Vantrue Nexus 4S 3-Channel Dash Cam Review

The Vantrue Nexus 4S dash cam is aimed at drivers who want more than a simple front-facing recorder. With front, interior, and rear cameras all capturing at once, it promises broader protection both on the road and when parked up. That makes it especially appealing for those who just want better all-round evidence if something goes wrong. It all sounds very useful on paper, but how does it come together in practice? This is my review.

Main selling points

The Nexus 4S’ biggest selling point is its three-channel setup, recording the front, cabin, and rear of the vehicle at the same time. The front camera captures in 2.7K, while the cabin and rear cameras record in 2.5K, which gives it a strong advantage over basic single-camera systems. Its use of three Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensors should help maximize clarity in lower light conditions.

Another feature worthy of highlighting is Vantrue’s PlatePix technology, which is designed to sharpen number plate capture, particularly in tougher lighting or fast-moving situations, and could be very useful in the event of a hit-and-run.

Triple HDR, infrared interior recording, 5GHz WiFi, built-in GPS, voice control, loop recording, and emergency lock all add to a feature set that feels comprehensive rather than padded out. There is also optional LTE support for remote alerts and access. 24/7 parking surveillance is also available for those who hardwire the camera in, which I think most will want to take the time to do.

Hardware wins

The Nexus 4S does a good job of combining broad coverage with the kind of image quality buyers in this category should expect. The three-camera system is clearly the main attraction, but it is the STARVIS 2 sensors and HDR support that help elevate it beyond a basic multi-channel dash cam. Stronger night performance is a big part of the appeal here, as many cheaper systems start to lose detail when lighting becomes difficult.

I also like that the extra features seem practical rather than gimmicky. Voice commands allow for safer hands-free operation, and the app should make it much easier to review and download footage without messing around with the memory card. 

Challenging to keep tidy

The main downside of the Nexus 4S is that a three-channel system is always going to take more effort to install neatly than a simpler dash cam. Routing cables cleanly and getting each camera positioned well will require patience, particularly for users who want a tidy finish. The camera body is also a little larger than some might be expecting.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Vantrue.