Akaso Brave 7 LE action camera review: “proof that you don’t have to splash the cash if you want to record content!”

Chinese brand Akaso is proof that you don’t have to splash the cash if you want to record content as you embark on your swims, rides and runs. Its Akaso 360 is a direct rival to the Insta360 X range, but its Brave 7 LE is worth focusing on because of its sub-£130 price tag.

For a fraction of the price of other models, you get a dual screen set-up like the DJI Osmo Action range, 40m waterproofing (although the included waterproof case is required) and video resolutions up to 4K30fps. It also has image stabilisation, a 4x zoom and an accompanying smartphone app where you can edit your footage. What’s more, you get an overwhelming number of accessories for no additional cost – including helmet mount, handlebar mount and a remote – making the Brave 7 LE even better value for money.

But while it clearly undercuts its rivals, at what cost to its capabilities as an action camera?

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Out the box

On the surface, the Brave 7 LE looks somewhat dated. First released in 2020 but still in production, it hasn’t aged well in six years and is a bit bulky and cheap feeling compared to its more newer competitors. Its rear screen is a case in point – hemmed in by a wide, black frame, the area of the touchscreen that is actually functional accounts for about 75% of the screen, making navigating more fiddly than on rivals. A clunky user interface makes this even harder.

Mounting accessories is based around a threaded ¼” nut on the base of the camera, rather th…