Mangoal wants them to point at the mirror. The brand builds cameras into the housing behind the rearview mirror itself, so what you see from the driver’s seat is trim, not a gadget.
According to the brand, the approach has already reached more than a million units sold worldwide since it launched as a consumer brand in 2022.
Mangoal's dash cam Elite, Core series
Gadinsider has put together two Mangoal lines, the Elite and Core Series, both sold on Amazon. Mangoal says they draw on more than a decade of automotive electronics experience, with housings moulded for specific vehicles and manufacturing done in-house.
The brand puts its fitment at over 90% of mainstream vehicle models, including Toyota, BMW, Audi, Ford and RAM. What separates the two lines is the camera inside, from sensor tier and Wi-Fi band to storage and rear-camera quality.
1. Mangoal Elite Series — UHD 4K STARVIS 2 (IMX678)
The Elite Series is Mangoal's top tier. According to the brand, each model replaces the original rearview mirror or rain-sensor housing with a factory-matched cover. The front camera uses Sony's STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor, and dual-channel versions add an IMX675 rear camera.
Key features and specs
- Front sensor: Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678
- Front video: UHD 4K at 30fps
- Rear camera: Optional STARVIS 2 IMX675 with 2K HDR
- Image processing: WDR and HDR
- Wi-Fi: 5.8GHz
- GPS: Driving track, speed and map display
- Parking monitoring: 12, 24 or 48 hours
- Controls: Mobile app, one-click capture
- Storage: Up to 512GB
- Power: Plug-and-play cable, with optional OBD or fuse-box adapters included
- Installation: Clips into existing mounting points with no suction cups. Mangoal estimates 10 to 20 minutes for a front camera and 30 to 40 minutes with a rear camera.
- Compatibility: Vehicle-specific housings for more than 300 models, including Audi, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Volvo, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge and RAM, per Mangoal
Performance
As Mangoal explains, STARVIS 2 provides excellent dynamic range, true colours, and performance in low light conditions, which would be useful for ensuring visibility of plates in night and tunnel conditions.
In addition, the 5.8GHz Wi-Fi band will be preferable to use for transferring 4K video from the camera to your phone compared to the 2.4GHz one.
Since the rear camera has 2K HDR resolution, it can be presumed that the Mangoal Elite Series targets drivers who need rear-collision proof too. Dual-channel installation takes more time since the rear cable needs to be routed along the headliner and trim to the back window.
Pros
- Highest stated front resolution and sensor tier of the two Mangoal lines
- Faster 5.8GHz Wi-Fi and up to 512GB of storage
- GPS logging and parking monitoring of up to 48 hours
Cons
- Fit is tied to your vehicle's mirror or sensor housing, so the camera cannot be moved to a different make or model, per the industry background
- Parking monitoring needs constant power from a hardwire kit or OBD port, since the mirror's switched power turns off with the ignition.
- The rear camera is optional and adds about 20 minutes to installation.
Today's best deals
Mangoal Elite Series, UHD 4K STARVIS 2 (IMX678) — View at Amazon
2. Mangoal Core Series — 4K UHD (IMX335)
The Core Series is Mangoal's entry tier, and it keeps the same clip-in, factory-look housing as the Elite. It uses Sony's IMX335 sensor with ISP-enhanced 4K recording. Mangoal describes it as a lower-cost route into OEM-style fitting without the STARVIS 2 hardware.
Key features and specs
- Front sensor: Sony IMX335
- Front video: 4K UHD, ISP-enhanced
- Rear camera: Optional 1080p GalaxyCore GC2093
- Image processing: WDR
- Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
- GPS: Supported
- Parking monitoring: Supported, duration not listed
- Controls: Mobile app
- Storage: Up to 256GB
- Power: Same plug-and-play system as the Elite, with a Y-harness for newer vehicles or an OBD or hardwire kit for older ones
- Installation: Clip-in housing replacement, no cables left dangling
- Compatibility: Vehicle-specific, across the same 300-plus models
Performance
Once again, the specifications are the objective realities of the matter, while everything else is interpretation. With the Core Series, you get the same invisible mounting as with the Elite Series. The 4K front camera will serve you well if you care more about appearance and basic protection than anything else.
The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is the low-band frequency, so expect your files to load into the app to go slowly. The 1080p rear camera is a downgrade from the 2K rear camera that is present in the Elite model.
Pros
- 4K front recording at the brand's entry tier
- Keeps the clip-in installation and the optional rear camera
- GPS, parking monitoring and app control are included.
Cons
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, against 5.8GHz on the Elite
- Storage tops out at 256GB, half the Elite's ceiling
- The rear camera is 1080p rather than 2K HDR.
Today's best deals
Mangoal Core Series, 4K UHD (IMX335) — View at Amazon
How to choose a dashcam from Mangoal?
Start by looking at your vehicle type. According to Mangoal, its housings are designed for over 300 models such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Subaru, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Volkswagen, Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, RAM, Mercedes and Porsche.
The UK customers will be offered the product for Audi, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Volvo and Polestar, while US customers will be offered Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge and RAM. The brand sells its products via its own website and also on Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Afterwards, consider the power source. Mangoal recommends that you should go for a Y-harness in case you have a new vehicle with auto-dimming mirrors or rain and light sensors.
The advantage is that it does not use the fuse box or wire cutting and has no influence on the factory warranty, which is Mangoal's claim and thus should be confirmed with your dealer. For the older models, Mangoal suggests OBD cable and hard-wiring kits.