Xiaomi Mi Action 4K Camera Compare Top Features and Performance

The Xiaomi Mi Action 4K Camera delivers exceptional 4K video quality and smooth stabilization, rivaling premium action cams at a fraction of the price. With standout features like voice control, waterproof design, and long battery life, it’s a top contender for adventurers and content creators alike. This comparison reveals how it outperforms competitors in value and real-world performance.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video quality: Delivers sharp, vibrant footage in most lighting conditions.
• Rock-solid stabilization: Built-in EIS ensures smooth video even during high-motion activities.
• Long battery life: Lasts up to 120 minutes, ideal for extended outdoor use.
• Waterproof design: No housing needed up to 40m, perfect for underwater adventures.
• Dual-screen setup: Front screen simplifies selfies and vlogging effortlessly.
• Value for money: Packed with premium features at a competitive price point.

Why the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K Camera Compare Matters in Today’s World

Let’s face it—we’re all chasing that perfect shot. Whether it’s your kid’s first bike ride without training wheels, a sunrise hike with friends, or a spontaneous road trip to the coast, we want to capture those moments in stunning detail. That’s where action cameras come in. And among the sea of options, the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera compare stands out as a hot topic for good reason. Xiaomi, known for offering high-tech gear at wallet-friendly prices, has entered the action camera game with a bang. But how does it really stack up against the competition? And more importantly—does it deliver on the promises of 4K clarity, durability, and ease of use?

I remember the first time I tried to film a mountain biking trip with an older action camera. The footage was grainy, the stabilization was shaky, and the battery died halfway through. I came home with nothing but frustration and a few shaky clips. Fast forward a few years, and I’ve tested multiple action cams, including the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K. What struck me wasn’t just the price tag (which is impressively low), but how many features Xiaomi packed into such a compact device. This post dives deep into what makes the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K a contender, how it compares to rivals like GoPro, DJI, and Akaso, and whether it’s truly the best value in its class. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a content creator, or just someone who loves capturing life on the move, this guide will help you decide if this camera is right for you.

Xiaomi Mi Action 4K: Core Specs and Key Features

What You Get Out of the Box

Unboxing the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K feels surprisingly premium for a mid-tier camera. You get the camera itself, a waterproof housing (rated up to 40 meters), a curved and flat adhesive mount, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick-start guide. No fancy extras like a selfie stick or spare battery, but that’s to be expected at this price point. The camera has a sleek, minimalist design—black matte finish, compact body, and a 2-inch touchscreen on the back. It feels solid in the hand, and the buttons are tactile and responsive.

One thing I appreciated right away: the screen is bright and responsive, even in direct sunlight. I tested it during a midday hike, and I could still see the preview clearly. The touchscreen isn’t as fluid as a smartphone, but it’s more than enough for navigating menus and reviewing clips.

4K Video and Image Quality: Is It Really 4K?

The headline feature is, of course, 4K video recording at 30fps. It also supports 1080p at 60fps and 120fps (slow motion), and 720p at 240fps for ultra-slow-mo effects. In good lighting, the 4K footage is sharp and vibrant. Colors are accurate, not oversaturated like some budget cams. I shot a beach sunset, and the gradients of orange and pink were rendered beautifully. However, in low-light conditions—like a dimly lit concert or evening walk—the footage gets grainy. This is a common trade-off in action cams under $200, and Xiaomi is no exception.

For stills, the 12MP sensor captures crisp images in daylight. But don’t expect DSLR-level quality. It’s great for social media, but if you’re printing large photos, you might notice noise. One tip: use the “Photo” mode instead of “Burst” for better detail. I made the mistake of using burst during a fireworks show and ended up with motion blur in most shots.

Image Stabilization: How Smooth Is It?

Xiaomi claims electronic image stabilization (EIS) using a 6-axis gyroscope. In real-world use, it’s decent but not perfect. On a bike ride over rough terrain, the footage was smoother than older budget cams, but not as buttery as GoPro’s HyperSmooth. There’s still a bit of wobble in fast turns. That said, for walking, hiking, or casual biking, it’s more than adequate. A pro tip: pair it with a handlebar or chest mount for even better stabilization.

I also tested it while skateboarding. The camera stayed steady during straight paths, but sharp turns introduced slight jello effect (wavy distortion). It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re into extreme sports.

Xiaomi Mi Action 4K vs. The Competition: A Direct Comparison

GoPro HERO10 Black: The Premium Benchmark

Let’s get this out of the way: GoPro is the gold standard. The HERO10 Black shoots 5.3K video, has HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization, and a rugged, modular design. It’s also three times the price of the Xiaomi. So, is it worth the extra cost?

For pros or serious content creators—yes. The HERO10 handles low light better, has superior dynamic range, and offers more advanced settings (like ProTune for manual control). But for casual users, the difference isn’t always noticeable. I compared side-by-side clips of a waterfall. In daylight, both were stunning. In shadowed areas, GoPro retained more detail, but Xiaomi wasn’t far behind. Unless you’re editing for YouTube or selling footage, Xiaomi holds its own.

DJI Osmo Action 4: The Rising Star

DJI’s Osmo Action 4 is Xiaomi’s closest competitor. It has a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor (vs. Xiaomi’s 1/2.3-inch), which means better low-light performance. In a side-by-side night test, DJI captured cleaner footage with less noise. It also has dual screens (front and back), which is great for vloggers. But again, it costs about $50–$70 more.

Where Xiaomi wins: price and simplicity. The interface is easier to navigate, and the app (Mi Action) is more intuitive than DJI’s. I found myself fumbling with DJI’s settings, while Xiaomi’s menu felt like a breeze. Also, Xiaomi’s battery life is slightly better (105 minutes vs. 90 minutes in 4K mode).

Akaso Brave 7 LE: The Budget King

Akaso is another budget-friendly brand, and the Brave 7 LE is often compared to Xiaomi. It has a front screen, 4K video, and dual batteries in the box. But the image quality? Not quite there. Colors look washed out, and stabilization is hit-or-miss. Xiaomi’s sensor and processing give it a clear edge in clarity and color accuracy.

One area where Akaso wins: accessories. The Brave 7 LE comes with three mounts, a remote, and two batteries. Xiaomi only includes one mount and one battery. If you’re planning long shoots, you’ll want to buy extras—adding to the effective cost.

Insta360 GO 3: For the Ultra-Compact Crowd

If you’re into tiny, wearable cameras, the Insta360 GO 3 is a fun option. But it’s not a true 4K action cam. It’s designed for quick clips and unique angles, not high-res footage. Xiaomi wins here for versatility and resolution.

Real-World Performance: Where Xiaomi Shines (and Stumbles)

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and Water Sports

I took the Xiaomi on a 3-day backpacking trip in the Rockies. It survived rain, dust, and a few accidental drops (thanks to the rugged housing). The 4K footage of alpine lakes and mountain trails was breathtaking. The camera’s wide-angle lens (145°) captured sweeping landscapes beautifully. One caveat: the housing makes the screen hard to see underwater. I had to rely on the app to frame shots while snorkeling.

For biking, the camera stayed secure on my handlebar mount. The stabilization handled bumpy trails well, though I noticed slight lag in the preview screen during rapid movements. A quick fix: switch to 1080p/60fps for smoother previewing.

Low-Light and Night Scenes

This is where Xiaomi struggles. I filmed a bonfire scene, and the footage was noisy and dark. Faces were hard to make out, and the fire’s glow looked pixelated. If you’re shooting at night, stick to 1080p mode—it’s less demanding on the sensor. Also, avoid using the “Night Mode” setting. It brightens the image but adds a lot of grain.

Pro tip: Use an external light source. I clipped a small LED to my backpack, and the difference was night and day (pun intended). The camera’s mic also picks up wind noise, so a windscreen is a must for outdoor audio.

Audio Quality: Good Enough?

The built-in mic is decent for casual use. I recorded a campfire chat, and voices were clear—though a bit muffled. For vlogging or interviews, I’d recommend an external mic. The camera doesn’t have a mic input, but you can use a wireless lavalier via the USB-C port (with an adapter).

One neat feature: wind noise reduction. It kicks in automatically and helps a lot during windy hikes. But it can’t work miracles. In gale-force winds, the audio still gets distorted.

Software and Connectivity: The App Experience

Mi Action App: Simple but Effective

The Mi Action app (iOS and Android) is where Xiaomi really shines. It connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the pairing process is fast. I had the camera linked to my phone in under a minute. The app lets you:

• Preview the camera’s live feed
• Change settings (resolution, stabilization, etc.)
• Download and edit clips
• Use your phone as a remote control

The live preview is a game-changer. I used it to frame a shot of my friend jumping into a lake—no more guessing if the camera was pointed right. The app also has basic editing tools: trim, speed up, add music. It’s not as advanced as GoPro’s Quik app, but it’s free and easy to use.

File Transfer and Storage

Clips save to a microSD card (up to 256GB, not included). Transferring files to your phone is quick via the app. I moved a 10-minute 4K video in about 2 minutes over Wi-Fi. For larger batches, I’d recommend removing the card and using a card reader—faster and doesn’t drain the camera’s battery.

One quirk: the camera doesn’t support external SSDs or cloud backup. All files are stored locally. If you lose the card, you lose the footage. Always back up regularly!

Firmware Updates and Support

Xiaomi pushes firmware updates every few months. The latest update added 4K/60fps support (previously only 30fps) and improved stabilization. Updates install via the app—no need to connect to a computer. Support is hit-or-miss. I had an issue with the app crashing, and Xiaomi’s customer service took a week to reply. Forums and Reddit have more helpful user guides.

Battery Life, Accessories, and Long-Term Value

Battery Performance: Real-World Numbers

Xiaomi claims 105 minutes of 4K recording. In my tests, it lasted 90–100 minutes with stabilization on and the screen at 50% brightness. That’s enough for a full hike or a day at the beach. But if you’re shooting 4K/60fps or using the screen constantly, expect closer to 70 minutes.

The battery is removable, which is a plus. I bought a spare for $15 and never ran out of juice. Charging is via USB-C (fully charged in ~2 hours). No fast charging, but it’s not a big deal.

Accessories: What to Buy (and What to Skip)

The included mounts are basic. For serious use, invest in:

• Helmet mount: Great for biking or skiing
• Chest harness: Smoother footage for hiking
• Floating hand grip: Prevents loss in water
• Extra battery: Essential for long shoots
• External mic: For better audio

Skip the official Xiaomi selfie stick—it’s overpriced. Third-party options on Amazon are just as good.

Long-Term Durability and Value

After 6 months of regular use, my camera still works perfectly. The lens has a few minor scratches (from being in my backpack), but the housing protects it well. The buttons and screen show no wear. For $130–$150, it’s an incredible value. You’d spend twice as much for similar features on a GoPro.

One concern: long-term software support. Xiaomi isn’t known for 5-year updates like GoPro. But for a 2–3 year lifespan, it’s a solid choice.

Final Verdict: Is the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K Right for You?

Let’s cut to the chase. The Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera compare isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the best values in the action camera market. It delivers sharp 4K video, solid stabilization, and a user-friendly app—all at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. It’s not ideal for low-light videography or extreme sports, but for 90% of users, it’s more than capable.

Here’s who should buy it:

• Casual adventurers who want great footage without breaking the bank
• Beginners learning the ropes of action videography
• Content creators on a budget (think TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts)
• Families capturing vacations, sports, and everyday moments

And who might want to look elsewhere?

• Pros needing 5.3K or advanced features (GoPro or DJI)
• Low-light videographers (DJI Osmo Action 4)
• Users wanting tons of accessories (Akaso Brave 7 LE)

At the end of the day, the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get stunning 4K footage. It’s not a GoPro killer—but it’s a GoPro alternative that punches way above its weight. So, if you’re ready to capture your next adventure in crisp, vibrant detail, this camera is worth every penny.

Comparison Data Table

Feature	Xiaomi Mi Action 4K	GoPro HERO10 Black	DJI Osmo Action 4	Akaso Brave 7 LE
Video Resolution	4K/30fps	5.3K/60fps	4K/120fps	4K/30fps
Stabilization	EIS (6-axis)	HyperSmooth 4.0	RockSteady 3.0	EIS
Battery Life (4K)	105 mins	110 mins	90 mins	120 mins (with extra battery)
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Price (USD)	$130–$150	$350–$400	$200–$220	$100–$120
Accessories Included	1 mount, 1 battery	1 mount, 1 battery	1 mount, 1 battery	3 mounts, 2 batteries, remote

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera stand out compared to other action cameras?

The Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera distinguishes itself with 4K/60fps video recording, a 1450mAh swappable battery, and advanced EIS stabilization—all at a competitive price. Its Sony IMX317 sensor ensures crisp footage even in challenging lighting conditions.

How does the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera compare to GoPro in terms of battery life?

The Xiaomi Mi Action 4K offers a 1450mAh battery (up to 120 minutes of 4K recording), outperforming many GoPro models in continuous runtime. The ability to swap batteries mid-adventure gives it an edge for extended use.

Can the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera compare with DJI Osmo Action for stabilization?

Yes, both cameras offer EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization), but the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K uses a 6-axis gyro for smoother stabilization during high-speed motion. Real-world tests show comparable performance for most action scenarios.

Is the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera waterproof without a housing?

The camera is IP68-rated for 30m underwater depth without a housing, matching rivals like the Osmo Action 3. This makes it ideal for snorkeling, surfing, and other water sports.

What accessories are compatible with the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera?

It uses standard action cam mounts (like GoPro) for seamless compatibility with third-party gear. Xiaomi also offers proprietary accessories like an external mic adapter and dive housing.

Does the Xiaomi Mi Action 4K camera compare favorably in low-light performance?

With an f/2.8 aperture and Sony IMX317 sensor, it captures better low-light footage than budget action cams. While not class-leading, it’s a solid performer for nighttime or indoor shooting.