If you want a dash cam setup that captures everything without juggling multiple boxes, the Vantrue Nexus 5S is the rare four channel bundle that actually feels cohesive. After spending a couple of years with our trusty Vantrue Nexus 4 Pro, the 5S lands like a familiar upgrade that tightens the formula while adding comprehensive angles of coverage front and rear.
What you get is a two unit system with four eyes on the world. The main windshield module records forward and inward, while the rear glass module records out the back and toward the cabin. TechRadar’s recent hands on points out that this design covers the blind spots that cause headaches, especially side impacts and parking lot antics, and we agree that the concept makes real world sense for parents, rideshare drivers and anyone who simply wants complete context around an incident. Vantrue’s own materials back up the spec sheet with Sony Starvis 2 sensors and 5 GHz Wi Fi for quicker transfers, which matched our experience for speed and clarity when pulling files to a phone.
Video quality is the headline. The front channel records up to 2592 x 1944p at 30 fps, with the remaining channels delivering crisp 1080p or 1440p depending on configuration. In our use, plate legibility stayed strong at dusk and in rain, and interior IR support kept cabin details visible without blowing out faces. New Atlas also highlighted how the 5S uses a supercapacitor instead of a typical internal battery, which is a smart choice for heat and reliability. Compared with our older Nexus 4 Pro, the 5S never got as toasty on a sunny day and showed zero file corruption during abrupt key offs, a pain point we have seen on other brands.
Installation takes a bit longer than a single lens system because you are running a cable to the back glass and tidying two modules. That said, the mounts are solid, the cable lengths are generous and the on device screen makes framing straightforward. Once powered, the 5S shows a large primary view with picture in picture tiles for the other lenses, so you can fine tune angles without guesswork. Voice control is handy for quick locks, and the left edge save button is easy to slap when something happens.
Let’s talk about size and ergonomics. The front unit is big. It was already chunky on the Nexus 4 Pro and the 5S is not shy either. On a small windshield it can feel imposing. We would love to see Vantrue keep slimming this housing in future revisions, but we also understand why it is this size. Four channels, a screen, dual lenses and robust heat management need space. Packaging a serious heat sink and a supercapacitor is a tradeoff we will take if it means stability in the summer months here in Florida.
On sensitivity, we have one wish. The G sensor could use an even lower setting. In our car the 5S occasionally tagged sharp bumps as events and moved clips to the protected folder that does not auto overwrite. That behavior is great for a real hit, but we would like an extra notch of fine tuning so normal potholes do not fill the protected bin. Otherwise, event logic is smart. With buffered recording you get roughly 10 seconds before, during and after a trigger, which tells a fuller story when something unfolds quickly.
Parking protection requires the optional hardwire kit, which is typical at this level. If you are committed to true around the clock coverage, budget for the kit and take the time to wire ignition and constant power. New Atlas noted the benefits here and we second that advice after living with hardwired systems. If you stick to the 12 volt accessory plug, the core driving functionality is still excellent and the 5 GHz Wi Fi plus Vantrue app make offloading clips painless. We moved multi channel files to an iPhone quickly and found the app’s folder structure intuitive given the sheer volume a four camera setup produces. You will want a 256 GB or 512 GB card if you commute or travel often.
Price and positioning feel fair for what you are getting. The Nexus 5S lists at $399.99 (you can find it for a lot less through many online retailers, including Amazon) in the U.S. You are paying a premium over dual channel rivals, but the extra context from both cabin views is the difference between guessing what happened and knowing. For families, the rear cabin view is surprisingly useful for keeping an eye on kids and pets without turning around.
Compared with our long term Nexus 4 Pro, the 5S feels like a thoughtful evolution. It runs cooler, the footage looks cleaner at night and the whole package still carries that Vantrue durability we have come to trust. Our older unit stood the test of time, and the 5S gives every indication it will do the same with stronger sensors, quicker wireless transfers and better heat management. Vantrue’s spec claims align with what we saw, and third party reviews from outlets like TechRadar and New Atlas mirror our impressions on image quality, ease of setup and day to day usability.
What could be better is a shorter front housing and finer G sensor tuning. Give us those in a future update and this becomes the no brainer pick for anyone who wants complete coverage without piecing together a pile of accessories.
The Vantrue Nexus 5S is a premium four channel system that earns its keep. Video quality is excellent, the app experience is clean, and the supercapacitor design adds real peace of mind. It asks for a little more effort at install and space on the glass, but it pays you back with full context when it matters. If you value total coverage and long term reliability, this is the setup to beat.
Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
