By Anushka Verma | Updated: November 3, 2025
Introduction
Every morning in India, millions of commuters brace themselves for chaos. From lane-cutters to reckless bikers and distracted drivers, our roads often resemble obstacle courses more than public infrastructure. Over the last few years, a new silent witness has emerged in this madness — the dashcam.
The idea is simple: a camera mounted on your car’s windshield that records everything happening in front (and sometimes behind) you. But here’s the bigger question — can dashcams actually prevent bad behaviour on the roads, or do they merely record it?
To test this, I spent three weeks driving through Delhi–NCR with the Qubo Dashcam Pro 2.7K, priced at ₹7,990. It’s marketed as a high-resolution, no-nonsense dashcam promising clarity, ease, and safety. My mission was to test not only its features but also whether its presence changed how people drove — including me.
Table: Qubo Dashcam Pro 2.7K – Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2.7K (2560 × 1440 p) |
| Camera Sensor | Sony IMX335 5 MP Sensor |
| Lens Angle | 140° Wide Angle |
| Display | 2.8-inch LCD Screen |
| Storage Support | microSD Card up to 1 TB |
| Wi-Fi & App Support | Qubo App (Android / iOS) |
| Rear Camera Option | Yes (add-on) |
| GPS Tracking | Built-in |
| Loop Recording | Yes (overwrites old files) |
| G-Sensor & Emergency Lock | Available |
| Price (India) | ₹7,990 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
The Hypothesis
The hypothesis was straightforward:
If dashcams are visible or known to be recording, drivers may behave more responsibly.
This principle is rooted in behavioural psychology — when people know they’re being watched, they self-regulate. Think of CCTV in malls or body cams worn by police officers. But does this behavioural shift apply to road users — especially in India, where chaos is often a part of culture?
The Setup and Installation Experience
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 2.7K comes neatly packed with the main camera unit, a car charger, a long USB cable, and adhesive mounts. Installation took under 15 minutes.
- Mounting: The suction mount attached firmly to the windshield behind the rear-view mirror.
- Power: It uses the 12 V car socket and starts automatically when the ignition turns on.
- App Setup: The Qubo App connects via Wi-Fi and syncs recorded clips instantly to your phone.
The UI was clean, and the connection stable. For a mid-range dashcam, it felt surprisingly refined.
Video Performance: Clarity Matters
Daylight Performance
In bright sunlight, footage looked crisp. The 2.7K resolution ensured that number plates were legible even at 20–25 metres. The wide-angle lens did introduce slight fisheye distortion, but that’s standard for this class.
I drove through crowded Delhi lanes, and the Qubo captured everything — from honking autos to jaywalking pedestrians — in clear detail. Reflections on the windshield were minimal thanks to the polarised coating.
Night Performance
Low-light performance often separates great dashcams from average ones. Here, the Qubo Pro 2.7K impressed. Using the Sony IMX335 sensor, it handled dimly lit roads, headlights, and reflective signboards without overexposure.
I tested it on a Gurugram highway at midnight. Even in the absence of streetlights, the footage maintained usable clarity. While number plates of fast-moving vehicles sometimes blurred, that’s expected in this range.
Rear Camera Performance
The optional rear camera offered 1080 p quality. It helped in parking and recording tailgating incidents — useful in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Behavioural Observation: Do Dashcams Change Drivers?
After installing the dashcam, something subtle happened — I became a more cautious driver.
I found myself signalling more, avoiding sharp cuts, and even slowing down at yellow lights. The awareness that “everything is being recorded” created a mental brake.
But did others notice? Occasionally yes. Drivers beside me spotted the lens, and some even slowed down or kept distance. However, the effect was inconsistent. Many still sped past, unbothered.
This indicates that while a dashcam influences its owner’s driving, its deterrent effect on others depends on visibility + awareness.
A Week of Testing: Real-World Scenarios
1. Delhi Traffic Signal Incident
A biker jumped a red light and brushed my car. The Qubo captured everything — from his plate to the signal timing. The footage later became crucial when filing an insurance claim.
2. Highway Tailgating
On NH-48, an SUV tailgated me aggressively. The rear camera recorded the pattern clearly. I could share it with local authorities if needed.
3. Parking Lot Scrape
At a Gurugram mall, someone scratched my bumper and left. Reviewing the dashcam footage revealed the culprit — a blue i20. Insurance processed my claim without dispute once the video was submitted.
These experiences underline the practical benefits of a dashcam, beyond behavioural studies.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Qubo Dashcam Pro 2.7K (₹7,990) | 70mai A500S (₹9,999) | DDPAI Mini (₹5,990) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2.7 K | 2.7 K + Rear 1080 p | Full HD |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in | Optional |
| App Control | Qubo App (Wi-Fi) | 70mai App (Wi-Fi) | DDPAI App (Wi-Fi) |
| Sensor | Sony IMX335 | Sony IMX335 | GC2053 |
| Night Vision | Very Good | Excellent | Average |
| Price | ₹7,990 | ₹9,999 | ₹5,990 |
| Warranty & Support | Qubo (Indian Brand) | Imported | Imported |
The Qubo offers a perfect balance between clarity, local service, and affordability — making it ideal for Indian users who prefer homegrown support.
Psychology of Accountability on Roads
In 2023, the Delhi Traffic Police reported that over 1.5 lakh accidents were captured on private dashcams. While dashcams cannot physically prevent an accident, they create accountability.
When people know that their actions might be recorded, the “spotlight effect” triggers: a self-conscious awareness leading to safer behaviour.
Moreover, video evidence simplifies disputes. Instead of arguments, there’s proof — timestamped, geotagged, and clear.
Dashcams and Insurance Claims
Indian insurance companies have begun to recognise dashcam footage as valid evidence. Brands like Bajaj Allianz and HDFC ERGO already encourage customers to submit such clips.
For example, in my parking-lot scrape, Qubo footage shortened my claim process from weeks to three days.
This trend could soon lead to premium discounts for vehicles equipped with certified dashcams, similar to telematics-based insurance in the West.
Data Privacy and Legal Perspective
India doesn’t yet have a comprehensive dashcam regulation, but general privacy laws apply.
✅ Recording public roads is legal.
🚫 Recording inside private property without consent isn’t.
⚠️ Sharing footage publicly (like on social media) can violate privacy if individuals are identifiable.
Manufacturers like Qubo store data locally on SD cards, not on cloud servers, minimising privacy risks.
Technical Insights: What 2.7K Means
2.7K (2560 × 1440) is roughly 1.8 times the pixels of Full HD. This provides more headroom for zooming into details like number plates without pixelation.
During testing, each 1-minute clip consumed about 150 MB at 2.7K quality, so a 64 GB card stores ~7 hours of continuous footage. The loop recording feature automatically overwrites older files unless they’re locked by the G-sensor during an impact.
Voice Commands and App Control
Through the Qubo App, you can:
- Download and trim clips.
- View live feed via Wi-Fi.
- Adjust exposure and sensitivity.
- Access GPS routes.
The app interface is intuitive — ideal for non-tech users too.
Voice control worked with basic English commands like “Take picture” or “Lock video,” reducing distraction while driving.
Safety and Social Impact
Imagine a city where every second vehicle has a dashcam. The collective result could be a crowd-sourced surveillance network where rash drivers, hit-and-runs, and corruption at checkpoints are instantly recorded.
This potential social impact is huge. Dashcams can empower honest drivers, discourage road rage, and even assist law enforcement.
However, awareness remains low. Most Indian drivers see dashcams as luxury gadgets, not safety tools.
Limitations of Dashcams
Despite the positives, dashcams aren’t magical fixes.
- They record — they don’t prevent. A reckless driver will remain reckless.
- Heat Tolerance: In peak Delhi summer, interior temperatures hit 50 °C. The Qubo handled it decently but needed periodic cleaning of the adhesive pad.
- Storage Management: Without large-capacity SD cards, older files get overwritten quickly.
- Dependence on 12 V Socket: No built-in battery for recording when parked (with engine off).
Still, for daily commute safety, these are manageable trade-offs.
Voices from the Road: User Feedback
I interviewed a few fellow drivers who also used dashcams:
Rohit Malik, Cab Driver: “Since I installed one, passengers behave better too. They know everything’s recorded.”
Priya Mehta, Commuter: “I was once blamed for a crash that wasn’t my fault. My dashcam video saved me from paying damages.”
Karan Sethi, Delivery Rider: “It’s good for proof but not everyone fears it. Some just don’t care.”
Their experiences reinforced that dashcams build personal security and legal protection, if not universal deterrence.
Verdict: Does a Dashcam Prevent Bad Driving?
Answer: Partially.
Dashcams don’t directly prevent accidents, but they encourage better awareness and accountability. Their true power lies in after-event clarity, ensuring justice and learning from mistakes.
For me, the Qubo Dashcam Pro 2.7K became more than a gadget — it was a co-driver that never blinked.
It may not stop that one reckless biker, but it ensures the truth is never lost in the noise.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 2.7 K Footage & Strong Build | No Built-in Battery for Parking Mode |
| Reliable GPS and G-Sensor | Occasional Overheating in Peak Summer |
| Smooth App Integration | Rear Cam Costs Extra |
| Quick Installation & Local Support | Loop Overwrite Needs High-Capacity Card |
| Affordable at ₹7,990 | – |
Final Rating
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4.3 / 5)
A practical, value-for-money device that delivers what it promises — clear, reliable footage, effortless setup, and peace of mind. It won’t fix the system, but it helps you survive it.
Conclusion: A Small Lens with a Big Impact
The Qubo Dashcam Pro 2.7K is not just a tech accessory; it’s a social statement — drive like someone is watching, because someone is.
Until our roads evolve to match our ambitions, dashcams like these may become the silent guardians of accountability — one frame at a time.
