

Samsara Dash Cam CM32 Review

The footage obtained from dash cams can help trucking companies coach their commercial drivers, but that’s not its only purpose. It can also provide exonerating evidence in the event of an accident. 

There are currently two types of dash cams available from the Samsara company. While the Samsara CM31 provides a basic front-facing camera, some companies may wish to take advantage of the dual-facing Samsara CM32 instead. 

In this article, we’ll highlight the essential features of the Samsara Dash Cam CM32 and show you why a dual-facing model may be more ideal for your fleet.

How Does Samsara Dash Cam CM32 Work?

A dual-camera system records footage of the road as well as the cabin of the truck. The entire system offers quick installation thanks to its plug-and-play features, though it’s important to check state laws regarding proper placement on your dash.

The front-facing camera offers superior video quality. The recordings are captured with a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 30 fps. The 121-degree lens is also optimized for low light and night driving, letting drivers capture real-time road conditions with an astonishing level of precision and detail.

The in-cabin camera has a 177-degree lens that can capture the entire cabin. Video is captured at a resolution of 720p and 30 fps. The in-cabin LED light is designed to further maximize the quality of nighttime recordings, too. 

Footage is automatically recorded when the advanced artificial intelligence system detects events such as rolling through a stop sign, tailgating, or accelerating and braking. Footage is uploaded to a cloud-based storage space for later review.

Even better, the unit also provides audio tips to proactively coach your drivers, improving the performance and safety of your fleet on the road.

Samsara Dash Cam CM32

The advanced features available with the CM32 may provoke some questions about its performance. Here are the most common questions from fleet managers about the CM32. 

What Can the Samsara CM32 Detect?

A dual-camera system is designed to detect behavior both inside and outside of the vehicle. The AI system can detect tailgating, running stop signs, and abruptly accelerating or braking. 

It can also detect when drivers fail to wear a seatbelt. The system can also be used to record distracted driving behavior like texting while driving. 

Does Samsara CM32 Record Audio?

Both models of the Samsara dash cam can record audio, though this feature is automatically deactivated until the employees are made aware of the company’s intention to record audio. 

How Does the CM32 Work With the Samsara Cloud?

When the AI system detects a major road event, it uploads the footage to a cloud-based server. Individuals with administrator privileges can view this footage, which includes recordings both five seconds before and after the event. For each dash cam installed, the software allows administrators to review the past 40 hours of driving.

Does Samsara Dash Cam Record While Parked?

The Samsara dash cam will only record footage if and when it detects a major road event. Footage will not be recorded if the vehicle is parked.

What Can the CM32 Do For a DVR?

In the past, footage had to be retrieved from a memory card or downloaded from a DVR. The cloud-based features of CM32 mean that these storage tools are a thing of the past. Anyone who has administrative rights can access the footage via the software.

Performance Factors of Samsara Dash Cam CM32

It’s hard to argue with the advanced features of the CM32. Recordings allow trucking and logistics companies to thoroughly review footage from their commercial vehicles. High-quality video minimizes any and all ambiguity over what happens on the road, which can subsequently streamline insurance claims.

The audio feedback provided by the camera can also be a great way to hold drivers accountable. In time, audio recordings can improve driver safety and reduce accidents, which will also minimize insurance claims overall.

However, it’s important to decide whether a dual-camera is necessary for your fleet. Some companies may opt to use only a front-facing camera as it is a more cost-effective option.

How Has the Samsara Dash Cam CM32 Improved?

The Samsara CM31 has offered many of the same features that the CM32 now provides, including the cloud-based storage and retrieval system. However, the CM32 does offer better resolution and more advanced AI to provide coaching and ensure accountability for commercial drivers.

Best For

While many trucking companies are becoming aware of the benefits of using dash cams, the CM32 may be ideal for the following types of fleets:

  • Larger fleets (due to the cost-effective nature of the dash cam)
  • Fleets seeking greater accountability for drivers 
  • Fleets that prefer dual-facing dash cams

Samsara advertises discounts based on the volume of your order and the length of your commitment. However, cost aside, smaller fleets may still prefer the simplicity of a front-facing camera over the CM32’s more advanced features.

Ensure Safety In and Out of the Cabin

The Samsara Dash Cam CM32 offers advanced features for those who are looking for a dual-facing dash cam. While a front-facing camera can provide a cheaper alternative, the CM32 offers advanced features that can improve the safety and performance of your commercial fleet.

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The exact price for a system like the CM32 will vary based on the size of your fleet and the length of your commitment. The Samsara website offers an easy-to-use tool that will allow you to obtain a precise quote. However, the hardware and CM license will start at around $624 per year.

Pros & Cons


Benefits of the CM32 include:

  • Recordings of the road and the driver
  • High-resolution footage
  • No need for memory cards or DVR
  • Audio coaching to correct driver behavior

The dual-facing camera of the CM32 dash cam promotes a greater amount of driver accountability than the CM31.


On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to the CM32, some of which include:

  • A higher cost than front-facing camera systems
  • Footage can only be viewed as recordings, not in real time 
  • Drivers may resist the idea of being filmed

This last point is important since seasoned drivers may be slow to adapt to an in-cabin camera. Drivers might need reassurance that the benefits of the device outweigh any perceived privacy violation.


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