Nextbase 522GW provides excellent image quality paired with technology like Alexa and an emergency SOS feature that makes this dashcam worth considering when protecting your car when driving.
If you follow our reviews you will notice we have reviewed a number of dashcams from the likes of Thinkware, FineVU and we have even reviewed the Nextbase 622GW. In this review, the kind people at Nextbase sent us the new Nextbase 522GW and also sent us the rear window camera and cabin view camera.
Why are dashcams so important? Well, that is simply a dashcam will document your driving and enable you to record anything that happens on the road. It will provide you protection from fraudulent insurance claims, deters theft and can also be said to lower your car insurance. I personally found having a dashcam vital when someone pulled out on me and tried to blame me but the below footage said otherwise. If it was not for this small camera the outcome could have been very expensive.
First Impressions
The Nextbase 522GW has come to the market packed with new features such as:
- QHD 1440P HD Video at 30fps
- Polarising filter to reduce windscreen glare and reflection.
- Click & Go Pro GPS Mount
- Intelligent parking mode
- SOS Emergency response
- Alexa Built-in
Cost wise the Nextbase 522GW costs £149 on its own if you want the bundle package that Halfords are offering that consists of both the front and rear camera for ultimate protection that will cost £219.
In addition, you can also purchase the Nextbase cabin view camera for an additional £69. In this review, we will be covering all 3 products that assist when the worst happens when you are out driving.
What I really like about this device is the inclusion of the SOS emergency response as if you were involved in a bad car accident this feature will alert the emergency services to your location and will also send crucial medical data such as your blood type to add with making treatment.
We will first start reviewing the main 522GW camera then cover the cabin view camera and then the rear window camera,
Unboxing
When unboxing the 522Gw you have the following:
- Nextbase 522GW dash cam
- 32GB U3 microSD card
- Wired rear window camera
- Carry case
- Adhesive mount
- USB cable
- Car power cable
- Quick start guide
Nextbase really does provide you with everything you need to get started and the quick start guide is very useful if this is your first time installing a dashcam in your car.
522GW Design
You might be wondering what the GW in the name stands for well that indicates the dashcam has both GPS and WI-Fi. The GPS antenna at 10Hz is twice as fast as normal resulting in a better and more accurate location and will give you a more accurate speed stamp.
As you know we have reviewed the previous 622GW model and the new 522GW has had a few changes, for example, the device has got 35% smaller. The size is now 94x53x45mm and is also very lightweight at only 125g.
The 522GW also now comes with the new Click&GO Pro mounting system that offers a much neater solution taking up less windscreen space than the previous model which was negative feedback that appears in many reviews of the previous 622GW model.
The new mounting system offers two methods of attaching to the screen either by the suction cup or using a 3M adhesive sticker once stuck to the windscreen the dash cam will connect to the mount magnetically. The new benefit of this is if you had 2 cars and only one dashcam you could buy an additional mount and easily move the dashcam between cars as the power cable is now plugged into the mount not the camera like the previous model. The mounting arm also comes with a ball and socket joint allowing you to adjust the position of the camera with ease which will result in a better view of the road ahead.
The dashcam itself comes with a 3-inch touch screen that allows for easy set-up and operation you can even set it up without a mobile phone if you still live in the dark ages. You can configure the camera using its display and pop in the memory card to record footage and remove it to view footage on your PC if you wish. However, if Alexa and the emergency SOS are vital for you then a connection to a smartphone is essential.
Under the display, you have a large lock file button that has the Nextbase logo and a thick red line. If you press that button it will save the previous 10 seconds and up-and-coming 20 seconds of footage and moves it to a protected folder on the memory card so it does not get overwritten when loop recording kicks in.
This is not a feature I like, if you are involved in an accident remembering to press the button will not be at the top of my agenda. I would have liked the footage to remain on the device for say 24 hours at which time I would have gained my composure and actively downloaded the footage. Alongside this button, the only other button is the power button.
As mentioned earlier this device connects the GPS & Wi-FI and this camera also uses Bluetooth 4.2 which allows you to connect it to your smartphone easier and efficient. This allows you to install the MyNextbase connect app on your phone (compatible with both iOS and Android) In terms of setting up just simply follow the instructions on the screen it’s a very simple process. What you will notice is that once set up the next time you get in the car the camera will automatically pair with your smartphone.
Also in regards to the design, there is a simple parking mode that will start recording for a short period of time while an incident is detected by the G-Sensor perfect if someone bumps into your car while they are trying to reverse park.
Apart from all of that the Nextbase 522GW continues to keep the style of the dashcam simple and discreet due to the use of black and silver, it’s not an ugly-looking device but won’t stand out either which is what you want in a dashcam something that will just work in the background.
522GW setup
The 522GW features a 3-inch touchscreen on the rear of the device and even with the protruding lens at the front the device can still fit with ease behind the rearview mirror. The display allows easy touch controls.
In order to record footage, you need to purchase a memory card to do so and Nextbase either a 32GB or 64GB U3 microSD card which is very affordable to purchase on their own at only £35 for the 64GB option. We were lucky in this review package we were sent the 32GB option so no need to purchase a microSD card.
In terms of setup, it’s recommended to charge the dashcam for about 2 hours before its first-time use. When going over the set-up instructions you will be asked to enter information such as the country, time zone, make, model and colour of your car.
As mentioned already the 522GW comes with a sturdy mount just take into consideration that the rubber covers and seal around the SD card slot and USB port are not attached meaning they could be lost.
What you will also notice is the positioning of the 12V charger its now on the mount and separate from the USB charge port. The port is actually buried in a cavity in the mount which makes it fiddly to attach. Once you have connected it you won’t have to move it unless you remove it from the car completely
In terms of position to mount the 522GW Nextbase suggests you place the camera on the windscreen next to the rearview mirror. They also advise running the 13 ft power cord behind the interior panels to hide the cable and provide you will a small tool to assist with this. Now if you like me had the 622GW you will have already done this with the power cable the good news is you do not need to replace the power cable you can use the same cable.
522GW Features
Nextbase has added a very unique feature in the 522GW they are in fact the first brand in Europe to have added a built-in Alexa. This allows you to make this device even smarter for example you can now ask Alexa to record an incident, Ask for Directions, Play music, make a call etc. It’s very useful if your car does not have that capability but we have recently purchased a new VW Tiguan R-Line so it already lets you connect your phone and use your smart assistant. The 522GW also comes with SOS Emergency feature below we dig a little deeper into both features:
Built-in Alexa
If you have an older car and want to take advantage of using Alexa via the dashcam you need to install the Alexa app on your phone. When enabled the camera acts as an intermediary just like an Amazon Echo you might have in the home. The fact that Nextbase has added Alexa they surely will be adding voice commands to further models so you can say “ Alexa take a picture” if you see a road accident or are caught in one yourself. If this update was to become available you would need a firmware update on the device.
SOS Emergency
The Nextbase SOS system detects if a collision happens while driving and performs several checks to make sure there is an emergency including calling the driver’s phone. If no answer the camera will then alert the emergency services and send out your GPS location. You can also set up the camera so that it locks on the current video clip and sends it to your smartphone is a feature called “incident Aware”
Having this feature is fantastic and could really save someone’s life especially if they are unresponsive providing the emergency services with their exact location. I have not had to test this feature thankfully but having it ready to spring into action is worth the investment if the worst was to happen.
Within the SOS system, you can pre-load it with your medical history, blood type and next of kin which will be very useful for the emergency services if required.
Additional Features
Nextbase also offers you a cloud service that lets you upload videos with insurers or law enforcement. The videos will only be available for 30 days and unfortunately, Unlike the Thinkware F790 I have also reviewed, you can not live stream videos from your car to a remote location.
522GW Video Quality
The image quality on the 522GW can be recorded in 1440P at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps and you will be impressed with either option. The footage looks crisp and detailed with optimal lighting and colour regardless of the time of day. This is mainly due to the introduction of HDR-like software used.
When testing both options if you’re looking for maximum detail then I would stick with the 1440p at 30fps option. The Audio quality is provided via two microphones specifically designed to pick up excellent sound quality. The audio can be switched off in the settings menu if you wish.
522GW Software review
Nextbase has taken the time to consider how it can provide the best app to support the dash cam now the 522GW can be connected to your phone via Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth 4.2. This allows you to use the Nextbase app known as the MyNextbase companion app which is suitable for either Android or iOS users. This app has been significantly improved upon when we tested the 622GW.
If it was your first time downloading the app you will be very impressed with how easy it is to download footage it’s a lot easier than using the Thinkware app to download the footage. The MyNextbase app on-camera menu is very clear and easy to navigate due to the touchscreen display.
Additional Cameras
Nextbase Cabin View Camera
In addition to the main 522GW model you can also connect the cabin view camera to the side of the main camera and this is designed to provide the driver with a 140° lens that will protect the driver inside and outside of the car. This camera provides an extra level of security to record what is happening inside the car and also the side windows. This is more likely to be something I would recommend to a taxi driver who will have people in the back more regular.
Installation is simple just plug it into the side of the dash cam and is compatible with the 322GW, 422GW, 622GW and the 522GW which we are reviewing. All footage recorded will be stored on the MicroSD card used in the main dash cam unit. When connected to the 522GW which is recording at 1080p with 30fps the cabin view camera would also record at 1080p.
The Cabin view camera currently costs £69 but I would only buy this if you use your car for picking up passengers on a regular otherwise I feel you would be fine with just using the front and rear camera set up.
Nextbase Rear Window camera
In addition to the dangerous driving that could be happening in front of you, there are also just as bad drivers behind you and this is why the Nextbase rear window camera is so vital. Also costing an additional £69 it’s well worth the investment. This camera protects you against things such as tailgaters, rear-end impacts and even bumps in a car park.
The rear window camera also uses a 140° ultra-wide viewing angle just like the cabin view camera and also comes with the 1440P resolution. This will capture the whole view from the rear of the car. It can be connected to the front-facing camera via the supplied 6.5m cable. You can stow the cable out of view using the tool provided with the front-facing camera.
The rear window camera also comes with an adjustable magnetic mount that is very flexible and is held up with the self-adhesive pad provided. Set up takes about 5 minutes to do and once installed you will hardly notice it due to the small size 65 x 80 x199 mm (WxDxH). If you are going for the full front and the rear combo I would suggest you get a professional to instal it as it will just look better than if you were to do the DIY version.
To access the footage this is done via the MyNextbase all or you can remove the SDcard from the front unit. The rear window camera also provides you with nighttime recording and also parking mode recording vital to keep your car safe at all times.
Verdict of all the nextbase cameras
When considering your next or even first dash cam the Nextbase 522GW is a solid option due to the video quality and fitting ease mainly due to the click & Go mount.
You will also be impressed with the video quality offering you crisp and clear footage as and when needed thanks to that 1440P HD video quality. I was also impressed with the new additional features such as Alexa and more importantly the SOS emergency response.
The app is easy to use and even the touchscreen display on the camera is also easy to navigate some might say the menu feels a little dated but I was happy with what was provided. I was also impressed with the additional cameras available the cabin view camera is great if you decide to be an uber driver or you own a black cab keeping an eye on what is happening behind you is vital.
However, the rear window camera is a must-have as it not only complements the front-facing camera but its the peace of mind it provides when driving from events you have no control over and to be able to provide evidence to your insurance company when the accident was not your fault is priceless.
Price – Halfords offer a front and rear bundle that also comes with a 32GB US microSD card it really is all you need to protect your car and at £219 it’s worth every penny and if you wanted that additional cabin view at only an extra £69 you have full protection on your pride and joy.
NextBase 522GW front Camera Product Rating:
Design: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Features: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Value For Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars – 4.6 Stars
Rear Window Camera Product Rating:
Design: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Features: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Value For Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0 – 5.0 Stars
Cabin View Camera Product Rating:
Design: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Features: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Value For Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars – 4.3 Stars
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