VIOFO started 2023 on a high note with the success of the A139 Pro 4K dash cam launch – followed by fresh 2K models such as the VIOFO WM1, and the A119 Mini 2, all with Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor.
As the year comes to an end, VIOFO announced that they are releasing the latest generation of the well-loved VIOFO A229 series with the all-new VIOFO A229 Plus and VIOFO A229 Pro dash cams. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the updates in these new dash cams in terms of features and specs.
While other brands have focused on introducing the Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor into their front camera, Viofo hasn’t stopped there, introducing it into their rear cameras as well, upgrading them to 2k. We’ll dive into the model specifics for the sensors shortly, along with
While the previous A129 and A229 models have GPS, the new VIOFO A229 Pro/Plus models feature a state-of-the-art Quad-Mode GPS module which supports 4 satellite positioning systems – GPS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, and GLONASS – greatly improving positioning accuracy and stability, highly recommended for first-time drivers and for fleets.
However, take note that with this upgrade, the previous VIOFO A129 and A229 Duo GPS Module are incompatible with the A229 Pro and Plus, and vice versa. The A229 Pro will power up and work with the A229 Duo module, but the GPS data will not work.
Instead of the coaxial cables used on the A229 Duo, the A229 Pro now uses USB Type-C to USB Type-C for its rear camera.
We’re also happy to know that aside from the sensors, the VIOFO A229 Plus cameras are sported with High Dynamic Range. HDR is important for capturing license plates, especially at night. This is because the car's headlights can reflect off the plate, usually resulting in a blown-out bright white spot. This also helps by taking a low and high exposure and combining the details resolved from both to provide more detail than a single exposure would. This is supported by Super Night Vision 2.0 software, enhancing the night vision capabilities.
What’s more, while HDR is normally limited to just the front camera for many dash cams, but with these new models, HDR is supported in the Front, Rear, and Interior cameras.
We also noticed that compared to the A139 Pro, the A229 Pro/Plus are capable of maintaining frame rates up to 30 fps, even if all three channels are running. This was not possible with the A139 Pro drops to 24 fps when the front, rear, and interior work simultaneously.
The IR camera of these cameras also has a built-in light sensor with IR cut filter, which maintains full colour until lighting conditions drop so low that it engages the IR LED emitters before switching to black and white.
Another upgrade is the Smart Voice Control feature which allows you to start and stop recording, take photos, and turn on or off WiFi with simple spoken commands. This feature can also verbally notify you of it’s status, helping you keep your focus on the road instead of deciphering beeping sounds.
In terms of storage, Viofo A229 Plus/Pro has also upgraded its memory card capacity from 256GB to 512GB. VIOFO made their new models compatible with accessories like an optional Bluetooth remote and CPL filter, although some of us find the CPL filter difficult to put on the lens of the A229.
The VIOFO A229 and A129 Plus have been some of the top 2K dash cams for the past few years, and we’re eager to learn what the upgrades the A229 Plus version has. Whether you’re an A229 or A129 Plus user, the biggest upgrade you can get from the A229 Plus is the image sensors – yup, Sony STARVIS 2 for this 2K front and 2K rear camera. And probably the most interesting is that the new A229 series is available in 3-channel setups. This 3-channel option means that that not only is it vying to replace and outclass the A129 series, A229 model, but the A139 Pro 3-CH as well.
Surprisingly, both the front and rear cams of the VIOFO A229 Plus are equipped with IMX675 sensors that can capture 2K QHD up to 60 frames per second. This is the first time that VIOFO has released a Sony STARVIS 2.0 for a rear camera, a big advancement, pushing the label for rear camera image quality. If you choose a three-channel version, that includes an IR camera that records full HD 1080p @ 30 frames per second.
For us, we think that the new VIOFO A229 Pro now becomes the real flagship 4K dash cam of the brand. We can easily compare it to the A129 Pro, which was also a 4K dash cam, and the VIOFO A139 Pro, which is also a 4K and is also capable of recording up to three channels.
Yes, the new A229 Pro is available in dual-channel, and triple-channel configurations! But, the real reason why we think it’s more worthy to be called flagship is because it now carries Sony STARVIS 2 for both rear and front cameras, while the A139 Pro only has this for the front.
The new A229 Pro records at 4K UHD @30 fps through its Sony STARVIS 2.0 IMX678 in front, 2K QHD @ 30 fps for its rear via Sony STARVIS 2.0 IMX675, and a full HD @ 30 fps interior camera that's also upgraded from IMX291 to IMX307.
The difference between IMX678 is that this 8.3MP image sensor can record 4K or 3840 x 2160 pixels, while IMX 675 is for 2K dash cams that can record 2560x1440p. Beyond the image sensors, we love that all cameras are equipped with HDR features, similar to the A229 Plus.
Both models are available in two-channel and three-channel configurations. If you wish to know more about these products, watch out for our in-depth reviews and sample footage!
