Type S 4K Dash Cam Review: S403 Worth Buying in 2026?

Driving today feels riskier than ever. Road accidents, hit and run incidents, and insurance disputes happen daily. A reliable dash cam protects you when things go wrong. The Type S 4K Dash Cam, also called the S403, promises sharp 4K video, smart features, and a low price point. But does it actually deliver on the road?

This review breaks down everything you need to know about the Type S S403 dash cam. You will learn about its video quality, parking mode, app features, and real world performance. We also compare it with top alternatives so you can pick the best option for your car.

Let us see if this Costco favorite deserves a spot on your windshield.

Key Takeaways

Before you read the full review, here are the main points you should remember about the Type S 4K Dash Cam.

• The Type S S403 records in true 4K UHD at 60 frames per second, which captures sharp footage of license plates and road signs even at high speeds.
• The camera includes a wide angle lens with WDR technology, giving you better balance in bright sunlight and dark shadows.
• It offers 24 hour parking surveillance with a smart G sensor, recording impacts when your car is parked.
• The dash cam supports expandable storage up to 256GB, so you get long recording cycles without overwriting important clips.
• Built in WiFi and app integration let you preview, download, and share videos straight from your phone.
• Easy installation and a budget friendly price make it a strong pick for first time dash cam buyers.

What Is the Type S 4K Dash Cam?

Last update on 2026-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Type S 4K Dash Cam, model S403, is a windshield mounted car camera made by Type S Auto. The brand sells automotive accessories through Costco, Amazon, and Walmart. This dash cam records video while you drive and while your car is parked.

The S403 model uses a 4K Ultra HD sensor that shoots at 60 frames per second. That higher frame rate matters because it freezes fast moving objects like other cars and pedestrians more clearly. Most budget dash cams only shoot 4K at 30fps.

The unit ships with a suction cup mount, a long power cable, and a quick start guide. You plug it into your 12V port, stick it on the glass, and you are ready to drive. The compact black housing keeps it discreet behind your rearview mirror.

Type S markets the S403 as a complete safety package for everyday drivers. It targets people who want pro level video without paying premium dash cam prices. Buyers usually find it for around 100 to 150 dollars depending on the retailer.

Build Quality and Design

The Type S S403 has a small rectangular body made from matte black plastic. The build feels solid in your hand, with clean edges and no rattles. It weighs only a few ounces, so it does not strain the suction mount.

The front of the unit holds the wide angle lens and an LED indicator. The back has a bright color screen that shows live video, settings, and saved clips. Buttons sit along the side for quick access to menus, recording, and emergency lock.

The mount uses a strong suction cup with a swivel head. You can turn the camera left or right to align it with the road. Once stuck, it stays put even on hot summer days. Some users report the suction holds for months without re sticking.

The power port sits on the side, which keeps the cable out of your view. The unit also has a microSD slot and a reset pinhole. The simple layout makes it friendly for non technical users. Overall, the design feels clean, modern, and ready for daily use.

4K UHD Video Quality at 60FPS

Video quality is the main reason people buy this dash cam. The Type S S403 shoots in true 4K resolution, which means 3840 by 2160 pixels. That is four times sharper than a standard 1080p dash cam.

The 60 frames per second feature is the real star here. Higher frame rates capture fast events with less motion blur. If a car cuts you off at 70 mph, the footage shows the plate clearly instead of a smear.

Daytime footage looks crisp and colorful with natural skin tones and bright skies. Trees, signs, and buildings have fine detail you can zoom into later. License plates stay readable from several car lengths away in good light.

Nighttime video holds up well thanks to the WDR feature. Streetlights do not blow out, and shadowed areas still show movement. It will not match a 500 dollar Sony Starvis 2 sensor, but it beats most budget rivals. For the price, the video quality is impressive.

Wide Angle Lens and WDR Performance

The S403 uses a wide angle lens that covers a large field of view across the road. This wide view lets the camera see three lanes of traffic at once. It also captures sidewalks and shoulders where pedestrians and cyclists travel.

A wide lens does add some fisheye curve at the edges. The bend is mild on the S403 and does not hurt clarity. Center frame footage stays straight and natural, which is what matters in a crash report.

WDR stands for Wide Dynamic Range. This setting evens out very bright and very dark areas in the same frame. Without WDR, sunlit roads look washed out and tunnels look pitch black. With WDR on, you get balanced exposure in tricky lighting.

WDR helps most during sunrise, sunset, and tunnel exits. The Type S handles these moments smoothly. Drivers in cities with lots of bridges, parking decks, and shadows will notice the difference. The lens and WDR pairing makes this dash cam strong in mixed light.

Top 3 Alternatives for Type S 4K Dash Cam

If the Type S S403 does not match your needs, these three dash cams offer strong features at competitive prices.

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Vantrue E1 Pro is a tiny 4K dash cam with a Sony Starvis 2 sensor and built in GPS. It fits behind the mirror and records sharp footage in low light. The VIOFO A229 Pro offers true 4K front recording with dual Starvis 2 sensors and a 2K rear cam. It is a top pick for buyers who want flagship video quality. The Rexing V1 is a long running favorite with a 2.4 inch LCD, supercapacitor, and 170 degree wide angle lens. It works well for drivers on a budget.

24 Hour Parking Surveillance

Parking mode is one of the most useful features in a modern dash cam. The Type S S403 includes 24 hour parking surveillance powered by its G sensor. It guards your car while you sleep or shop.

When the dash cam senses an impact, it wakes up and records a short clip. This means hit and run incidents in parking lots get captured automatically. You will see who hit your bumper or door without standing watch.

Parking mode needs a steady power source to run all day. You can connect the S403 to a hardwire kit that taps into your fuse box. This keeps it on without draining your main battery. Type S sells a hardwire kit separately if you want full coverage.

Without a hardwire kit, the dash cam still records as long as it has 12V power. Some users plug it into an always on cigarette socket. Either way, the parking feature gives peace of mind. It is one of the strongest selling points of this model.

Smart G Sensor and Emergency Recording

The G sensor inside the Type S S403 measures sudden movements. It triggers when the car brakes hard, swerves, or gets hit. Once triggered, the camera locks the current clip so it cannot be overwritten.

This protects your most important footage from being deleted by loop recording. Loop recording rewrites the oldest files when the SD card fills up. Locked clips stay safe in a separate folder.

You can also press the emergency button to lock a clip manually. This is useful if you see something strange but no impact happens. Maybe a road rage driver pulls beside you, or you witness an accident in the next lane.

The G sensor sensitivity is adjustable in the settings. New drivers can keep it on default, while sensitive cars on rough roads should lower it. Otherwise, every pothole creates a locked clip. Once tuned, the system works without thought. It catches the moments that matter most.

Expandable Storage Up to 256GB

The Type S S403 supports microSD cards up to 256GB. The dash cam does not include a card in the box, so you need to buy one separately. A high endurance card built for dash cams is the safest choice.

A 256GB card holds many hours of 4K footage at 60fps. Most drivers get one to two days of continuous loop recording before older clips overwrite. That gives you plenty of time to save anything important.

Loop recording works in the background with no manual setup. The camera splits video into one, three, or five minute clips. When the card fills up, the oldest unlocked clip gets replaced. Locked clips and event recordings stay untouched.

You can format the card from the camera menu in seconds. Type S also recommends formatting once a month to keep performance smooth. Cheap or worn out cards cause skipped frames and corrupted files. Pair this dash cam with a quality card and you will rarely lose footage.

WiFi and App Integration

Modern dash cams skip the bulky USB cable transfer step. The Type S S403 includes WiFi that pairs with the Type S Connect mobile app. The app works on both iPhone and Android.

Once paired, you can preview live video, browse saved clips, and download files to your phone. This makes sharing a crash video with insurance or police fast and simple. You do not need a laptop or card reader.

The app also lets you change camera settings remotely. You can switch resolution, adjust G sensor sensitivity, or update the firmware. New users find the menus easier on a phone screen than on the small dash cam display.

Some users report occasional connection drops with the app. Most fixes involve restarting the camera or reinstalling the app. After setup, the WiFi link stays steady most of the time. The mobile control is a strong feature for a dash cam in this price range.

Installation and Setup Process

Setting up the Type S S403 takes about ten minutes. The kit includes everything you need except the microSD card. Most drivers can install it without any tools.

First, clean the windshield where you plan to place the camera. Use the included alcohol wipe for a clean surface. Press the suction mount firmly behind the rearview mirror so it stays out of view. Then snap the dash cam into the mount.

Run the power cable along the headliner and down the A pillar. Tuck the wire under the trim using the included pry tool. Plug the cable into your 12V port at the bottom. The camera turns on automatically when you start the car.

Next, insert the microSD card and format it through the menu. Set the date, time, and language on the screen. Open the app and connect through WiFi. The first drive shows you a clear view of the road. The whole process is friendly for beginners with no installer needed.

Real World Driving Performance

Driving with the Type S S403 feels stress free. The unit boots in two seconds when you start the engine. It begins recording right away with no manual press needed. This automatic action is critical because you forget about the dash cam quickly.

During highway drives, the 4K 60fps footage stays smooth and stable. The WDR keeps bridges and tunnels balanced. License plates ahead remain readable up to two car lengths in clear light.

City driving shows the wide angle benefit. You see traffic from both sides of the lane and pedestrians on sidewalks. Tight intersections and roundabouts get full coverage in one frame. The audio mic also picks up horns and sirens clearly.

At night, the camera does well under street lights and headlights. Pitch dark country roads are tougher, but most events still record clearly. After several weeks of use, the Type S S403 proves itself as a steady daily companion. It earns its keep without demanding attention.

Pros and Cons of the Type S S403

Every dash cam has trade offs. The Type S S403 has clear strengths but also a few weak spots worth knowing before you buy.

Pros include the true 4K 60fps recording, which is rare in this price range. The wide angle lens with WDR handles tricky lighting well. The 24 hour parking mode adds real safety value. WiFi and the mobile app make video transfer simple. The build quality feels solid for daily use.

Cons start with the lack of a built in GPS module. You cannot track speed or location data without an add on. The mic audio sounds basic and picks up wind noise at high speeds. Night video, while decent, falls short of premium cams with Sony Starvis 2 sensors.

The unit also does not include a microSD card or hardwire kit in the box. Buyers must add those costs to the total budget. App connection can be slow on older phones. Even with these issues, the value remains strong. The pros outweigh the cons for most everyday drivers.

Who Should Buy the Type S 4K Dash Cam?

The Type S S403 fits a wide range of drivers. Daily commuters who want crash protection and clean 4K footage will love it. Rideshare drivers also benefit from the wide angle view and parking mode.

First time dash cam buyers find the simple setup and friendly app a good entry point. You do not need tech skills to install or use it. Costco shoppers often buy this model because it bundles well with car accessories.

Budget conscious buyers get strong specs without paying flagship prices. Compared with 300 dollar dash cams, the S403 covers most basics. Families with teen drivers also use it to review trips and improve driving habits.

People who want top tier night video, GPS tracking, and dual channel coverage should look at higher tier models. The Vantrue E1 Pro or VIOFO A229 Pro fits those needs better. But for the average driver, the Type S S403 hits the sweet spot of price, features, and ease of use.

Final Verdict

The Type S 4K Dash Cam, model S403, delivers strong value for the asking price. It records crisp 4K video at 60fps, handles tough lighting with WDR, and protects your car around the clock with parking surveillance. The mobile app and WiFi setup feel modern and quick.

It is not the absolute best dash cam on the market. Premium models from Vantrue, VIOFO, and BlackVue beat it in night video and GPS features. But those cost two or three times more.

For drivers who want simple, dependable, and sharp dash cam footage without spending a fortune, the Type S S403 earns a clear recommendation. Pair it with a high endurance 256GB microSD card and a hardwire kit for the best experience. You get peace of mind every time you drive. That is exactly what a dash cam should do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Type S S403 dash cam record audio?

Yes, the Type S S403 records audio through a built in microphone. You can turn the audio on or off through the camera menu or the mobile app. The audio quality is good for capturing voices inside the car and loud sounds outside, like horns and crashes.

Does the Type S 4K dash cam have GPS?

No, the base Type S S403 model does not include built in GPS. It cannot record speed or location data on the video. If you need GPS tagging, the VIOFO A229 Pro or Vantrue E1 Pro are better choices.

What size microSD card does the Type S S403 support?

The Type S S403 supports microSD cards up to 256GB. Use a high endurance card rated U3 or V30 for smooth 4K recording. The dash cam does not come with a card in the box.

Can the Type S dash cam record while parked?

Yes, the Type S S403 has a 24 hour parking surveillance mode. It uses the G sensor to detect impacts and starts recording automatically. You will need a hardwire kit or a constant power source for full parking mode.

Is the Type S S403 dash cam easy to install?

Yes, installation takes about ten minutes with no tools required. The suction mount sticks to the windshield, and the power cable plugs into the 12V port. Most drivers complete setup on their first try.

Does the Type S 4K dash cam work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, the Type S Connect app supports both iPhone and Android phones. You can preview live video, download clips, and adjust settings through WiFi. The app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.