The AUKEY DRA5 Mini is a Chinese dash cam released in Jan 2020. The camera is very low priced at under $40 and has gained popularity on Amazon.
The DRA5 Mini is based on the Novatek NT96672 processor and Galaxycore GC2053 CMOS sensor. This is the first time we have seen this combination in a dash cam.
Video Quality
The AUKEY DRA5 Mini records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 8.7 Mbps. While the bitrate is a little on the low side, video quality during the day is good and night quality is above average but appears a bit grainy.
Unlike most dash cams that record in MP4 or MOV format, the DRA5 records using the uncommon TS format, however the videos should play fine on most modern media players
Features
The camera has a 1.5″ screen, g-sensor but does not have GPS. The DRA5 is a very simple dash cam and does not come with WiFi or supporting smartphone apps. The DRA5 provides non-buffered parking mode if you hardwire the dash cam to your vehicle (optional hardwire kit required). Unfortunately the camera comes with screen error notifications (note audio notifications are preferred).
The camera comes with a decent quality adhesive mount. The mount allows the camera to swivel 360° to record interactions at your side windows (i.e. police traffic stop). The DRA5 is a very small camera with dimensions of 46 x 50 x 34mm. Even though the camera is lightweight, build quality appears to be good. The only negative is that the DRA5 comes with a combined power adapter and cable. This fully uses up your 12V port instead of providing multiple USB ports.
Support
The manufacturer appears to be responsive to questions and offers a 24 month warranty. That being said, we have not seen any firmware updates for this camera since it has been launched.
Known problems
Cluster Size Wrong
Some owners have indicated they are receiving a cluster size wrong error with the camera. To resolve this problem format the microSD card with the format option in the dash cam menu.
Mounting the Camera
While the DRA5 is very small, the hanging rectangular form factor makes it less discreet than some of the smaller wedge or cylindrical dash cams.
Sample Videos
Should I Purchase?
The AUKEY DRA5 Mini is a simple, discreet dash cam with decent video quality. The use of a capacitor instead of a lithium battery and a 24 month warranty are strong positives. The biggest negative is the lack of audio error notifications. Overall, a very good buy for an inexpensive, no frills dash cam.
See what other owners have to say about the AUKEY DRA5 Mini Dash Cam on our forum.
Where to Purchase for Lowest Price
This camera sells primarily on Amazon.
Note: Links to vendors are affiliate links that support our website. Read our affiliate disclosure here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Hanging - Square |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Novatek NT96672 |
| CMOS Front | Galaxycore GC2053 |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 1.5" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | No |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 1920×1080p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 8.7 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | TS |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 170° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 128GB |
| Max Size (User) | 128GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 46 x 50 x 34 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 65°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Error Notification | Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | Yes |
| Apps | None |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Jan 2020 |
| Warranty | 24 months |
| Unique Features | None |
| Advantages | Low price Capacitor Simple to use 24 Month Warranty |
| Disadvantages | No WiFi No audio error notifications |
| Final Word | A simple low priced camera with good video quality for the money. Capacitor and 24 month warranty make it a good buy for a budget cam. |
Published: Oct 4, 2020
AUKEY DRA5 Mini - DashCamTalk
The AUKEY DRA5 Mini is a simple low priced camera with good video quality for the money. Capacitor and 24 month warranty make it a good buy for a budget cam.
Product SKU: AUKEY DRA5 Mini
Product Brand: AUKEY
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 40
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
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