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    Yi 4k vs 4k+ Plus Action Cameras Specifications Comparison & Pricing

    When one thinks of the action cameras, the first name that comes to your mind is GoPro. After all, they created this genre. However, one of the significant concerns that prevent average users from opting for it is the exorbitant price tag associated with it. That is where the need for an affordable alternative comes to the fore. The Yi 4K and Yi 4K+ are a couple of excellent options you can give a thought to. Now that we have mentioned them here let us explore them and check out the differences (Yi 4k vs 4k+) between them.

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    Yi 4K vs 4K+ – What are the main differences?

    The principal difference between the two Xiaomi (Sub) branded cameras is the video resolution that it offers you. The newer Yi 4K+ provides you a better 4K recording functionality when compared to the older model. It can reach up to 60 fps when shooting in 4K resolution, while the Yi 4K will offer you a maximum of 30 fps only.

    The Yi 4K+ offers you an electronic image stabilization at 4K resolution. However, do note that this is limited to the shooting at 30 fps only. The older Yi 4K does not offer any sort of image or video stabilization as such. It can provide you an Electronic Image stabilization (EIS) to up to 2.7K resolution alone, and not for the 4K videos. If you are someone who regularly shoots in the 4K resolution, you will find it a limiting factor on the Yi 4K.

    The Yi 4K offers you a slightly larger screen. In any case, for practical purposes, you may not find a significant difference in terms of the screen size. Another major difference we noticed between the two options is the newer Yi 4K+ is a little expensive in comparison to the older model. The price difference is around $70.

    Related: Best 4K HDR Camcorders

    The minor differences between the Yi 4K vs 4K+

    While the design of the two cameras remains almost similar in almost every respect. They come with the same physical dimensions and weight virtually identical. There has been a minor difference in the external texture or looks though. The Yi 4K+ comes with the textured front. The camera comes with a black color option.

    The essence of change lies in the functionality of the camera and the insides. One of the noticeable differences is the inclusion of a USB Type C port available on the Yi 4K+, while the older Yi 4K offers you a micro USB compatibility. The USB Type C is the new and a better standard in comparison. It can even provide you a better and faster-charging functionality. It can also be used to attach a microphone to the camera. If you are looking towards the storage options, both offer similar options with support for microSD cards with up to 128 GB Class 10 cards.

    The continuous 4K video shooting per full charge is one of the key differences. The Yi 4K+ can provide you a 4K videos at 30 fps for up to 105 minutes. The older Yi 4K can shoot the same quality videos for up to 120 minutes on a single charge.

    The Common features on the two cameras

    The USP of the new generation Yi camera is its better 4K shooting compatibility. Like we have already explained in the above discussion, the new model provides you access to a 60 fps 4K video shooting experience. Rest of the features remain similar across the two cameras.

    The quality of the images taken by the two cameras will remain the same at all resolutions. The cameras are equipped with the Sony image sensor and thus ensure a similar quality. However, the low light photography will be a better option on the Yi 4K+.

    The connectivity options remain the same across both Yi 4K and Yi 4K+. Both the siblings have Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi connectivity options allowing you a capable streaming and file transfer capabilities. Both cameras support voice control and live streaming features.

    When it comes to the accessories, they do work with both the cameras. If you already have a Yi 4K and bought a few accessories for it, you will still be able to use them with your new Yi 4K+ if you decide to upgrade to the newer model.

    The Video Quality

    The Yi 4K and 4K+ are action cameras, and the most crucial aspect of an action camera is the video shooting capability. As we have already discussed in the above comparison, the newer Yi 4K+ offers excellent video performance.

    In terms of video quality, you will find them both on equal terms. Of course, there is a subtle difference when it comes to the colors and their reproduction. The colors look quite natural and bright on the Yi 4K+. The color reproduction can even match the performance on the high-end GoPro Hero series of cameras. The color reproduction on the Yi 4K appears to be a little over optimized.

    Night time or low light performance can be another factor that needs a close examination. The Yi 4K+ can handle low light scenarios more efficiently. The details tend to be a little better, and images appear sharper in the low light situations. The performance remains equal across the two cameras in the daylight though.

    The Yi 4K+ comes with an electronic image stabilization even at 4K. This can again help obtain smoother video performance.

    The Comparison Chart: Yi 4K vs 4K+

    Having gone through the details of the characteristic features and the differences between the two action cameras, we thought it would be great to check out the elements in a side by side comparison chart. This will help make a learned comparison between the two capable cameras.

    Features / ParticularsYi 4K+ (Check AliExpress)

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    Yi 4K (Check AliExpress)

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    Camera TypeAction camerasAction cameras
    The Physical Dimensions65mm (L) x 30mm (W) x 42mm (H)65mm (L) x 30mm (W) x 42mm (H)
    Weight95 grams96 grams
    Screen size2.2 inches2.2 inches
    Screen resolution640 x 360 resolution touch screen640 x 360 resolution touch screen
    Video shooting modes supportedTime-lapse, slow motion, loopTime-lapse, slow motion, loop
    Video resolutions supported4k @ 60 fps,

    2.7k @ 60 fps,

    1440p @ 60 fps,

    1080p @ 120 fps,

    720p @ 240 fps

    4k @ 30 fps,

    2.7K @ 60 fps,

    1440p @ 60 fps,

    1080p @ 120fps,

    720p @ 240fps

    Photo resolution12MP/4000×300012MP/4000×3000
    Image sensorSony IMX377Sony IMX377
    Electronic image stabilizationYes, available

    up to 4k @ 30 fps

    Yes, available

    up to 2.7k @ 60 fps

    Auto low light functionalityYesYes
    Correction for lens distortionYesYes
    Bluetooth connectivityYes, v 4.0Yes, v 4.0
    WiFi ConnectivityYes, availableYes, available
    Voice controlYes, supportedYes, supported
    Weather sealingNoNo
    Battery life105 minutes for 4K at 30 fps120 minutes for 4K at 30 fps
    GPS ConnectivityNoNo
    Ports availableUSB Type C, microSD slotmicro USB, microSD slot

     

    The head to head comparison above comes with clear indications wherein we would find that the two cameras are entirely equivalent in most factors. It has an improved resolution, and that is perhaps the only significant difference. Almost all the other features remain altogether similar.

    The Concluded Thoughts

    The Yi 4K+ is the new camera compared to the Yi 4K. That would make it a little more advanced option than the older version. Of course, there are not many new features – including hardware. Even then, the Yi 4K+ should be the best actin camera if you are looking for an affordable, yet capable option in the genre.

    If you already have a Yi 4K, there may not be a point in upgrading to the newer Yi 4K+. The two cameras come with a few differences and arrival of a new camera may not be the right decision maker. However, if you are someone who continually shoots in 4K, upgrading to the Yi 4K+ can be a wiser decision.

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