Picking a perfect dash cam for your car often means making compromises, and that is definitely the case when it comes to deciding between these two cameras from Vantrue. They both have numerous features that make them unique and interesting, but each of them will also be more appropriate for some drivers while not meeting the needs of others. We think that the Vantrue X4S is the best option for most drivers who are primarily interested in capturing high-quality images of the action around their cars (>>>Check its pricing on Amazon), but the N4 will suit drivers who are also concerned about what happens inside the vehicle.
Vantrue X4S vs N4 Side by Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Vantrue X4S | Vantrue N4 | |
| Resolution (front) | 3840x2160P@30fps or 2560X1440P@60FPS | 1440P |
| View angle | 131° | 155° |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes (need to buy separately) |
| Parking mode | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
| Maximum capacity | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Price | Find on VanTrue.us Find on Amazon | Find on VanTrue.us Find on Amazon |
Notes on Interior Camera Recording
Interior cameras are popular with rideshare drivers because they help to offer a security net in case a passenger is doing something illegal, acting rowdy, or causing problems. What drivers need to keep in mind is that filming passengers in a car without permission is illegal and can result in serious criminal charges. If you are going to use an internal camera while working as a rideshare driver, you must have the written permission of your passengers consenting to being filmed.
At the same time, you do not need to have the permission of law enforcement to film officers while they are working. An internal camera can be a useful aid to defending yourself and preventing officers from conducting themselves illegally and you don’t need to tell them that the camera is running.
Product Features: Vantrue X4S vs N4
We are going to look at the main features of these two cameras before giving you some detailed information about each product.
Front-Facing Camera Technology
The most important aspect of any dash camera system is the quality and effectiveness of the front-facing camera. With these cameras, you’ll see a noticeable similarity between the two. The Vantrue X4S offers up to 4k resolution, ideal for capturing fine details such as license plates and whether drivers are on their cell phone just before an accident happens.
The Vantrue N4 uses a similar 4k x 2180p front camera resolution that will ensure you don’t miss minute details and capture clear images in low-light environments. However, there is something you’ll need to understand about this camera. While it is capable of capturing 4k resolution with the front camera, it can only do so when used alone. If you plan on capturing video with all three cameras, you’ll only get a 1440p resolution.
Winner: Vantrue X4S
Viewing Angle
Another significant difference is the viewing angle each product offers. The N4 uses a wide-angle 155-degree view, while the X4S features a much more narrow 131-degree angle. The more narrow angle provides a clear view, but loses images to the sides.
Winner: Vantrue N4
Rear Cameras
Both products offer identical looking rear-facing cameras that both offer the same 1080p maximum resolution. The main difference is the viewing angle. The rear camera included with the N4 uses a super-wide 160-degree angle while the X4S uses the same 131-degree angle as the front-facing camera.
Winner: Vantrue N4
Viewing Videos
Here is the one detail we think sets the XS4 apart from the N4 and makes it the better option- it offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that makes it possible to download and view video files without having to eject the MicroSD card. This is a simple and fast way to review the videos without hassle. Having used both types of cameras from numerous manufacturers, we can say that even Wi-Fi that is finicky to use is still better than ejecting the card which often leads to problems with the way the card works.
Winner: Vantrue XS4
Vantrue N4
The Vantru N4 is a three-channel camera package that provides a front, rear, and interior camera view. The front camera uses an advanced Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and a large f/1.4 aperture that does a great job of capturing clear images in low light conditions. The front camera has a touchscreen that is also used for the primary method of viewing videos.
The key element of this package is the interior cam that captures the cabin view in bright and dark conditions. It uses four IR diodes to ensure you won’t miss any of the action.
The rear camera uses an f/1.8 aperture that does a good job of capturing low-light images. Both front and rear cameras use an ideal combination of technology and a wide-angle lens that ensures you capture all of the action. For our more in-depth review of the Vantrue N4, click here.
Pros
- Easy to set up camera system that offers superior camera angles and image quality
- Internal camera offers excellent security
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth means you’ll need to remove card to access videos
- Requires additional components to get the most out of the camera
- Reduced image quality when using all three cameras
Vantrue X4S
The Vantrue X4S is a two-channel camera system that provides high-quality images of the front and rear. The camera uses an advanced sensor to provide 4k front images and 1080p rear views with a narrow 131 degree viewing angle that captures fine details.
The front camera offers a 3.1-inch touchscreen for viewing videos, but also provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that makes it simple to access video files remotely. The front camera uses a f/1.7 aperture while the rear camera uses an f/2.0 aperture that ensures high-quality images in low light conditions.
The camera offers motion detection parking mode, impact detection, and a time-lapse recording mode that ensures you’ll always capture the images you need even when you are not driving. Parking mode is one of the most valuable options you can add to ensure that you have around the clock coverage and protection.
Pros
- Excellent quality of images
- Inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth makes this camera highly functional
Cons
- Not discreet and looks ugly when installed in most cars
- Limited image quality in parking mode
Conclusion
The Vantrue cameras offer lots of features you’ll find on higher-cost options at reasonable prices. These cameras both have numerous features that make them excellent choices for many drivers, but we think that the higher quality images of the two-channel Vantrue X4S will offer better quality for most drivers.
We like three-channel cameras because of the added security they offer. They are particularly handy if you are concerned about interactions with law enforcement where your rights might be violated as they will capture what happens during a traffic stop.
At the end of the day, the best option for you will be the one that covers your needs as best as possible. Between these two cameras, we think the Vantrue X4S serves the largest group of people (>>> Find on Vantrue).