Perfect—Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge it is. That's a solid choice for this build: it's got a great 12MP rear camera (sharp enough for dash use at 1440p/30fps or 1080p/60fps), still runs Android (up to 8.0 officially, but custom ROMs keep it alive in 2026 if needed), and its dimensions fit nicely inside an MK4 Jetta visor—about 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm thick, so it tucks into the foam padding without bulging too much once you carve space.
Quick Specs Fit Check for Visor Integration
The S7 Edge is slim (7.7 mm), so it slides into the hollow visor core after removing the vanity mirror/light (clips pop off easily). The curved edges help it sit flush. No major heat issues reported in visor setups if you add tiny vent holes and avoid direct sun baking—old phones like this handle loop recording fine with a constant USB power feed.
Best Dash Cam Apps for S7 Edge (All Local, No Cloud)
These are free (or cheap one-time unlock), run in background, loop-record to internal storage/SD card, and support auto-start. Download from Google Play (still available for this model):
- Droid Dashcam (top pick): Feature-packed for Android—loop recording, G-sensor lock on bumps, GPS/speed overlays, auto-start on charger power or Bluetooth connect (pair to your car's BT for hands-free trigger). Background mode works great on older Samsungs like S7 Edge. Wide-angle support if you add a clip-on lens. Free with minimal ads; pro unlock ~$5 removes them.
- AutoBoy Dash Cam (solid alternative): Reliable background recording, even if screen off. Timestamp/watermark, loop overwrite, motion detection. Trusted by millions, no cloud push. Free basics; premium ~$5 for extras.
- Drive Recorder or DailyRoads Voyager: Simpler set-it-and-forget-it—auto power-on via charger, local SD save, shock sensor. Great if you want minimal tinkering.
Install one, grant camera/mic/storage perms, set loop to 3-5 min clips, enable auto-start on power. Test recording quality—S7 Edge's camera holds up surprisingly well for road footage.
Visor Build Tweaks for S7 Edge
- Disassembly & Pocket Creation: Pop visor off mount (one screw/cap), pry mirror flap (clips), slice foam carefully with utility knife for a snug ~151 x 73 mm recess + depth for the phone (~8-10 mm total with padding). Remove vanity light wiring if present.
- Lens Cutout: Align the rear camera (top-left when phone landscape) with a small (~8-10 mm) hole in visor fabric. Use black electrical tape around edges for light seal and stealth—camera peeks forward when visor down.
- Securing It: Heavy-duty velcro strips or adhesive foam pads inside—no screws. Position lens outward; add a cheap wide-angle clip-on lens (~$10 on Amazon, search "universal smartphone wide lens") for 170°+ FOV if needed.
- Power & Auto-On: Thin USB-C cable (right-angle for clean routing) from hidden fuse box tap (MK4 has easy access under dash). Run wire up A-pillar/headliner. App auto-starts on power—flip visor down = recording on, up = pause/save if set. For true orientation trigger, add Tasker (free tier): detect "face down" or angle change to launch app.
- Heat/Protection: Small vent slits in visor fabric (hidden side), or position phone away from windshield sun. S7 Edge doesn't overheat badly in short bursts.
Total extras cost: $15-40 (cable, velcro, lens, tools if needed). If visor gets damaged, used MK4 ones are cheap on eBay (~$20).