Cobra iRadar 200 Review

Introduction:

Back during the summer of 2011, veteran radar detector maker, Cobra, brought to market its first smart radar detector in the iRadar 100, and we managed to check it out from head-to-toe to find out what the talk was all about. With that first model, it was specifically designed to work with the iPhone – while Android owners were left out in the dust to fend for themselves. Thankfully enough, their second offering in the iRadar 200 remedies that issue, seeing that it’s compatible to work with iOS and Android devices (also independently as well). Brandishing the same price point of $129.99 online and through various retailers, let’s dive in and see what we can expect out of this updated model.



Design:

Although the iRadar 200 is sporting a different design from its predecessor, it’s not dramatic at all to make it one of its standouts. Rather, it’s slightly more compact this time around, considering that it’s slightly shorter. Relying on an all-plastic chassis, the card deck sized iRadar 200 feels a bit hollow – making it feel as though it’s cheaper in construction than its $130 price point. Still, we do appreciate that it’s now sporting a soft touch matte finish on its top surface – whereas before, it was completely glossy and prone to smudges. Complementing its dark figure, it has a silver plastic trim that wraps around the outer edge of the iRadar 200. Overall, it’s not something complex or futuristic looking like some high-end dedicated radar detectors out there, but its minimalistic approach is nevertheless appreciated.

Along its top surface, there’s an over-sized recessed and springy mute button that’s ready to silence any of the glaring notification tones that it produces. Above it, the internal speaker is behind a grill, which delivers some extra potent tones at the loudest volume setting.

Both the right and front edges of the iRadar 200 are clean, but there’s actually an LED light positioned squarely in the middle area of the front bezel. In fact, it’s either in red or blue to indicate if it’s connected to a device or not. On the left edge of it though, we find its power connection port, a switch that positions it to work with an iOS (white) or Android (green) device, and its combination power & volume control. Finally, the back portion with its shaded surface hides away the radar detection components, and there’s a narrow slit that allows it to connect with the suction cup holder. Worthy of being mentioned too, the car power adapter included with the iRadar 200 features a very useful USB port to charge other devices.

Performance:

As we’ve mentioned already, the iRadar 200 is now compatible to work with Android devices, but beyond that, there isn’t anything necessarily new over its predecessor. Well, it’s great that it’ll work independently, as it’ll notify us of any detections during our travel – both audibly in the form of increasing beeping tones and actual verbal description of what kind of radar (i.e. X, K, Ka, Ku, and VG-2 bands). When using it independently, we find that detections can either be hits or misses – so it can be a bit nerve wracking when it’s picking up nothing more than a store’s security radar system.

Conversely, when it’s paired with an iOS or Android smartphone, combined with the free Cobra iRadar app, it truly unlocks the full potential of the radar detector. To tell you the truth, the app’s functionality and features haven’t changed much since we last looked at it with the original iRadar 100. For the majority of time, we’re left looking at the Dashboard, which displays our speed, direction of travel, and the car battery’s voltage. Whenever it detects something, we’re given the ability to either check it off as a false alert or an actual one, which is then stored – meaning, if you come across the same location, it’ll either come up (if it’s saved as an actual alert) or not (false alarm). No doubt, it’s pretty useful that it can save locations you’ve manually selected as verified threats, seeing that basic radar detectors don’t have this feature.


Nowadays, many GPS apps provide information on the locations of speed traps and red light cameras, like Magellan’s iPhone app, but with Cobra’s offering, its database is somewhat more accurate, seeing users of the app can flag spots that aren’t dictated as general locations. And of course, it’s more localized than anything else. Also, there’s a map that you can load up and see where users have flagged known hotspots – whether they’re speed traps, confirmed threats, caution areas, and more. Lastly, the settings options allow for some level of customization in how we’re notified. From specific radar bands to even an exceeding the speed limit notification, it’s nice we’re in control of many aspects.

Conclusion:

Now if you’re still sporting the iRadar 100 and using your iPhone with it, there’s no big reason to jump ship and pick up this new model – especially when the compatibility with Android devices is the only new feature found with the iRadar 200. However, if you’re an Android owner who waited patiently for a smart radar detector, this is absolutely something you’ll want to check it. Frankly speaking, we still appreciate the fact that false alarms become less over time as we flag certain notifications, but when using it for the first time, just expect a great deal of time seeing plenty of them. At $130, it even makes for a decent entry-level radar detector, but in contrast to them, the iRadar 200 goes above and beyond with the smarter functionality of its accompanying smartphone app.

Cobra iRadar 200 Video Review: