Akaso Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi Action Camera Battery Review Tips and Performance Insights

The Akaso Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi action camera delivers impressive battery life, lasting up to 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording, making it a reliable choice for adventurers and content creators. With swappable 1050mAh batteries and efficient power management, it outperforms many budget rivals, though carrying spares is wise for extended shoots. Quick charging and low-power modes further enhance its versatility.

Key Takeaways

• Long battery life: Up to 90 minutes of 4K recording per charge.
• Swappable batteries: Carry spares for extended shooting sessions effortlessly.
• Quick charge support: Replenish power in under 2 hours via USB-C.
• Low-battery alerts: Timely notifications prevent unexpected shutdowns during use.
• Optimize settings: Lower resolution or disable WiFi to conserve battery life.
• Storage tip: Remove batteries when not in use for long periods.

Why the Akaso Brave 4 Battery Is the Unsung Hero of Your Adventures

Let’s be honest: no one buys an action camera just to look at it on a shelf. You’re after capturing real moments—whether you’re skydiving, hiking a remote trail, or just chasing your toddler around the backyard. But here’s the catch: all that excitement means one thing—your camera’s battery is going to drain fast.

I learned this the hard way during a weekend kayaking trip. My Akaso Brave 4 was recording stunning 4K footage of dolphins swimming alongside us, but halfway through, the battery died. I missed the best part. That’s when I realized: the camera might be the star, but the battery is the unsung hero that keeps the show running. If you’re serious about capturing every moment, understanding the Akaso Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi action camera battery isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Understanding the Akaso Brave 4 Battery: Specs and Real-World Expectations

What’s Inside the Battery?

The Akaso Brave 4 comes with a 1050mAh lithium-ion battery, which might sound small compared to smartphone batteries, but for an action cam, it’s fairly standard. It’s removable, which is a huge plus—you can carry spares without needing to lug around a power bank or wait for a recharge mid-adventure.

Here’s what the specs don’t tell you: the battery’s performance changes drastically based on how you use the camera. For example, if you’re recording in 4K at 30fps with WiFi and image stabilization turned on, you’ll burn through power faster than if you’re shooting 1080p at 60fps with everything else off.

• Battery capacity: 1050mAh
• Voltage: 3.7V
• Removable: Yes (huge advantage over fixed batteries)
• Charge time: ~2 hours with the included USB cable

Real-World Battery Life: What You Can Actually Expect

Let’s cut through the marketing fluff. Akaso claims up to 90 minutes of recording time, but in my experience, that’s only true under ideal conditions—low resolution, no WiFi, no stabilization, and cool temperatures.

Here’s what I found after testing across different scenarios:

• 4K 30fps, WiFi off, stabilization off: ~70–75 minutes
• 4K 30fps, WiFi on (for live preview), stabilization on: ~50–55 minutes
• 1080p 60fps, all features off: ~85–90 minutes
• Using WiFi to transfer files to phone: drains battery 20–30% faster during transfer

Pro tip: If you’re planning a long shoot (like a full-day hike), don’t rely on one battery. I always pack two extras. It’s saved me more than once.

Battery Performance in Different Conditions: Heat, Cold, and Motion

How Heat Affects Battery Life

Heat is a silent battery killer. I once left my Brave 4 in direct sunlight while setting up a time-lapse. The camera was in standby mode, but after 30 minutes, the battery had dropped from 100% to 78%. Lithium-ion batteries hate heat—it accelerates chemical reactions inside, causing faster discharge and long-term damage.

Tips to manage heat:

• Never leave your camera in a hot car or in direct sunlight for long periods.
• If you’re recording in hot weather, use a shade or reflective cover (even a white cloth helps).
• Turn off WiFi and screen when not actively using them—both generate heat.

One time, I shot a mountain biking video in 90°F weather. I kept the camera in my backpack between runs and turned off WiFi. Battery life lasted 65 minutes instead of the expected 50—a noticeable improvement.

Cold Weather: The Biggest Challenge

Cold is even worse than heat. I took my Brave 4 on a winter ski trip, and the battery life dropped to just 35 minutes in 20°F (-6°C) conditions. Cold slows down the chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries, reducing their effective capacity.

But there’s a fix: keep the battery warm when not in use. I started carrying a spare battery in an inner pocket of my jacket, close to my body. When I needed to swap, I’d let the cold battery warm up for a few minutes before reinserting it. This trick added 10–15 minutes of life per battery.

Another tip: if you’re doing time-lapses in cold weather, use a battery-powered external power bank with a USB cable. It’s bulkier, but it works.

Motion and Vibration: The Hidden Drain

You might not think about it, but constant motion (like mountain biking or running) can slightly reduce battery life. Why? The camera’s image stabilization system works harder, and the internal components vibrate, causing tiny power fluctuations.

During a trail run, I recorded 4K with stabilization on. The battery lasted 52 minutes—5 minutes less than a similar session on flat ground. Not a huge difference, but it adds up over time.

Takeaway: If you’re in a high-vibration environment, consider turning off stabilization when you don’t absolutely need it (e.g., smooth bike paths).

Maximizing Battery Life: Practical Tips and Hacks

Optimize Settings for Longer Life

Not all 4K is created equal. If you’re not editing in post-production, you don’t need the highest bitrate. Lowering the resolution or frame rate can significantly extend battery life.

Here’s a real example: I shot a 2-hour hiking video. For the first hour, I used 4K 30fps with stabilization on. For the second, I switched to 1080p 60fps with stabilization off. The second battery lasted 15 minutes longer—and the footage was still sharp enough for social media.

Settings that save battery:

• Turn off WiFi: Saves 10–15% per hour
• Disable screen: The LCD is a major drain. Use the camera in “screen off” mode and rely on the mobile app for framing.
• Lower screen brightness: If you must use the screen, keep it at 50% or lower.
• Use 1080p instead of 4K: Saves ~20% battery per hour
• Turn off image stabilization: Saves 5–10% per hour

Smart Charging Habits

How you charge your battery affects its long-term health. I used to leave batteries plugged in overnight, thinking it wouldn’t matter. But over time, I noticed a drop in capacity—my “full” charge was only lasting 60 minutes instead of 75.

Best practices for charging:

• Avoid 100% charge: Lithium-ion batteries last longer when kept between 20% and 80%. If you’re storing spares, charge them to 50%.
• Use the right charger: Stick to the included USB cable or a low-power wall adapter (5V/1A). Fast chargers can damage the battery.
• Don’t charge in hot environments: Charging generates heat. Avoid charging in direct sunlight or hot cars.

One hack I use: I charge batteries to 80% right before a trip. It gives me enough juice for the day, and the batteries stay healthier long-term.

Carry the Right Accessories

Spare batteries are a no-brainer, but what about power banks? I carry a 20,000mAh Anker power bank that can charge my Brave 4 battery three times on a single charge. It’s heavy, but it’s worth it for multi-day trips.

For longer adventures, consider a solar charger (like the BigBlue 28W). It’s slow, but it works in a pinch. I used one during a 5-day backpacking trip and was able to recharge my batteries twice using only sunlight.

Comparing the Brave 4 Battery to Competitors

How Does It Stack Up Against GoPro?

Let’s compare the Akaso Brave 4 battery to the GoPro Hero 11’s 1720mAh battery. The GoPro has a larger battery, but it also has a bigger sensor, more features, and a higher price tag. In real-world use, the GoPro lasts about 85 minutes at 4K 30fps—only 10–15 minutes longer than the Brave 4.

But here’s the catch: the GoPro’s battery is not removable. You can’t carry spares. So while the GoPro has a bigger battery, the Brave 4’s removable design gives it a huge practical advantage. I’d rather carry two 1050mAh batteries than one 1720mAh battery that can’t be swapped.

Vs. DJI Osmo Action 3

The DJI Osmo Action 3 has a 1770mAh battery and lasts about 150 minutes in 4K. That’s impressive, but again, the battery isn’t removable. DJI offers a “battery handle” accessory, but it’s expensive and bulky.

The Brave 4’s 1050mAh battery might seem small, but its modularity makes it more flexible. I can swap batteries in seconds, and I don’t need to buy extra accessories to extend life.

Third-Party Batteries: Are They Worth It?

You’ll find cheaper third-party batteries on Amazon, but I’ve had mixed results. One brand lasted only 40 minutes in 4K—half the life of the official Akaso battery. Another overheated and shut down mid-recording.

My advice? Stick with official Akaso batteries for reliability. If you need more, buy a 2- or 3-pack from a reputable seller. The peace of mind is worth the extra cost.

Data Table: Battery Life by Scenario

Scenario	Resolution/FPS	WiFi	Stabilization	Expected Battery Life
Casual vlogging (indoors)	1080p 30fps	Off	Off	~90 minutes
Outdoor adventure (hiking)	4K 30fps	Off	On	~60 minutes
Action sports (mountain biking)	4K 30fps	On (live preview)	On	~50 minutes
Winter sports (skiing)	4K 30fps	Off	On	~35 minutes (cold weather)
Time-lapse (daytime)	4K 30fps	Off	Off	~70 minutes (with screen off)
File transfer (to phone)	N/A	On	Off	~40 minutes (while transferring)

Note: Battery life varies based on temperature, motion, and battery age.

Final Thoughts: Is the Akaso Brave 4 Battery Right for You?

The Akaso Brave 4’s 1050mAh battery isn’t the biggest on the market, but it’s smartly designed for real-world use. The fact that it’s removable is a game-changer. I’ve used action cameras with bigger batteries, but I’ve never felt as confident as I do with the Brave 4 and a couple of spares in my bag.

Yes, there are limitations. Cold weather kills battery life, and heavy use (like WiFi and 4K) drains it fast. But with the right settings, charging habits, and accessories, you can easily get through a full day of shooting.

If you’re a casual user who records short clips here and there, one battery might be enough. But if you’re an adventurer, vlogger, or content creator, invest in at least two spares. Pair them with a power bank, and you’ll never miss a moment again.

At the end of the day, the Akaso Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi action camera battery isn’t perfect—but it’s practical, affordable, and flexible. And for most people, that’s exactly what they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Akaso Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi action camera battery last on a single charge?

The standard 1050mAh battery delivers approximately 90 minutes of 4K video recording or 120 minutes in 1080p mode. Battery life varies based on settings like Wi-Fi usage, screen brightness, and temperature conditions.

Can I use third-party batteries with the Akaso Brave 4 action camera?

Yes, but AKASO recommends using their OEM batteries to ensure optimal performance and safety. Third-party batteries may fit, but inconsistent voltage or capacity can affect recording stability and battery lifespan.

Does the Akaso Brave 4 support charging while recording or powering via external battery packs?

Absolutely. The camera supports USB-powered recording, allowing you to connect it to a power bank or outlet for extended use. This is ideal for time-lapses, live streaming, or long outdoor sessions without swapping batteries.

How do I maximize the battery life of my Akaso Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi action camera?

Disable Wi-Fi, GPS, and the screen when not needed, and lower the screen brightness. Using lower resolutions (like 1080p) and keeping the camera cool also helps extend battery performance during shoots.

Are spare batteries for the Akaso Brave 4 worth buying, and how many should I get?

Yes, especially for travel or all-day filming. AKASO sells 2-battery kits with a dual charger, which is cost-effective. For heavy 4K use, 2–3 spare batteries ensure uninterrupted shooting.

How long does it take to fully charge the Akaso Brave 4 camera battery?

The OEM battery takes about 2–3 hours to charge fully via a standard USB charger. Using a dual charger allows simultaneous charging of two batteries, saving time during extended adventures.