Toguard Mini CE18

Toguard Mini CE18

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.

Toguard Mini CE18 Gift
Toguard Mini CE18 Gift
Toguard Mini CE18 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.

Toguard Mini CE18 Heat Damage
Toguard CE18 Heat Damage
Toguard Mini CE18 Heat Damage
Toguard CE18 Heat Damage

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

Toguard Mini CE18 Mount

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

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Hanging - Rectangular
Country China
Processor Unknown
CMOS Front Unknown
CMOS Rear Unknown
Channels 1
Screen 2.45"
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) 14
Max Resolution Rear N/A
Rear Frames Per Second N/A
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) N/A
Video Format MOV
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 170°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 32GB
Max Size (User) 128GB
Size Front (mm) 70 x 47 x 30
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Suction
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp -20°C to 60°C
Battery Battery - Unknown mAh
Error Notification Screen
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) Yes
Apps None
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Sep 2019
Warranty 12 months
Unique Features None
Advantages Low price
Disadvantages Poor picture quality
Low build quality
Low reliability
SD Card in exchange for reviews
Final Word Low price is the main positive. Video and build quality are poor. Would invest in a better camera instead.

Published: Oct 18, 2020

Toguard Mini CE18 - DashCamTalk
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

Editor's Rating:
4.3