Since GoPro has revolutionized the action camera world, plenty of old and new camera manufacturers have jumped on the tech trend. Many of them offer action cams that can shoot 4K videos at a very budget friendly price, the MGCOOL Explorer 1S and Yi 4K are two fair examples. But how do they compare overall? Let’s find out in this quick comparison!
Cost-to-performance ratio
Under this aspect, the MGCOOL Explorer 1S definitely has an edge over the Yi 4K, the former comes indeed at the incredibly low price of $59.99 on websites like Gearbest, meanwhile the Yi 4K costs $199.99. The Explorer 1S albeit being much cheaper, can still record 4K videos and also features a 170-degree viewing angle mode.
Display
The MGCOOL Explorer 1S comes with a a 2-inch LTPS enhanced display and a resolution of 320×240 pixels. On the other side, the YI 4K is equipped with a slightly higher 2.19-inch retina touch display with a resolution of 640×360 pixels. The Yi 4K wins this comparison hands-down.
Chipset
MGCOOL’s Explorer 1S is powered by a Novatek 96660 processor, meanwhile the Yi 4K is equipped with an Ambarella A9SE CPU using the more power efficient and cooler 28nm manufacturing process.
Camera sensor
The MGCOOL Explorer 1S uses a 12MP Sony IMX078 CMOS sensor and can capture 20MP images. The YI 4K comes with a Sony IMX377 sensor capable of capturing images with a resolution up to 12MP. So the MGCOOL Explorer 1S is slightly better if you’re into snapping pics with your action cam.
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Video-wise, the Yi 4K can shoot videos at 4K resolution and 30fps, meanwhile the Explorer 1S tops at 24fps.
Battery
MGCOOL’s Explorer 1S is fueled by a 1050mAh battery with a standby time of 7 days, meanwhile the Yi 4K comes with a bigger 1400mAh, so it takes this round.
Features
MGCOOL has managed to make the Explorer 1S water-resistant up to 30m. The camera also provides additional functions such as camera timer, slow motion, anti-shake technologies alongside Auto Focusing capability and car mode.
On the other hand, the YI 4K also provides support for timer, slow motion, Lens Distortion Correction (LDC) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) in addition to 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope.
Final thoughts
Both of these action cameras have a reason to exist and are aimed at different kind of users. If you are on a budget and want a cheaper camera that can shoot 4K videos, 20MP photos and it’s water-resistant without the need of an external case, then the MGCOOL Explorer 1S is a great choice. If instead you care more about image quality with Yi 4K’s advanced processor and bigger battery you’re probably getting what you want, albeit it’ll cost you $199.99.
The MGCOOL Explorer 1S is now available on Gearbest, you can learn more about it over at MGCOOL’s official website.
This comparison is based on specs on paper, we can’t possibly know how they perform in real life as we don’t have either of them at our disposal. Still, let us know, which one would you buy? And why? Drop a comment below!
Imx 078 is better than imx377 ???
That must be a joke right !!
Imx 078 is better than imx377 ???
That must be a joke right !!
Will you compare results of both cameras?
Only Black and Grey color in Explorer 1S?
Is Gearbest a reliable e-shop?
Is enough with these 1050 mAh of battery?
Will you compare results of both cameras?
Only Black and Grey color in Explorer 1S?
Is Gearbest a reliable e-shop?
Is enough with these 1050 mAh of battery?
Both of these cameras look decent but it really seems like somebody has paid them to advertise the mgcool one on this web
Yi 4K looks way better and has a better build and image quality, definitely suggest to buy it rather than the other variant!
Both of these cameras look good, anyone owns either one of these? Any reviews? 🙂
Both of these cameras look decent but it really seems like somebody has paid them to advertise the mgcool one on this web
Yi 4K looks way better and has a better build and image quality, definitely suggest to buy it rather than the other variant!
Both of these cameras look good, anyone owns either one of these? Any reviews? 🙂
Well I bought the mgcool band 2 after reading the reviews, I made a good choice because the quality and materials are really good. I think this would be also same. I’m curious about the capability to capture 20mp photos. I’m amazed!
Well I bought the mgcool band 2 after reading the reviews, I made a good choice because the quality and materials are really good. I think this would be also same. I’m curious about the capability to capture 20mp photos. I’m amazed!