AutoFun's Pelsee S12 4K Mirror Dash Cam Review

The Pelsee S12 features recessed connectors for its inputs, which allows cables to be hidden from view when installed, giving it a clean, OEM factory appearance. This design also provides better clearance against the vehicle's headliner.

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The memory card slot is designed to be difficult to access without first removing a connected cable, essentially protecting the memory card from easy removal. A tool is included to aid in insertion/removal.

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The dash cam can be installed using included straps or an optional direct mount kit that replaces the original mirror for a more integrated, OEM appearance.

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The reverse guidelines for parking assist are fully adjustable, allowing users to stretch, slide, and switch between zoomed or full views, offering greater flexibility than preset guidelines found in other systems.

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The Pelsee S12 records with its front camera at 4K resolution using a Galaxy Core 8613 image sensor, and the rear camera records at 2.5K resolution, with an option to lower the front to 2.5K.

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The dash cam offers advanced parking monitoring features like impact detection with adjustable sensitivity and time-lapse recording (12-72 hours), but these functions require the separate purchase and installation of an optional hardwire kit.

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The reviewer observed that the actual mirror display appears "a little bit overblown" and has a contrast issue, suggesting it might be resolved with a future firmware update.

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The Pelsee companion app requires users to create an account by signing up with an email and password, which the reviewer finds inconvenient for a simple app, wishing for a guest mode.

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Despite minor criticisms regarding the display and app, the reviewer concludes that the Pelsee S12 offers "really great value" given its price, excellent image quality, and advanced features.

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Hidden and recessed connectors for OEM look and clearance

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The Pelsee S12 features hidden and recessed connectors for all its inputs, which prevents cables from sticking out, giving it an OEM look. This design also provides better clearance with the vehicle's headliner, allowing installation in vehicles with limited space.

Protected memory card slot design

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The memory card slot is designed to be difficult to access, requiring the removal of a cable first, effectively protecting the memory card. A special tool is included in the package to assist with memory card installation or removal.

Optional direct mount kit available

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Pyle offers an optional direct mount kit that allows users to replace their original mirror, eliminating mounting straps and providing a more integrated, OEM look for the dash cam.

Rear camera is waterproof

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The included rear camera is waterproof, making it suitable for exterior installation on a vehicle. It can also be installed inside the car and supports mounting on vertical surfaces.

Live view shows speed and compass

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While recording, the live view on the mirror display shows the rear of the vehicle, day and time information, the vehicle's speed, and a compass, providing useful real-time data.

Adjustable on-screen camera position

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The reviewer demonstrates that the position of the displayed camera view (both front and rear) can be adjusted up and down on the screen to suit user preference.

On-screen icons disappear for a clean view

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The touch-screen icons for controls (like audio recording, photo, video lock) automatically disappear if the screen is not touched for a period, resulting in a very clean, unobstructed view on the mirror display.

Highly customizable parking assist guidelines

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The reverse guidelines for parking assist are fully adjustable. Users can stretch them horizontally and vertically, slide them left or right, and switch between a zoomed-out or closer view, offering significant flexibility.

Stealth recording with screen off

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Tapping the physical button on the bottom of the mirror turns off the screen while the dash cam continues recording in the background. This allows the device to function as a normal rearview mirror for "stealth recording."

Front 4K and Rear 2.5K recording resolutions

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The dash cam's front camera records at 4K resolution, while the rear camera records at 2.5K. The front camera resolution can also be decreased to 2.5K if desired.

Parking monitoring options require hardwire kit

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The Pelsee S12 offers parking monitoring options, including G-sensor impact detection and time-lapse recording (12-72 hours), but these features require the installation of an optional hardwire kit.

Pelsee app provides live view and controls

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The companion Pelsee app connects to the dash cam, providing a live view from both front and rear cameras. It also offers controls similar to the dash cam's screen, such as taking pictures and starting/stopping recording.

Good image quality with rich colors and sharpness

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The reviewer states that the image quality from the dash cam is "pretty good," crediting the Galaxy Core 8613 native 4K image sensor. They observed rich colors and nice sharpness in the recorded footage.

Mirror display has a contrast issue

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The reviewer found that the actual mirror display appears "a little bit overblown" and exhibits a contrast issue. They suggest this problem might be resolved with a future firmware update.

Does the Pelsee S12 dash cam have a clean, integrated look when installed?

The Pelsee S12 is designed with recessed connectors for its power, rear camera, and GPS inputs, which prevents cables from sticking out. This design ensures a very clean, factory-installed (OEM) look and also benefits vehicles with limited headliner clearance between the mirror and the ceiling.

How secure is the memory card in the Pelsee S12?

The dash cam's memory card slot is intentionally difficult to access, requiring the removal of a connected cable before the card can be extracted. This "protected" design means it's not easy for someone to quickly remove the memory card, enhancing security. A small tool is provided to assist with removal when needed.

What are the recording resolutions for the front and rear cameras?

The Pelsee S12 is equipped with a front camera that records in true 4K resolution, utilizing a Galaxy Core 8613 image sensor. The included rear camera records at 2.5K. Users also have the option to set the front camera's resolution to 2.5K if desired, allowing both cameras to record at the same resolution.

Can the parking assist guidelines be adjusted?

The Pelsee S12 offers highly customizable parking assist guidelines. When the vehicle is in reverse, the guidelines appear and can be stretched horizontally and vertically, slid left or right, and adjusted individually for either side. The system also allows switching between a zoomed-out full view and a closer perspective, providing greater flexibility than many other dash cams.

Are advanced parking monitoring features included, and what do they require?

The dash cam supports advanced parking monitoring options, including G-sensor based impact detection with adjustable sensitivity and time-lapse recording for 12 to 72 hours. However, to enable these functions, users must purchase and install a separate, optional hardwire kit.

How good is the image quality from the Pelsee S12?

The reviewer found the image quality from the Pelsee S12 to be "pretty good," attributing it to the native 4K Galaxy Core 8613 image sensor. They noted that colors look rich and the video exhibits nice sharpness. However, the display on the mirror itself was described as "a little bit overblown" with a contrast issue, which might be addressed by a firmware update.

Is the Pelsee companion app easy to use, or are there any issues?

The Pelsee app provides useful features such as a live view, controls similar to those on the dash cam, and access to recorded files for viewing and downloading. However, a significant drawback noted by the reviewer is the requirement to sign up with an email and password to use the app, with no guest mode option. This was seen as an unnecessary hurdle for a simple utility app.