Can’t decide between Yi and GoPro for your next action camera? Check out our Xiaomi Yi vs GoPro comparison for all the details you need.
Action cameras have been gaining in popularity thanks to our social lives. People use them to record and capture all sorts of activities, from cycling to skydiving.
For such activities, action cameras need to be small and lightweight so that you can fix them on your helmet, bike, etc.
GoPro is one of the pioneers of the action camera industry and its name is the first to pop in your brains when it comes to extreme sports and activities.
Xiaomi wants a piece of this fame and so they have released the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ action camera. And Xiaomi, as always tries to disrupt the industry by offering a similar product for an affordable price tag.
Let’s check out how the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ fares against the GoPro Hero11 Black.
Xiaomi Yi vs GoPro : Yi 4K+ vs Hero11 Black (2023 Update)
If you’re like me, you know that when it comes to action cameras, there’s no room for mistakes. Let’s dive into the specs and see how these two cameras stack up against each other.
First up, let’s talk about the price. The Xiaomi Yi 4k+ Action Camera has an MSRP of $299, while the GoPro Hero11 Black comes in at $499. That’s a $200 price difference! Right off the bat, the Xiaomi Yi 4k+ seems like a more budget-friendly option.
Design and Build
The YI 4K+ measures 65 x 42 x 30 mm (2.56 x 1.65 x 1.18″) and weighs just 96 g (0.21 lb / 3.39 oz) including batteries. In comparison, the GoPro Hero11 Black has external dimensions of 71 x 55 x 34 mm (2.8 x 2.17 x 1.34″) and weighs 127 g including batteries.
From a front-view perspective, the YI 4K+ is noticeably smaller, with a body that’s 6mm narrower, 13mm shorter, and 4mm thinner than the GoPro Hero11 Black.
When it comes to weight, the YI 4K+ is also significantly lighter, coming in at just 96g, which could be a huge advantage on long walking trips.
Another important factor to consider is weather sealing. The GoPro Hero11 Black has a weather-sealed body, which means you can use it with more confidence in conditions where there is a risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the 4K+.
In terms of LCD screen size and features, the GoPro Hero11 Black has a slightly larger 2.27″ LCD screen compared to YI 4K+’s 2.2″ screen. Unfortunately, both cameras have fixed screens, which means they don’t tilt or flip in different directions.
Performance
When it comes to the sensors, the YI 4K+ has a 12.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sized CMOS sensor and features an Ambarella H2 processor, while the GoPro Hero11 Black has a 27.0MP 1/1.9 (6.40 x 5.60 mm) sized CMOS sensor.
While the GoPro Hero11 Black’s sensor provides 15MP more than YI 4K+’s sensor, which can be a significant advantage in real-life situations, it’s important to note that max sensor resolution isn’t the only factor that determines resolving power.
Other factors such as optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size, and sensor technology also affect the final resolution of the captured image.
So even though the Yi 4K+ has a relatively smaller sensor than the Hero11 Black, it still is able to deliver crisp videos and images on a budget, something that GoPro has had trouble with in the past.
| Specification | Yi 4K+ | GoPro Hero11 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 65 x 42 x 30 | 71 x 55 x 34 |
| Weight (g) | 96 (with batteries) | 127 (with batteries) |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes |
| LCD Screen Size (inches) | 2.2 | 2.27 |
| Sensor Size (mm) | 6.17 x 4.55 | 6.40 x 5.60 |
| Sensor Resolution (MP) | 12.0 | 27.0 |
| Lens Type | Zoom lens | Prime lens |
| Lens Focal Length (mm) | 15.0 | 12.0 |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Video Resolution (max) | 4K/60fps | 5.3K/60fps |
| Image Stabilization | Electronic | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Up to 40m (with case) | Up to 10m |
| Battery Life (max) | 120 minutes (4K/30fps) | 110 minutes (5.3K/60fps |
Camera Lens
When it comes to lens specs, the YI 4K+ features a 15mm F2.8 1 zoom lens, while the GoPro Hero11 Black has a 12mm F2.8 Prime lens.
Comparing a prime lens with a zoom lens isn’t easy, as YI 4K+’s zoom lens provides greater flexibility compared to the GoPro Hero11 Black’s 12mm fixed focal length lens.
However, the Hero11 Black’s prime lens offers high image quality and unique rendering, making it a specialized camera. It’s a trade-off between flexibility and image quality.
Our Decision : Xiaomi Yi 4K+ vs GoPro Hero11 Black?
To sum up, both cameras have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
The YI 4K+ is smaller, lighter, and has a zoom lens that offers greater flexibility plus it’s affordable.
However, the GoPro Hero11 Black has a weather-sealed body, a larger sensor, and a prime lens that offers high image quality and unique rendering but it’s expensive.
Xiaomi Yi vs GoPro
Mi Yi 4K+ Action Camera vs GoPro Hero5 Black
So will the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ disrupt the action camera industry or will GoPro easily prevail. All I can say is that I am excited as competition is always better for us, the consumers. This is the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ vs the GoPro Hero5 Black Black.
Check Out Go Pro Hero on Aliexpress
Design and Build
Both cameras are tiny and feel good to the touch. I would argue that the GoPro Hero5 Black is the more premium product but the Mi Yi isn’t too far behind. The curved edges and boxy camera layout make the Hero5 Black a better looking and feeling product in my opinion. While the sharper edges and circular camera layout of Yi 4K looks good, it falls short compared to the Hero5 Black.
Check Out Go Pro Hero on Aliexpress
Another important aspect of action cameras is their screen, since these are tiny devices, the screens are tiny too. The Xiaomi Yi 4K+ comes with a 2.19-inch screen while the GoPro Hero5 Black comes with a 2-inch touch screen.
The touch sensitivity of the Hero5 Black seems to be low as sometimes I have had to press twice to register my input, especially when it’s wet. Where the GoPro falls short in terms of screen size and responsiveness, it makes up for these with its secondary monochrome LCD, this display is great for some quick settings changes.
The build of an action camera is essential, as these cameras will be used in extreme conditions and fast environments too. I would say that the GoPro Hero5 Black easily wins in this regard because the camera itself is water-resistant. The Hero5 Black camera can be used underwater without any protective housing for up to 10 meters.
Using the waterproof housing of the Hero5 Black, you can go up to 60 meters. While the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ is not waterproof you can buy a protective housing that will make the Yi 4K+ waterproof for up to 50 meters. But remember, using the waterproof housing means you can’t get access to the touch screen of both cameras and there will be a significant reduction in audio quality. Apart from the waterproof aspect, I feel both cameras are built well and withstand a lot of dust and force too.
Performance
While the build, usability, and convenience of an action camera are nice and all, the most important parameter they should do well is in terms of camera and audio performance. This section will be divided into three subsections pitting the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ against GoPro Hero5 Black to determine who comes out on top in terms of picture, video, and audio quality.
Picture Quality: Both cameras in this comparison are equipped with 12 MP sensors and feature digital image stabilization too. This means that the pictures from both cameras are high resolution and are stable.
The image quality on the Yi 4K+ feels warmer and smoother, making it pleasing to the eyes, but the Hero5 Black offers RAW photography making it the better choice for professionals. If you are someone looking for a good action camera for personal use I would recommend the Yi 4K+, while for professional uses the Hero5 Black will be suited better.
Video Quality: When it comes to video quality both the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ and the GoPro Hero5 Black offer a lot of options. The Xiaomi Yi 4K+ offers up to 4K 30 fps video recording along with 2.7K 30fps, 1440p 60fps 1080p 120fps, and 720p 200fps. On the other hand, the GoPro Hero5 Black can do 4K 60 fps, 2.7K 60fps, 1080p 120fps, and 720p 240fps.
Both cameras do a good job of capturing detail and offer a high dynamic range. They are very similar when it comes to video quality, though out of the box, the Yi 4K+ looks slightly better than the Hero5 Black. I still feel that professionals will find the Hero5 Black better than the Yi 4K+.
Audio Quality: Audio quality can be overlooked by many, especially professionals. But it is an important factor when it comes to determining a camera, especially when it’s for personal use. Here, the GoPro Hero5 Black trumps the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ plus easily.
The Hero5 Black records audio much better than the Yi 4K+, both with and without the protective waterproof housing. The Hero5 Black benefits from its 3 microphones set up to offer much better audio quality. So if you are someone who would like to hold on to the audio from the camera itself then, the Hero5 Black is the clear winner.
| Product Name | GoPro Hero5 Black | Xiaomi YI 4K |
| Price | $399 | $199 |
| Weight | 117g | 96.4g (Very lightweight) |
| Battery | 1220mAh | 1400mAh |
| Dimensions | 62×44.6×32.7mm | 42×65×21mm |
| Image resolution | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4k 30fps | 4k 60fps |
| Display | 2″ touch screen | 2.19″ touch screen |
| Shooting mode | Auto-Low Light mode, Burst mode, Night Lapse mode, and Night Photo Mode | Auto Low Light, Loop Recording, Shutter, Time Lapse Photo, Timer, and Burst |
| Waterproof | 60m with housing and 10 meters without housing | You need to buy an additional waterproof housing |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and WiFi | Bluetooth and WiFi |
| Other features | Voice control | Live Streaming |
| Automatic low light detection | Automatic low light detection | |
| Electronic type Image Stabilization | Electronic Image Stabilization | |
| GPS | Automatic lens distortion correction | |
| App editing | App Editing |
Functions and Features
Functions and features to determine how the camera works and what you get in the whole package.
Camera mount: The Xiaomi Yi 4K+ comes with a standard ¼” tripod mount while the GoPro Hero5 Black uses its proprietary mounting mechanism. This doesn’t mean that both cameras won’t have accessories compatible with each other. If you have already invested in the GoPro ecosystem then most of the accessories will fit the Yi 4K+ too.
Additional Shooting Modes: Both cameras offer the ability to record videos and images at different resolutions and frame rates, but they also offer nifty other modes giving your more flexibility. The Xiaomi Yi 4K+ comes with Auto Low Light, Loop Recording, Shutter, Time Lapse Photo and Timer as well as Burst. The GoPro Hero5 Black comes with Auto-Low Light mode, Burst mode, Night Lapse mode, and Night Photo Mode.
Connectivity: On the connectivity side of things, the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ comes with a USB-C port for data transfer and charging, and it also comes with a 3.5mm jack for audio input and output.
GoPro Hero5 Black comes with one USB-C port for charging, data transfer, and accessories, the Hero5 Black also comes with a mini HDMI connection for display output.
App Support: In this age, if electronic devices don’t have their apps then it’s a shame. And fortunately, both cameras in this comparison have their own apps. You can shoot, view, and share images and videos using these apps remotely from your phone. And the Yi 4K+ comes with the added benefit of live streaming to Facebook and YouTube making it great for influencers.
Voice Control: Both cameras feature the ability to control them over voice. You can start, stop recording, take photos and even change modes over voice on bot cameras. But since most of the time, these cameras are used in fast environments or underwater or a lot of wind, so voice control can be a hit or a miss.
GPS Connectivity: The GoPro Hero5 Black comes with GPS functionality, so if you want to tag the location of your images or videos, then the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ is not what you need.
Battery Life: The Xiaomi Yi 4K+ comes with a 1,400 mAh battery which translates to up to 2 hours of recording time at 4K 30fps. In comparison, the GoPro Hero5 Black comes with a 1,220 mAh battery which gives you up to 1 hour 40 mins of 4K 30fps recording time.
Overall in terms of feature and functionality, I would say it’s a draw, between the two cameras. They both miss some features the other one has, so choose based on your preferences and needs.
Check Out Go Pro Hero on Aliexpress
Verdict
While the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ and the GoPro Hero5 Black come in at different prices they perform pretty similarly in my opinion. The Xiaomi Yi 4K+ misses out on some features that could make it the ultimate action camera. On the other hand, the Hero5 Black offers certain functions and features that a lot of professionals would prefer like RAW photography, its amazing mount system, and being waterproof without any protection.
The biggest strength of the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ is that it can provide similar or even better image and video quality for a fraction of the price. So, if you are someone who just wants to record videos and capture images of activities you do, then the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ would be an excellent choice. But if you are a professional then I would ask you to invest in the Hero5 Black.
FAQs
Are Yi action cameras good?
Yi action cameras are some of the best budget action cameras you can purchase right now. They offer good video quality and features for the price and can even rival the ever-popular GoPro.The Yi 4K+ is an excellent alternative to the GoPro, it offers comparable image and video quality at a much lower price.
Is Xiaomi Yi waterproof?
No, the Xiaomi Yi 4K+ is not a waterproof action camera. While it is not waterproof you can submerge the camera underwater for up to 50 meters using the waterproof housing. This will provide no access to the camera’s touchscreen, which means you have to use the app to control the camera. This is one of the biggest cons when it comes to the Yi Action 4K+.
What happened to the Yi action app?
Both the Yi Action Cam products and the Yi Action app have their developments paused by the company. You can still buy Yi Action camera on Amazon and AliExpress and the app still works but don’t expect any improvements or new versions anytime soon.
Also Read:
Say Yes to Xiaomi! I am one of the BIG FAN to Xiaomi Products. I can’t resist the things they created or partner within their ecosystem. So my advice to you is “JUST BUY LAH”!
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