For anyone who’s ever driven an older car or one without the latest infotainment features, you know the struggle. Juggling your phone for navigation, dealing with awkward phone mounts blocking your view, and constantly worrying about blind spots or parking in tight spaces can turn driving from a pleasure into a chore. This lack of modern convenience and safety features was a real pain point for me, and something I knew needed a solution to make my daily commute and longer trips much more comfortable and secure. Finding a way to seamlessly integrate smartphone features while also adding valuable driving aids seemed essential.
A mirror dash cam is a fantastic way to bring modern functionality and safety features into your vehicle without the hassle and expense of ripping out your existing dashboard or replacing your car’s head unit. These devices are designed to solve common driving problems like insufficient visibility, lack of recording capabilities for security and accident evidence, and the desire for integrated smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They are ideal for drivers of older cars or those whose vehicles lack built-in GPS, backup cameras, or modern infotainment systems.
The perfect candidate for a mirror dash cam system is someone who wants enhanced safety through recording, improved visibility with a rear camera, and the convenience of smartphone integration displayed prominently, all without permanent modifications. However, if your car already has a state-of-the-art infotainment system with factory-installed CarPlay/Android Auto and integrated cameras, a separate mirror dash cam might be redundant, and a smaller, less feature-rich dash cam might suffice solely for recording purposes. Before buying, consider factors like screen size and brightness, camera resolution and field of view (especially for the rear camera), the quality and features of the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration (is it wireless?), voice control capabilities, parking monitor functionality, and installation complexity, particularly wire management.
Presenting the AMprime RM
Stepping into the world of modern car tech without a full system overhaul led me to the AMprime RM Mirror Dash Cam. This device aims to replace your existing rearview mirror, transforming it into an 11.26-inch touchscreen display offering a suite of features, most notably wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside dual 1080P dash cameras. It promises a cleaner, more integrated look compared to windshield-mounted screens and delivers enhanced safety and connectivity right where you’re used to looking. When you purchase the AMprime RM, you get the main mirror unit, front and rear cameras, necessary cabling, and an installation tool kit. This specific model is particularly suited for drivers who value the seamless integration of their smartphone for navigation, music, and calls, while also needing reliable front and rear video recording and parking assistance. It might not be the best fit if you prioritize a traditional reflective mirror when the screen is off, as the screen area is a non-reflective black surface when not active.
Pros:
* Excellent placement that doesn’t clutter the dashboard or block windshield view.
* Large, responsive 11.26-inch full HD touchscreen display.
* Seamless and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
* High-quality 1080P dual camera recording with good WDR and night vision.
* Useful reversing assistance with adjustable lines.
* Precise voice control for hands-free operation.
Cons:
* Wire management can be time-consuming for a clean install.
* Defaults to the main menu on startup instead of the last used view.
* Rear camera zoom level and parking line utility can be inconsistent for close obstacles.
* FM transmitter audio quality for music isn’t great.
* Screen is non-reflective when off.
Exploring the Capabilities and Advantages
Having spent significant time with the AMprime RM Mirror Dash Cam, I can confidently break down its key features and the real-world benefits they provide. This isn’t just a dash cam; it’s a comprehensive upgrade for your vehicle’s cockpit.
Expansive 11.26″ Full HD Touch Screen Display
The first thing you notice about the AMprime RM is the sheer size of the screen. At 11.26 inches, it effectively replaces your standard rearview mirror, providing a much larger display for cameras and connectivity features. The touchscreen is remarkably bright and responsive, making navigation through menus and apps intuitive. What I particularly appreciate is its placement. Unlike suction-cup or adhesive screens that perch awkwardly on your windshield or dashboard, this unit integrates directly over your existing mirror. This puts the display right in your line of sight, where you naturally look, without obstructing your view of the road ahead. When you press the power button, the screen goes dark, and while it’s a black non-reflective surface rather than a traditional mirror, you can still use it as a rough reflective surface in a pinch, or simply tap it again to bring the display back exactly where you left off. The clarity of the 1080P feed and the information displayed from CarPlay/Android Auto on this large canvas is a huge plus.
High-Quality 1080P Dual Front and Rear Cameras
At its core, the AMprime RM functions as a robust dual dash cam system. Both the front and rear cameras record in 1080P resolution, providing clear video footage. The front camera is adjustable, allowing you to get the perfect angle. The rear camera offers a wide 170° field of view, significantly reducing blind spots, which is a massive safety improvement, especially in older or larger vehicles. I’ve found the video quality to be reliable for capturing license plates and road details during the day.
Adding to the camera’s utility are WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) and aurora capture technologies. WDR helps balance exposure in challenging lighting conditions, like entering or exiting tunnels or driving with the sun directly in front or behind you. The aurora capture tech is designed to improve visibility at night by enhancing details in low light, which I found makes the footage noticeably clearer than basic dash cams. However, a minor drawback I’ve observed, echoed by other users, is that bright headlights at night can sometimes cause some blooming or washout in the rear camera feed, though it’s generally not debilitating.
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
This is arguably the standout feature of the AMprime RM Mirror Dash Cam. The ability to wirelessly connect your iPhone or Android phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for seamless integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is a game changer. Within seconds of starting the car, my phone connects automatically, and the familiar CarPlay interface appears on the large mirror screen. This allows me to access navigation apps (like Google Maps or Waze), stream music, make calls, and send texts all through the dash cam’s display. The wireless connection is stable and responsive, eliminating the need to plug in your phone every time you get in the car, which is incredibly convenient.
One point to consider, as noted by some users, is how the display space is used when running CarPlay or Android Auto. While the full-screen mode is great for maps or music, it means you lose the camera feed from your main view. There is a split-screen option to show the camera feed alongside the CarPlay/Android Auto interface, but the camera view in this mode is significantly smaller and zoomed out, making it less practical for real-time driving awareness compared to the full-screen camera view. You have to decide which view is most important at any given moment.
Precise Voice Control Capabilities
Hands-free operation is crucial for safety, and the AMprime RM incorporates voice control. You can use pre-set voice commands to perform basic functions like turning the screen on or off, or activating the camera view. This is a simple but effective feature that allows you to manage the device without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road for extended periods. It adds an extra layer of safety by minimizing distractions while driving.
24H Parking Monitor and Loop Recording
For security when parked, the mirror dash cam offers a 24-hour parking monitor feature. This requires connecting the dash cam to an external power source (not included), typically a hardwire kit that connects to your car’s fuse box, allowing it to continue monitoring after the ignition is off. It can be set to record for a specific duration. While some older parking modes rely on motion or impact sensors to trigger a short recording, the AMprime RM’s approach here seems to be continuous time-lapse recording when parked, which can potentially drain your car’s battery if not properly managed or wired. It’s a feature that provides peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is being monitored around the clock.
Standard loop recording ensures that you never run out of storage space on your TF card. When the card is full, the system automatically overwrites the oldest files with new ones, guaranteeing continuous recording. Coupled with a built-in G-sensor, which detects sudden impacts or collisions, the device can automatically lock and save the current footage, preventing it from being overwritten. This is vital for preserving evidence in case of an accident.
Reversing Assist Functionality
Parking can be tricky, especially in tight spots or with limited rear visibility. The reversing assist feature on the AMprime RM is a major benefit. When you shift your car into reverse, the screen automatically switches to a full-screen view from the rear camera, displaying adjustable parking lines overlaid on the video feed. This provides a clear view of what’s behind you, helping you navigate obstacles and park more safely.
However, user experience with the backup camera’s accuracy can vary. Some report that the default zoom level is a bit too high, making it hard to see your rear bumper or judge distance to very close objects. Adjusting the parking lines can help slightly with camera angle in reverse, but it might still require some getting used to compared to factory-installed backup cameras. Connecting the red trigger wire is highly recommended, as it ensures the automatic switch to the rear camera view when reversing.
FM Transmitter and Bluetooth Music
To get audio from the dash cam (like navigation prompts or music from CarPlay/Android Auto) through your car’s speakers, the AMprime RM includes an FM transmitter and supports Bluetooth music playback. The FM transmitter allows you to broadcast the audio over a selected FM frequency that your car radio can tune into. While this is a convenient way to avoid running extra cables, the audio quality, particularly for music, isn’t audiophile grade and can sound somewhat flat or tinny, akin to a basic Bluetooth speaker. For optimal sound, connecting via AUX cable (if your car has an AUX input and you use a separate AUX adapter for the dash cam, as it’s not listed as included) would likely yield better results. The Bluetooth music playback feature works well for streaming directly from your phone to the unit if you don’t want to use CarPlay/Android Auto’s audio output, and you can also make hands-free calls via Bluetooth.
Installation and Design
Mounting the AMprime RM is straightforward, using straps to secure it over your existing rearview mirror. The physical installation itself is quick. The primary effort lies in routing and concealing the cables – power cable, front camera cable (if separate, though it’s integrated into the mirror unit), and rear camera cable – for a clean, professional look. This often involves tucking wires into the headliner, down the A-pillar, and under the dashboard or floor mats. An installation tool is included, which is helpful for prying trim panels. Depending on your car and desired level of tidiness, you might need additional tools or fuse adapters for a permanent power connection, especially for the parking monitor feature.
The design, replacing the rearview mirror, feels much less intrusive than alternative dash cam and screen setups. While the non-reflective screen when off is a departure from a traditional mirror, the large display area when active provides superior visibility for camera feeds and smartphone interfaces.
Hearing From Users
After researching this AMprime RM device online, it’s clear that many users are genuinely pleased with their purchase. People frequently highlight how the mirror placement is far superior to dashboard or windshield mounts, keeping the cockpit clean and visibility unimpeded. The seamless wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a major plus for them, providing easy access to navigation, music, and calls. The dual 1080P cameras are appreciated for their clear recording quality, and the added safety from the rear camera and parking assistance is a common theme. Many find the large touchscreen responsive and easy to use, and the voice control feature adds convenience. Several users also pointed out the solid customer service they received, which is always reassuring. While some mentioned the effort involved in hiding the wires for a tidy setup, and others commented on minor quirks with startup view or backup camera zoom, the overall sentiment appears to be very positive, with users feeling they got a significant upgrade for their driving experience.
Summing Things Up
Ultimately, the lack of integrated technology and sufficient visibility in many vehicles can be a real hassle, not to mention a potential safety hazard. Struggling with phone mounts, relying solely on tiny side mirrors, and wishing for a backup camera are common frustrations that need addressing to make driving safer and more enjoyable.
The AMprime RM Mirror Dash Cam with Wireless Apple Carplay&Android Auto stands out as a compelling solution. First, its intelligent design replaces your existing mirror, putting a large, clear touchscreen display right where you need it without adding clutter. Second, the seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration brings the best of your smartphone directly into your car’s interface. Third, the dual 1080P cameras provide vital recording capabilities and significantly improve rear visibility and parking safety. This device offers a powerful combination of features to solve those core problems. If you’re looking to modernize your ride with enhanced connectivity, safety recording, and improved visibility without extensive modifications, this mirror dash cam is definitely worth considering. To learn more or to check out the AMprime RM Mirror Dash Cam for yourself, click here.