Yi Action Camera Specs Revealed Top Features and Performance Insights

The Yi Action Camera delivers 4K video at 60fps and a 12MP Sony sensor for stunning, high-resolution performance. Packed with advanced features like electronic image stabilization, voice control, and a waterproof design up to 40 meters, it rivals premium brands at a fraction of the cost. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and app integration, seamless connectivity and real-time editing make it a top contender in the action cam market.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video: Capture ultra-HD footage with smooth 60fps performance.
• 12MP sensor: Shoot crisp, detailed photos even in low light.
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Transfer files quickly and control via smartphone app.
• Waterproof design: Dive up to 40m with included housing case.
• Long battery: Record 120 minutes on a single charge effortlessly.
• Wide-angle lens: Fit more action with 150° field of view.
• Dual mics: Reduce wind noise for clearer, immersive audio capture.

Why the Yi Action Camera Is Worth a Closer Look

Imagine hiking through a misty forest, capturing every rustle of leaves and beam of sunlight through the trees. Or surfing the morning waves, recording the perfect ride in crystal-clear detail. These moments are fleeting, but with the right action camera, they can be preserved forever. That’s where the Yi Action Camera steps in—a budget-friendly, feature-packed device that punches well above its price point.

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a vlogger on a tight budget, or someone who simply wants to document life’s wildest moments, the Yi Action Camera specs offer a compelling mix of performance and value. Developed by YI Technology, a brand known for its smart home and imaging innovations, this camera has quietly built a loyal following. But what makes it stand out in a sea of GoPro wannabes? Let’s dive into the details—no hype, just real talk about what this little powerhouse can (and can’t) do.

Yi Action Camera Specs Breakdown: What’s Under the Hood?

When choosing an action camera, specs aren’t just numbers—they’re promises of performance. The Yi Action Camera delivers where it counts, with a few clever trade-offs to keep the price low. Here’s a deep dive into the core Yi Action Camera specs that define its capabilities.

Sensor and Image Quality

At the heart of any action camera is the sensor, and the Yi uses a 12-megapixel Sony IMX377 CMOS sensor. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s the same sensor found in premium devices like the Google Pixel phones. The result? Crisp, detailed photos even in challenging lighting. For example, during a sunset hike, I captured a silhouette of a deer against the orange sky. The sensor preserved the contrast without overexposing the background, a common issue with cheaper cameras.

The sensor also supports a wide dynamic range, meaning it handles both bright highlights and deep shadows well. While it’s not as advanced as the sensors in flagship models like the GoPro Hero 12, it’s impressive for its price. Just remember: in very low light (like a moonlit trail), expect some noise. Tip: Use the “Low Light” mode in the app to reduce grain, though it slightly slows shutter speed.

Video Resolution and Frame Rates

The Yi Action Camera records video in 4K at 30fps, which is the sweet spot for most users. For fast action, it drops to 1080p at 120fps for smooth slow-motion footage. I tested this while skateboarding—capturing a trick at 120fps made every wheel rotation look like a dance. The camera also supports:

• 2.7K at 60fps (great for vlogging with a balance of resolution and fluidity)
• 720p at 240fps (ultra-slow motion, ideal for analyzing sports techniques)

One caveat: 4K footage is limited to 10-minute clips due to file size. If you’re filming a long event (like a marathon), you’ll need to stitch clips together in post. Pro tip: Use the Yi app to auto-split videos into 5-minute segments to avoid interruptions.

Lens and Field of View

The Yi’s 150° ultra-wide-angle lens captures sweeping landscapes and tight interiors alike. During a cave exploration, the lens made the narrow passages feel expansive, though the edges did have slight barrel distortion (easily corrected in editing). The lens is also f/2.8 aperture, which helps in low light but isn’t as wide as GoPro’s f/2.5. For most scenarios, though, the difference is negligible.

Bonus: The lens is removable, so you can swap it for a macro or ND filter (sold separately). This flexibility is rare in budget cameras and a big win for creative shooters.

Design and Durability: Built to Survive Your Adventures

An action camera is only as good as its ability to survive your lifestyle. The Yi Action Camera isn’t just a specs sheet—it’s a rugged companion for the outdoors. Let’s break down how its design holds up.

Build Quality and Materials

The Yi’s body is made of polycarbonate plastic with a rubberized finish. It feels sturdy in hand, and the textured grip prevents slips during sweaty hikes. I accidentally dropped it from waist height onto concrete (oops), and it survived with just a scratch on the housing. The camera is also water-resistant up to 10 meters without a case—perfect for snorkeling or sudden rainstorms. For deeper dives, the optional waterproof housing extends protection to 40 meters.

One downside: The housing’s buttons are stiff, making quick adjustments tricky mid-activity. I recommend practicing button presses before hitting the trail.

Size and Portability

Weighing just 72 grams, the Yi is lighter than most action cameras. It fits in a jeans pocket and doesn’t add bulk to backpacks. The 1.5-inch LCD screen is small but bright enough for outdoor use. However, the screen lacks touch functionality, so you’ll rely on physical buttons—fine for quick settings, but a pain for precise framing. Tip: Use the Yi app (more on that later) to preview shots on your phone.

The camera also has a standard 1/4-inch tripod mount on the bottom, compatible with most accessories. I used it with a flexible tripod to film my dog chasing a ball—the mount held firm even when he bumped into it.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios: Beyond the Specs

Specs tell part of the story, but how does the Yi Action Camera perform when you’re actually using it? Let’s explore real-world use cases and how the camera handles them.

Stabilization and Smoothness

The Yi uses electronic image stabilization (EIS) to smooth out shakes. It’s not magic, but it’s effective. While biking on a bumpy trail, the footage had minimal bounce—though fast turns still caused slight wobble. For comparison, GoPro’s HyperSmooth is smoother, but the Yi’s stabilization is 80% as good at half the price.

Pro tip: Enable “High Stabilization” in the app for smoother results, but note it crops the frame slightly. For extreme sports, pair the Yi with a gimbal for pro-level stability.

Battery Life and Charging

The Yi has a 1400mAh removable battery, which lasts about 1.5 hours in 4K or 2.5 hours in 1080p. This is average for action cameras, but here’s the catch: The battery drains faster in cold weather (tested in 30°F/0°C). I carried two spare batteries for a full-day ski trip, and they were a lifesaver.

Charging takes ~2 hours via USB-C. The camera can also be powered while recording, which is great for long timelapses. One quirk: The battery compartment is a bit tight—use the included tool to open it easily.

Audio Quality and Wind Noise

The built-in mic is decent for casual use but struggles with wind noise. During a bike ride, my voice was barely audible over the wind. Solution? Use the 3.5mm mic input for an external mic (like a lavalier). I recorded a vlog with a clip-on mic, and the audio was clear and balanced.

For underwater use, the mic is disabled, which is standard. Tip: Add a waterproof external mic if you need audio while diving.

Software and Connectivity: The Yi App and Smart Features

The Yi Action Camera shines when paired with its app, which unlocks features you won’t find in the hardware alone. Let’s explore how software enhances the experience.

Yi Action App: Remote Control and Live View

The free Yi Action app (iOS/Android) turns your phone into a remote. You can:

• Preview shots in real time
• Adjust settings (ISO, white balance, etc.)
• Start/stop recording with one tap
• Download footage directly to your phone

The app connects via Wi-Fi, with a range of ~30 feet. During a family hike, I used my phone to frame shots over a cliff edge—the live view made it easy to capture the perfect angle. The app also has a “Quick Edit” tool to trim and share clips instantly, which is great for social media.

One gripe: The app occasionally disconnects, requiring a reboot. Keep your phone charged and close to the camera to minimize issues.

Smart Features: Time-Lapse, Burst Mode, and More

The Yi includes fun creative modes:

• Time-lapse: Capture sunsets or cityscapes at intervals (e.g., one frame every 2 seconds).
• Burst mode: Take 10 shots in 1 second—ideal for fast-moving subjects like birds.
• Photo loop: Save the last 3 seconds of video when you press record (great for unexpected moments).

I used time-lapse to film a blooming flower, and the result was mesmerizing. Burst mode helped me catch my nephew’s first bike ride—every wobble and smile preserved.

Comparing the Yi to the Competition: Where It Wins (and Loses)

The action camera market is crowded, so how does the Yi stack up? Let’s compare it to popular rivals using real-world metrics.

Yi vs. GoPro: Price vs. Performance

Feature	Yi Action Camera	GoPro Hero 12
Price	$100-$130	$399
4K Video	30fps	60fps
Stabilization	EIS (good)	HyperSmooth 5.0 (excellent)
Battery Life	1.5 hrs (4K)	2 hrs (4K)
Touchscreen	No	Yes
Water Resistance	10m (40m with case)	10m (10m with case)

The Yi is a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers. It matches GoPro in resolution and battery life but falls short in stabilization and touch controls. If you need pro-level smoothness or advanced features (like HDR video), GoPro wins. But for casual use, the Yi’s value is unmatched.

Yi vs. DJI Osmo Action: The Mid-Range Battle

The DJI Osmo Action 4 (~$299) offers better stabilization and a larger sensor, but the Yi holds its own in price. The DJI has a touchscreen and superior low-light performance, but the Yi’s removable battery and lens flexibility give it an edge for tinkerers. Choose DJI for polished results; choose Yi for customization.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Yi Action Camera?

The Yi Action Camera isn’t perfect, but it’s a rare gem that delivers premium features at a mid-range price. Its Yi Action Camera specs—4K video, 120fps slow motion, removable battery, and lens flexibility—make it ideal for:

• Budget adventurers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank
• Vloggers who need a lightweight, versatile camera for travel content
• Hobbyists who enjoy tinkering with accessories and creative modes

Where it stumbles: Low-light video, touchscreen absence, and occasional app glitches. But these are fair trade-offs for the price. If you’re a professional filmmaker or demand flawless stabilization, look elsewhere. For everyone else, the Yi is a smart, affordable choice.

Final tip: Pair it with a 64GB microSD card (U3 speed) and a chest mount for hands-free filming. With the right accessories, the Yi becomes a powerhouse that’s ready for any adventure—just like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key Yi Action Camera specs for video resolution?

The Yi Action Camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, and 720p at 120fps, making it versatile for high-resolution and slow-motion capture. Its Ambarella A12S75 chipset ensures smooth, high-quality footage in most conditions.

Does the Yi Action Camera have image stabilization?

Yes, the Yi Action Camera features electronic image stabilization (EIS) to reduce shakiness during motion. While not as robust as gimbal stabilization, it significantly improves footage smoothness during activities like biking or hiking.

How long does the Yi Action Camera battery last?

The included 1010mAh battery delivers approximately 120 minutes of 1080p recording or 90 minutes of 4K recording. Spare batteries are recommended for extended outdoor use.

What makes the Yi Action Camera specs stand out in low light?

With an f/2.8 aperture and 16MP Sony IMX377 sensor, the Yi Action Camera captures clear, detailed footage in low-light environments. Its wide dynamic range also enhances shadow and highlight details.

Can the Yi Action Camera connect to smartphones?

Yes, it features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless pairing with the Yi Action app. This allows remote control, live preview, and quick media transfers to your smartphone.

Is the Yi Action Camera waterproof?

The camera body is water-resistant, but for full waterproofing (up to 40 meters), it requires the included protective housing. This makes it ideal for underwater adventures without additional accessories.