Thinkware U1000 vs. BlackVue DR900X: What’s the Difference?
With safety and security at the forefront of every driver’s mind, it’s no wonder that dash cams have become essential gadgets for car owners everywhere.
From so many top-of-the-line dash cams in the market, the Thinkware U1000 and BlackVue DR900X are the talks of the town. They’re quite similar and bring something unique to the table.
But is there any difference between them? Which one is better for the drivers to track every record of their vehicles?
It’s time to explore the Thinkware U1000 vs. BlackVue DR900x comparison in detail. Let’s dive in.
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Thinkware U1000 vs. BlackVue DR900x: Which One is Better?
Thinkware and BlackVue both dash cams share similar features and price ranges. With other small distinctions, the main difference between these two dash cams is that BlackVue has better file compression technology and an easy-to-use app, whereas Thinkware U1000 offers better video quality and night vision.
If you’re after cutting-edge dash cams that offer ultra HD recordings on expansive, modern displays, the Thinkware U1000 and BlackVue DR900x are the perfect choices for you.
It’s tough to pick a clear winner between these dash cams without exploring each and every feature in detail. So, let’s delve into the specifics and discover all the nitty-gritty details!
Design
In terms of design, both the Thinkware U1000 and BlackVue DR900X have a sleek and modern appearance that should look good in any vehicle. The matte finish of both devices gives them a premium look and feel.
The Thinkware U1000 has a rectangular shape with a sleek and modern design. Unlike BlackVue, which has only black color, Thinkware comes in black and grey options.
Both dashcams lack LCD displays or screens for the live view, so you can only use their apps to view the footage.
The BlackVue DR900X has a similar rectangular shape to the Thinkware U1000, but it’s a bit smaller in size. The LCD display has a cylindrical shape that makes it easy to mount on the windshield or dashboard.
For design and color options, Thinkware U1000 wins over the BlackVue DR900X.
Field of View
The Thinkware U1000 features a front camera with a 150-degree wide-angle lens and a rear with a 152-degrees. It also supports a 30-degree tilt angle that might help you adjust the view to capture specific areas of interest.
The Blackvue DR900X provides a slightly wider field of view for the front camera compared to the Thinkware U1000, but a narrower view for the rear camera. It lets you record with a 162-degree wide-angle lens at the front and 139-degree with the rear camera. This provides a relatively wide field of view that can capture a lot of the surrounding environment.
BlackVue also features a 360-degree rotatable design for further customization of the field of view.
For the field of view, BlackVue DR900X is better than Thinkware U1000.
Also, check out our guide on Garmin 57 Vs. 67W to determine which dash cam would fit you better.
Video Quality
Thinkware U1000 and BlackVue DR900X both record at 4K Ultra HD resolution – the highest resolution available for dash cams. However, Thinkware provides comparatively more detail and clarity than the BlackVue DR900X, thanks to its better MP Sony STARVIS image sensors.
Also, Thinkware has a 2k QHD (2560 X 1440) 60fps rear resolution compared to the Full HD (1920 x 1080) 30fps resolution of BlackVue rear camera.
Thinkware also features a high-bitrate recording system, which minimizes compression and preserves image quality. But as the large file sizes of 4K footage can fill up an SD card relatively quickly, some users have reported issues with the compression of the recorded files with the Thinkware model.
On the other hand, the compression system of BlackVue can reduce the size of the recorded files by up to 50% and allows for longer recording times on the same size SD card.
You must note that BlackVue can support up to 256GB SD card while Thinkware is only compatible with a 128GB card that comes in the package.
For video quality, we prefer Thinkware U1000 over Blackvue DR900X.
Connectivity
The Thinkware U1000 dash cam comes with Wi-Fi and built-in cloud connectivity, allowing you to access your dash cam footage with an internet connection remotely. This feature can be useful if you need to check in on your car while it’s parked, or if you need to access footage from a previous trip.
The BlackVue DR900X, on the other hand, offers cloud connectivity as an optional add-on that you can purchase separately.
While Thinkware’s connectivity features are generally reliable, some users have reported issues with the Wi-Fi connection dropping or the app freezing during use, whereas the BlackVue app is more straightforward and easier to use.
Besides cloud connectivity, BlackVue DR900X offers other options for connectivity, including Wi-Fi, and USB.
You can connect DR900X to a computer via USB to transfer video footage and access additional settings using the BlackVue viewer software. This top-notch connectivity makes BlackVue DR900X and Thinkware U1000 the best dash cams for live streaming.
For connectivity options, BlackVue DR900X outscores Thinkware U1000.
GPS
Both BlackVue DR900X and Thinkware U1000 come with a built-in GPS module. These advanced modules not only track location, speed, and direction but also record the GPS data with the recorded footage. You can access this information later on using Thinkware Cloud (for Thinkware U1000) or the BlackVue app (for BlackVue DR900X).
Thinkware U1000’s GPS provides real-time alerts with audible and visual notifications when you approach a speed camera or red-light camera. The GPS module also allows the dashcam to record the location of any incident or accident, which can be helpful in insurance claims and legal disputes.
BlackVue’s GPS allows you to remotely access your dash cam footage and GPS data from anywhere, using a smartphone or computer. You can use it to create a timeline of your vehicle’s movements and locations for fleet management and tracking.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, both dash cams offer reliable performance, with some differences in how they’re powered and managed.
Both Thinkware U1000 and BlackVue DR900X come with built-in supercapacitors that provide reliable and stable power. While supercapacitors can withstand high temperatures, these batteries can operate in extreme temperatures: up to 60°C with the Thinkware and 80°C with the BlackVue without any issues.
If we talk about battery life, both these dash cams conserve low power in parking mode. Still, their internal batteries won’t last more than 10 minutes, they may even get worse over time like many dash cam internal batteries.
For longer recording in parking mode, you can install an external battery or power the dash cams with your car’s battery using a hardwiring kit. Both dash cams come with the hardwiring kit – you don’t need to buy them separately.
For this feature, both Thinkware and BlackVue have similar features except the 20°C extra operating temp of DR900X. So, you can pick whichever one you prefer.
The Final Verdict
To sum up, there’s no clear winner in Thinkware U1000 vs. BlackVue DR900x comparison. Both Thinkware U1000 and BlackVue DR900X offer good image quality with 4K resolution.
But the BlackVue DR900X is an easier-to-use option, with a user-friendly app and the option for USB connectivity. It also has better file compression and support for a 256 GB SD card that provides an extended recording time.
Conversely, if you prioritize comparatively better video quality and long battery life, the Thinkware U1000 may be the better option.
If you have a Volvo, you can also check out our article on the best dashcams for Volvo.
