2025's Top Smart Device Connectivity Chip for Action Cams
The action camera market continues its rapid expansion, with some forecasts showing an accelerating growth rate of over 16%
The action camera market continues its rapid expansion, with some forecasts showing an accelerating growth rate of over 16% from 2025. In this competitive landscape, the HiSilicon Hi1105 emerges as the definitive connectivity solution for next-generation devices. This premier Smart Device Connectivity Chip integrates five technologies—Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, GNSS, FM, and IR—into a single, compact unit. This design delivers an unmatched combination of high-speed performance and power efficiency. These capabilities translate directly into superior user experiences like instant 4K video transfers, stable remote connections, and precise GPS data overlays.
Key Takeaways
- The HiSilicon Hi1105 chip combines five important technologies into one small unit. This includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and GPS. This design helps make action cameras and drones better.
- This chip helps transfer large 4K video files very fast using Wi-Fi 6. It also makes sure that accessories like remote controls and microphones stay connected well.
- The Hi1105 chip helps make devices smaller and use less battery power. This means action cameras can record for longer and drones can fly more steadily and safely.
Hi1105: A Premier Smart Device Connectivity Chip
The HiSilicon Hi1105 stands apart as a premier Smart Device Connectivity Chip. Its design combines five distinct technologies into one efficient package. This integration is the key to unlocking next-generation features in compact devices. As a HiSilicon-designated solutions partner, Nova Technology Company (HK) Limited recognizes this chip's architecture as a fundamental leap forward. It provides the high-speed data transfer, stable connections, and location awareness that modern action cameras demand. Each integrated component directly enhances the user experience.
Wi-Fi 6 for 4K Transfers
Action cameras generate massive video files. A few minutes of 4K footage can consume gigabytes of storage. Transferring these files to a smartphone or computer has traditionally been a slow process. The Hi1105 solves this problem with its native support for Wi-Fi 6. This technology offers a significant speed boost over previous standards.
Note: Wi-Fi 6 uses technologies like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to improve network efficiency. It allows a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing lag and increasing overall speed.
This speed difference is critical for users who need to edit or share content quickly. The Hi1105's Wi-Fi 6 capability dramatically reduces wait times. A comparison with Wi-Fi 5 shows the clear advantage.
| Aspect | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Theoretical Speed | 3.5 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps |
This leap in throughput means a 10 GB video file transfers in a fraction of the time. Users can move from shooting to sharing almost instantly.
Advanced Bluetooth for Peripherals
Modern action cameras rely on a web of connected accessories. These include remote controls, external microphones, and the user's own smartphone for live previews. The Hi1105 features an advanced Bluetooth module that ensures these connections are stable and responsive.
- Remote Controls: A reliable, low-latency link allows users to start and stop recording or snap photos without touching the camera. This is essential for mounted shots.
- Wireless Microphones: The chip's robust Bluetooth connection provides the bandwidth needed for high-quality, clear audio from an external mic, free from interference.
- Smartphone Apps: It enables a seamless link to companion apps for changing settings, monitoring shots, and managing files directly from a phone.
This strong connectivity makes the entire ecosystem of camera and accessories work together flawlessly.
Precision GNSS for Geotagging
Many action camera users want to showcase their journey. The Hi1105's integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) makes this possible. The module supports multiple satellite constellations (like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) for fast and accurate position locking. This Smart Device Connectivity Chip embeds precise telemetry data directly into the video file.
Users can then display dynamic overlays on their final videos, showing metrics like:
- Speed 🏎️
- Altitude 🏔️
- Route maps 🗺️
- G-force
This feature transforms a simple video into a rich, data-infused story. It is perfect for motorsports, cycling, skiing, and any activity where performance data adds context and excitement.
Integrated FM and IR Functions
The Hi1105 also includes FM and Infrared (IR) capabilities. While not primary features for every action camera, their inclusion demonstrates a forward-thinking design. The IR transmitter enables the use of simple, low-power remote controls for basic functions like power on/off or recording. This offers a battery-efficient alternative to Bluetooth. The integrated FM receiver adds another layer of versatility, potentially for receiving time code signals or other broadcast data in specialized professional environments. These functions provide device manufacturers with extra options without needing extra components.
Real-World Performance and Design Impact
The technical specifications of the Hi1105 are impressive. However, its true value becomes clear when examining its impact on real-world device design and performance. The chip's five-in-one integration is not just an engineering feat; it is a practical advantage. This design directly enables manufacturers to build smaller, more powerful, and longer-lasting action cameras and drones.
Smaller Designs and Longer Battery
Every millimeter of space matters inside a compact action camera. Traditional designs use multiple chips for connectivity, each requiring its own space on the circuit board and consuming power. The Hi1105's single-chip architecture fundamentally changes this equation.
By combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, FM, and IR into one package, the chip drastically reduces the physical footprint needed for connectivity. This gives product designers two powerful options:
- Create smaller, lighter devices: A smaller circuit board allows for a more compact overall camera body, making it easier to mount and less intrusive during activities.
- Incorporate a larger battery: The saved internal space can be used for a bigger battery, directly addressing one of the biggest pain points for action camera users—short recording times.
The chip's high integration and power-efficient design work together. It uses less energy than separate components, extending battery life even further. Users can spend more time capturing their adventures and less time worrying about their next charge.
This combination of a smaller footprint and lower power consumption is the key to creating the next generation of go-anywhere, film-anything action cameras.
Enhanced Drone Stability and Control
The benefits of the Hi1105 extend powerfully to the drone market. Drones depend on flawless connectivity for safe and effective operation. The chip's integrated features provide the stability, control, and safety mechanisms that both hobbyist and professional pilots demand.
HiSilicon's product information highlights an exclusive narrowband Wi-Fi feature. The company states it is "Applicable to drones and action cameras, allowing transmission of live images over several kilometers." This long-range capability is critical for pilots, ensuring a stable video feed from the drone's camera even at a distance. While technical analyses from firms like TechInsights have detailed the chip's floorplan from its use in smartphones, specific performance benchmarks in commercial drones are not yet public. Still, the chip's design points directly to superior drone performance.
The Hi1105 enhances the drone experience in several key areas:
- Stable Control 🕹️: The advanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6 modules provide a robust, low-latency link between the pilot's controller and the drone, ensuring immediate responsiveness to commands.
- Precise Hovering 🚁: The high-precision GNSS allows the drone to lock its position accurately. This enables ultra-stable hovering for capturing steady aerial shots and resisting wind drift.
- Reliable Safety Features ✅: Accurate GNSS data is the foundation for critical safety functions. It powers the "Return-to-Home" (RTH) feature, which automatically brings the drone back to its takeoff point if the signal is lost or the battery runs low.
Together, these features create a safer, more reliable, and more capable flight experience, making the Hi1105 an ideal connectivity engine for 2025's top drones.
Competitive Landscape in 2025
The Hi1105 does not operate in a vacuum. The market for connectivity chips is competitive, with major players like Qualcomm, Broadcom, and MediaTek offering powerful solutions. However, a direct comparison reveals the Hi1105's unique advantages for 2025's compact devices. Its integrated design philosophy sets it apart from the competition.
Integration vs. Multi-Chip Solutions
The primary difference lies in integration. Competitors often use multi-chip solutions to provide connectivity. For example, the Qualcomm Vision Intelligence Platform is utilized in the latest GoPro action cameras. This approach typically involves separate chips for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS. While effective, using multiple components requires more physical space on the circuit board and can create design challenges.
The Hi1105's five-in-one architecture offers a streamlined alternative. It consolidates all necessary functions into a single package, simplifying product design and manufacturing. This single-chip approach is a key differentiator.
Throughput and Power Efficiency
A chip's performance is measured by its speed and energy use. The Hi1105 excels in both areas. Its Wi-Fi 6 support provides superior data throughput for fast file transfers. Its integrated design is also more power-efficient than using several separate chips.
This table highlights the practical differences between the Hi1105 and typical multi-chip systems.
| Metric | HiSilicon Hi1105 | Typical Multi-Chip Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | 5-in-1 (High) ✅ | 2 or 3 separate chips (Low) |
| Power Consumption | Low 🔋 | Moderate to High |
| Data Throughput | Very High (Wi-Fi 6) | High (Wi-Fi 5/6) |
| Footprint | Small 🤏 | Large |
The Hi1105's design offers clear advantages in speed and power savings, directly improving the user experience.
Platform Versatility and Adaptability
A chip's value also depends on its adaptability. The Hi1105 originated in HiSilicon's Kirin mobile processors, giving it a foundation of proven, reliable technology. It supports standard interfaces like PCIe and SDIO. This makes it easy for engineers to add the chip to new device designs. This flexibility is crucial for manufacturers. Partners like Nova Technology Company (HK) Limited, a HiSilicon-designated solutions partner, help companies leverage this adaptability to accelerate development. This makes the Hi1105 a versatile Smart Device Connectivity Chip for many products beyond just action cameras.
The HiSilicon Hi1105's true strength is its holistic five-in-one design. This integration provides the foundation for the next generation of compact, powerful, and efficient action cameras and drones. It delivers speed, stability, and location awareness from a single component. The broader semiconductor industry is also pushing for greater miniaturization and functionality in System-on-Chip (SoC) designs.
This trend confirms that the Hi1105's architecture is not just an advantage for today. It sets the new industry benchmark for any high-performance Smart Device Connectivity Chip of the future.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of the Hi1105 chip?
The Hi1105's main advantage is its five-in-one integration. It combines Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, GNSS, FM, and IR into a single chip. This design saves space, reduces power consumption, and simplifies the manufacturing of compact devices like action cameras.
How does the Hi1105 improve drone performance?
The chip enhances drone performance with its robust connectivity and precise location tracking.
- Stable Control 🕹️: It provides a strong link for responsive flight commands.
- Precise Hovering 🚁: Its GNSS enables steady hovering and powers safety features like Return-to-Home.
Is the Hi1105 only for action cameras and drones?
No. The Hi1105 is a versatile Smart Device Connectivity Chip. It originated in mobile processors and supports standard interfaces. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of high-performance compact smart devices beyond just cameras and drones.
