The Nextbase IQ is a 4G connected dash cam released in Dec 2023 loaded with features. There are actually 3 versions of this camera available: 4K, 2K and 1K, all of which have a front facing camera and a cabin camera. An optional rear window camera is available making the Nextbase IQ a 3-channel dash cam. The cameras range in price from $450 for the 1K version up to $650 for the 4K version plus an additional $200 for the optional rear camera.
Details on resolution differences by model can be found in the following table.
| Version | Model | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | NBIQ4KUS | 4K@2160p front, 2K@1440p cabin |
| 2K | NBIQ2KUS | 2K@1440p front, 2K@1440p cabin |
| 1K | NBIQ1KUS | 1K@1080p front, 1K@1080p cabin |
| Rear Window | NBIQRWC | 2K@1440p |
The Nextbase IQ 4K is based on the Ambarella CV22-A1-RH processor. It uses an Omnivision 8MP CMOS sensor for the front camera, an Omnivision 5MP CMOS sensor for the cabin camera and an Omnivision 5MP CMOS for the optional rear camera. Nextbase does not specify which exact Omnivision sensors are being used.
Ambarella processors and Omnivision sensors were quite popular for dash cams in the past. Recently most dash cams have been using Novatek processors and Sony sensors. It is encouraging to see some other options being brought to market but this iteration may not be the best for video quality.
Video Quality
The Nextbase IQ 4K front camera records 2160p video at 30fps. Video quality for the front camera during the day is average and night quality is below average which is surprising given this is a 4K camera. Cameras that sell for a fraction of the price have significantly better video quality.
On the positive side, the cabin camera of the IQ 4K does a much better job. It records 1440p (Quad HD) video at 30fps. The video during the day is very good and at night is good.
The optional rear camera is disappointing as well. While this camera records 1440p (Quad HD) video at 30fps, the video quality is only average during the day and below average at night. In addition, many owners have had connectivity issues when adding the optional rear camera to the IQ.
Features
The Nextbase IQ does not come with a screen but it does come with WiFi and has free apps for Android and iOS. Setting the camera and viewing files is all done via the app. The camera has a g-sensor and built in GPS.
While the Nextbase IQ design does look attractive, the camera is very large at 175 x 80 x 45mm. The camera comes with an adhesive mount and build quality is very good. The camera cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows but the interior camera gives a comprehensive view of the cabin. In addition the camera comes with audio error notifications.
The IQ also comes with the following Voice Commands allowing you to control a few features on this dash cam:
- Protect file
- Audio on / Audio off
- Start recording / Stop recording
- Activate Witness Mode
4G Cloud Features
The Nextbase IQ has a 4G SIM card built in and requires a subscription fee to use the bulk of the cloud features. There are currently 3 plans available: Solo, Protect and Protect Plus with monthly costs ranging from free to $20 per month.
The key features provided (depending on the plan purchased) include:
- Smart Sense Parking – uses 2 radars to identify threats, record any incidents (has buffered recording) and send notifications of suspicious activity around your vehicle
- LiveView – allows you to live stream via the IQ app as well as view your video history
- Witness Mode – when activated allows you share live footage with a trusted emergency contact
- Emergency SOS – automatically notifies emergency services in the event of an accident
- Guardian mode – sets speed and location limitations and provides an alert if these limitations are exceeded
- Roadwatch AI – uses radar to track speeds and trajectories of nearby vehicles
While the list of Cloud features is impressive some were not available at launch (Guardian mode, Roadwatch AI) and others have not worked seamlessly with numerous complaints of connectivity issues.
Support
Nextbase has good support and is responsive to questions. They also provide firmware updates which is a positive as well. Nextbase provides a 12 month warranty, which is standard for most dash cams.
Known Problems
Rear Camera Does Not Connect
When the Nextbase IQ was launched there have been numerous complaints on the rear camera not connecting with the main unit or disconnecting after a brief period.
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
Internal Photos
Should I Purchase
The Nextbase IQ is an ambitious dash cam with many unique features such as radar based parking mode and extensive cloud based security capabilities. On paper it is a fantastic dash cam.
Unfortunately the disappointing video quality will turn-off many buyers. Also the high price tag, monthly subscription fee and large size are significant drawbacks.
While there have been some connectivity glitches when this camera launched we suspect these will be resolved over time. This first generation Nextbase IQ dash cam is underwhelming but perhaps the IQ will set the foundation for future Nextbase cams as the technology matures.
To see what other owners are saying, visit our Nextbase IQ forum.
User Manual
You can download the English User Manual here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Rideshare |
| Form Factor | Cylindrical |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Ambarella CV22-A1-RH |
| CMOS Front | Omnivision 8MP |
| CMOS Rear | Omnivision 5MP |
| Channels | 3 |
| Screen | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | Yes |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 3840×2160p (4K) |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 30 |
| Max Resolution Rear | 2560×1440p (Quad HD) |
| Rear Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | 15 |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.265 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 140° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | 180° |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 256GB |
| Max Size (User) | 256GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 175 x 80 x 45 |
| Size Rear (mm) | 102 x 40 x 30 |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 80°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Error Notification | Audio |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | PC, OSX, Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | Yes |
| Release Date | Dec 2023 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Unique Features | 2 radar sensors for parking mode 4G Cloud Capability with Witness Mode, Roadwatch AI and Guardian Mode Voice commands |
| Advantages | Loaded with 4G cloud features Good radar based parking mode |
| Disadvantages | Disappointing video quality Large size and non-discreet form factor Expensive upfront and monthly costs |
| Final Word | An ambitious dash cam with many new features but high price, disappointing video quality, large size and issues at launch make this an underwhelming dash cam. |
Published: December 23, 2023
Nextbase IQ - DashCamTalk
The Nextbase IQ is an ambitious dash cam with many features but high price, disappointing video quality and large size make this an underwhelming dash cam.
Product SKU: IQ
Product Brand: Nextbase
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 850
Price Valid Until: 2026-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
5.5