Dive into Adventure: AKASO Brave 4 4K Action Camera Review

As a parent, capturing the special moments of my children’s growth is incredibly important to me. During our holidays, swimming with my daughter and son has become a cherished activity. I wanted a reliable action camera to document these precious memories without breaking the bank. After some research, I decided to try the AKASO Brave 4, a more affordable option that still promises impressive features and performance.

In this review, I’ll share my experience with the AKASO Brave 4, highlighting its key features, performance, and overall value. Whether you’re an adventurous parent like me or just looking for a budget-friendly action camera, this review will help you determine if the AKASO Brave 4 is the right choice for you.

Review of: Tonny Chung

We Like

High-quality video and photo resolution
Effective image stabilization
Robust waterproof capabilities
Comprehensive accessory kit

We Don't Like

Old Style Design
Poor Display Solution
Bad Performance in Dark Environment
Some users may experience connectivity range limitations

Specification

4K/30fps video resolution and 20MP photos
Adjustable view angle options (170°, 140°, 110°, 70°)
Image stabilization and anti-shaking technology
Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity
Waterproof capabilities up to 131ft

Unboxing and First Impression

Having previously borrowed the Insta360 GO 3 and DJI Action 4, I was curious to see how the AKASO Brave 4 would compare. Upon unboxing, it was clear that the AKASO Brave 4 looks and feels more budget-friendly, primarily due to its plastic casing. It reminded me of the older-style products often found in Hua Qiang Bei, known for their affordability.

Contents of the Box:

AKASO Brave 4 action camera
Waterproof case
Two 1050mAh rechargeable batteries
USB dual charger
Remote control wristband
19 accessories kit, including mounts and straps
User manual

Despite its plastic construction, the AKASO Brave 4 includes everything needed to get started right away. Setting up the camera was straightforward, and I appreciated the clear instructions provided in the user manual. However, unlike the more premium models I’ve used, the AKASO Brave 4 features a non-touch screen, which feels a bit dated but functional.

The 2-inch IPS screen, while not touch-enabled, is bright and easy to read. Navigating through the settings is simple, although not as intuitive as with touch screen models. While the AKASO Brave 4 may not be the most advanced or stylish action camera on the market, considering its price, these compromises are acceptable for budget-conscious users like myself.

Key Features of the AKASO Brave 4

Despite its budget-friendly price, the AKASO Brave 4 offers a range of features that make it a versatile option for capturing your adventures.

4K Video and 20MP Photos

The AKASO Brave 4 boasts 4K/30fps video resolution and 20MP photos. This allows for high-quality video and still images, capturing the beauty and details of our swimming sessions and other activities. The video quality is clear and vibrant, and the photos are sharp, making it a great option for those special moments.

Adjustable View Angle and Image Stabilization

One of the standout features of the AKASO Brave 4 is its adjustable view angle. You can choose between 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°, depending on your needs. This flexibility is great for different shooting scenarios. The built-in smart gyroscope for anti-shaking and image stabilization ensures smooth video, which is particularly useful when cycling or engaging in other activities that involve a lot of movement.

Wi-Fi and HDMI Connectivity

Sharing and editing videos is made easy with the AKASO Brave 4’s Wi-Fi connectivity. By downloading the free app on your phone or tablet, you can connect to the camera and transfer your footage wirelessly. The Wi-Fi signal ranges up to 10 meters, which is convenient for quick transfers. Additionally, the HDMI port allows you to connect the camera to your television for easy playback of your videos and photos.

Waterproof Capabilities

The AKASO Brave 4 comes with a waterproof case that allows you to dive up to 131 feet (40 meters) underwater. This makes it an excellent choice for water sports such as swimming, surfing, and diving. I tested it during our swimming sessions, and it performed admirably, capturing clear and vibrant underwater footage.

Included Accessories

The camera comes with a comprehensive accessory kit, which includes a USB dual charger, two 1050mAh rechargeable batteries, a remote control wristband, and 19 different mounts and straps. These accessories enhance the versatility of the camera and make it compatible with various mounts, even those designed for GoPro cameras. The remote control wristband is handy for hands-free operation, although it’s worth noting that it’s not waterproof.

Performance and Usability

The performance of the AKASO Brave 4 is impressive, especially considering its price point. Here are some key aspects of its performance:

Video and Photo Quality

The 4K/30fps video resolution and 20MP photos ensure that the footage and images captured are of high quality. During our swimming sessions, the camera captured vibrant and detailed videos and photos, preserving our precious moments beautifully.

Image Stabilization

The smart gyroscope and image stabilization work effectively to keep the video smooth, even when there’s a lot of movement. This feature is particularly useful when filming active scenes like cycling or swimming, where shaky footage can be a common issue.

Ease of Use

The camera is straightforward to set up and use. Although the screen is not touch-enabled, navigating through the settings is relatively easy with the buttons provided. The 2-inch IPS screen provides a clear preview of your shots, which is helpful when framing your photos and videos.

Battery Life

With two 1050mAh rechargeable batteries included, the AKASO Brave 4 offers a decent battery life. Each battery can record up to 90 minutes, providing ample time to capture your adventures. The USB dual charger allows you to charge both batteries simultaneously, ensuring you always have a backup ready.

User Feedback and Reviews

To provide a well-rounded perspective, I looked into user feedback and reviews on Amazon for the AKASO Brave 4. Here’s a summary of what other users are saying about this action camera.

Positive Reviews

High-Quality Video and Photos: Many users praise the AKASO Brave 4 for its impressive video and photo quality. The 4K resolution and 20MP photos are frequently highlighted as major selling points.
- “The video quality is fantastic for the price. I was pleasantly surprised by the clarity and detail.”
- “The photos are sharp and vibrant, perfect for capturing my adventures.”
Effective Image Stabilization: The built-in image stabilization is another feature that receives positive feedback. Users appreciate the smoothness of their videos, even during high-motion activities.
- “I used it while biking, and the video was super smooth, no shakiness at all.”
Value for Money: Many reviewers emphasize the great value for money that the AKASO Brave 4 offers. It provides a lot of features typically found in more expensive cameras at a fraction of the cost.
- “For the price, you really can’t beat it. It has all the features I need without breaking the bank.”
Comprehensive Accessory Kit: The included accessories are a big hit among users. The variety of mounts, the dual charger, and the extra battery are often mentioned as valuable additions.
- “The accessories kit is amazing. I didn’t have to buy anything extra to start using the camera.”

Negative Reviews

Plastic Construction: Some users feel that the plastic construction makes the camera feel less durable and premium.
- “It feels a bit cheap because of the plastic case, but it works well enough.”
Non-Touch Screen: The lack of a touch screen is a common complaint. Users find it less convenient to navigate the settings compared to touch-enabled models.
- “I wish it had a touch screen. The buttons are okay, but a touch interface would be much better.”
Remote Wristband Not Waterproof: Several users were disappointed that the remote wristband is not waterproof, limiting its use during water activities.
- “The remote control is handy, but it’s a shame it’s not waterproof. That would have been perfect.”
Dated Design: A few users mentioned that the design feels a bit outdated compared to newer models.
- “It looks and feels like an older model, but considering the price, it’s a minor issue.”

Conclusion

The AKASO Brave 4 action camera offers a compelling mix of features, performance, and affordability. While it may not have the premium feel or advanced features of higher-end models, it delivers where it counts most—capturing high-quality video and photos, both on land and underwater.

For parents like me who want to document their children’s growth without spending a fortune, the AKASO Brave 4 is a practical choice. It’s also a great option for adventurers and hobbyists looking for a budget-friendly action camera.

Overall, the AKASO Brave 4 provides excellent value for money, making it a worthy investment for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile action camera.