DDPAI X5 Pro Review - Is It Worth the Money?

A premium dashboard camera is hardly a necessity these days, especially when there are dash cams under $100 available on the market.

So, why consider the new DDPAI X5 Pro?

Unlike most dash cams built for straightforward purposes, this one goes beyond the realm of road safety. It’s designed for extreme adventure, too! 

The camera is developed by DDPAI – a Chinese company that dedicates itself to enriching travel and lifestyles through innovative technology. Like most of its products, this device is built with Artificial Intelligence and 5G interconnectivity for a future-proof experience.

Here’s why it’s a cut above the rest.

It features a dual-camera system – one in the front and one in the back. With this setup, you’ll be able to capture everything on the road from both perspectives. Moreover, you’ll do so in amazing quality – up to 4K UHD resolution at 90 frames per second.

As a newly-released model, there aren’t many DDPAI X5 Pro reviews out there.

Well, today’s your lucky day because I took the cam for a spin to see if it’s truly worth every penny.

Here’s what I found:

DDPAI X5 Pro Specifications

The X5 Pro captures your driving footage through front and rear cameras that record simultaneously. That way, you get a better view and clearer coverage!

But how exactly does it do that?

Let’s take a closer look into the unit’s build, technology, and other notable specs.

Dashboard Camera

As soon as you start your engine, the front camera starts recording everything you see (or fail to see) at 2160p 4K resolution. With this superior quality, you get everything in razor-sharp detail. You can rely on it to record important objects like license plates, road signs, etc.

And if you’re out for a road trip, it’s great for capturing sceneries and landscapes, too!

This is where the Sony IMX 415 image sensor comes in. Paired with a seven-glass dual lens and a large f/1.8 aperture, the camera is able to shoot crystal clear footage. Even when driving in low-light conditions, you won’t miss a single detail on the road.

DDPAI’s patented Realcube Image Technology is also properly integrated into the unit. Packed with custom algorithms, this feature helps the cam shoot sharper and brighter clips by adjusting the:

• brightness
• contrast ratio
• color calibration
• and overall resolution.

Lastly, the 140-degree viewing angle gives you sufficient peripheral vision to capture your surroundings. However, this type of lens yields a noticeable barrel distortion. That’s pretty common for wide-angle lenses, so that’s something you might want to consider.

Rear Camera

Although it’s a scaled-down version of the dash cam, the rear one can still shoot in amazing quality and resolution. It features:

• 1080p resolution at 25 frames per second
• five optical lenses
• f/2.0 aperture
• 125-degree viewing angle

The great thing about it is that it seamlessly integrates with the front camera through a single connection.

GPS

If you’re like me and have a limited sense of direction, you’ll be thrilled to know it has a sub-meter GPS module. It features a multi-satellite navigation system that supports:

• GPS
• BDS
• GLONASS
• Galileo

Having such broad compatibility allows for better locational accuracy. You’ll know exactly where you are. Plus, you’ll be able to track and record your vehicle’s speed as you go!

Connectivity

The X5 Pro sports a single Type-C port to connect the included power cable. And it’s a special one because the input port also doubles as an extension connector for the rear camera. 

Now, for wireless connectivity, you get a built-in 5G WiFi module. Once enabled, you can directly transmit all video content to your phone at a lightning-fast speed. You can also control certain camera functions by installing the official DPPAI app.

Simply press the WiFi button to turn it on. Then, it’ll automatically link with your smart device.

Storage Capacity

One of the main perks you get with this dash cam is efficient memory management. It comes with a built-in 32 GB eMMC internal storage. If you need more space, you can install an external TF card with up to 128 GB of storage.

The best part? All your important videos will be saved internally. So, even if you lose your card, your essential footage stays.

Power Source

Instead of using lithium batteries, the X5 Pro gets its power from a supercapacitor. 

Why?

This type of power causes less pollution and is more temperature-independent. You could be driving in -20°C or up to 65°C, and your dash cam will work just fine. 

Audio Recording

The X5 Pro can record both video and audio. It has a built-in microphone that captures any external sound. 

This is where it lacks a bit of foundation, though.

From the few DDPAI X5 Pro reviews I’ve seen, bad audio quality is a common complaint. Although I have to say, DDPAI improved a lot in this department, especially if we compare this model to its entry-level options. It’s not the most aurally-satisfying sound, but thankfully, it’s not muffled and distorted.

Mounting

Installing the dash cam into your car is easy. It’s a quick-release mount, so just stick the adhesive pad to your windshield and slide the dash cam on the holder. That way, you can swiftly slip the camera on or off. The fit is sufficiently tight, so it stays in place as you drive.

As for the rear camera, you can attach it to the back glass using the same mounting style.

Now, here’s where it gets a bit difficult. The included hardwire kit is an essential tool to enable the camera’s parking mode. 

While doing my test runs for this DDPAI X5 Pro review, I found that the hardwiring needs to be hooked to the fuse box. So, just be sure you know your way around it.

Design

The camera’s shape and design are unmistakable. Its sleek, discrete, and minimalist all-black design won’t obstruct your view even if it sits on your windshield. And because it’s a slip-on camera, you can easily remove it if you worry about it getting stolen.

And it isn’t just for looks – the design is functional, too!

At the bottom of the front camera, you’ll see a tilting mechanism for adjusting the angle. Also, the rear camera’s cylindrical body is twistable, so you can find the right view.

DDPAI X5 Pro Features

Aside from those high-end specs, here are the camera’s inner workings that greatly add value to its performance.

Parking Monitor

Need round-the-clock protection? With the Smart Hardwire Kit included, you can enable the dash cam’s 24-hour, wide-angle monitoring. You can rest assured that your parked car still captures incidents like vandalism or hit-and-runs.

G-Sensor

The built-in, six-axis G-sensor detects any sudden shock or collision. This will prompt the camera to automatically record and lock the footage in a separate folder. You can adjust the sensitivity according to your preference.

You’ll have enough evidence for insurance claims in such events!

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

For better safety, you can take advantage of the unit’s ADAS module to accurately recognize the road surroundings. It delivers reports such as:

• people walking closely 
• front vehicles starting 
• narrow car distances
• lane departures 

And other relevant information that will help improve your driving behavior.

Sensor Reality (SR) Vision

Remember when I said the X5 Pro is meant for extreme adventures?

This is why:

The SR Vision provides an immersive video interface for a unique driving experience through augmented reality. You can flash graphics like the built-in GPS, speed, G-Sensor, lanes, and more. It’s like driving on a race track!

Night Vision

DDPAI’s NightVis technology is infused into the X5 Pro for clearer night vision. Even when you’re driving in low-light conditions, the quality remains uncompromised.

Higher Frame Rate

When you’re shooting at higher frame rates, you’ll be able to capture videos with no high-speed motion blur. With this, it’s easier to recognize a license plate from a fast-moving car or the type of vehicle that hit you.

And if you’re into racing, those drifting footages will turn out clear and crisp!

DDPAI Mobile App

As previously mentioned, you’ll need to download and install the DDPAI app to connect the camera with your smartphone. You can also use the app to:

• configure and control the dash cam
• set your preferred resolution
• adjust the viewing angles
• preview your footage in real-time
• manipulate advanced settings

You can do basic video editing on the app, too! You can apply cuts, filters, special effects, and even background music. 

The best part? You get to share it with other users by uploading your footage in the community section.

What’s in the Box?

The package includes the following gadgets:

• X5 Pro dashboard camera (front recorder)
• RC1 rear camera
• Camera holder
• Type-C power cable
• Rear power extension cable
• Instruction manual
• 3M adhesive stickers
• Electrostatic stickers

Now, let’s talk about the price.

Pricing

The DDPAI X5 Pro retails for $459. It’s a significant investment, considering the dash cam market is now loaded with affordable options.

It is, after all, a premium camera. If you’re a bit budget-stricken, here are other options worth considering – the DDPAI MINI5 or the DDPAI Z40. 

They also offer hi-res video but lack the rearview camera. They also don’t include a hardwire kit, so you won’t be getting the round-the-clock parking monitoring feature.

So – how do you get the unit?

Shipping and Delivery

DDPAI ships all of its products globally. With the X5 Pro, there’s no extra cost, as the company offers free shipping on orders over $100.

Warranty

There’s a one-year warranty duration if you run into some hardware issues. This period starts from the day you receive the camera. 

The warranty, however, is only applicable to products purchased through the official DDPAI online store. 

Return Policy

If you’re unsatisfied with the DDPAI X5 Pro, you can return it within 14 days. You’re free to request a full refund or exchange. Just be sure you’ve kept the unit in good condition along with its original packaging. 

If you’ve purchased the product from another channel, however, the company won’t be responsible for the return or exchange.

DDPAI X5 Pro Review – Verdict

As far as premium dash cams go, the DDPAI X5 Pro certainly delivers on its promises.

Its ability to record both ways can singlehandedly justify the chunky price tag. Not everyone is willing to invest in a $459 dash cam, but this particular unit might just change that. 

Its dual-channel system provides improved safety on the road, while the 24-hour parking monitor feature ensures your car is protected at all times. This, along with its 4K UHD capability and high-sensitivity G-sensor, ultimately make the X5 Pro a worthy investment!