OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Action cameras Methodology v1.0
Action cameras Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Action cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Action cameras Methodology v1.0

Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 Review | 96 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Video resolution:1080pBattery life:130 minWaterproof depth:5 mElectronic image stabilization:yesMaximum 4K frame rate:0 fps

Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 Review: Compare 96 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Action cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the action camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best action cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

7.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 58% of action-cameras
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

30%

4.4

Video

22%

5.8

Photo

14%

5.6

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

5.9

Battery

11%

6.8

Connectivity & Audio

10%

5.7

Display & Design

â–¼Worse than 58% of action-cameras
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 165 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 79% of action-cameras
  • sony-action-cam-hdr-as20
  • sony-action-cam-hdr-as20
sony-action-cam-hdr-as20
sony-action-cam-hdr-as20

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of action camera Sony Action Cam HDR AS20

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

30%

4.4

Video

22%

5.8

Photo

14%

5.6

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

5.9

Battery

11%

6.8

Connectivity & Audio

10%

5.7

Display & Design

5.5
User score
User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 165 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which action cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Popularity:
Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 has a popularity score of 6 points, which is lower than 58.4% of action cameras.
6.0
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the action camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components:

60%

5.8

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

7.0
Video resolution
1080p
Video resolution
1080p
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This action camera records video at 1080p, which is lower than that of 69.9% of action cameras.
Maximum 4K frame rate
0 fps
Maximum 4K frame rate
0 fps
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
This action camera has a maximum 4K frame rate of 0 fps, which is lower than that of 65.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 34.2% of action cameras.
Maximum 1080p frame rate
60 fps
Maximum 1080p frame rate
60 fps
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
Market range: <30 fps – >240 fps
This action camera has a maximum 1080p frame rate of 60 fps, which is higher than that of 23.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 33.8% of action cameras.
Video bitrate
28 Mbps
Video bitrate
28 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
This action camera has a video bitrate of 28 Mbps, which is lower than that of 77% of action cameras and equal to that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Video codecs
H.264
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This action camera supports the following video codecs: H.264. Its codec support is more advanced than that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Show more
Main camera megapixels
?
Sensor size
?
Main camera aperture
f/2.8 f
Main camera aperture
f/2.8
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This action camera has a main camera aperture of f/2.8, which is wider than that of 7.3% of action cameras and equal to that of 43.8% of action cameras.
Photo resolution
11.9 MP
Photo resolution
11.9 MP
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <8 MP – >38 MP
This action camera captures photos at 11.9 MP, which is lower than 76.7% of action cameras and equal to 1% of action cameras.
Field of view
170 °
Field of view
170 °
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
This action camera has a field of view of 170 °, which is wider than that of 44.9% of action cameras.
Show more
Built-in display
no
Built-in display
no
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
This action camera does not have a display. 72.6% of action cameras have a display.
Screen size
?
Touchscreen
no
Touchscreen
no
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
This action camera does not include a touchscreen. 57.9% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
Secondary screen
?
Secondary screen resolution
?
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This action camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature is present on 92.5% of action cameras.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth version
N/A
GPS
no
GPS
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This action camera does not support GPS. 13.9% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
This action camera does not include USB Type-C. 42.2% of action cameras use USB-C.
Show more
Battery life
130 min
Battery life
130 min
â–² Better than 74% of models
Market range: <60 min – >162 min
This action camera runs for 130 min per charge, which is longer than the battery life of 74.4% of action cameras and equal to the battery life of 1.2% of action cameras.
Battery power
1,240 mAh
Battery power
1,240 mAh
â–² Better than 58% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >1.9k mAh
This action camera has a battery capacity of 1,240 mAh, which is higher than that of 58.1% of action cameras and equal to that of 3.8% of action cameras.
Charging time
2.92 h
Charging time
2.92 h
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
This action camera charges in 2.92 h, which is longer than the charging time of 71.7% of action cameras and equal to the charging time of 2.6% of action cameras.
About 4.08 h via computer USB.
Fast charging
no
Fast charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 19% of models
This action camera does not support fast charging. 18.8% of action cameras support fast charging.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 1% of models
This action camera does not support wireless charging. 0.6% of action cameras support wireless charging.
Show more
Waterproof depth
5 m
Waterproof depth
5 m
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <0 m – >11 m
This action camera is waterproof to 5 m, which is deeper than the waterproof depth of 57.2% of action cameras and equal to the waterproof depth of 7.8% of action cameras.
5 with housing/case.
IP rating
?
Maximum operating temperature
40 °C
Maximum operating temperature
40 °C
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
Market range: <35 °C – >45 °C
This action camera has a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C, which is higher than that of 23.4% of action cameras and equal to that of 50.4% of action cameras.
Minimum operating temperature
-10 °C
Minimum operating temperature
-10 °C
â–² Better than 32% of models
Market range: <-20 °C – >0 °C
This action camera has a minimum operating temperature of -10 °C, which is lower than that of 31.9% of action cameras and equal to that of 44.7% of action cameras.
External memory slot
yes
External memory slot
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This action camera includes an external memory slot. This feature is present on 95.2% of action cameras.
Also supports Memory Stick Micro.
Show more

Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 vs the average action camera

246810TotalVideoPhotoDisplay & DesignConnectivity & AudioBatteryRuggedness & Storage
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This action camera has microphone input, the average action camera does not. 26.8% of action cameras offer this feature.
  • 40 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    130 min
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (130 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    130 min vs 90 min
  • 4 m deeper waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    5 m
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a higher waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (5 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    5 with housing/case.
    5 m vs 1 m
  • Has 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This action camera includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average action camera does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack. 8.4% of action cameras include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • Has HDMI output
    HDMI output
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This action camera supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.1% of action cameras support video-out features.
    Built-in Micro HDMI port.
  • 34.5 mm narrower
    Width
    24.5 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <26.5 mm – >71.8 mm
    This action camera is narrower than the average action camera (24.5 mm vs 59 mm). The average action camera has a width of 59 mm.
    24.5 mm vs 59 mm
  • 18.2% lighter
    Weight
    83 g
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <53 g – >176.8 g
    This action camera is lighter than the average action camera (83 g vs 101.5 g). The average action camera weighs 101.5 g.
    83 g vs 101.5 g
  • 40 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery life
    1,240 mAh min
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has a higher battery capacity than the average action camera (1240 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
    1,240 mAh vs 1,200 mAh
  • 34.5 mm narrower
    Width
    24.5 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <26.5 mm – >71.8 mm
    This action camera is narrower than the average action camera (24.5 mm vs 59 mm). The average action camera has a width of 59 mm.
    24.5 mm vs 59 mm
  • 18.2% lighter
    Weight
    83 g
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <53 g – >176.8 g
    This action camera is lighter than the average action camera (83 g vs 101.5 g). The average action camera weighs 101.5 g.
    83 g vs 101.5 g
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This action camera has microphone input, the average action camera does not. 26.8% of action cameras offer this feature.
  • Has 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This action camera includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average action camera does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack. 8.4% of action cameras include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • Has HDMI output
    HDMI output
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This action camera supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.1% of action cameras support video-out features.
    Built-in Micro HDMI port.
  • 40 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    130 min
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (130 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    130 min vs 90 min
  • 40 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery life
    1,240 mAh min
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has a higher battery capacity than the average action camera (1240 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
    1,240 mAh vs 1,200 mAh
  • 4 m deeper waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    5 m
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a higher waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (5 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    5 with housing/case.
    5 m vs 1 m
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This action camera records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    1080p vs 5.3K
  • 30 fps lower 4K frame rate
    Maximum 4K frame rate
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
    This action camera has a lower 4K frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 30 fps). The average action camera reaches 30 fps at 4K.
    0 fps vs 30 fps
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This action camera does not have a touchscreen, the average action camera does. 57.4% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
  • 53.3% lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    28 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
    This action camera has a lower video bitrate than the average action camera (28 Mbps vs 60 Mbps). The average action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps.
    28 Mbps vs 60 Mbps
  • Does not have a display
    Built-in display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This action camera does not have a display, the average action camera does. 72.1% of action cameras have a display.
  • No manual exposure control
    Manual exposure
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This action camera does not support manual exposure, the average action camera does. 66.1% of action cameras include this feature.
  • 0.92 h longer charging time
    Charging time
    2.92 h
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
    This action camera has a higher charging time than the average action camera (2.9 h vs 2 h). The average action camera takes 2 h to charge.
    About 4.08 h via computer USB.
    2.92 h vs 2 h
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • 12.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony Action Cam HDR AS20
    the average action camera
    Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 has a lower user score than the average action camera (7.13 vs 8.000).
    7.13 vs 8
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This action camera records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    1080p vs 5.3K
  • 30 fps lower 4K frame rate
    Maximum 4K frame rate
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
    This action camera has a lower 4K frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 30 fps). The average action camera reaches 30 fps at 4K.
    0 fps vs 30 fps
  • 53.3% lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    28 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
    This action camera has a lower video bitrate than the average action camera (28 Mbps vs 60 Mbps). The average action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps.
    28 Mbps vs 60 Mbps
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • No manual exposure control
    Manual exposure
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This action camera does not support manual exposure, the average action camera does. 66.1% of action cameras include this feature.
  • No manual ISO control
    Manual ISO
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This action camera does not allow manual ISO control, the average action camera does. 84% of action cameras include this feature.
  • 2 MP lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    11.9 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <8 MP – >38 MP
    This action camera has a lower photo resolution than the average action camera (11.9 MP vs 12 MP). The average action camera captures 12 MP photos.
    11.9 MP vs 12 MP
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This action camera does not have a touchscreen, the average action camera does. 57.4% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
  • Does not have a display
    Built-in display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This action camera does not have a display, the average action camera does. 72.1% of action cameras have a display.
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2014
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This action camera is older than the average action camera (2014 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in August 2014.
    2014 vs 2018
  • 0.92 h longer charging time
    Charging time
    2.92 h
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
    This action camera has a higher charging time than the average action camera (2.9 h vs 2 h). The average action camera takes 2 h to charge.
    About 4.08 h via computer USB.
    2.92 h vs 2 h
  • 64 GB smaller microSD limit
    Maximum microSD capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >1k GB
    This action camera has a lower maximum microSD capacity than the average action camera (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average action camera supports microSD cards up to 128 GB.
    64 GB vs 128 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
consumerreports.org
01/01/2015
Summary of the review
Sony HDR-AS20 Camcorder Review - Consumer Reports
N
nadirspearfishing.com
01/08/2014
Summary of the review
Testing the Sony HDR-AS20 Cam - Nadir Spearfishing
E
excesstext.com
05/03/2016
Summary of the review
Sony HDR-AS20 - My new Action Cam - ExcessText
N
nadirspearfishing.com
[Non daté]
Summary of the review
ESSAI ACTION CAM SONY HDR AS20 - Nadir Spearfishing
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
25/08/2015
Summary of the review
Sony HDR-AS20 Zwart - Product reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 165 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Sony Action Cam HDR AS20

  • Affordable pricing compared to rival brands like GoPro
  • Slim, lightweight, and aerodynamic body profile
  • Smooth electronic SteadyShot image stabilization
  • Excellent battery life of up to 150 minutes with Wi-Fi disabled
  • Built-in Wi-Fi allowing clear smartphone live previews with minimal lag
  • Ultra-wide 170-degree field of view using a quality Carl Zeiss lens
  • Included rugged waterproof case that protects the device up to 16 feet underwater

What we don't like about Sony Action Cam HDR AS20

  • Disappointing video sharpness and dynamic range on larger screens
  • Muffled audio recording quality when sealed inside the waterproof housing
  • Rounded camera base prevents it from standing upright without a case or mount
  • No built-in tripod mount on the camera body itself, requiring the outer case
  • External microphone jack is completely inaccessible while inside the case
  • Fewer first-party mounting accessories available compared to GoPro ecosystems
  • Glitchy mobile application software that is prone to hanging during use

Verdict

The Sony HDR-AS20 is a compact action camera featuring an 11.9-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and an ultra-wide f/2.8 ZEISS Tessar lens with a 170-degree field of view. It records Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps with a high 28Mbps bit rate and includes built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and SteadyShot electronic image stabilization to reduce motion blur. Its main pros include strong low-light performance, a lightweight 83g design, and an impressive battery life of up to 150 minutes, though it is hindered by cons such as the lack of a built-in display, a muffled internal microphone when used inside its 5m waterproof housing, and the absence of GPS tracking found in higher-end models.

Compare Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 with other products in the Action cameras category

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