Yi Lite Action Camera Kit Review Best Budget Pick

The Yi Lite Action Camera Kit delivers exceptional value as the best budget pick for adventurers and content creators. With crisp 4K video, a durable waterproof design, and a comprehensive accessory bundle, it outperforms rivals at twice the price. Ideal for capturing high-quality action footage without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable quality: Delivers 4K video at a budget-friendly price.
• Compact design: Lightweight and easy to mount anywhere.
• Long battery life: Records up to 120 minutes per charge.
• Wide-angle lens: Captures immersive 150° field of view.
• Waterproof case: Ready for underwater adventures up to 40m.
• Intuitive app: Seamless control and sharing via smartphone.

Why the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit Is the Best Budget Pick for Adventurers

Imagine you’re hiking through a dense forest, the morning sun filtering through the trees, birds chirping, and the crisp air filling your lungs. You want to capture this moment—not just for memories, but to share with friends who couldn’t make the trip. You reach for your action camera, and within seconds, you’re recording a stunning 1080p video at 60fps. No bulky gear, no complicated settings, just you, the moment, and a tiny, reliable camera that fits in your pocket. That’s the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit—a game-changer for budget-conscious adventurers who don’t want to sacrifice quality.

When I first started exploring action cameras, I was overwhelmed. GoPro dominated the market, but the price tag? Not exactly wallet-friendly. I wanted something affordable, easy to use, and capable of capturing my outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. After testing several options, the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit stood out. It’s not perfect, but it nails the essentials: great video quality, a durable design, and a price that makes you do a double-take. Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a mountain biker, or just someone who loves documenting life, this little camera might be the budget-friendly sidekick you’ve been looking for.

What’s in the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit?

The Yi Lite Action Camera Kit isn’t just a camera—it’s a full package designed for beginners and casual users. Unlike some competitors that sell accessories separately (looking at you, GoPro), this kit includes everything you need to get started right out of the box. Let’s break down what you get and why each component matters.

Camera and Core Features

The star of the show is the Yi Lite camera itself. It’s small, lightweight (just 72g), and feels solid in your hand. The matte black finish gives it a sleek, understated look—no flashy branding here. It records in 1080p at 60fps or 720p at 120fps, which is impressive for a camera under $100. The 150° wide-angle lens captures expansive scenes, perfect for landscapes or group shots.

One thing I love: the 2-inch LCD screen on the back. It’s not touchscreen (a minor drawback), but it’s bright enough to see in sunlight and makes framing shots a breeze. The camera runs on a removable 1400mAh battery, which lasts about 90 minutes per charge—enough for most day trips.

Included Accessories

The kit includes a waterproof housing (rated to 40m/130ft), which is a lifesaver for snorkeling, kayaking, or rainy hikes. The housing is easy to snap on and off, and the buttons remain responsive through the plastic. You also get:

• A mounting frame for attaching the camera to helmets, bikes, or handlebars.
• A quick-release buckle for fast swaps between mounts.
• A USB charging cable and AC adapter (rare in budget kits).
• A wrist strap and cleaning cloth—small but thoughtful additions.

Pro tip: The mounting frame is compatible with GoPro mounts, so you can use third-party accessories if needed. I’ve clipped mine to a backpack strap for hands-free hiking videos.

Missing Pieces (and Workarounds)

While the kit is generous, it doesn’t include a microSD card. You’ll need a Class 10 or UHS-I card (up to 128GB) for recording. Also, there’s no built-in Wi-Fi or app for remote control—a feature found in pricier models. But here’s a workaround: Yi’s companion app (available for iOS/Android) lets you review footage and adjust settings via a wired USB connection. It’s not as convenient as wireless, but it works in a pinch.

Performance and Video Quality: Does It Hold Up?

Let’s cut to the chase: how does the Yi Lite perform in real-world conditions? I tested it on hikes, bike rides, and even a rainy kayaking trip. Here’s what I found.

Video Quality in Different Scenarios

The Yi Lite shines in well-lit environments. Daylight videos are sharp, with accurate colors and minimal noise. The 1080p/60fps mode is my go-to for smooth, detailed footage. For example, I recorded a mountain bike descent, and the camera handled the fast motion without blurring or stuttering. The wide-angle lens adds a cinematic feel, though it can distort faces if you’re too close.

In low light, the camera struggles. Night videos look grainy, and colors lose vibrancy. But for a budget camera, this is expected. If you’re shooting at dusk or indoors, stick to 720p/60fps for better clarity.

Stabilization and Audio

There’s no built-in stabilization, so shaky hands or rough terrain can lead to wobbly footage. However, the Yi Lite has a digital stabilization feature in the app (via USB). It crops the frame slightly but smooths out minor jitters. For extreme sports, consider a gimbal or a helmet mount to reduce shake.

Audio quality is… okay. The built-in mic picks up voices clearly in quiet settings but struggles in windy or noisy environments. For vlogging, use an external mic or add voiceovers in post. Pro tip: The waterproof housing dampens audio, so remove it for better sound.

Battery Life and Overheating

The 1400mAh battery lasts about 90 minutes of continuous recording. That’s enough for a short hike or a bike ride, but for longer trips, carry a spare. I’ve used a 10,000mAh power bank to recharge mid-day—it works like a charm.

Overheating isn’t a major issue, but the camera gets warm after 20+ minutes of 1080p recording. I recommend turning it off between clips or using a heat-dissipating case (like a neoprene sleeve).

Design and Usability: Simple, But Not Flawless

The Yi Lite’s design is all about simplicity. No complicated menus, no endless settings—just a few buttons and a straightforward interface. But simplicity has its trade-offs.

Physical Design and Durability

The camera is IP68-rated (dustproof and waterproof up to 1m without housing). The waterproof housing bumps this to 40m, making it ideal for water sports. I’ve dropped mine on rocks and dunked it in rivers, and it’s held up perfectly.

The buttons are tactile and responsive, even with gloves. The power button is large and easy to find, while the mode button cycles through video, photo, and burst modes. The only gripe: the microSD slot is a bit tight, so inserting cards can be tricky.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Setting up the Yi Lite is a breeze. Turn it on, select your mode, and press record. The LCD screen shows basic info (battery, recording time, resolution), but there’s no live preview—you’ll need to check the app afterward. For beginners, this is fine. For pros, it’s limiting.

The app (Yi Action) is functional but basic. You can adjust settings like resolution, exposure, and white balance, but it’s not as polished as GoPro’s Quik app. Still, it’s free and gets the job done.

Mounting and Accessories

The included mounting frame is versatile. I’ve used it on my helmet, bike handlebars, and even a selfie stick. The quick-release buckle makes swaps easy, though it can feel loose if you’re not careful. For heavy-duty use, invest in a locking mount.

Comparing the Yi Lite to Other Budget Action Cameras

The Yi Lite competes with cameras like the Apeman A100, Campark X30, and AKASO V50X. How does it stack up?

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Yi Lite	Apeman A100	Campark X30	AKASO V50X
Max Resolution	1080p/60fps	1080p/30fps	1080p/60fps	4K/30fps
Waterproof (without housing)	IP68 (1m)	Not waterproof	Not waterproof	IP68 (1m)
Screen	2″ LCD	2″ LCD	2″ LCD	2″ LCD
Battery Life	90 mins	100 mins	120 mins	90 mins
Wi-Fi/App	No Wi-Fi (USB only)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price (approx.)	$70-$90	$60-$80	$50-$70	$80-$100

Why the Yi Lite Wins

• Better waterproofing without a housing (vs. Apeman/Campark).
• 60fps at 1080p for smoother motion (vs. Apeman’s 30fps).
• More accessories included (AC adapter, wrist strap).
• Lower price than the 4K-capable AKASO V50X.

The Yi Lite isn’t the cheapest, but it’s the best value for the features. If you need 4K, go for the AKASO. If you want Wi-Fi, the Campark or Apeman might suit you. But for most users, the Yi Lite strikes the perfect balance.

Who Should Buy the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit?

The Yi Lite Action Camera Kit isn’t for everyone—but it’s perfect for a specific type of user. Let’s break it down.

Best For

• Beginners: The simple interface and included accessories make it ideal for first-time action camera users.
• Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, bikers, and kayakers will love the waterproof housing and durable design.
• Budget-conscious buyers: At under $100, it’s a steal for the quality.
• Travelers: The compact size and long battery life make it a great travel companion.

Not Ideal For

• Low-light shooters: The camera struggles in dim environments.
• Vloggers: The audio isn’t great, and there’s no flip screen.
• Extreme sports pros: No 4K or stabilization limits high-intensity use.

Real-World Examples

I used the Yi Lite on a 3-day backpacking trip. I mounted it to my backpack for trail videos, dunked it in a river for underwater shots, and even used it as a dashcam in my car (with a suction mount). The footage wasn’t GoPro-level, but it was clear, stable, and shareable. For under $90, that’s a win.

Final Verdict: A Budget Hero with a Few Quirks

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit is the best budget action camera under $100. It’s not perfect—the lack of Wi-Fi, mediocre low-light performance, and basic app hold it back—but it delivers where it counts: video quality, durability, and value.

Think of it as the “gateway” action camera. It’s affordable enough to try without commitment, but good enough to keep using. If you’re a casual adventurer who wants to capture memories without spending a fortune, this is your kit. Just don’t expect GoPro-level features—and you’ll be thrilled.

So, is the Yi Lite the right choice for you? If you prioritize ease of use, portability, and bang for your buck, absolutely. It’s the camera I reach for on my weekend hikes, the one I don’t mind tossing in my bag. And for that, it’s earned its place as the best budget pick in a crowded market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit stand out among budget action cameras?

The Yi Lite Action Camera Kit offers exceptional value with 4K video, a durable waterproof design, and a bundled accessory kit—all at a competitive price. Its intuitive interface and reliable performance make it a top pick for beginners and casual users.

Is the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit good for outdoor adventures?

Yes, the Yi Lite is waterproof up to 40 meters (with housing) and includes mounts for bikes, helmets, and more, making it ideal for hiking, biking, or water sports. The 1350mAh battery ensures extended recording time during outdoor trips.

Does the Yi Lite Action Camera support slow-motion video?

Absolutely! The Yi Lite captures 1080p video at 120fps and 720p at 240fps, delivering smooth slow-motion footage perfect for action shots. This feature is rare in cameras at this price point.

How does the Yi Lite compare to GoPro in terms of image quality?

While the Yi Lite matches GoPro’s 4K/30fps resolution, GoPro’s stabilization and dynamic range are slightly better. However, the Yi Lite’s image quality is impressive for its budget-friendly price, especially in well-lit conditions.

Can I use the Yi Lite as a dashcam or webcam?

Yes! The Yi Lite supports loop recording for dashcam use and can function as a webcam via USB connection. Just note that a separate power source is recommended for extended webcam sessions.

What accessories come with the Yi Lite Action Camera Kit?

The kit includes a waterproof housing, bike/helmet mounts, a rechargeable battery, and a remote control. These essentials let you start filming right out of the box without extra purchases.