The Anker Roav DashCam A1 is a Chinese single channel dash camera released in Jan 2018. This dash cam is popular on Amazon and has many positive reviews.
The A1 is based on the Novatek NT96658 processor and Sony Exmor IMX323 CMOS sensor. These are midrange components and can be found in numerous other dash cams.
Video Quality
The Anker Roav DashCam A1 records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 10 Mbps. Video quality during the day is good and night quality is above average. Video quality, while not the best, is reasonable for this price point.
Features
The A1 is an affordable camera, while not loaded with features does cover the basics. The camera has a 2.4″ screen, g-sensor but lacks GPS. The A1 comes with WiFi and unlike most dash cams with average or poor apps, the Anker Android and iOS apps are very good. This is a key positive for the A1.
As this is a basic camera, it does come with numerous negatives. The Roav DashCam A1 only provides non-buffered parking mode. The camera uses a battery instead of capacitor (not ideal for hot environments) and it only provides screen error notifications (no audio notifications).
The Anker Roav DashCam A1 comes with both suction and adhesive mounts. Both allow the camera to swivel 360° to record interactions at your side windows (i.e. police traffic stop). Overall build quality is good for the camera but there have been complaints regarding the suction mount and power cable. The Roav DashCam A1 is a medium sized camera at 83 x 56 x 35mm and is not the most discreet.
Support
Anker appears to be responsive to questions and there have been numerous firmware updates for this camera since it has launched. Anker offers a standard 12 month warranty for the Roav DashCam A1.
Know Problems
Damaged Power Cable
One of the most common problems with the A1 is damage to the USB connector as shown in the photos below. This appears to be due to a low quality connector.
Swelling batteries
While not widespread, there have been numerous complaints of swelling batteries. This is a problem shared with other Anker dash cams that utilize batteries instead of capacitors.
Sample Videos
There are a lot of videos on Youtube for this camera. While not a bad performing camera, night videos are not the best and capturing details can be a problem. You can see some reviews on our forum here and here.
Should I Purchase?
The Anker Roav A1 is an affordable, no frills camera with acceptable video quality for the price and WiFi with good supporting apps. On the negative side, the A1 is not the most discreet, and reliability is below average (swelling batteries, damaged power cables). An ok camera, but there are better options on the market.
Specifications
Data Sheet No specs match that search. Hardware Layout ScoresTechnical Specs
Spec Anker Roav DashCam A1 Brand Anker Model Roav DashCam A1 Channels 1 Channel Setup Front Form Factor Hanging Release Date Jan 2018 Country China Warranty 12 months Spec Anker Roav DashCam A1 Processor Novatek NT96658 Video Format MOV Compression H.264 Screen Size 2.4" Touchscreen No Mount Suction and Adhesive Power Supply 5V Battery Type 240mAh Spec Anker Roav DashCam A1 Parking Mode Non-Buffered Wi-Fi Yes GPS No Apps Android, iOS Cloud Connectivity No Voice Commands No Spec Anker Roav DashCam A1 SD Card Type MicroSD Max Card Size 128GB Operating Temperature -20°C to 70°C Swivel Yes Error Notification Screen Camera Units
CMOS Sony Exmor IMX323 Max Resolution 1920 x 1080p FPS 30 Bitrate 10.0 Mbps Viewing Angle 150° Dimensions 83 x 56 x 35 HDR No Ratings
Published: Nov 9, 2020