Yi 1080p Action Camera Specs Revealed Top Features and Performance

The Yi 1080p Action Camera delivers stunning Full HD video at 60fps, combining crisp image quality with impressive stabilization for smooth, professional-grade footage. Packed with a 16MP Sony sensor, wide-angle lens, and advanced low-light performance, it excels in any environment—whether you’re biking, swimming, or hiking. With built-in Wi-Fi, a 2-inch LCD, and 130-minute battery life, this compact powerhouse offers premium features at an unbeatable value.

Key Takeaways

• 1080p Full HD: Captures crisp, detailed footage at 60fps for smooth action shots.
• 12MP Sony Sensor: Delivers vibrant, high-resolution photos even in low-light conditions.
• 140° Wide Lens: Expansive field of view perfect for immersive adventure filming.
• 2.0” Touchscreen: Enables intuitive navigation and real-time playback control.
• Waterproof Case: Dive up to 40m with included housing—ideal for water sports.
• Wi-Fi & App Support: Easily transfer and edit videos via Yi’s mobile app.

Why the Yi 1080p Action Camera Might Be Your Next Adventure Buddy

Let’s be honest—finding the perfect action camera can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many options out there, each promising to be the best. But what if I told you there’s one that’s been quietly impressing users for years without the flashy marketing? Enter the Yi 1080p Action Camera, a budget-friendly, feature-packed device that’s been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and vloggers alike.

I remember the first time I took this little guy on a hiking trip. I wasn’t expecting much—just something to capture some shaky, low-light footage of my friends and me scrambling up a rocky trail. But the results? Surprisingly crisp, stable, and vibrant. That’s when I realized the Yi 1080p wasn’t just another cheap knockoff. It had some serious specs under the hood. Whether you’re a casual weekend adventurer or a content creator on a budget, this camera might just surprise you.

Yi 1080p Action Camera Specs: The Full Breakdown

Before diving into performance, let’s get the nitty-gritty details out of the way. The Yi 1080p Action Camera specs reveal a well-balanced mix of hardware and software that punches above its weight class. Here’s what you’re working with:

Sensor and Image Quality

At the heart of the Yi 1080p is a 12MP Sony IMX323 CMOS sensor. This sensor is no slouch—it’s the same one used in some pricier security cameras and entry-level DSLRs. It captures 1080p video at 60fps and 720p at 120fps, which is more than enough for smooth, detailed footage. The 140° wide-angle lens gives you that immersive action-cam feel without too much fisheye distortion.

I tested this during a mountain biking session, and the clarity was impressive. Even in mid-afternoon sun, the colors stayed true, and shadows weren’t crushed. The dynamic range isn’t as wide as a GoPro, but for under $100, it’s hard to complain. Pro tip: Use the “Natural” color profile in the app for the most realistic tones.

Battery Life and Charging

The 1000mAh removable battery is a standout feature. On a single charge, you’ll get about 90 minutes of continuous 1080p60 recording—plenty for a day of light use. If you’re doing long hikes or multi-day trips, carrying a spare is a smart move. The battery charges fully in about 2 hours via micro-USB, which is standard but a bit outdated. A USB-C port would’ve been a welcome upgrade.

One thing I love? The battery is swappable. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve saved a shoot by popping in a fresh battery mid-trip. Just make sure to keep them charged—these batteries don’t hold a charge for months on end if left unused.

Storage and Expandability

The Yi 1080p supports microSD cards up to 128GB (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended). That’s enough for roughly 4 hours of 1080p60 footage. The camera automatically splits files every 30 minutes, which is handy for managing storage and avoiding corruption if the card fails mid-record.

Quick tip: Format your card in-camera before your first use. I once used a card from an old phone, and the Yi kept freezing. A simple format fixed it. Also, avoid cheap no-name cards—stick with reputable brands like SanDisk or Samsung for reliability.

Connectivity and App Integration

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built-in, allowing seamless pairing with the Yi Action app (iOS and Android). The app lets you preview shots, adjust settings, and download footage. It’s not as polished as GoPro’s app, but it gets the job done. The camera acts as its own Wi-Fi hotspot, so you don’t need a separate router or phone data.

One quirk: The Wi-Fi connection can be finicky in crowded areas (like festivals or busy parks). I’ve had to restart the camera a few times to reconnect. But once it’s stable, the live preview is smooth and responsive—great for framing tricky shots.

Performance in Real-World Conditions: Where the Yi 1080p Shines (and Struggles)

Specs are one thing, but how does the Yi 1080p handle in the real world? Let’s break it down by environment.

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and More

Outdoors, the Yi 1080p is a champ. The wide-angle lens captures expansive landscapes, and the stabilization (more on that later) keeps footage smooth even on bumpy trails. I took it on a 5-mile hike with elevation gain, and the camera stayed secure in its housing. The 140° field of view meant I didn’t have to reposition constantly—just point and shoot.

The only downside? In direct, harsh sunlight, highlights can blow out. For example, filming a waterfall with bright sunlight reflecting off the water? You’ll lose detail in the whites. A simple fix: Use the “Spot Metering” mode in the app to prioritize exposure on your subject.

Water and Underwater Use

The Yi 1080p comes with a waterproof housing rated to 40 meters (131 feet). I’ve tested it snorkeling in the Caribbean, and the results were solid. Colors stayed vibrant down to about 10 meters, though they started to fade in deeper water (as expected without a red filter).

One thing to note: The touchscreen doesn’t work underwater. You’ll need to use the physical buttons, which can be stiff when wet. Practice pressing them before your dive. Also, rinse the housing with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent corrosion.

Low-Light and Indoor Performance

Low-light performance is where the Yi 1080p shows its budget roots. In dimly lit rooms or at dusk, footage gets grainy, and colors lose saturation. The sensor struggles with noise in ISO 800+ settings. That said, it’s not unusable—just not ideal.

For indoor shots, I recommend using a small LED light (like a phone ring light) to boost ambient brightness. The camera handles artificial light much better than natural low light. Example: I recorded a birthday party in a dim restaurant, and with a $20 clip-on light, the video looked surprisingly good.

Stabilization and Motion Handling

The Yi 1080p uses electronic image stabilization (EIS), which crops the frame slightly to smooth out shakes. It’s not as effective as GoPro’s HyperSmooth, but for walking or biking, it’s decent. On a mountain bike, footage was smooth enough to watch without motion sickness. For extreme sports, you might want a gimbal.

Pro tip: Enable “Stabilization” in the app for 1080p30 or 720p60. At 1080p60, EIS is disabled to maintain frame rate, so your footage will be shakier. Choose based on your needs.

Design and Build: Rugged, Compact, and User-Friendly

The Yi 1080p is small (2.5 x 1.7 x 1.2 inches) and lightweight (2.3 oz), making it easy to mount on helmets, bikes, or even your dog’s harness. The plastic body feels durable, and the rubberized finish adds grip. It’s not “military-grade” tough, but it survived a few accidental drops onto concrete during my tests.

Mounting and Accessories

The camera uses a standard 1/4-20 tripod thread, so it’s compatible with most action cam mounts. The included waterproof housing is sturdy and easy to open/close. I’ve used third-party mounts (like a chest strap for skiing) without issues.

One gripe: The housing’s latch can be stiff, especially in cold weather. Keep a small silicone lubricant handy if you’re filming in winter.

Controls and User Interface

The Yi 1080p has three physical buttons: power, shutter, and Wi-Fi. The 2-inch touchscreen is responsive, though not as bright as pricier models. In direct sunlight, it’s hard to see—use the app’s live preview instead.

The menu system is intuitive. You can adjust resolution, exposure, white balance, and stabilization with a few taps. The app offers even more control, like setting custom time-lapse intervals or slow-motion capture.

Audio Quality

The built-in mic is… okay. It picks up voice clearly in quiet environments but struggles with wind noise. For vlogging, I’d recommend an external mic. The camera has a 3.5mm mic input, which is rare at this price point. Pair it with a lavalier mic, and your audio will sound much better.

Comparing the Yi 1080p to Competitors: Where It Stands

How does the Yi 1080p stack up against other budget action cams? Let’s see.

Vs. GoPro Hero 5 Session

The GoPro is pricier (around $200) but offers better stabilization, a more robust app, and superior low-light performance. However, the Yi 1080p has a longer battery life, a removable battery, and a mic input—features the GoPro lacks. If you’re on a tight budget, the Yi wins for value.

Vs. Akaso V50 Elite

The Akaso offers 4K video (vs. Yi’s 1080p) but at the cost of battery life and stabilization. The Yi’s 1080p footage is sharper and more stable, and its app is more reliable. For smooth, high-quality 1080p, the Yi is the better choice.

Vs. DJI Osmo Action

The DJI has a front-facing screen (great for vlogging) and better stabilization. But it’s twice the price. The Yi 1080p is a solid alternative if you don’t need 4K or dual screens.

Data Table: Yi 1080p Action Camera Key Specs at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Sensor	12MP Sony IMX323 CMOS
Video Resolution	1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps
Photo Resolution	12MP (4000 x 3000)
Lens	140° wide-angle, f/2.8 aperture
Battery	1000mAh removable, 90 min recording
Storage	MicroSD up to 128GB (Class 10/UHS-I)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, micro-USB
Waterproof	40m with housing
Stabilization	Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
Audio	Built-in mic, 3.5mm external mic input
Dimensions	2.5 x 1.7 x 1.2 inches
Weight	2.3 oz (65g)

Final Thoughts: Is the Yi 1080p Right for You?

The Yi 1080p Action Camera isn’t perfect, but it’s a fantastic option for budget-conscious adventurers and content creators. It delivers sharp 1080p video, decent stabilization, and long battery life—all for a fraction of what premium brands cost. The removable battery, mic input, and reliable app integration are rare finds at this price.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you need 4K, top-tier stabilization, or flawless low-light performance, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But for casual use, family trips, or vlogging with a light, the Yi 1080p is a steal. I’ve used mine for everything from hiking to underwater shots, and it’s never let me down. Just keep a spare battery, a good microSD card, and maybe a small light for low-light situations. With those tools, this little camera can capture memories you’ll cherish—without breaking the bank.

So, if you’re on the fence, give it a try. You might just find, like I did, that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive. Sometimes, it’s the one that quietly does its job, letting you focus on the adventure, not the specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key Yi 1080p action camera specs?

The Yi 1080p Action Camera features a 16MP Sony sensor, 1080p/60fps video recording, 150° wide-angle lens, and built-in Wi-Fi. It also includes electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother footage in motion.

Does the Yi 1080p action camera support 4K video?

No, this model maxes out at 1080p Full HD resolution at 60fps. While it lacks 4K, its high-bitrate 1080p videos deliver crisp, detailed footage ideal for vlogging and casual adventures.

How long does the Yi 1080p camera battery last?

The included 1000mAh battery provides approximately 90 minutes of continuous 1080p/60fps recording. Battery life varies based on settings like Wi-Fi usage and screen brightness.

Is the Yi 1080p action camera waterproof?

Not natively waterproof, but it includes a rugged waterproof housing rated for depths up to 40m (130ft). This makes it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and rainy conditions.

Can the Yi 1080p camera be used as a dashcam?

Yes, with its loop recording and G-sensor, it works well as a dashcam. Just ensure you use a high-speed microSD card (up to 128GB) and connect it to a power source.

What accessories are included with the Yi 1080p action camera?

The standard kit includes a waterproof case, bicycle mount, helmet mount, and USB cable. Additional accessories like a remote control and extended batteries are sold separately.