In today’s world, road safety, liability protection, and peace of mind are more important than ever. Whether you’re a rideshare driver, a daily commuter, or someone who simply values safety on the road, a quality dash cam is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Among the top contenders in the premium dash cam category is the Vantrue N4 3-Channel Dash Cam, an all-in-one camera system that promises full vehicle coverage, even when parked. Let’s dive deep into the features, performance, design, and who this impressive dash cam is best suited for.
Key Features at a Glance
- Triple channel recording: Front, inside cabin, and rear cameras
- 4K ultra HD (front only), or 1440P+1080P+1080P (all channels)
- Infrared night vision for cabin view
- 24-hour parked vehicle monitoring
- Capacitor-based power system for heat resistance
- Supports up to 256GB SD card
- Loop recording and G-sensor lock
Design and Build Quality
The Vantrue N4 boasts a professional, high-tech aesthetic that doesn’t feel bulky or obtrusive on the windshield. The main unit houses the front camera and the in-cabin camera, with a 2.45-inch display screen that’s bright, responsive, and easy to navigate.
What sets this camera apart is its well-thought-out design. The body is made of durable plastic with a matte black finish, making it blend well into most vehicle interiors. The compact rear camera is tethered via a long cable, giving you flexibility in placement for different vehicle sizes—be it a sedan, SUV, or van.
The buttons and controls are tactile, with a user-friendly menu system. Although it lacks a touchscreen, navigation through physical buttons is straightforward and intuitive, especially for users who don’t want to fumble around while driving.
Camera Performance and Image Quality
Front Camera
The front-facing camera records in crisp 4K resolution (3840x2160P at 30fps) when used solo. If you choose to record all three channels simultaneously, the resolution adjusts to 1440P front + 1080P cabin + 1080P rear, which still delivers excellent clarity.
The image quality from the front camera is superb, offering sharp details, vibrant colors, and wide dynamic range. License plates, road signs, and lane markings are easily visible, even during motion or variable lighting conditions.
Inside Cabin Camera
Equipped with infrared night vision, the inside camera is ideal for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants to monitor the vehicle’s interior. It performs remarkably well in total darkness, capturing clear black-and-white video of driver and passengers, thanks to four infrared LED lights.
Rear Camera
The rear unit records in full HD 1080P and offers a wide 160° field of view. This is especially useful for capturing tailgaters or potential rear-end collisions. During daylight, the image is bright and balanced. At night, it still maintains reasonable visibility, although not as sharp as the front.
Night Vision Excellence
The Vantrue N4 excels in night recording. All three lenses utilize advanced Sony STARVIS sensors, which are known for superior low-light performance. Whether you’re driving through a poorly lit street or down a highway at night, the footage maintains good clarity with minimal noise and solid contrast. This is a critical factor for users needing reliable footage for insurance claims or potential legal incidents.
24-Hour Parking Mode and Motion Detection
One of the standout features of the Vantrue N4 is its 24-hour parking mode. It offers four different options:
- Motion detection – starts recording when motion is detected
- Collision detection – triggered by impact
- Low bitrate mode – continuous recording at a lower frame rate
- Time-lapse mode – captures frames at set intervals
These modes offer a high degree of customization depending on how much recording you need and how much space you have on your memory card. However, it’s important to note that to use these features, you’ll need to hardwire the camera to your vehicle’s fuse box or use an external battery.
Capacitor Power System
Instead of a lithium-ion battery, the Vantrue N4 uses a supercapacitor, which is a safer and more durable power solution, especially in extreme temperatures. This makes it ideal for people living in very hot or cold climates. The capacitor helps ensure longer product lifespan and stable performance even when left under the sun for hours.
Storage and Loop Recording
The dash cam supports microSD cards up to 256GB, which is great for those who want long durations of footage without constant formatting. Thanks to loop recording, the camera automatically overwrites the oldest files when the memory card is full—unless an event file is locked by the G-sensor.
The G-sensor is adjustable and will automatically detect impacts or sudden motion, locking and protecting the corresponding footage from being overwritten.
GPS and Optional Accessories
The GPS functionality is available but requires an additional GPS mount. With it, users can log driving routes, speeds, and locations—features especially useful for rideshare drivers or fleet management. While not included in the base package, this optional accessory can enhance the utility of the camera significantly.
Installation and Setup
Installing the Vantrue N4 is relatively straightforward. The package includes suction mounts, a car charger with a long power cable, and a USB data cable. For a cleaner, more permanent installation—especially to enable parking mode—you’ll need to purchase a hardwiring kit.
The menu system is clear and well-labeled. Language options, resolution settings, exposure control, microphone toggles, and loop length are all easily customizable, even for users who are not tech-savvy.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True 3-channel recording for complete coverage
- Excellent video quality in both day and night
- Infrared night vision for clear in-cabin footage
- Durable capacitor system – heat and cold resistant
- Flexible parking modes with reliable motion detection
- Supports large capacity SD cards (up to 256GB)
- User-friendly interface with clear menu structure
Cons:
- GPS mount sold separately
- No touchscreen, uses physical buttons
- Parking mode requires hardwire kit (not included)
- Slightly bulky front unit due to dual lens design
- Higher price point compared to basic dash cams
Who Is the Vantrue N4 Best For?
- Rideshare drivers: With its triple lens setup and in-cabin infrared, the N4 is perfect for Uber, Lyft, or taxi drivers who want to record both the road and passengers for safety and liability.
- Families and daily drivers: Parents can feel secure knowing that the entire vehicle is covered—ideal for teen drivers or long family road trips.
- Fleet and commercial vehicle operators: The GPS capability and comprehensive video recording make it well-suited for small business fleet owners.
- Anyone seeking premium protection: If your priority is peace of mind and detailed evidence in case of an accident, this dash cam offers one of the most complete solutions in the market.
Final Verdict
The Vantrue N4 is a feature-rich, highly capable, and reliable 3-channel dash cam that stands out for its superior video quality, full-vehicle coverage, and robust design. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, its array of features more than justifies the investment for users who take road safety and surveillance seriously.
If you’re looking for a professional-grade dash cam that offers peace of mind, 24/7 protection, and incredible performance in all lighting conditions, the Vantrue N4 deserves a top spot on your shortlist.