The Thinkware X800 & X1000 are some of the only dash cams with rear-facing displays, a feature that many buyers tell us is important. These cameras offer many of the same technologies and features, so picking the best one is a challenge.
We had the opportunity to include the X1000 in our long-term tests and found it to be the best dash cam with a touchscreen that we had used. Below, we will discuss the differences between these cameras, then we will give you detailed reviews for each. Our top pick is the Thinkware X1000 because of the larger screen and several small details that set this package apart. (Find it on Amazon)
Thinkware X800 vs. X1000 Specs Side-by-Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Thinkware X800 | Thinkware X1000 | |
| Resolution (front) | 2560 x 1440 @30fps | 2560 x 1440 @30fps |
| View angle | 150° | 156° |
| Screen | 2.7″ LCD Touchscreen | 3.5″ LCD Touchscreen |
| Built-in GPS | Optional GPS Antenna required | Optional GPS Antenna required |
| Parking mode | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon BHPhotoVideo.com | Find on Amazon |
Display Features
The X1000 offers a 3.5-inch touchscreen versus the much smaller 2.7-inch screen on the X800. The difference is night and day when trying to watch video files on the screen. The X1000 screen makes it much easier to see details when watching videos. We found the screen on the X800 to be a little too small to be practical in most cases.
Other than size, there is little difference between how the screens operate. Both devices offer the same settings and menu options, it’s just easier to use the X1000 with the larger screen. The small amount of additional real estate over the X800 screen makes the X1000 instantly a better buy.
Winner: Thinkware X1000
Camera Comparision
The camera used by the X800 and X1000 is identical, with both units offering 2K video quality at 1440p resolution, which we consider to be slightly better than the minimum resolution we would want. Both devices capture video at 30 frames-per-second using a Sony STARVIS sensor capable of 5.14 mp image quality.
The only difference between the two cameras isthe slightly wider 156-degree viewing angle offered by the X1000 model. The X800 provides a 150-degree angle. Side-by-side, it is difficult to see much difference between them. The X1000 will provide a little better image quality around the edges over the X800.
Both the X800 and X1000 use the low-light gathering capabilities of the STARVIS sensors to provide video capture at night. Since these cameras rely on at least some light, they won’t produce great images at night, but they work well when driving. In our testing, the Super Night Vision 3.0 of the X1000 is modestly better at capturing details at night than the Super Night Vision 2.0 protocol of the X800.
The slightly wider angle and better night vision gives the X1000 an edge over the X800. Since the two systems are so similar, the differences might not be easy to see, but they are different.
Winner: Thinkware X1000
Additional Features
If you thought the camera and display were similar, the available features list will show you that these two cameras are even more similar. In fact, the features are identical between them. That is not to say that these cameras lack features, though. Both are fully-featured and can compete with the best dash camera systems on the market.
One of the really cool features that Thinkware provides is Advanced Driver Safety Systems. The programming includes driver alerts for front collisions, lane departures, and a warning that a car in front is moving. These alerts make distraction-free driving a plausible feature for any vehicle, even classics.
Both the X800 & X1000 provide video correction that eliminates fishbowl effects and improves clarity on the edges of video files. Anti-corruption technology prevents video files from losing important data, too. Both units also provide advanced thermal protection that keeps the camera circuits from being damaged when the interior of the car gets hot. The combination of features makes these cameras some of the most reliable you’ll find.
Winner: Tie
Individual Reviews
Thinkware X800
Pros
- Very affordable price point for drivers looking for their first dash cam
- Compact size is ideal for smaller vehicles
Cons
- Requires lots of additional accessories to get all features
- Only moderate resolution
The Thinkware X800 is one of the best compact cameras we have tested and one of the few from a reputable company that includes a display. It offers good image quality and many features that provide distraction-free driving and additional security.
The X800 uses the Sony STARVIS Exmor R IMX335 chipset and a super processor that enables 5 mp image capture and excellent low-light capabilities. Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 2.0 and image correction software give the X800 very good low-light capabilities. The X800 provides 2K 1440p, good enough resolution to capture most details.
The X800 has advanced driver safety features and other capabilities you would expect to find on a more expensive camera, making this an excellent choice as a first dash cam.
Where this one falls short is in the need for additional components tto get the most out of it. You’ll need to supply a GPS antenna to take advantage of geolocating features, a rear camera to provide dual-directional images, and a hardwire kit or OBD2 cable for parking mode. Most decent packages include all or most of these things. Additionally, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi means you’ll need to remove the SD card to view files unless you watch them exclusively on the tiny 2.7-inch low-resolution screen.
Thinkware X1000
Pros
- One of the best touchscreen dash cams we have ever tested
- Excellent video quality from rear camera
Cons
- Lack of Wi-Fi and GPS are bummers
- Can be bulky on some windshields that have large rear-view mirrors
The Thinkware X1000 is a front and rear camera system that includes a 2K rear camera, better than most competitors offer. Both cameras capture video in 1440p at 2K resolution. Advanced image correction capabilities ensure that the 156-degree camera gets all the details. A Sony STARVIS sensor enables excellent low-light abilities and the improved Super Night View 3.0 makes a significant difference versus the older 2.0 software.
A full compliment of driver safety features makes this camera not only able to capture footage in an accident, but it can alert you to some common causes, including lane departure and vehicles moving in front of your car. The camera uses different tones to alert you and also provides a message on the screen. We really like these features and the way the screen displays is perfect.
The X1000 does not have Wi-Fi, a feature that we expected to find. You’ll have to upgrade to the U1000 to get Wi-Fi, but then you won’t have a display screen. The X1000 also lacks GPS data without adding an antenna, which means one more cable connection. Built-in GPS capabilities would make for a more streamlined package. Check our full review here.
Why We Pick the Thinkware X1000
The addition of the rear camera alone makes up for any difference in cost between the two camera systems, not to mention that the X1000 can support a 2K camera while the X800 is limited to Full HD. (Check on Amazon) Overall, we spent quite a lot of time with the X1000 and found it to be high-quality and to provide excellent images and features. Including a basic hardwire kit would significantly improve both of these models because parking mode would be easy to use, a built-in feature of both systems.