You have decided to buy a Nextbase dash cam and need to decide between the 522GW and the 422Gw models. Which should you choose? Read on as we compare the two versions and hopefully make your decision as to which one easier.
Nextbase 522GW vs 422GW Side by Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Nextbase 522GW | Nextbase 422GW | |
| Resolution (front) | 1440p 60FPS | 1440p 60FPS |
| View angle | 140 degree | 140 degree |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| LTE Module | Yes | No |
| Maximum capacity | 128 GB | 128GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
- Video Record of an Accident – It is usual for the drivers involved, and even an uninvolved witness, to remember and then describe exactly what happened during the few short seconds in which an auto accident takes place. If you are involved in an accident, by having video proof of what really happened, you can avoid being mistakenly found at fault by a responding police officer or by an insurance company. Also, having that video footage may help speed up the processing of any insurance claim that arises due to the accident.
- Proof of Innocence of a Traffic Violation – If you are pulled over because of a supposed traffic violation that you didn’t commit, a video can be used to prove you didn’t do it. You can offer to show the recording to the police officer or use it if you are required to show up for traffic court.
- Fight Insurance Fraud – Scammers are everywhere and they are perfectly willing to lie to get a cash payout from you. By providing a record of what really happened you can save yourself, or another innocent person, from being victimized by a low-life individual. The FBI estimates that fraud costs individuals and insurance companies more than $40 billion per year, and that $40 billion equates to an average family having to spend an extra $400-$700 in insurance premiums.
- Oversee Teenage Drivers – A new driver’s first month behind the wheel can be the most dangerous time for them. For that matter, you will be able to monitor their driving habits for as long as they drive a car you own. And if your dash cam has a rear facing camera also, you will be able to see who is along for the ride and if everyone is acting as you expect him or her to.
- Watch Your Unattended Vehicle – We never spend 24 hours a day watching over our cars. You may park it in a lot when you are at work, shopping at the mall, or on the street in front of your house. In reality, you probably spend very few hours each day setting in or driving in your car. With a dash cam you have a way of keeping tabs on your car when you are not in it. Many dash cameras have a parking mode that will respond to motion and capture any incident, be it an act of vandalism or if someone hits your parked car.
- Record the Unexpected – You never know what you might happen onto. It could be wildlife dashing across the road in front of you or a stunning sunset. With your dash cam recording, you will have something amazing to show others.
Nextbase 522GW
The 522GW is one of the newer Series 2 camera systems from Nextbase that includes Alexa voice control and the Emergency SOS feature. It has a maximum resolution of 1440p and 30 fps or a slightly lower resolution at 1080p at 60fps, which will deliver a smoother video, more detail, and it will be more light sensitive. Because of the light sensitivity issue, night recording will be better at the lower resolution level. Audio recording is an option that can be selected from the settings menu.
The 522GW has a rotating polarized filter that helps reduce glare while recording. The touchscreen is large, 3-inches in size. You can retrieve video clips by ejecting the card and plugging it into a computer or remove the camera itself and plug it directly into a computer. Lastly, you can download the MyNextbase app to your smartphone and download video clips to your phone.
You can choose between a suction-cup mount or an adhesive sticker. The camera magnetically attaches to the mount. One nice feature is that the power cord plugs into the mount rather than the camera itself, making removal of the camera less tedious. The mounting arm has a ball-and-socket joint allowing easy positioning adjustment.
The Emergency SOS feature is a great safety addition. If an accident is detected the camera will first attempt to contact the driver’s phone. If there is no response, the system will contact emergency services and GPS will pinpoint the vehicle’s current location. This SOS system can be preloaded with medical information such as blood type, history, and next of kin to be notified. Click here for our more in-depth review of the 522GW.
Pros
- High-quality video
- Built-in GPS, Bluetooth 4.2, and WiFi
- Emergency SOS (subscription required after 1st year)
- Amazon Alexa voice control
- 3-inch LCD touchscreen display
Cons
- Voice control only works when paired to a smartphone
- Menu graphics could stand an upgrade
Nextbase 422GW
Nextbase has added a new ability to their already great performing dash camera, Amazon Alexa connectivity. This is in addition to WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and built-in GPS capability. The 422GW records at either 1080p at 60fsp (full HD) or at 1440p at 30fps (its top resolution of 2.5K). The camera lens has a 140° wide viewing angle. The resolution is fairly well detailed, however in low light situations the recordings can be somewhat grainy. There is a 2.5-inch touchscreen to access the various camera controls.
The 422GW doesn’t directly connect to Alexa; it needs to be paired to a smartphone having both the Amazon Alexa app and the MyNextbase app via Bluetooth. Once this is set up you can use your voice to access the camera’s functions.
There is a G-sensor that will allow the camera to record if a bump or other movement is detected when the camera is in its parking mode. The camera also has an Emergency SOS mode and will automatically contact emergency services if you are involved in an accident.
Pros
- 5K video quality
- Built-in GPS
- Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi
- Emergency SOS (subscription based, free for 1st year)
- LCD touchscreen display
- Amazon Alexa voice control
- Magnetic mount
- Parking mode G-sensor
Cons
- No infrared for nighttime recording
- Voice control only works when paired with a smartphone
- Runs hot
Our Conclusion
These Series 2 dash cams are very similar. The big difference between the two is the addition of the adjustable polarizing lens feature on the 522GW that will help reduce glare. If this is important to you, spending the extra bit of money on the 522GW is worth the cost. If you don’t consider the glare factor on videos too disturbing, save a little money and opt for the 422GW model. Both are great systems that are very easy to set up and start using (>>> Check on Amazon).