To test the video recorder apps, we used a Samsung A50 with Android 10. The smartphone was installed in a universal car phone holder with a suction cup mount. The video quality of all the apps listed in this article is approximately at the same level. After all, the recording quality depends more on the smartphone camera than on the app.
The biggest problem with such apps is switching between day and night shooting modes. Good video recorders often cope with this task better than Android apps. Keep in mind that the quality of shooting in the dark directly depends on the technical characteristics of the camera. The better the camera, the better the "picture".
AutoBoy Dash Cam
AutoBoy Dash Cam – a free video recorder for Android with rich functionality. The program is easy to use and allows you to change camera options, adjust exposure, set video orientation, and so on. And for all this, you do not need to understand complex multi-level menus.
It is possible to link GPS tracking to video capture. When driving, GPS coordinates are updated in real time, so the current location of the car will always be shown. If you get into an accident, AutoBoy Dash Cam will turn on additional video protection from unauthorized access by third parties, which may help preserve evidence of your innocence in the accident.
It is possible to set AutoBoy to start and stop automatically depending on the connection to a car docking station, outlet or Bluetooth connection. That is, when connected, recording is in progress, and when disconnected, it stops.
There is a backup function on YouTube. The backup can be done automatically. The user can manage background recording settings, limit the length of videos, calibrate the image and set up automatic deletion of files after a certain period of time.
Unfortunately, AutoBoy has its shortcomings. For example, the function of recording protection in case of an accident is too "sensitive". As soon as I accidentally hit a curb, the application considered that an accident had occurred and immediately blocked the video. The program also reacted to a large pothole in the road.
AutoGuard Dash Cam
U AutoGuard Dash Cam Some of the functionality is free, and some is available with a paid subscription. The application sets the maximum video storage volume, sets parameters for automatic backup to YouTube or Google Drive, configures the bitrate, color balance, and much more.
AutoGuard protects video in case of an accident. You can also set up automatic deletion of recordings if the drive was without incident. By the way, this is a very convenient feature. If you are on the road for a long time or go out several times a day, a lot of useless videos accumulate. Why constantly waste time deleting unnecessary recordings if the program can handle it perfectly? Another useful feature is the automatic stop of recording in the background when parking is detected. Phones with Android 11 can automatically start recording when a connection is made to a specific Bluetooth device located in the car.
There is also the option to set the time during which the recording will be made after an accident, which can also be useful. Moreover, AutoGuard can even automatically call a pre-set number in the event of an accident. To enable this option, you need to go to the advanced settings of the application.
Drive Recorder
Drive Recorder has basic but sufficient functionality for a car recorder. The application sets the maximum storage size, recording duration, GPS coordinate update frequency and audio track recording. The standard functionality also includes a backup option.
What we liked most about Drive Recorder is the playback screen. The app splits the screen into two parts. The top part plays the video, while the bottom part shows a map of your route.
However, Drive Recorder has its drawbacks. For example, the application does not perform any actions in case of an accident. It does not make a call, does not block the video, does not send GPS coordinates. Moreover, by default, Drive Recorder erases old videos, which can be a problem if you do not set the necessary settings. Another drawback is that it is not so easy to get to the location where the video is stored. At the same time, you cannot change the path to the storage. I had to find the path to the file through Total Commander (a separate file manager) to copy the recording to a more accessible place.
Since the app is free, the developers make money by displaying ads. Constantly popping up ads can be annoying and distracting while driving, especially if your phone is in sight. Go to Settings, scroll to the bottom of the page, and turn on the Close advertisements option to prevent ads from appearing while using the app.
Dash Cam Travel
Dash Cam Travel – the last free DVR for Android on our list. However, this app also has four separate paid versions. Each of them has a unique set of features. The “Professionals” package is designed for professional drivers, “Sports” – for sports driving enthusiasts, and so on.
It is possible to disable additional data on the video. If you enable the overlay option, the recording will display the speed of the car, the time of recording, the date and route map, GPS coordinates. At the beginning of 2022, the Auto-Stop function appeared to delay video recording - you can set a timer in the range of 15 minutes. The function can be used, for example, when warming up the car engine, so that recording is not performed at this time.
Disabling the overlay also affects the video resolution. So, with the overlay disabled, the recording is made in the resolution of 1920x1080 or 1280x720. If you enable the overlay, the resolution will be either lower (1920x936 or 1280x624) or much higher (2220x1080). However, these minor changes do not have a strong impact on the quality of the "picture". So, even at the lowest resolution, you will be able to clearly see the license plates of all vehicles in the frame. There is an experimental setting that allows you to change the video bitrate.