use a microSD card. Also, files are saved in .mp4 format, which is compatible with most editing software. I imported my clips into iMovie with no issues—smooth and simple.

Charging and Power Options

Charging is via micro-USB (not USB-C, unfortunately), which takes about 2.5 hours for a full charge. You can also power the camera directly with a USB cable—handy for timelapses or live streaming. I used this feature to record a 30-minute sunset sequence without draining the battery.

One minor gripe: the micro-USB port is on the side, so if you’re using a bulky mount, the cable might get in the way. A rear-mounted port would’ve been more practical.

Connectivity and App Experience: Smart Features for Smarter Shoots

Wi-Fi and Mobile App: Seamless Control

The Xiaomi Yi connects to your phone via Wi-Fi, and the companion app (available for iOS and Android) is surprisingly good. Once paired, you can control the camera remotely, change settings, and preview footage in real time. I used it to set up shots on my helmet without touching the camera—super convenient.

The app also lets you download videos and photos directly to your phone, which is great for sharing on social media. I uploaded a 10-second clip of a waterfall to Instagram within minutes of shooting it. The only downside? The Wi-Fi connection can be finicky in crowded areas or with thick walls. I lost signal a few times in a busy campground, but it reconnected quickly.

Remote Control and Live Preview

The app’s live preview is smooth, with minimal lag—perfect for framing shots or adjusting angles. You can also use it as a remote trigger, which is useful for group photos or solo adventures. I set up the camera on a tripod and used the app to take a self-portrait with my kayak in the background. No awkward timers, no missed shots.

For more advanced users, the app offers manual controls for ISO, white balance, and exposure. I played with these during a night hike, and while the results weren’t perfect, they gave me more creative control than I expected.

Voice Control and Other Features

The Yi doesn’t have voice control, but it does have a handy “Auto Power-On” feature: when you press the shutter button, it turns on and starts recording. Great for quick captures. It also has a built-in microphone, but the audio quality is… basic. Wind noise is a problem, and voices sound muffled. For serious audio, I’d recommend an external mic or a windscreen.

Performance in Real-World Adventures: How It Holds Up

On the Trail: Hiking and Biking

I tested the Yi on a 10-mile mountain bike trail with plenty of jumps and rocky sections. Mounted on my helmet, it captured smooth footage with minimal shake. The 1080p/60fps mode handled the fast motion well, and the wide-angle lens made the scenery pop.

One thing to watch: the camera gets warm after 30+ minutes of continuous recording. Not hot enough to damage it, but enough to notice. I took a quick break to let it cool down, and it was fine afterward.

Underwater: Snorkeling and Kayaking

In the water, the Yi shines. With the waterproof housing, it’s completely sealed, and the lens stays clear. I filmed coral reefs and fish, and the colors were vibrant—no blue tint or loss of detail. The only issue? The housing’s buttons can be stiff, making it hard to switch modes mid-swim. Plan your settings ahead of time.

Low Light and Night Shots

As mentioned earlier, low light is the Yi’s weakest spot. I tried filming a campfire at night, and while the flames looked good, the surrounding areas were dark and grainy. For night adventures, pair it with a small LED light or stick to well-lit areas.

Comparing the Xiaomi Yi 1080p to Other Action Cameras

Here’s a quick look at how the Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera specs stack up against popular competitors:

Feature	Xiaomi Yi 1080p	GoPro HERO7 White	Akaso V50 Elite
Video Resolution	1080p/60fps	1080p/60fps	4K/30fps
Photo Resolution	16MP	10MP	12MP
Waterproof	40m with housing	10m (no housing)	40m with housing
Battery Life	70–80 mins (1080p/60fps)	~90 mins	~100 mins
Price (USD)	$60–$80	$150	$100

The Yi wins on price and simplicity. The GoPro has better image stabilization and a more polished app, but it’s more expensive. The Akaso offers 4K, but the video quality isn’t as sharp, and the app is clunkier. For budget-conscious adventurers, the Yi strikes a great balance.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Xiaomi Yi 1080p?

After weeks of testing, I’m convinced the Xiaomi Yi 1080p is one of the best value action cameras out there. It’s not perfect—low-light performance could be better, and the app has occasional hiccups—but for the price, it’s hard to beat. If you’re a beginner, a casual adventurer, or someone who wants a reliable second camera, this is a fantastic choice.

It’s not for everyone, though. Professional filmmakers or low-light enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere. But for capturing everyday adventures—hikes, bike rides, beach days, and weekend trips—the Yi delivers. It’s small, tough, and easy to use, with specs that punch above its weight.

So, is the Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera right for you? If you value simplicity, affordability, and solid 1080p performance, absolutely. Just pack a spare battery, keep it in the housing, and get out there. Your next adventure deserves to be remembered—and this little camera is ready to help you do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera specs?

The Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera features a 16MP Sony Exmor R sensor, 155° ultra-wide-angle lens, and 1080p/60fps video recording. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless smartphone pairing and remote control.

Can the Xiaomi Yi 1080p handle underwater adventures?

Yes, with an optional waterproof housing, the Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera is rated for depths up to 40 meters. This makes it ideal for snorkeling, diving, and other water-based activities.

How long does the battery last on the Xiaomi Yi 1080p?

The built-in 1010mAh battery delivers approximately 120 minutes of continuous 1080p/30fps recording. Battery life may vary depending on usage, such as higher frame rates or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Does the Xiaomi Yi 1080p support slow-motion or time-lapse?

Yes, the camera offers 720p/120fps slow-motion recording and a time-lapse mode with customizable intervals. These features enhance creative flexibility for adventure videography.

What storage options does the Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera support?

The camera supports microSD cards up to 64GB (UHS-I compatible) for storing high-resolution photos and videos. A card is required for operation but is not included in the box.

Is the Xiaomi Yi 1080p compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, the Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera uses a standard mounting system compatible with most GoPro accessories. This allows easy integration with existing gear for hands-free filming.