Driving in today’s world feels increasingly complex, doesn’t it? Navigating traffic, staying connected, and ensuring safety all at once can be a challenge, especially in older vehicles that lack modern integrated technology. I often found myself wishing for an easier way to access navigation or handle calls without fumbling with my phone, while also needing the peace of mind that comes with having a dash cam. Solving these issues wasn’t just about convenience; it was about reducing distractions and having crucial evidence in case of an incident.
What to Look For in a Smart Car Display
If you’re considering upgrading your car’s capabilities, especially when it comes to connectivity and recording, you’re likely feeling the pinch of driving a vehicle without built-in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or perhaps one that simply lacks a reliable dash cam. The ideal customer for a device like a dashcam mirror is someone who wants to add modern features like smartphone integration and dual-camera recording without permanently altering their car’s dashboard or wiring harness extensively. These products are great for enhancing safety and convenience in vehicles that might be a few years old or base models lacking premium tech packages. However, if your car already has factory-integrated CarPlay/Android Auto and a sophisticated parking camera system, or if you require the absolute highest resolution recording (like 4K) for professional use, a mirror dash cam might not be the best fit. For the latter, a dedicated high-end dash cam or a full head unit replacement might be more suitable. Before buying, consider the screen size that will fit comfortably over your mirror, the ease of installation, the resolution and quality of both the front and rear cameras, the reliability of the wireless connectivity (CarPlay/Android Auto), audio output options (FM transmitter, AUX, Bluetooth), and whether features like split screen and parking monitoring are important to you.
Introducing the Hikity 11.26 Inch Mirror Dash Cam
Enter the world of modern in-car technology with the Hikity 11.26 Inch Dashcam Front and Rear View Mirror Camera. This isn’t just a simple mirror; it’s a comprehensive system designed to bring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual 1080P recording capabilities, right to your rearview mirror. It essentially promises to transform an older car’s cockpit into a smart, connected, and safer environment. The package typically includes the main mirror unit, front and rear cameras, necessary wiring (including a cigarette lighter power adapter and potentially an AUX cable), and mounting straps to attach it securely over your existing mirror. Compared to traditional single dash cams or separate screens for CarPlay/Android Auto, this rearview mirror dash cam offers a neat, integrated solution that doesn’t clutter your dashboard. It aims to provide a large, easily viewable screen for navigation, media, and camera feeds.
Here are some key points:
Pros:
* Adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to older cars easily.
* Dual 1080P cameras provide front and rear recording.
* Large 11.26-inch touchscreen is easy to see and operate.
* Supports split-screen viewing (CarPlay/Android Auto + camera feed).
* Installs non-destructively over the existing mirror.
Cons:
* The built-in speaker is quiet; relying on car audio is necessary.
* Screen reflectivity can make it less effective as a traditional mirror when off.
* Some users report issues with specific SD cards for recording.
* Requires the optional hardwire kit for parking monitor and a clean install.
* Rear camera image at night can be affected by bright headlights.
Diving Deep into the Features and How They Help
Wireless Smartphone Integration (CarPlay/Android Auto)
One of the standout features of this smart rearview mirror is its wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Setting it up is straightforward via Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. Once connected, your phone’s key features are mirrored onto the large 11.26-inch screen in a driver-friendly interface. This means you can use your preferred navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, stream music from Spotify or Apple Music, make and receive calls, and send text messages using voice commands (Siri or Google Assistant), all without ever needing to pick up your phone.
The benefit here is enormous for safety. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and this feature drastically reduces the temptation to interact with your phone directly. Everything you need is presented on a large, clear screen within your line of sight, or accessible via voice. It’s significantly more convenient and safer than using a phone mount. The wireless aspect is key – no more fumbling with cables every time you get in the car. It simply connects automatically once your phone is within range.
Crystal Clear Dual Camera Recording (Front & Rear)
Beyond being a smart display, this unit functions as a vital safety tool with its dual 1080P cameras. The front camera is integrated into the mirror unit itself, recording a wide 140-degree view of the road ahead. The rear camera, which typically mounts near the license plate or rear window, provides a 1080P feed of what’s happening behind you. Both cameras record simultaneously, offering comprehensive coverage of your journey.
The 1080P resolution, combined with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, ensures that recordings are clear and detailed, whether you’re driving during the day, at night, or in varying weather conditions like rain or bright sunlight. WDR helps balance exposure, ensuring that details aren’t lost in overly bright or dark areas of the image. The benefit of having dual high-definition recordings is invaluable. In the unfortunate event of an accident, having clear video evidence from both the front and rear can be critical for insurance claims or legal purposes. It removes ambiguity and provides an objective record of events. Additionally, the rear camera doubles as a backup camera, displaying a clear view with parking guidelines on the main screen when you shift into reverse, making parking in tight spots much easier and safer.
The Large, Responsive Touch Screen
The 11.26-inch size of the screen is a significant advantage. It’s large enough to easily view navigation maps, track playback information, or see the camera feeds without squinting, yet it sits conveniently over your existing rearview mirror, out of the way of the dashboard controls. The touchscreen is responsive, making it simple to navigate through the menus, select apps, or control playback with a tap or swipe.
The display technology is LCD, providing decent brightness and color reproduction. A key feature is the split-screen capability (for CarPlay users; Android Auto is half-screen display). This allows you to view, for example, your navigation map on one side of the screen while keeping an eye on the rear camera feed on the other. This versatility is excellent for maintaining situational awareness, whether you’re navigating unfamiliar roads or monitoring traffic behind you. While the screen quality might not match the ultra-high resolutions found in premium factory systems, for its purpose and price point, it’s clear and functional. It’s worth noting, however, that when the screen is turned off, while it functions as a mirror, some users find it not as reflective or clear as a standard rearview mirror, sometimes appearing like a tinted version.
Seamless Audio Connectivity
Getting the audio from your phone or the Hikity dashcam mirror to play through your car’s speakers is essential for a good experience. This unit offers multiple options. The built-in speaker is present, but it’s generally not powerful enough for anything more than basic alerts or very quiet environments. The primary methods for audio output are the FM transmitter and the AUX port.
Using the FM transmitter, you can set the mirror unit to broadcast audio on a specific FM frequency, which your car’s stereo then picks up. This is convenient if your car doesn’t have an AUX input or Bluetooth streaming capabilities. However, FM transmission quality can vary depending on local radio interference, and you need to find an unused frequency. The AUX input provides a more direct and usually higher-quality connection using the included AUX cable, assuming your car stereo has an AUX port. Bluetooth connectivity also allows for hands-free calls and music streaming directly from your phone to the mirror, which can then be routed to the car stereo via FM or AUX. This flexibility ensures that you can get the audio working regardless of your car’s existing audio system capabilities. Some users have reported a high-frequency whine when connected via AUX or Bluetooth, which can be noticeable when music isn’t playing. This seems to be a potential minor downside depending on the specific vehicle’s audio system and sensitivity.
Practical Design and Installation
One of the major appeals of a mirror dash cam like this is the relatively easy and non-destructive installation process. The main unit straps directly onto your existing rearview mirror, integrating seamlessly into the car’s interior without requiring dashboard disassembly. The wires for power (via the included cigarette lighter adapter) and the rear camera can typically be tucked neatly along the headliner and trim panels for a clean look.
This design is particularly beneficial for leased vehicles or those where you don’t want to make permanent modifications. The “hidden” nature of the dash cam aspect is also a plus, as it looks like a standard, albeit larger, rearview mirror. However, achieving a truly “factory” look often requires purchasing and installing an optional hardwire kit (ASIN: B0CG847KG5) instead of using the cigarette lighter plug. This kit connects directly to your car’s fuse box and is also necessary if you want to utilize the parking monitor feature, which records while the car is parked (though this requires professional installation or a good understanding of car electrical systems). Without the hardwire kit, the unit powers off when the car is turned off, disabling parking mode.
Additional Useful Functions
The unit supports TF cards up to 128GB for storing dash cam footage (note: the card is often *not* included, despite some product descriptions mentioning it, which can be frustrating). It features loop recording, automatically overwriting the oldest footage when the card is full, ensuring continuous recording without manual management. The Type-C interface can be used for power. Voice control allows for hands-free operation of smartphone functions through CarPlay or Android Auto. The backup camera image includes adjustable parking guidelines to assist with maneuvering. While not perfect, these additional features round out the functionality, making the Hikity 11.26 Inch Dashcam Front and Rear View Mirror Camera a comprehensive in-car upgrade.
What Users Are Saying
Having looked through various feedback online, the sentiment for this Hikity dash cam mirror is generally positive, though with a few recurring points of frustration. Many users appreciate how easily it adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to older vehicles, praising the large screen size and the convenience of having navigation and media front and center. The dual cameras are seen as a major plus for recording evidence and assisting with parking. The sleek design that mounts over the mirror and hides wires is frequently mentioned positively. However, some reviewers noted difficulties with the recording function initially, specifically regarding the SD card compatibility and getting the unit to reliably save footage. The built-in speaker is universally described as weak, requiring reliance on the car’s audio system via FM or AUX, and a few users experienced minor audio quality issues like a high-pitched whine. Despite these challenges, customer service is often highlighted as being responsive and helpful when issues arise.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Upgrade for You?
Driving with outdated technology can be unsafe and inconvenient. The lack of hands-free connectivity and dash camera coverage leaves you vulnerable to distractions and without crucial documentation in case of an incident. The Hikity 11.26 Inch Dashcam Front and Rear View Mirror Camera offers a compelling solution by integrating modern features directly onto your rearview mirror. It’s a great fit because it adds wireless CarPlay/Android Auto for safe smartphone use, provides dual 1080P dash cam recording for peace of mind and evidence, and does so with a relatively simple, non-permanent installation. If you’re looking to bring your car’s tech into the modern age without replacing the head unit, this device is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here to see the product page.