The 70mai A800S was released in February 2021 and is an updated version of the popular A800. The original A800 was available for only 6 months prior to this A800S replacement. The reason given for this upgrade is that HUAWEI significantly increased the cost of their processors including the HiSilicon Hi3556 used in the A800.
In response 70mai launched the A800S with a Sigmastar SSC8629G processor while still using the same Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS sensor for the front camera. Everything else about the A800S remains virtually the same as the original A800.
For the optional rear camera, the A800S uses the same 70mai RC06 camera. This has a Fullhan FH8536H processor and Galaxycore GC2053 CMOS sensor. Specifications for this rear camera are not the greatest but it does provide acceptable, but not stellar video quality for the rear. This RC06 rear camera is also used for the 70mai A500S.
Video Quality
The front camera records 2160p (4K) video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 25 Mbps. Video quality for the front camera during the day is excellent and night is good. Videos appear to be on par with the previous A800. During the day very few cameras are better than the A800S currently which is impressive given the price tag.
The rear camera records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 8 Mbps. When compared to the excellent front camera, the rear camera does not perform as well. The 1080p has good video quality during the day and average at night but some owners have received cameras with below average video quality.
While the rear camera is optional, we suggest purchasing it since the incremental cost for the dual camera version is only $20 more.
Features
The 70mai A800S has identical features as the A800 it is replacing. It has a large 3″ screen, g-sensor and built in GPS. The camera comes with WiFi and supporting apps for Android and iOS. Unlike many dash cams with poorly designed apps, the 70mai app is pretty good. The A800S has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) built into the camera. Most owners find this feature annoying and typically turn it off.
While the A800S is bigger than other 70mai cameras at 89 x 60 x 36mm, the wedge shaped form factor allows for discreet mounting. The camera comes with audio, screen and LED error notifications. The build quality is good and we expect reliability to be similar to the A800 which was above average.
The camera can be mounted directly to the windshield or on a provided electrostatic sticker. The electrostatic sticker allows you to remove the camera from the windshield without leaving any residue. Sticking directly to the windshield without the electrostatic sticker will provide a firmer mount. The camera cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows.
Their are a couple of negatives to be aware of on the 70mai A800S. While parking mode can be enabled, the only option is non-buffered which is not ideal. Also note that you will need to use the optional 70mai hardwire cable for this to work.
The other negative, as can be seen in the pictures below, is that the camera uses a 500mAh battery instead of a capacitor which is not ideal in hot climates. The battery uses a plugin connector which makes it easy to change if it ever dies. No soldering is required if you purchase a direct replacement battery such as this one on Aliexpress.
Also note that the A800S, like most other 4K cameras, runs hot. We haven’t heard of overheating problems but it is something to be aware of.
Support
70mai support outside of China is not the greatest. However they do create firmware updates for their cameras to fix bugs and enable new capabilities which is a positive.
Known Problems
The camera has been recently released and there haven’t been any widespread problems.
Internal Photos
Sample Videos
Youtube has numerous videos of the A800S. When searching, make sure to check the A800S videos, since Youtube will often return the older A800 videos in the search. In general, video quality is consistent with the original A800.
Should I Purchase?
If you are looking for a good bang for your buck 4K camera, the 70mai A800S should be on your shortlist. In the $100 price range, there are few cameras that will have better video quality. Build quality is good but it is a bit early to determine long term reliability.
Be aware of a few drawbacks. The A800S also uses a lithium battery instead of a super capacitor and the non-buffered parking mode is not the best. Also the RC06 rear camera does not have the best video quality. That being said, the A800S is an overall great value given the excellent video quality at this price point.
See what other owners say about the 70mai A800S on our forum.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
There are 2 methods to update the firmware: via the app (follow the instructions in the app) or manually (follow the instructions below).
Updating Firmware Manually Steps
- Download the firmware file and unzip the file
- Copy the upgrade folder to the root directory of the SD card
- Ensure the dash cam is connected to the power supply but turned off (you can first connect the power supply to turn on the recorder, and then press and hold the power button to turn off)
- Insert the SD card into the recorder
- Press and hold the power button and the rightmost function button at the same time, wait until the screen lights up and the word upgrade appears, you can let go
- After the screen is off, click the power button to turn on
- Successful upgrade
Note: If the recorder does not respond (black screen) during the card swiping process, please press and hold the recorder’s power button for more than 15 seconds to reset the device, and then turn it on normally.
Latest Firmware
Previous Firmware
- FW_A800s_1.0.3ww+(OTA).zip
- OTA_A800S_79_FULL_39001003_user_0.0.47.ww.a_full.zip
- OTA_A800S_FULL_39001003_userdebug_0.0.51a.ww_full.zip
User Manual
The English User Manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Dual Channel |
| Form Factor | Wedge |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Sigmastar SSC8629G |
| CMOS Front | Sony STARVIS IMX415 |
| CMOS Rear | Galaxycore GC2053 |
| Channels | 2 |
| Screen | 3" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | Yes |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 3840×2160p (4K) |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 25 |
| Max Resolution Rear | 1920×1080p |
| Rear Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | 8 |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 or H.265 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 140° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | 130° |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 256GB |
| Max Size (User) | 256GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 89 x 60 x 36 |
| Size Rear (mm) | Unknown |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -10°C to 60°C |
| Battery | 500 mAh |
| Error Notification | Audio and Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Feb 2021 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Unique Features | Lane Departure / Front Collision Warning System |
| Advantages | Low Price Great 4K video quality for front camera |
| Disadvantages | Average rear camera video quality Battery instead of capacitor Poor parking mode |
| Final Word | Replaces the popular A800. Best 4K video quality during the day at this price. Rear camera is OK. Good value for your money. |
Published: Feb 21, 2021
70mai A800S - DashCamTalk
The 70mai A800S is a good bang for your buck 4K camera, the In the $100 price range, there are few cameras that will have better video quality.
Product SKU: 70mai A800S
Product Brand: 70mai
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 120
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
7.7