Xiaomi Unveils Low-Priced Yi Action Camera At MWC 2015

If you've ever wanted a GoPro but couldn't part with the cash, then this may be your chance. Chinese company Xiaomi just unveiled their newest action-ready camera at MWC2015. Xiaomi's Yi camera will retail for only $64 USD, which is less than half the price of GoPro's basic Hero model which sells for $130 USD. It offers better technical specs than the GoPro Hero, but it is lacking in other respects. We'll take a look at they compare, and if we can even get our hands on a Yi cam stateside.

Now let's get into the specs. The Yi has 1080/60fps video and 64GB of memory, while the GoPro Hero has 1080/30fps video and only 32GB of storage. The Yi is a Wi-Fi capable camera and will come with an added feature that allows you to push the trigger remotely using your smart phone or tablet. It also has a 155-degree wide-angle lens and is capable of taking a still photo 16 megapixels large. It has standard digital image stabilization and the microphone has 3D noise reduction. For a camera to offer these specs and features at such a low price sounds almost too good to be true.

So far, the Yi may be winning, but here is where it gets tricky. The Yi is really light, weighing in at only 72 grams, but that is without any of the protective housing. That's right, the Yi camera doesn't come in a rugged, all-terrain housing. So, out of the box the GoPro models should be much more sturdy. What Xiaomi's Yi camera lacks in toughness, it makes up for by offering lots of accessories as a package deal. It comes with a helmet mount, and a cat harness.

You may have to wait to get a cats-eye view of the world, as there is no word if this will be available in the US. Xiaomi is entering the US market this year, but only their cameras, fitness trackers, and other electronic accessories will be available through their Mi dot com website.

Source: Engadget