A premium dash camera provides you with the ultimate in motorist safety. It can capture accidents and store the data so that you can access files remotely at your convenience. We tested the Thinkware U1000 v Nextbase 622GW and found the Thinkware U1000 to be a better buy(>>> Check on Amazon). We will compare these two excellent options and explain why we like the Thinkware product.
Thinkware U1000 vs Nextbase 622GW Pro side by side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Thinkware U1000 | Nextbase 622GW | |
| Resolution (front) | 3840x2160 UHD 30FPS | 1440p HD @60FPS |
| View angle | 150 degree | 140 degree |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Parking mode | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon BHPhotoVideo.com | Find on Amazon |
Video Resolution Quality
In order for your dash cam to be useful, it needs to capture clear, smooth video that you can use to easily identify fine details, like license plate numbers. While both cameras shoot video in the same 4k resolution at the same 30 frames per second, the advanced 8.42 MP Sony sensor of the Thinkware U1000 provides clearer details, particularly when viewing video captured at night.
Better Video Resolution: Thinkware U1000
Storage Capacity
Your dash cam records video constantly, storing the files on an SD card. A minimum of 32 GB is required for a dash cam. Higher resolution and longer video clips increase the size of stored files. The Thinkware U1000 has fewer issues with aftermarket cards, giving it better functionality.
Better Storage Capacity: Thinkware U1000
WiFi Capabilities
Built-in WiFi lets you access files remotely, change settings, and update firmware for a better experience. Cameras not equipped with WiFi require manual removal of the SD card and physical downloading to access recordings. Both cameras offer WiFi and neither has common connection issues, so there is no winner in this category.
Better WiFi Capabilities: Thinkware U1000 & Nextbase 622GW
Parking Mode and Additional Features
Parking mode allows you to check on your vehicle even when you aren’t around. A good camera uses a G-sensor to record impacts. Some devices include motion detection for even better protection. The Nextbase 622GW G-sensor and impact sensor tend to work better for capturing video while the vehicle is parked.
Better Additional Features: Nextbase 622GW
Reliability
A dash cam is not worth anything if it isn’t reliable. You need a dash cam that works automatically and captures video when you need it. Owners report few issues with the Thinkware U1000 while the Nextbase 622GW has numerous reports of failures.
Better Reliability: Thinkware U1000
Thinkware U1000 Review
Thinkware U1000 Resolution
The front camera in this package provides 4k UHD resolution at 30 FPS, or you can set it to 2k HD that records at 60 FPS for smoother video. The camera uses a 150 degree wide angle lens that is ideal for capturing the action. An 8.42 MP Sony STARVIS sensor ensures accurate and clear images even in low light conditions.
The rear camera shoots in native 2k HD resolution. It uses the same 150 degree lens, but a less expensive sensor. Both cameras store video files on an included SD card.
Thinkware U1000 Video Storage and Retrieval
Videos are stored on an included 32 GB SD card. This card will hold about two hours of UHD video and rear images. You can easily upgrade the SD card to 128 GB by purchasing larger cards. Most manufacturers’ SD cards function flawlessly.
Enabled cloud storage makes retrieving files remotely a breeze. You can also use the built-in WiFi to download video files onto your smartphone or tablet. Videos are saved in one minute increments.
Thinkware Special Features
The biggest thing about this camera is the fact that it automatically stores and preserves files recorded during an impact. This ensures that no matter what happens, the video is available in the cloud. Even in the event that the car completely burns to the ground, you’ll still have the files, safe and secure. Built-in GPS automatically geotags the images to ensure accuracy.
This camera offers a parking mode that utilizes a G-sensor to detect and record impacts, even when parked. You can even access the cameras remotely to view parking images. In-motion and parking mode videos are limited to one minute in length to conserve storage space.
Pros
- Perfect choice for ensuring accident footage is captured and stored
- Excellent image quality from both front and rear cameras
- Easy to upgrade SD cards using aftermarket products
Cons
- One minute interval of video format doesn’t allow for “showing off”
- Cameras don’t feature entertainment options
Nextbase 622GW Review
Nextbase 622W Resolution
The Nextbase 633W shoots video in 4k UHD at 30 FPS. The lens captures video from a 140 degree lens that reduces the fishbowl effect common with wide angle lenses. Users can set the front camera resolution to 4k, 1440P, or 1080P with frame rates of 30,60, and 120 FPS accordingly.
The rearview camera is not included in this package and must be bought separately. Only Nextbase rear view cameras are compatible with the Nextbase 622GW dash cam.
Nextbase 622GW Video Storage and Retrieval
Video files are stored on an SD card that is not included with the unit. You will need to buy a separate SD card and only specific cards will work. Most users found that even cards claiming to work with this camera would not. Generally, you will need to order a custom card from Nextbase as most users have found that cards designed for dash cams but made by other companies don’t work.
The Nextbase includes enabled cloud storage you can access remotely. It also has WiFI built-in to allow streaming of files to smartphones and tablets. The camera features a 3 inch touchscreen display that you can also use to watch videos.
Nextbase Special Features
You can do more with this dash cam than most on the market because it gives you features you’d typically find on a GoPro or other type of adventure camera. This camera has a super slow motion mode to allow you to view videos slowly. While this can be a helpful feature when quickly viewing images, it is mostly designed for entertainment purposes as any video player will be able to control speed of playback.
Built-in Amazon Alexa allows you to use the service to communicate with voice commands. Nextbase says you can use the device to play music, get directions, and check the weather or traffic. The camera is also compatible with what3words, an app that provides pinpoint location data you can share with emergency responders or friends and family.
Pros
- Stunning image quality during daylight hours
- Slow motion mode and time lapse are fun to play with
- Built-in touchscreen makes on-the-fly adjustments to cameras simple
Cons
- Serious reliability issues reported by numerous buyers
- Rear camera must be purchased separately
Conclusion: Thinkware U1000 vs Nextbase 622GW
The primary reason that we chose the Thinkware U1000 over the Nextbase 622GW is the included rearview camera. Nearly 30 percent of all car accidents happen as a result of rear-end collisions. That is the largest single cause of car crashes in the U.S. Capturing those instances on video is essential to pursuing property and injury claims for damages.
We like the features of the Nextbase camera on paper. The trouble is that numerous customers have had significant reliability issues with the product. Many people have the camera lock up and freeze without warning, leaving them unaware they are not recording images. This is a serious failure, and no amount of fun features can overcome an unreliable, high-priced product.
At the end of the day, the short video clips and lack of fun features didn’t matter. The Thinkware U1000 provides clear, focused images and is easy to use (>>> Find on Amazon). This makes it one of the best cameras on the market and our top pick in this head to head showdown.