Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set Review

The Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set delivers exceptional value by combining rugged, waterproof protection up to 40 meters with crystal-clear video performance in a sleek, travel-ready design. Perfect for adventurers, this all-in-one kit ensures your Yi Lite stays safe during diving, surfing, or trail action—without sacrificing image quality or ease of use.

Key Takeaways

• Waterproof protection: Safeguards camera up to 40m underwater.
• Lightweight design: Enhances portability without added bulk.
• Secure fit: Snug case prevents accidental openings during action.
• Clear visuals: High-transparency lens ensures crisp photo and video quality.
• Easy access: Buttons remain fully functional through the case.
• All-weather use: Reliable performance in rain, snow, or dust.

Why the Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set Deserves Your Attention

If you’ve ever tried capturing underwater footage with an action camera that wasn’t properly protected, you know how quickly a fun adventure can turn into a costly mistake. I’ve been there—snorkeling in the Maldives, camera in hand, only to realize too late that my housing wasn’t sealed tight enough. The result? A water-damaged unit and zero usable footage. That’s why, when I first laid eyes on the Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set, I was intrigued. Not just for its sleek black design, but for its promise of rugged, reliable protection—without the hefty price tag of premium brands like GoPro.

This set isn’t just another waterproof housing; it’s a complete package tailored for the Xiaomi Yi Lite, offering versatility, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel vlogger, or a parent capturing your kid’s first swim, this camera and case combo aims to deliver crisp, stable footage in environments where most smartphones and standard cameras fail. Over the past few months, I’ve tested it in everything from light rain to snorkeling dives, and even mounted it on my bike during a muddy trail ride. In this review, I’ll walk you through the real-world performance, design details, and whether it’s truly worth your investment—especially if you’re looking for an affordable yet capable action camera system.

Unboxing and First Impressions: What You Get in the Box

What’s Included in the Set

Right off the bat, the Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set feels like a complete package. The box contains:

• The Xiaomi Yi Lite action camera (16MP sensor, 1080p video at 60fps)
• A rugged black waterproof case (rated to 40 meters/130 feet)
• A flat adhesive mount and a curved mount (for helmets or uneven surfaces)
• A quick-release buckle and thumb screw
• A lens cleaning cloth and user manual

No extra cables or batteries are included, which might be a bummer if you’re new to action cameras. But if you’re upgrading from an older model or already have a microSD card and USB cable, you’re good to go.

Build Quality and Design

The waterproof case is made of polycarbonate and features a dual-latch system with a rubber O-ring seal. It feels solid—no flexing or creaking. The black finish gives it a stealthy, professional look, and the matte texture resists fingerprints. One standout feature is the integrated lens port, which is optically clear and doesn’t introduce distortion. I’ve used cheaper cases before where the lens cover was warped or scratched easily—this one stays clear even after being tossed in my backpack.

The camera itself is compact (about the size of a matchbox) and lightweight. It has a 2-inch LCD screen on the back, which is a nice touch for framing shots without needing a phone. The buttons are tactile and easy to press, even with gloves on. The only minor gripe: the battery door is a bit stiff at first, but it loosens up after a few uses.

Initial Setup Tips

• Before first use, charge the camera fully (takes about 2 hours via USB).
• Insert a microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended for smooth 1080p video).
• Pair the camera with the Yi app (available for iOS and Android) to access remote control and live preview.
• Test the waterproof seal by submerging the case in a bowl of water for 10 minutes—no leaks, no fogging.

Pro tip: Always check the O-ring for dust or hair before closing the case. A tiny speck can compromise the seal.

Performance and Image Quality: How It Captures the Real World

Video and Photo Resolution

The Yi Lite shoots 1080p video at 60fps and 720p at 120fps (slow motion). While it doesn’t offer 4K, the 1080p footage is sharp, with good color reproduction. In daylight, the dynamic range is decent—clouds aren’t blown out, and shadows retain detail. Here’s a real-world example: I recorded a sunrise hike in the Pacific Northwest. The camera handled the mix of bright sky and dark forest well, though the auto-exposure occasionally struggled when panning quickly.

For photos, the 16MP sensor captures clear, detailed images. The wide 155° field of view (FOV) is great for landscapes and group shots, but it does introduce barrel distortion—straight lines curve outward at the edges. You can correct this in post-processing (using apps like Adobe Lightroom), but it’s not a big deal for casual users.

Low-Light and Night Performance

This is where the Yi Lite shows its budget roots. In low light (think dusk or indoor pools), the image gets grainy, and colors wash out. The camera lacks a night mode or manual ISO controls, so you’re stuck with auto settings. I tried recording a bonfire party at night—the flames were bright, but the faces of people sitting around were dark and noisy. For low-light use, you’ll need to add external lighting or stick to well-lit environments.

Stabilization and Audio

The Yi Lite doesn’t have built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS), so shaky hands or rough terrain will show in your footage. That said, the waterproof case’s design helps a bit—the polycarbonate shell absorbs some vibrations. For smoother video, I used a chest mount or a small gimbal. Audio quality is… passable. The built-in mic picks up wind noise easily, and underwater recordings sound muffled. If you’re doing vlogs or interviews, consider an external mic (though you’d need to remove the case, which defeats the waterproofing).

Practical Example: Snorkeling Test

I took the camera to a coral reef in Thailand. The case held up perfectly at 10 meters (33 feet), with no leaks or pressure issues. Colors underwater were vibrant, and the wide FOV captured schools of fish without cropping. The only hiccup: the LCD screen is hard to see in bright sunlight, so I relied on the Yi app to frame my shots. Tip: Use the app’s “flip screen” feature to see the preview upside-down, which helps when holding the camera below water.

Durability and Waterproofing: Built for Adventure

40-Meter Waterproof Rating: Is It Real?

Yes, the 40-meter (130-foot) rating is legitimate—but with caveats. The case is rated for static pressure, meaning it can handle being submerged at that depth for short periods (like snorkeling or free diving). It’s not designed for scuba diving at depth for hours, nor for high-speed water sports like jet skiing (where water pressure is dynamic and much higher). I tested it at 15 meters (50 feet) during a dive in the Caribbean, and it performed flawlessly. No fogging, no condensation, no leaks.

Impact and Scratch Resistance

The case survived multiple drops (onto concrete, rocks, and sand) without a scratch. The lens port is recessed, so it’s less likely to get scratched when placed on a table. The camera’s body has a rubberized coating, which adds grip and protects against minor bumps. One time, I accidentally left the camera in my backpack with keys and sunglasses—zero damage. However, the LCD screen is exposed when the case is open, so keep a screen protector handy.

Temperature and Environmental Limits

The Yi Lite works in temperatures from -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F). I used it in the desert (40°C/104°F) and during a snowy hike (-5°C/23°F). The battery life dropped slightly in the cold (more on that below), but the camera never froze or crashed. The case’s O-ring is made of silicone, which can degrade over time if exposed to extreme heat or harsh chemicals (like sunscreen). Rinse it with fresh water after each use, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Battery Life and Storage: What You Need to Know

Battery Performance

The Yi Lite has a 1400mAh removable battery. In my tests:

• 1080p/60fps: ~80 minutes of continuous recording
• 720p/120fps: ~60 minutes
• With Wi-Fi and app connected: ~50 minutes

That’s solid for a budget camera, but not class-leading. If you’re filming long events (like a marathon or a full day of hiking), pack a spare battery or a portable charger. The battery charges via micro-USB, which is slower than USB-C but widely compatible. A full charge takes 2 hours.

Storage and File Management

The camera uses microSD cards up to 64GB (UHS-I recommended). It saves videos in MP4 format and photos in JPEG. File sizes:

• 1080p/60fps: ~1GB per 4 minutes
• 720p/120fps: ~1GB per 6 minutes
• 16MP photo: ~5MB per image

With a 64GB card, you can store about 4 hours of 1080p video or 12,000 photos. The Yi app helps manage files—you can delete clips or transfer them to your phone wirelessly. Just note: transferring 100MB of video takes about 2 minutes over Wi-Fi.

Data Table: Battery and Storage Comparison

Feature	Xiaomi Yi Lite	GoPro Hero 11 (Budget Alternative)	Akaso Brave 7 (Budget Alternative)
Battery Life (1080p/60fps)	80 minutes	120 minutes	90 minutes
Max Storage	64GB	512GB	256GB
Charging Port	Micro-USB	USB-C	USB-C
Waterproof Depth (with case)	40 meters	10 meters (10m without case)	40 meters

User Experience and App Integration: Simplicity Meets Functionality

Yi App: Remote Control and Live Preview

The Yi app (free on iOS and Android) is surprisingly robust. It lets you:

• Control the camera remotely (start/stop recording, change settings)
• Preview the camera’s view in real time (with a slight 1-second lag)
• Adjust resolution, FOV, and exposure
• Download and edit clips on your phone

The app connects via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only—no 5GHz support). Pairing is quick, but the connection can drop if you walk more than 10 meters away. I used the app to set up a time-lapse of a sunset—just placed the camera on a rock, walked away, and controlled it from my picnic blanket. The live preview was helpful for framing, though the lag made it tricky to capture fast-moving subjects.

Ease of Use for Beginners

The Yi Lite is beginner-friendly. The menu is intuitive, with big icons and clear labels. The LCD screen makes it easy to navigate settings without a phone. However, some advanced features (like manual white balance or audio input) aren’t available. If you’re a pro videographer, you might feel limited. But for casual users, it’s a breeze.

Accessory Compatibility

The waterproof case uses a standard 1/4”-20 tripod thread on the bottom, so it’s compatible with most action camera mounts (including GoPro-style ones). I used it with a chest harness, a suction cup mount for my car, and a small tripod. The quick-release buckle makes it easy to switch between mounts. One downside: the case doesn’t have a built-in cold shoe for external mics or lights, so you’ll need a separate adapter.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Set?

After months of testing, the Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set has earned its spot in my adventure gear. It’s not perfect—no camera is—but it delivers where it counts: durability, ease of use, and solid image quality for the price. Here’s who I’d recommend it to:

• Budget-conscious adventurers: At under $100, it’s a fraction of the cost of GoPro or DJI.
• Travelers and vloggers: The compact size and waterproof case make it ideal for capturing memories in rain, snow, or water.
• Beginners: The simple menu and app integration help new users get started quickly.

But it’s not for everyone. If you need 4K video, advanced stabilization, or professional-grade audio, look elsewhere. The Yi Lite is a practical, no-frills tool—not a luxury gadget.

My favorite use case? Capturing my dog’s first beach trip. I mounted the camera to his harness (using the curved adhesive mount) and let him run wild. The footage was shaky, yes, but it was full of joy—and the case survived saltwater, sand, and a few playful bites. That’s the real value of this set: it’s built for real life, not just Instagram perfection.

In a market flooded with overpriced action cameras, the Xiaomi Yi Lite stands out for its balance of affordability, reliability, and versatility. If you’re ready to start documenting your adventures without breaking the bank, this set is a smart, trustworthy choice. Just remember: rinse it after use, check the O-ring, and always have a spare battery. With those habits, this little camera will serve you well for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera Black Waterproof Case Set truly waterproof?

Yes, the included waterproof case is rated for depths up to 40 meters (130 feet), making it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and underwater adventures. Always double-check the case seals before submersion.

Does the Xiaomi Yi Lite perform well in low-light conditions?

The camera captures 1080p video and 16MP photos, but its small sensor struggles in very low light. For best results, use it in well-lit environments or with external lighting accessories.

Can I use the Xiaomi Yi Lite without the waterproof case?

Yes, the camera itself is splash-resistant but not fully waterproof. The case is required for submersion or extreme weather. The lightweight design works well for casual outdoor use without the case.

Does this set include a mount for helmets or bikes?

Yes, the bundle typically includes a basic adhesive mount and a bike handlebar mount. For helmet use, you may need to purchase a dedicated helmet mount separately for optimal angles.

How long does the battery last on the Xiaomi Yi Lite?

The built-in 1400mAh battery lasts approximately 120 minutes of continuous 1080p recording. Carry spare batteries for extended filming sessions, as the battery isn’t removable.

Is the Xiaomi Yi Lite compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, the camera uses a standard GoPro-style mount interface, making it compatible with most third-party GoPro accessories. This adds versatility for users with existing gear.