14 DAY TRIAL // Remember that last week we told you Xiaomi teased a bunch of mysterious images showcasing match boxes.
We hypothesized that the Chinese smartphone maker was finally gearing up to unveil the previously rumored action camera which we had told you about several months ago.
Well, it seems we were right to believe so, as today Xiaomi has taken the wraps off a tiny and portable GoPro competitor, which will be made available on the market for an affordable price tag (compared to the competition).
Say hello to the Yi camera
The Yi camera comes with a 16MP sensor that can shoot 1080p video at 60fps. It also has 64GB of internal memory and is much lighter than the entry level GoPro, breaking the scales at only 72 g / 0.15 lbs. It also has a bigger battery on the inside, so you’ll be able to use the device for a longer period of time.
The camera is built around a Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor. The Yi camera bests the GoPro Hero entry-level model which can only take you as far as 1080p at 30 fps and 720p at 60fps.
Sadly, even if previous rumors indicated that Xiaomi’s GoPro competitor would be able to shoot at 4K, it appears this is not the case with the real-life device. Bummer.
However, you might forget about this aspect when we tell you that the GoPro will go on sale for $64 / €57 in Asia. Hopefully, the device maker will make the Yi camera available in the US as well, like it has done with its Mi Band (by the way, the two can be paired).
Xiaomi doesn't include any accessories in the standard bundle
For this money, you’ll only get the naked camera, no housing or bracket mounts included. However, with a waterproof accessory, the Yi will be able to dip 130 ft / 40 m into water and come out undamaged too.
An app will make the connection between the Yi device and your smartphone to allow you to control the camera, edit and share the snapped footage.
Xiaomi will be offering an $80 / €71 “travel edition” of the Yi Action camera that includes a selfie stick which helps you immortalize moments of yourself and your friends.
