Dashcam, the 70Mai A810 Lite review: what it looks like and how to install it

One of the features we appreciated the most is the fact that the 70Mai A810 Lite, like many other models of the same brand, does not use a lithium-ion battery, which are always a critical element in an environment such as the car, characterised by very high or very low temperatures, depending on the season when parking. Instead, this dashcam uses a supercapacitor: it replaces conventional batteries by offering greater thermal stability (operation from -40°C to 85°C) and security against leakage, as well as guaranteeing the saving of footage in the event of a sudden power failure.

It is also equipped with useful ADAS functions, even if you don't own a state-of-the-art car. It offers lane change detection, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning and pedestrian and cyclist identification.

The display is not touch, which means that the camera is controlled with four buttons at the base; it looks archaic, but is actually very convenient. Among other things, the display is more than decent sized (3.28 inches) and such that it does not bother you while driving; moreover, you can decide to activate a screensaver after a few seconds that indicates the speed of the vehicle. A function that is useful because it acts as a display if the camera is placed, as it should be, around the mirror area: at a glance, perhaps while we are looking to see if a vehicle is advancing towards us, we can immediately see at what speed we are proceeding.

Installation deserves a separate chapter. Let's start by saying that installation is simple, especially if you decide to power it with a USB port, hence with a flying connection. To choose the position it is best to rely on the guide in the instruction manual and the appreciable thing is that two films are supplied in the kits, one of which is a spare, as well as a spare sticker that serves to avoid sticking the camera directly onto the windscreen with adhesive. Basically, you place the film, which then, because it has an electrostatic adhesive, is easily removable, thus avoiding damage to the windscreen if the camera needs to be moved.The camera can also be easily installed using 3M's Dual Lock double sticker (Telepass sticker), which can be easily found on Amazon and allows the camera to be attached and detached using not the windscreen, but perhaps the plastic cover of the car's airbags or rear-view mirror, so that it is even easier to install without having to involve the windscreen.

Connecting the rear camera is child's play because, with a minimum of manual dexterity, it is simply a matter of running a USB-C cable along the front pillar and running it down to the rear window. To do this, there is a very useful plastic lever in the kit with which to gently lift the car's seals. Then you can, with the included double adhesive, stick the small, lightweight rear camera in a suitable area. Here care must be taken not to obstruct the lens with the car's black rear masking.

Things get a little more complicated, and non-experts would do well to consult an electrician if they want to connect the 4G module, which needs constant current. There are three wires here: ACC, 12V and earth. Theoretically, all you need is a current tap and connect to the internal fuse box, but not all cars have a service with 12 volts permanently on, so you have to find a way to get it from the internal fuse box, and this is a matter for a good technician, also for safety.

It has to be said that 70mai offers a battery to be placed under the seats, made especially for powering the dashcam in case you don't have the possibility to use the wiring permanently. This battery plugs into the cigarette lighter socket; it is obviously a very large and expensive item and is therefore more recommended for higher-ranking and performance models, such as the magnificent Omni with the swivel lens or the T800 that also has the cockpit camera built in, but here we go to other price levels.

All in all, the 70Mai A810 Lite passes the test with flying colours and is forgiven for a somewhat cheap construction with plastics that seem unsophisticated on the surface, but actually contribute to the dashcam's lightness. In addition, the hinged mount allows for easy and immediate adjustment. It is good for all types of cars, even large ones, because it takes up little space, but on compact cars or even a spider it finds its ideal habitat.