In our quest to discover the best dash cams available in the market, we’ve come across numerous contenders. However, the Nextbase 622GW has captured our attention due to its remarkable set of features and the promise of ultimate dash cam recording. After conducting an in-depth test of the device and its functionalities, we are ready to present our comprehensive review. View Today’s Top Amazon Deals Now!
Nextbase 622GW Review of Specs:
 | |
|---|---|
| Nextbase 622GW | |
| Resolution | 4K @ 30fps 1440 @ 60fps 1080p HD @ 120fps |
| View angle | 140° |
| Screen | 3” HD IPS Touch screen |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | Yes |
| Parking mode | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes, Enhanced Night Mode |
| Price | Find on Amazon |
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Upon unboxing, the Nextbase 622GW package is impressive. The package includes the Click&Go PRO GPS Mount, Power Cable Fitting Tool, Spare 3M Adhesive Pad, USB Cable, and Car Power Cable, offering an easy set-up experience.
Recording and Image Quality
The first feature we put to the test was its recording resolution, a critical factor for any dashcam. Offering 4K resolution at 30fps, 1440p at 60fps, and 1080p HD at 120fps, the 622GW exceeds expectations. The 4K recording is particularly striking, boasting a clarity akin to that of high-end TVs and cameras. It allows the capture of minutiae often lost in lower resolution footage, ensuring high fidelity recordings in case of incidents.
Moreover, the inclusion of a built-in polarising filter enhances the image quality by reducing windscreen glare. The lens comprises six layers, with a 140° viewing angle, which provides a broad field of view. This wide coverage, coupled with the high-quality recording, is instrumental in providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings and capturing crucial details such as number plates or roadside signs.
Night Vision
We particularly enjoyed the Enhanced Night Vision functionality, which came in handy during nighttime drives. It kicked in automatically in low-light situations, delivering clear and well-lit footage that vastly exceeded other dashcams we’ve tested. Indeed, one of the customers pointed out that this night vision feature was “better than any other.”
Stabilization
The 622GW also includes an image stabilization feature, crucial for maintaining smooth footage, especially on rough roads. When we put it to the test, the resulting videos were considerably less shaky and more watchable than those produced by cams without this feature.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
As tech enthusiasts, we appreciate the inclusion of intelligent features such as GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The 622GW features a 10Hz GPS module that helps keep track of your precise location, an essential element in the case of an accident or for journey tracking.
The dashcam also includes Bluetooth 5.0 and QuickLink Wi-Fi for seamless connection to mobile devices. We did notice some issues with the connection process as the pairing requires following a specific sequence of steps, which might be challenging for some users. Once we identified the correct procedure, however, the connection was stable and facilitated easy access to the recorded footage on our phones.
Smart Features
An intriguing feature is the integration of the ‘What3Words’ system, which enables precise location tracking, even offline. In case of an emergency where the driver might be unresponsive, this feature can alert emergency services with your exact location, proving potentially life-saving.
Another mention-worthy feature is the Intelligent Parking Mode. Once set, the 622GW will automatically record any movement or bumps detected while you’re away from your vehicle. Although we found the g-sensor a bit overly sensitive leading to some false positives, we believe it’s better to be safe than sorry.
One issue we ran across, echoed by a few users, was the quality of the adhesive for the window mounts. Despite its purported 3M status, it failed to keep the camera steady for more than a few days. However, we were able to fix it using a stronger adhesive, after which the dashcam stayed put.
The 622GW is also Alexa-enabled, letting you make voice commands to the dashcam and even to your other connected devices. This feature can minimize distractions while driving, making your journey safer and more enjoyable. Also, its compatibility with various modules – Rear Window Cam, Car Rear View Camera, and Cabin View Cam – allows for enhanced customization and more comprehensive coverage.
Firmware Updates and SD Card Compatibility
Now, let’s talk about firmware updates, which seem to have caused some frustrations for users. The firmware update process does indeed appear a bit old-school, requiring the user to connect the dashcam to a computer. While this may not be a deal-breaker for many, it does pose an inconvenience, especially for those accustomed to over-the-air updates from their mobile devices. However, once the updates were installed, the 622GW performed seamlessly with noticeable improvements.
We also found the 622GW to be quite selective about the SD cards it accepts, requiring a U3-rated SD card. This requirement might lead to additional costs if you don’t already have one on hand. Despite this, the U3 card provides faster write speeds, which is essential for recording high-resolution 4K footage.
Design and Build
Coming to the aesthetics, the dashcam sports a 3” HD IPS Touch screen, which is both stylish and functional. The user interface is intuitive, and the touch response is quite satisfactory. We also appreciated its robust build quality, which indicates it’s made to withstand daily usage and last over time.
Price Point and Value
As we wrap up our review, we’d like to address the elephant in the room: the price point. The Nextbase 622GW does come with a premium price tag compared to other models, leading many to ask if it is truly worth it. For what it’s worth, we believe that the value of any gadget is subjective, depending on the user’s needs and expectations. Don’t Miss Out! See Current Price on Amazon!
Pros
- Exceptional 4K resolution ensuring ultra-clear video quality.
- Enhanced Night Vision for superior low-light recording.
- Integrated Alexa and Emergency SOS Response for added safety.
- High compatibility with additional camera modules.
- Built-in polarising filter for glare reduction.
Cons
- Selective SD card compatibility requiring U3-rated cards.
- Firmware update process can be cumbersome.
Final Verdict
For someone who is looking for an advanced dashcam with top-tier recording quality, intelligent features, and appreciates the integration of Alexa and What3Words system for a more connected and safer driving experience, the 622GW would indeed be a worthy investment. However, for those who require a more straightforward, no-frills dashcam, this model may seem overpriced.
In conclusion, the Nextbase 622GW is a highly capable dashcam packed with features that cater to a wide range of needs. Its top-notch recording capabilities, enhanced by image stabilization and a built-in polarising filter, make it a standout choice. While there are minor gripes, such as the adhesive quality and firmware update process, we find that the pros significantly outweigh the cons. It is a solid choice for anyone looking for an advanced, feature-rich dashcam that delivers reliable performance and high-quality recording. It may require a bit of a learning curve and additional investments, like a U3 SD card, but if you’re willing to work through these minor inconveniences, you will find the Nextbase 622GW to be an excellent driving companion.
Comparisons With Other Dash Cams:
- Comparison vs. Garmin 67w
- https://garagegeektips.com/nextbase-522gw-vs-622gw/
- Comparison against Thinkware U1000