Xiaomi Yi Action Camera Battery Life How Long Does It Last

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera delivers a solid 90–120 minutes of battery life under typical usage, making it reliable for short adventures. While 4K recording drains power faster, carrying a spare battery or using power-saving modes can extend your recording time significantly.

Key Takeaways

• Battery lasts 90-120 mins: Real-world usage varies by resolution and settings.
• Carry spares: Always pack extra batteries for extended shoots.
• Power-saving mode helps: Enable it to extend life in low-motion scenes.
• Charge fully before use: Maximizes performance and recording time.
• External power options: Use power banks for longer outdoor sessions.
• Temperature affects performance: Avoid extreme cold to prevent rapid drain.

How Long Does the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera Battery Last? Let’s Find Out

You’re all set for a weekend of mountain biking, hiking, and maybe even a little kayaking. Your gear is packed, your GoPro is charging, and then it hits you—what about your Xiaomi Yi Action Camera? You’ve heard great things about its image quality and affordability, but you’ve also heard whispers about its battery life. Is it going to make it through the whole trip, or will you be scrambling for a power bank halfway up the trail?

That’s the million-dollar question. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a content creator, or someone who just loves capturing life’s wildest moments, battery life is one of the most critical factors when choosing an action camera. You don’t want to be the person who films an epic sunrise, only to have the camera die just as the first rays hit the summit. So, let’s dive into the real-world battery performance of the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera—no fluff, no marketing jargon, just honest, practical insights from someone who’s been there.

Understanding the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera Battery: The Basics

What Battery Does the Xiaomi Yi Use?

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (especially the first-generation model) uses a rechargeable 1010mAh lithium-ion battery. This battery is removable, which is a big plus for anyone who plans to be away from a power source for extended periods. You can swap it out with a spare, giving you a quick way to extend your recording time without waiting for a recharge.

Now, if you’re thinking, “1010mAh? That doesn’t sound like much,” you’re not wrong. Compared to some newer action cameras with 1200mAh+ batteries, it’s on the smaller side. But don’t write it off just yet. Battery capacity is only one piece of the puzzle. How the camera uses that power matters just as much.

Battery Life vs. Recording Time: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a common confusion: battery life and recording time are related, but not the same. Battery life refers to how long the camera can stay powered on—whether recording, in standby, or just sitting in your pocket. Recording time is how long you can actively film before the battery dies.

For the Xiaomi Yi, the manufacturer claims up to 90 minutes of 1080p/60fps video on a single charge. But in real-world use, that number can vary—sometimes significantly. Why? Because several factors affect how quickly the battery drains, including resolution, frame rate, Wi-Fi usage, and ambient temperature.

Real-World Expectations: What You Can Actually Expect

Let’s say you’re filming a 30-minute mountain bike ride in 1080p at 60fps. You’ll likely use about one-third to half of the battery, depending on whether you’re using Wi-Fi to preview on your phone or not. If you’re recording in 4K (if your model supports it), expect that time to drop closer to 60–70 minutes—and that’s under ideal conditions.

One user shared a story: “I took my Yi on a two-hour hike, filming in 1080p/30fps with Wi-Fi off. I got about 75 minutes of recording before the battery hit 10%. I was surprised—it held up better than I thought!” Another noted, “I tried 4K at a skate park, and after 45 minutes, it shut down. Not bad, but not enough for a full session.”

The takeaway? The Xiaomi Yi’s battery is decent for short bursts—perfect for quick adventures, vlogs, or capturing specific moments. But if you’re planning a full-day shoot, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Factors That Affect Xiaomi Yi Battery Life (And How to Manage Them)

1. Resolution and Frame Rate: The Biggest Drainers

Higher resolution and frame rates demand more processing power, which means more battery. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1080p at 30fps: Most battery-efficient. Expect up to 90 minutes.
• 1080p at 60fps: Uses about 20–30% more power. Expect 70–80 minutes.
• 4K at 30fps: The biggest drain. Expect 50–65 minutes, depending on ambient conditions.

Pro tip: If you’re shooting in 4K, consider using it only for key moments—like a dramatic jump or a stunning landscape—and switch to 1080p for the rest. Your battery (and your memory card) will thank you.

2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Silent Battery Vampires

Wi-Fi is super convenient for previewing footage or transferring clips to your phone, but it’s a major battery drain. Even when idle, the Wi-Fi chip is constantly searching for a connection.

One test showed that leaving Wi-Fi on reduced recording time by up to 20% compared to turning it off. The same goes for Bluetooth if you’re using a remote or app control.

What you can do: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use. Only enable them when you need to preview or transfer footage. A quick tap in the settings menu can save you 10–15 minutes of battery life—more than enough for that extra shot.

3. Screen Usage and Backlight

The Xiaomi Yi has a built-in LCD screen (on most models), and while it’s great for framing shots, it’s also a battery hog. The brighter the screen, the faster the drain.

One user noted: “I kept the screen on while hiking, just to check angles. After 40 minutes, the battery dropped to 30%. When I turned it off and used voice prompts, I got an extra 20 minutes.”

Smart move: Use the screen only when needed. If you’re using a helmet mount or chest strap, you might not need to look at the screen at all. Turn it off after setting up your shot.

4. Ambient Temperature: Cold Kills Batteries

Ever notice your phone dies faster in the cold? The same goes for the Xiaomi Yi. Lithium-ion batteries perform best between 50°F and 86°F (10°C to 30°C). In cold weather—say, below freezing—battery life can drop by 30–40%.

A skier reported: “I filmed on a -10°C day. The battery died in 45 minutes, even at 1080p/30fps. The same setup in 15°C lasted 75 minutes.”

How to cope: Keep spare batteries warm in an inner pocket until you need them. Avoid leaving the camera in direct sunlight in hot weather, too—overheating can reduce battery efficiency and lifespan.

5. Memory Card Speed and Type

This one surprises people. Slower memory cards (Class 4, Class 6) require the camera to work harder to write data, which uses more power. Faster cards (UHS-I, U3) are more efficient.

Also, full or nearly full cards can slow down write speeds, leading to longer processing times and higher power usage.

Best practice: Use a high-speed microSD card (U3 or V30 recommended) and format it regularly. Keep at least 20% of the card free for optimal performance.

Maximizing Battery Life: Smart Tips and Tricks

Use Power-Saving Modes (If Available)

Some firmware updates for the Xiaomi Yi introduced power-saving features, like auto screen dimming or sleep mode after a few minutes of inactivity. Make sure your camera is running the latest firmware to access these.

Even if there’s no dedicated “eco mode,” you can mimic one:

• Set the screen to auto-off after 10 seconds.
• Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
• Turn off voice prompts if you don’t need them.

Carry Spare Batteries (The Real Game-Changer)

This is the single best way to extend your recording time. A spare 1010mAh battery adds up to 90 minutes of potential footage. And since the battery is removable, swapping is quick and easy—no tools needed.

One traveler shared: “I brought two spares on a 6-hour hike. I swapped batteries every 70 minutes, charged them in a power bank during breaks, and got continuous footage the whole time.”

Look for OEM or reputable third-party batteries. Avoid ultra-cheap knockoffs—they may not last as long or could even damage your camera. A good spare battery costs around $10–$15 and is worth every penny.

Use a Power Bank for On-the-Go Charging

Many action cameras can’t be charged while recording, but you can still use a power bank to charge spare batteries or the camera itself during downtime.

Use a USB-C or micro-USB cable (depending on your Yi model) and a compact power bank (5000–10000mAh). Just remember: charging the battery in the camera is slower than using an external charger.

Pro tip: Charge your spares the night before your trip. There’s nothing worse than realizing your extra battery is dead when you’re halfway up a mountain.

Optimize Your Shooting Workflow

Instead of leaving the camera recording continuously, use short, intentional clips. Start recording a few seconds before the action, stop right after. This saves battery, storage space, and makes editing easier.

For vlogging or interviews, consider using a tripod or static mount so you don’t have to hold the camera and can turn off the screen.

Keep the Camera Cool

As mentioned earlier, heat is bad for battery life. Avoid leaving the camera in direct sunlight or a hot car. If you’re using a housing, make sure it’s not trapping heat. Some users even use small cooling pads or place the camera in a shaded spot between shots.

Comparing Xiaomi Yi Battery Life to Other Action Cameras

Let’s see how the Xiaomi Yi stacks up against popular competitors. Here’s a quick comparison of average recording times at 1080p/60fps with Wi-Fi off:

Camera Model	Battery Capacity	1080p/60fps Recording Time	Removable Battery?
Xiaomi Yi (1st Gen)	1010mAh	70–80 minutes	Yes
GoPro Hero 9	1720mAh	90–100 minutes	Yes
DJI Osmo Action 3	1770mAh	100–110 minutes	Yes
AKASO Brave 7	1350mAh	75–85 minutes	Yes
Insta360 ONE R (1-inch mod)	1350mAh	60–70 minutes	Yes

As you can see, the Xiaomi Yi holds its own against mid-tier action cameras, especially considering its price point. It’s not the longest-lasting, but it’s not the worst either. The key advantage? Removable battery. That means you can carry multiple spares and keep filming all day—something not all competitors offer.

The GoPro and DJI models have larger batteries, but they’re also more expensive. The AKASO and Insta360 offer similar performance with slightly better battery life, but the Xiaomi Yi often wins on image quality and app integration.

Long-Term Battery Health: How to Keep It Lasting

Avoid Full Discharges

Lithium-ion batteries don’t like being completely drained. While it’s okay to run them down occasionally, doing it regularly reduces their lifespan.

Best practice: Recharge when the battery hits 20–30%. Avoid letting it die completely unless you’re doing a full charge cycle (once every few months).

Store Batteries Properly

If you’re not using your Xiaomi Yi for a few weeks, don’t leave the battery fully charged or completely dead. Store it at around 50% charge in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent degradation.

One user shared: “I left a spare battery at 100% in my backpack for two months. When I used it, it only lasted 40 minutes instead of 70. After a few charge cycles, it never recovered.”

Use the Right Charger

Stick to the original Xiaomi charger or a high-quality USB power source (5V/1A or 5V/2A). Avoid cheap car chargers or multi-port hubs that don’t provide stable power. Inconsistent voltage can damage the battery over time.

Check for Swelling or Damage

Inspect your battery regularly. If it’s swollen, cracked, or leaking, stop using it immediately. Damaged batteries can be dangerous. Replace them with genuine or certified third-party options.

Firmware Updates Can Help

Xiaomi occasionally releases firmware updates that improve power management. Check the official app or website for updates. A simple update could add a few extra minutes of battery life or fix a power-draining bug.

Final Thoughts: Is the Xiaomi Yi Battery Life a Dealbreaker?

Let’s be honest: the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera’s battery life isn’t groundbreaking. With about 70–80 minutes of real-world recording time in 1080p, it won’t last all day on a single charge. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to.

Thanks to its removable battery design, you can carry spares, swap them in seconds, and keep filming. Combine that with smart habits—like turning off Wi-Fi, using lower resolutions when possible, and keeping the camera cool—and you can easily double or even triple your recording time.

For casual users, weekend adventurers, or budget-conscious creators, the Xiaomi Yi strikes a great balance between price, performance, and practicality. Yes, the battery could be bigger, but the flexibility of swappable batteries more than makes up for it.

And let’s not forget: the Xiaomi Yi delivers excellent image quality, solid stabilization, and a user-friendly app—all at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. If you’re willing to plan ahead, pack a spare or two, and tweak a few settings, the battery life becomes a manageable trade-off, not a limitation.

So, is the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera battery life perfect? No. But is it good enough for most people? Absolutely. Just remember: great footage isn’t about how long the battery lasts—it’s about how well you use the time you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera battery life last on a single charge?

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera battery life typically lasts 90–120 minutes when recording 1080p video at 30fps, but this varies based on settings like resolution and Wi-Fi usage. Higher resolutions (e.g., 4K) or features like image stabilization will drain the battery faster.

Can I extend the Xiaomi Yi battery life during long recording sessions?

Yes, you can extend battery life by carrying spare batteries or using a power bank via the USB port. Lowering the screen brightness and turning off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not needed also helps conserve power.

Does the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera battery life degrade over time?

Like all lithium-ion batteries, the Xiaomi Yi battery life will gradually decrease after repeated charging cycles. To prolong lifespan, avoid fully draining the battery and store it at around 50% charge in cool, dry conditions.

What factors affect the battery life of the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera?

Key factors include video resolution, frame rate, use of Wi-Fi, screen brightness, and ambient temperature. Recording 4K video or using live-view mode significantly reduces battery life compared to 720p or standby mode.

How do I know when to recharge my Xiaomi Yi Action Camera battery?

The camera’s LED indicator flashes red when the battery is low, and the battery icon on the screen shows remaining charge. For accuracy, check the battery level in the settings menu before critical shoots.

Are third-party batteries reliable for improving Xiaomi Yi battery life?

Some third-party batteries work well, but quality varies. Stick to reputable brands to avoid damage or safety risks. Original Xiaomi batteries are recommended for optimal performance and longevity.