The Toguard Mini CE18 is a Chinese single channel dash camera released in Sep 2019. The camera is very low priced and popular on Amazon. Unfortunately Toguard does not provide the processor and CMOS sensor specifications for the Mini CE18. Given the low price point, it is safe to assume that the components are entry level.
Video Quality
The Toguard Mini CE18 records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 14 Mbps. Video quality during the day is below average and night quality is very poor. The video is choppy and in some cases it is blurry as well. While expectations are low in this price range, video quality does not impress.
Features
The camera has a 2.45″ screen and g-sensor but does not have GPS. As a basic dash cam, there is no WiFi and parking mode is non-buffered when hardwired to your vehicle (optional hardwire kit required). The camera does not come with audio error notifications, only screen error notifications which could be missed if you are not paying attention.
The camera comes with a suction mount and can swivel 360° to record interactions at your side windows (i.e. police traffic stop). The Mini CE18 is a very small camera with dimensions of 70 x 47 x 30mm. The camera is is lightweight but unfortunately build quality is below average.
Support
Toguard appears to be responsive to questions but beyond that, the camera has limited support. While Toguard does have a website, we have not seen any firmware updates for this camera since it has launched.
Toguard provides a free accessory in exchange for Amazon reviews. While they don’t explicitly ask for a 5-star review which is better than some other manufacturers, this gift exchange for review will likely influence the ratings on Amazon. Purchasers are likely to provide a positive review to ensure they get the free gift.
Known Issues
Heat Damage
Numerous owners indicate that the CE18 gets very hot in use. There have also been reports of the camera getting damaged with the heat. The warping of the camera would indicate low quality plastic materials were used. Note that the Toguard CE41 suffers from the same problem.
Mounts Breaking
The suction cup mount appears to be low quality which is not surprising at this price point. Broken mounts and mounts not sticking to the windshield have been reported by numerous owners
Sample Videos
Should I Purchase?
The Toguard Mini CE18 is an all around poor dash cam. Video quality is bad, the camera is cheaply made and there is very little support. Also the plastics used in the camera appear to be low quality and could melt in hot environments.
We suspect the free SD card in exchange for reviews has influenced the Amazon rating for this camera. The only positives for this camera are the low $30 price tag and the ability to easily return to Amazon within 30 days if you are not satisfied.
Overall, don’t be fooled by the low price, the CE18 is not worth the money.
Specifications
| Spec | Toguard Mini CE18 |
|---|---|
| Price | $30 |
| Overall Rating | 4.3/10 |
| Price Rating | 10 |
| Brand | Toguard |
| Channels | 1 |
| Channel Setup | Front |
| Form Factor | Hanging |
| Front Resolution | 1080p |
| Spec | Toguard Mini CE18 |
|---|---|
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| GPS | No |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Voice Commands | No |
| Spec | Toguard Mini CE18 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Unknown |
| Video Format | MOV |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Screen Size | 2.45" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Mount | Suction |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Battery Type | Battery – Unknown mAh |
| Spec | Toguard Mini CE18 |
|---|---|
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Card Size | 128GB |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Country | China |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Release Date | Sep 2019 |
| Spec | Toguard Mini CE18 |
|---|---|
| Day Video | 4 |
| Night Video | 1 |
| Reliability | 3 |
| Discreetness | 6 |
| Support | 2 |
| Spec | Toguard Mini CE18 |
|---|---|
| CMOS | Unknown |
| Max Resolution | 1920 x 1080p |
| FPS | 30 |
| Bitrate | 14.0 Mbps |
| Viewing Angle | 170° |
| Dimensions | 70 x 47 x 30 |
| HDR | No |
Published: Oct 18, 2020
Toguard Mini CE18
The Toguard Mini CE18 has a low price but video and build quality are poor. Would invest in a better camera instead.
Product SKU: Toguard Mini CE18
Product Brand: Toguard
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 30
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
4.3