Yi 4K Action Camera Specs Unveiled Top Features Revealed

The Yi 4K+ Action Camera redefines adventure filming with 4K video at 60fps, delivering ultra-smooth, high-resolution footage in any environment. Packed with a powerful Ambarella H22S85 chipset, advanced image stabilization, and 2.2-inch touchscreen, it outperforms rivals with pro-grade clarity and intuitive controls.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video at 60fps: Capture ultra-smooth, high-resolution footage effortlessly.
• 12MP Sony sensor: Delivers crisp, vibrant photos in any lighting.
• Electronic Image Stabilization: Minimizes shakes for steady, professional-quality videos.
• 2.2-inch touchscreen: Navigate settings and preview shots with ease.
• Waterproof up to 40m: Dive deeper without extra housing needed.
• Voice control support: Hands-free operation simplifies recording on the go.
• Long-lasting battery: Record up to 120 minutes on a single charge.

Yi 4K Action Camera Specs Unveiled: What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’re hiking a steep mountain trail, camera in hand, ready to capture the golden sunrise over the peaks. You want crisp, smooth footage—something that truly captures the moment. That’s where the Yi 4K action camera specs come in. This little powerhouse has been turning heads since its release, not just for its price point but for what it delivers under the hood.

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a vlogger, or a parent recording your kid’s first bike ride, the Yi 4K action camera promises to be a reliable sidekick. It’s not just about the 4K resolution—it’s the whole package: battery life, stabilization, ease of use, and how it holds up in real-world conditions. In this deep dive, we’ll peel back the layers of the Yi 4K action camera specs and show you exactly what makes it tick—and where it might fall short. No fluff, no hype. Just honest insights, practical tips, and the kind of details that matter when you’re deciding if this camera is worth your hard-earned cash.

Design and Build: Rugged, Compact, and Ready for Action

Size, Weight, and Portability

The Yi 4K action camera is impressively compact. Measuring just 65.4 x 42 x 29.3 mm and weighing only 96 grams (with battery), it’s one of the lighter 4K action cams on the market. That means you can mount it on a helmet, a chest strap, or even a drone without adding noticeable bulk. I once clipped it onto my dog’s harness during a trail run—yes, really—and the footage was stable and surprisingly fun. The small size makes it ideal for travel, especially when you’re already lugging around a backpack full of gear.

Its sleek, matte black body feels solid in hand. Unlike some plastic-heavy competitors, the Yi 4K uses a polycarbonate shell with rubberized grips on the sides. It’s not just for show—those grips help with handling, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. I’ve used it while kayaking in light rain, and the camera never slipped from my grip, even with wet hands.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Now, let’s talk toughness. The Yi 4K isn’t waterproof out of the box—you’ll need the included waterproof housing for that. But the housing is a solid one: rated for depths up to 40 meters (about 130 feet), it’s more than enough for snorkeling, surfing, or shallow diving. I’ve used it in a pool, at the beach, and even during a sudden downpour, and it held up perfectly.

One thing I appreciate: the housing seals tightly with a double-latch mechanism. No flimsy clips here. Plus, the lens port is flat, not curved, which helps reduce distortion and makes lens cleaning easier. A small detail, but one that matters when you’re trying to get a clean shot after a dusty bike ride.

Button Layout and User Interface

The Yi 4K keeps things simple with three physical buttons: power, mode, and shutter. The layout is intuitive—top button for power, middle to cycle through modes (video, photo, time-lapse), and bottom to start/stop recording or take a photo. It’s easy to use with gloves on, which is a big win for winter sports or mountain biking in cold weather.

The 2.19-inch touchscreen is responsive, though it can be a bit sluggish in cold temperatures. I found that using the buttons is often faster than swiping through menus, especially when you’re in a hurry. That said, the touchscreen is bright enough to use in direct sunlight, which is a relief when you’re filming on a sunny day at the beach.

Video and Image Quality: 4K at a Fraction of the Cost

4K Video Capabilities

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: the Yi 4K action camera specs for video. It records 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30fps, which is solid for most users. But where it really shines is in 1080p mode—offering 120fps for smooth slow-motion shots. I tested this by filming my friend doing a backflip on a trampoline. At 1080p/120fps, the motion was buttery smooth, and I could slow it down to 25% speed without losing detail.

Other frame rate options include 4K at 24/25/30fps, 2.7K at 30/60fps, and 1080p at 30/60/120fps. There’s also a 720p mode at 240fps for super slow-motion—great for capturing fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or a skateboarder landing a trick.

Image Quality and Dynamic Range

The 12MP Sony IMX377 sensor is the real star here. It’s the same sensor used in the Google Pixel 2, which says a lot about its quality. In good lighting, photos are sharp, with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. I shot a sunrise over a lake, and the camera handled the bright sky and dark foreground well—no blown-out highlights or lost shadows.

But like most action cams, it struggles in low light. In dim conditions, images get noisy, and colors look flat. I tried filming at dusk, and while the 4K video was usable, it wasn’t as crisp as daytime footage. If you’re shooting at night or in a dimly lit cave, you’ll want to keep expectations realistic.

Audio Performance

The built-in microphone is… okay. It picks up clear audio in quiet environments, but it’s easily overwhelmed by wind, water, or background noise. I once recorded a mountain bike run, and the wind noise was so loud I had to mute the audio in editing. For better sound, I recommend using an external mic via the 3.5mm jack (yes, it has one!) or syncing with a separate audio recorder.

Pro tip: If you’re doing vlogging or interviews, invest in a lavalier mic. The Yi 4K supports external mics, and the audio quality improves dramatically. I used a cheap $20 mic from Amazon and noticed a huge difference in clarity and wind reduction.

Stabilization and Performance: Smooth Footage, Even on Bumpy Trails

Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)

The Yi 4K uses electronic image stabilization (EIS), not optical. That means it crops into the frame slightly to compensate for movement. In 4K mode, EIS is available at 30fps but not at 24 or 25fps. In 1080p, it works up to 60fps. I tested it on a bumpy trail run, and the footage was surprisingly stable—way better than my old GoPro without stabilization.

That said, EIS isn’t perfect. Fast, jerky movements (like jumping off a rock) can still cause minor wobble. And because it crops the image, you lose a bit of field of view. If you’re shooting wide-angle landscapes, that crop might be noticeable. But for most action shots—biking, running, skiing—it’s more than adequate.

Field of View and Lens Quality

The Yi 4K has a 155° ultra-wide-angle lens, which is great for capturing expansive scenes. It’s a fixed-focus lens, so everything from about 30cm to infinity is in focus. That’s perfect for action shots where you don’t have time to adjust focus manually.

The lens is coated to reduce glare and reflections, and I found that it does a decent job in bright conditions. However, in backlit scenes (like filming toward the sun), you might see some lens flare. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

Performance in Different Conditions

I’ve used the Yi 4K in a variety of environments: snow, rain, desert, and underwater. In snow, the camera handled cold temperatures well—no freezing or shutdowns, even at -5°C. In the desert, the lens stayed clear despite blowing sand, thanks to the tight housing seal.

One thing to note: the camera can overheat during long 4K recordings. I recorded a 45-minute time-lapse in direct sunlight, and it shut down after 30 minutes with an overheating warning. For long sessions, I recommend using 2.7K or 1080p, or taking breaks to let it cool down.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can It Last?

Battery Performance

The Yi 4K comes with a 1400mAh removable battery. Yi claims up to 120 minutes of 4K/30fps recording, but real-world results are closer to 90 minutes. I tested this by recording continuously at 4K/30fps with Wi-Fi off—I got 87 minutes before the battery died. That’s still solid for most activities.

For longer shoots, you can swap in a spare battery. The battery compartment is easy to open, and I’ve changed batteries mid-hike without any issues. Pro tip: Keep a spare in your backpack, and use a portable power bank to charge it on the go.

One downside: charging time. It takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge from zero using a standard 5V/2A charger. That’s not terrible, but if you’re in a rush, it can be frustrating. I keep two batteries charged and ready for weekend trips.

Storage Options and Compatibility

The Yi 4K supports microSD cards up to 128GB (UHS-I, Class 10 recommended). I’ve used a 64GB card, which holds about 80 minutes of 4K/30fps footage. That’s plenty for most adventures, but if you’re doing long time-lapses or multi-day trips, a 128GB card is worth it.

The camera formats cards automatically, which is convenient. But if you’re using a card from another camera, make sure it’s compatible. I once used a high-speed U3 card, and it worked flawlessly. Avoid cheap, off-brand cards—they can cause recording errors or data loss.

Power-Saving Tips

• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
• Use lower resolution (e.g., 1080p) for long recordings.
• Disable the LCD screen and use the buttons instead.
• Keep the battery warm in cold weather (store it close to your body).

Connectivity and Software: Smart Features That Actually Help

Wi-Fi and App Integration

The Yi 4K connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only, no 5GHz). The Yi Action app (iOS and Android) lets you preview, control, and download footage. I use it all the time to check framing without touching the camera—especially useful when it’s mounted on a helmet or handlebars.

The app is intuitive. You can switch modes, adjust settings, and even edit clips on your phone. I’ve trimmed videos and added music directly from the app, which saves time when I want to share something quickly on social media.

One gripe: the Wi-Fi range is limited—about 30 feet in open areas. If you’re far from the camera, the connection drops. And it can take 10-15 seconds to reconnect after turning it back on. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.

Remote Control and Accessories

The Yi 4K is compatible with the Yi Remote (sold separately), which lets you start/stop recording from up to 10 meters away. I use it for group shots or when the camera is out of reach. It’s not essential, but nice to have.

It also supports standard GoPro mounts, which is huge. You can use your existing gear—helmet mounts, chest straps, suction cups—without buying new accessories. I’ve used my old GoPro chest mount with the Yi 4K, and it works perfectly.

Firmware Updates and Software Support

Yi regularly releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance. I’ve updated my camera twice since buying it, and each update brought noticeable improvements—better battery life, faster app connection, and smoother stabilization.

The software is stable, but not perfect. Once, the app froze when trying to download a large 4K file. A quick reboot fixed it, but it’s a reminder that tech isn’t always flawless. Still, Yi’s support team is responsive—I contacted them once about a battery issue, and they sent a replacement within a week.

Comparison Table: Yi 4K vs. Key Competitors

Feature	Yi 4K	GoPro Hero 7 White	DJI Osmo Action
Max Video	4K/30fps	4K/30fps	4K/60fps
Stabilization	EIS (up to 1080p/60fps)	EIS	RockSteady (EIS + OIS)
Battery Life	90 min (4K/30fps)	80 min (4K/30fps)	90 min (4K/30fps)
Waterproof	40m (with housing)	10m (without housing)	11m (without housing)
Price (approx.)	$150	$199	$279
External Mic	Yes	No	Yes

This table shows where the Yi 4K stands. It’s not the most powerful action cam out there, but it offers excellent value. You get 4K video, solid stabilization, and external mic support—all at a price that won’t break the bank.

Final Thoughts: Is the Yi 4K Action Camera Right for You?

After months of using the Yi 4K in real-world conditions—from mountain hikes to beach days—I can say this: it’s a fantastic camera for the price. The Yi 4K action camera specs deliver strong performance in video quality, stabilization, and battery life, especially when you consider how much it costs compared to premium brands.

It’s not perfect. Low-light performance could be better. The app has occasional hiccups. And it’s not waterproof without the housing. But for most people—especially those who want a capable 4K camera without spending $300+—it’s a smart choice.

Think of it like this: If you’re a pro filmmaker or need top-tier stabilization and color grading, you might want to look at higher-end models. But if you’re like me—someone who wants to capture life’s adventures with minimal hassle and maximum value—the Yi 4K is more than up to the task.

So, is it worth it? If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on 4K video, yes. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use camera that works with your existing mounts and accessories, yes. And if you’re just getting into action filming and don’t want to overspend on your first camera, absolutely yes.

The Yi 4K isn’t trying to be the best camera on the market. It’s trying to be the best value. And in that mission, it succeeds—with flying colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key Yi 4K+ action camera specs?

The Yi 4K+ boasts a 12MP Sony IMX377 sensor, 4K video recording at 60fps, and a 2.19″ touchscreen. It also features electronic image stabilization (EIS) and supports up to 128GB microSD cards for extended storage.

Does the Yi 4K+ support live streaming?

Yes, the Yi 4K+ action camera supports real-time live streaming via Wi-Fi and the Yi Action App. This feature allows seamless broadcasting to platforms like YouTube and Facebook directly from the camera.

How long does the Yi 4K+ battery last during 4K recording?

The 1400mAh battery delivers approximately 120 minutes of continuous 4K/30fps recording. Battery life may vary depending on settings like EIS, Wi-Fi, or higher frame rates such as 4K/60fps.

Can the Yi 4K+ be used underwater without a housing?

The Yi 4K+ is splash-resistant but requires the optional waterproof housing for depths up to 40m (130ft). Always ensure the housing is properly sealed before submersion to protect your camera.

What accessories are compatible with the Yi 4K+ action camera?

The Yi 4K+ is compatible with most GoPro-style mounts and accessories, including chest harnesses, helmet mounts, and floating grips. Yi also offers proprietary accessories like external microphones and remote controls.

Does the Yi 4K+ have GPS or voice control?

The Yi 4K+ lacks built-in GPS but supports voice control for hands-free operation. Commands like “Yi, take a photo” or “Start recording” work reliably in quiet environments.