Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL Review

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL delivers rock-steady stabilization for action footage, making it a must-have for adventurers and content creators. With its lightweight design, intuitive controls, and impressive battery life, this gimbal ensures smooth, professional-quality video in any environment—all at a competitive price point.

Key Takeaways

• Stabilization excels: Delivers smooth footage even in high-motion scenarios.
• Quick setup: Effortless pairing with Xiaomi Mi Action Camera in seconds.
• Long battery life: Up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge.
• Portable design: Lightweight and foldable for easy travel and storage.
• Intuitive controls: One-button operation simplifies mode switching and recording.
• Versatile mounting: Compatible with multiple action cameras beyond Xiaomi models.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL

Let’s be honest: if you’re into vlogging, travel content, or just love capturing smooth, cinematic shots on the go, you’ve probably wrestled with shaky footage. I’ve been there—filming a sunrise hike only to end up with a wobbly mess that looked like it was shot during an earthquake. That’s why when I heard about the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL, I was intrigued. Could this affordable, compact gimbal really deliver the buttery-smooth stabilization I’d been craving without draining my bank account?

After a few weeks of testing—from bustling city streets to windy mountain trails—I’m ready to share the real scoop. This isn’t just another “gimbal review” with generic praise. I’ve put the BGX4020GL through its paces, noting what works, what doesn’t, and where it truly shines. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a content creator on a budget, or someone who just wants to level up their home videos, this review is for you. Let’s dive into what makes this Xiaomi gimbal a contender—and where it might fall short.

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

First Look: Sleek and Travel-Friendly

The moment you pull the BGX4020GL out of the box, you’ll notice how light it feels. At just 260 grams (9.2 oz), it’s one of the lightest handheld gimbals I’ve used. The matte black finish gives it a modern, minimalist vibe—no flashy logos or bulky handles. The three-axis motor system is neatly tucked into a compact frame, making it easy to toss into a backpack or even a large coat pocket.

What I loved right away: the folding mechanism. Unlike some gimbals that require disassembly or bulky cases, this one folds down to half its size. I took it on a weekend trip to the coast, and it fit perfectly in my camera bag alongside my Xiaomi Mi 1080P Action Camera. No extra bulk, no hassle.

Build Quality: Durable, but Not Indestructible

The body is made of high-quality plastic with a rubberized grip on the handle. It feels sturdy, not cheap. I accidentally dropped it once (from about knee height onto grass), and aside from a tiny scuff, it worked perfectly. That said, if you’re planning to use it in extreme conditions—like desert sandstorms or icy climbs—you’ll want to be cautious. The motors are well-protected, but the folding joints aren’t waterproof or dustproof.

Pro tip: Always lock the gimbal before folding or storing it. The quick-release plate (which holds your camera) can wobble slightly if the gimbal isn’t properly secured. I learned this the hard way when my camera nearly slipped out during transport.

Button Layout and Controls: Simple but Effective

The handle has three buttons: a power button, a mode switch, and a joystick. The joystick lets you manually tilt or pan the camera—great for quick adjustments. The mode button cycles between Pan Follow, Lock, and FPV modes (more on that later). All buttons are responsive and easy to reach with your thumb.

One small gripe: the power button is a bit stiff. It took me a few tries to turn it on the first time. But after a week, it loosened up. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Performance and Stabilization: How Smooth Is It, Really?

Three-Axis Stabilization: The Real MVP

The BGX4020GL uses a three-axis motor system (pitch, roll, and yaw) to eliminate shakes. In real-world tests, it’s impressive. I filmed while walking down a cobblestone street—normally a nightmare for handheld shots—and the footage was so smooth, it looked like I was using a dolly. Even when I jogged (yes, I tried it), the gimbal kept the horizon level.

Here’s a practical example: I shot a 10-minute video of a busy market, weaving through crowds and stopping to interview vendors. The gimbal adjusted instantly to my movements, and the final video had zero wobble. For context, my old phone gimbal struggled with this scenario, often drifting or lagging behind.

Modes That Actually Work

• Pan Follow Mode: The camera follows your horizontal movements (left/right) but keeps the tilt locked. Perfect for tracking moving subjects, like a dog running through a park.

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• Lock Mode: The camera stays fixed in one position, regardless of how you move the handle. Great for static shots or when you’re walking but want the horizon level (e.g., filming a sunset).
• FPV Mode: The camera mimics your every move, ideal for dynamic angles (think: low-to-the-ground tracking shots or quick pans). I used this while filming a skateboarder, and the result was super cinematic.

One thing I wish it had: a follow focus feature. If you’re using a camera with manual focus (like the Mi 1080P), you’ll need to adjust focus separately. Not a flaw, but something to plan for.

Battery Life: All-Day Power (With a Caveat)

Xiaomi claims 8 hours of battery life. In my tests, I got about 6.5 hours of continuous use. That’s still solid for most shoots. I filmed a full-day event (from 9 AM to 3 PM) with breaks, and it lasted the whole time. The battery charges via USB-C, and a full charge takes ~2 hours.

But here’s the catch: the battery isn’t removable. If you’re filming a multi-day trek, you’ll need a power bank. The gimbal can’t be used while charging, which is a bummer if you’re in a pinch.

Compatibility: Works With Your Gear (Mostly)

Designed for Xiaomi, But Not Exclusively

The BGX4020GL is built for Xiaomi action cameras (like the Mi 1080P and 4K models), but it’s not limited to them. The quick-release plate has a standard 1/4”-20 screw, so you can attach most action cams, mirrorless cameras, or even smartphones with a cage.

I tested it with:

• Xiaomi Mi 1080P Action Camera (perfect fit)
• GoPro Hero 9 (worked, but needed a small counterweight for balance)
• Sony ZV-1 (too heavy—caused motor strain after 10 minutes)

Key takeaway: It’s best for cameras under 200g. Anything heavier (like DSLRs) will stress the motors and drain the battery faster.

Balancing Act: Why It Matters

Balancing your camera is crucial. If it’s too heavy on one side, the gimbal will struggle to stabilize. The BGX4020GL has a sliding arm and adjustable plate, making it easy to get the balance right. I spent about 5 minutes setting it up with my Xiaomi camera—no tools needed.

Tip: Always balance your camera before turning on the gimbal. If it’s unbalanced, the motors will overwork, which can cause overheating or shutdowns. I learned this when I rushed a setup and the gimbal shut down mid-shot.

Smartphone Use: A Mixed Bag

You can use this with a smartphone (via a cage), but it’s not ideal. The gimbal’s motors are tuned for action cams, so phones can feel a bit jerky. Plus, the handle isn’t ergonomic for phone use—your fingers get tired holding it for long. If you’re a smartphone shooter, consider a dedicated phone gimbal instead.

Ease of Use: A Gimbal for Beginners (and Pros)

Setup: Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Out of the box, setup is straightforward. Attach your camera, balance it, turn on the gimbal, and you’re good to go. No app required (though there is one—more on that below). The LED indicator lights are helpful: blue for power, red for low battery, and flashing for errors.

I handed it to my non-tech-savvy cousin, and she had it up and running in 10 minutes. That’s a win for accessibility.

The App: Helpful, but Not Essential

Xiaomi’s Mi Gimbal app (iOS/Android) lets you:

• Adjust motor strength and sensitivity
• Update firmware
• Calibrate the gimbal
• Switch modes remotely

The app works well, but I rarely used it. The physical buttons are so intuitive that I didn’t need the app for everyday shooting. That said, if you’re tweaking settings for a specific scene (e.g., lowering motor sensitivity for smoother pans), the app is handy.

Learning Curve: Minimal

You don’t need to be a gimbal expert to use this. The modes are easy to understand, and the joystick is responsive without being twitchy. I did notice a slight lag in FPV mode when making rapid movements, but it’s minor. For beginners, this is a great entry point into gimbal shooting.

Pro tip: Practice “smooth walking” techniques. Even the best gimbal can’t fix jerky steps. Try to walk with bent knees and keep your arms steady. It makes a huge difference.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price?

Price Point: Budget-Friendly, Not Cheap

The BGX4020GL retails for around $120–$150, depending on the region. That’s significantly cheaper than premium gimbals (like DJI or Zhiyun), which can cost $300+. For the price, it delivers solid performance.

Let’s break down the value:

Feature	Performance	Value Score (1-5)
Stabilization	Excellent for action cams	5
Portability	Folds small, lightweight	5
Battery Life	6.5 hours (not removable)	4
Compatibility	Best for Xiaomi, works with others	4
Build Quality	Durable, but not rugged	4
Price	$120–$150	5

Compared to the DJI OM 6 (a popular phone gimbal), the BGX4020GL is $50 cheaper and offers better stabilization for action cams. But if you need advanced features (like object tracking or app-based editing), DJI’s ecosystem might be worth the extra cost.

Who Should Buy It?

This gimbal is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious creators who want pro-level stabilization
• Travel vloggers who need a compact, lightweight tool
• Xiaomi camera users (it’s tailor-made for them)

Who should skip it?

• DSLR/mirrorless shooters (it’s not powerful enough)
• Smartphone-only users (get a phone gimbal instead)
• Extreme adventurers (it’s not waterproof or shockproof)

Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem for Action Shots

After weeks of testing, I’m genuinely impressed with the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL. It’s not perfect—the non-removable battery and lack of ruggedness are limitations—but for the price, it punches way above its weight. The stabilization is rock-solid, the design is travel-friendly, and the learning curve is gentle enough for beginners.

Is it better than premium gimbals? In some ways, yes—especially for action cam users. It’s more affordable, more portable, and just as effective at smoothing out shakes. But if you need advanced features (like AI tracking or 4K app control), you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Here’s my final advice: If you own a Xiaomi action camera, this gimbal is a no-brainer. It’s the missing piece to your kit. And if you’re a content creator on a budget, it’s one of the best value-for-money stabilizers out there. Just don’t expect it to replace a $500 rig.

At the end of the day, the BGX4020GL proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get smooth, professional-looking footage. Sometimes, the best gear is the kind that just works—no fuss, no frills, just results. And that’s exactly what this gimbal delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL?

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL is a 3-axis stabilizer designed specifically for action cameras, including Xiaomi’s own Mi Action Camera. It reduces shake and delivers smooth footage for dynamic shooting scenarios like sports or travel vlogging.

Is the BGX4020GL compatible with non-Xiaomi action cameras?

Yes, the gimbal supports most action cameras with a standard mounting system, including GoPro models and other popular brands. However, optimal performance is achieved when paired with Xiaomi’s Mi Action Camera.

How long does the battery last on the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL?

The built-in 1000mAh battery offers up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage intensity and camera weight.

Can I adjust the gimbal’s settings via an app?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal BGX4020GL connects to the Mi Home app, allowing you to customize motor strength, follow speed, and calibration settings for tailored stabilization.

Does the BGX4020GL support vertical shooting or selfie mode?

Yes, the gimbal features a quick-release design and multiple mounting options, enabling easy switching between horizontal and vertical shooting—ideal for social media content creators using the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera.

Is the gimbal water-resistant or suitable for outdoor use?

While the gimbal itself is not waterproof, it features a durable, weather-resistant design that handles light rain and dust. For full protection, pair it with a waterproof housing for your action camera.