I would not want to use my normal cell as the dash cam as well. I keep my S4 as a backup cell mostly to my 6 plus.

 

I'm going to guess that you'll be very happy with your Samsung setup for a long time to come. I think that when more dash cam models become available with more price points, this would be the time to take the plunge.

 

It does a good job but I am starting to get tired of taking it off and on. Plus none of the mounts are to my satisfaction. I think I see a hard wired unit in my future... Lol

I'm leaning towards the KDLINKS X1 unit.

 

I looked at Amazon, it's got good ratings, a 1 year warranty, customer service and updates. All good points. Plus a reasonable price. You can always return to Amazon within 30 days. It could be mounted similar to mine most likely (minus the speed pass blocking the GPS sensor).
The first photo is my view, it just clears the bottom of the mirror. The second photo is an attempt to show how/where it's mounted. A the top is the mirror mount, then my speed pass/toll card with the cam mounted just under it. For me, it's perfect. Some of the cams without a screen could be mounted higher, hidden from the driver's view by the rear view mirror. But I like the idea of seeing it turn on every time I start the car so I know it's working, then I have the screen go black as it's distracting when active and a dangerous distraction to me.

 

Looks good. What radar detector are you using?

 

That's the Passport 8500 X50. It's served me well for many years. I just picked up a sticky pad mount from Ebay, no more suction cups coming loose. Hardwired it to my rain sensor. Also programmed out the X band alert, no more false alerts! I've got this car setup for long term ownership.

 

my 8500 is 15 years old and sent to escort twice for updates.great units

 

Smart move, those updates, it's been a while for me. I'll check. Thanks.

 

I have stash camera if anyone try's to nab my stash

 

swfla,when you send it in to escort dont send it with your smart cord because they will send a new one back with your unit.the last time i sent mine in it was $40.its been six years so i hope they still do it.

 

I have the Cobra 9370 and it does a good job. I have always heard that the Escorts are some of the best but I don't use the detector much anymore. I have not received a ticket in 6 or 8 years now. I guess slowing down in general helps save you from those things.

 

While Escort and Valentine are always the debatable top two, there's plenty of good products out there. Cruise control is also an effective weapon against speeding tickets. It's so easy to accidentally exceed the speed limit in the LS, you don't feel the sensation of speed. It was like that in a Mercedes S 550 I drove as well.
BTW, I checked the website for Escort, no mention of updates unless you have the gps with speed traps. I think that the 8500 is now in it's final design.

 

The Escort 9500 IX series had me drooling a bit. I am a fan of electronics and I love the fact that it can self learn false signals. But I have no need for it.

Anyway, I did get the KDLinks unit. As I mentioned, none of the mounts were satisfactory holding the S4 steady and heat is an issue with the phone. This really is the main problem using a phone. The phone really heats up during long periods of recording. Honestly, I think the S4's video quality was better but the lowlight of the KD unit is amazing. S4 fstop is 2.2 and the KD is 1.6 It does take it 30 seconds to a min or so to re-aquire gps speed signal after going through a tunnel. Overall, I am very happy with this unit. Much more steady of a shot and the 165 degree wide angle does obviously capture more.

A little comparison video:

 

The KD video is very steady. Congrats! Would love to read a user review after a few weeks use
I like gadgets too, but I feel that I would rarely make use of a high end detector. Now if mine current unit were to die...
I know my area well enough and rarely travel outside it. When I do, I use caution and cruise control. I keep it to 80mph on the 70mph interstate. That's the norm in FL.

 

That's benefit to the 8 speed transmission in the 460. You can do 80 mph and still get 30 mpg from what I have read. Well, the DI injection may help with this too. Highway mileage in that thing is amazing for the size and weight. Although, I have a weird theory that UL's get better mileage then the other model 430's. I'm not really sure why but other members who get mileage like I do have UL's as well. This may be because the car lowers itself on the highway.