VIOFO A229 PRO Review & Test: Great Performance All-Around

Capturing every moment on the road is necessary in the modern age, and the VIOFO A229 Pro does that and more really well.

I recently got my hands on this top-notch trio of dash cameras for a test drive, and I’m eager to share what I discovered.

In this review, I’m laying out all the details from my testing experience to give you a better idea of whether this setup is the right fit for you.

What I Liked

• High-Quality Video: Exceptional clarity and detail from front and rear cameras.
• User-Friendly: Easy operation with a user-friendly interface and smart voice control.
• Safety Features: Enhanced security with G-sensor and motion detection, especially useful in parking mode.
• Heat Management: Remains cool even during extended use, ideal for hot climates.
• Recording Flexibility: Options for dual and triple-channel recording cater to various needs.
• Included Accessories: Comes with a CPL filter to reduce glare and improve video quality.

What I Didn’t Like

• Interior Camera Quality: Not as high-quality as the front and rear cameras.
• Additional Purchases Required: Need to buy extra items like the VIOFO Type-C HK4 Hardwiring Kit for full feature access.
• Excluded Optional Accessories: Bluetooth remote control and high-endurance memory card sold separately.
• No Infrared for Interior Camera: Less effective in low-light conditions inside the vehicle.

Testing Out the VIOFO A229 Pro

Unboxing the VIOFO A229 Pro, the first thing that struck me was its compact yet robust design. I like that the build quality is solid. It gives it a durable feel without being overly bulky.

It’s evident that it is designed for discretion and efficiency, fitting snugly against the windshield without obstructing the view. It might not sound like much in writing, but seeing how small this thing is once it’s all hooked up is a pleasant attribute.

Too many cameras hog up much-needed windshield real estate, which is none too welcome when it comes to safety on the road. The front camera measures 2.3 x 3.9 x 1.8 inches. The rear camera is 2.64 x 1.33 x 1.1 inches, as is the interior camera.

The compact form factors make for easy installation, which is yet another plus for the system as a whole. Thus, the A229 Pro is a non-intrusive addition to any vehicle.

And with this system, you get a front camera, a rear camera, and an interior camera, all designed to provide comprehensive coverage around and inside the vehicle. The inclusion of a CPL (Circular Polarizing Lens) is a thoughtful touch aimed at enhancing image quality by reducing glare.

Also included are a couple of windshield static stickers, an 18-foot rear camera cable, a 3-foot interior camera cable, a car charger, a Type-C data cable, and a user manual.

It’s worth noting that the Bluetooth remote control and VIOFO’s high-endurance memory card are optional and sold separately.

Operation and Use

The A229 Pro’s ability to capture detailed images is impressive. The addition of HDR technology is a welcome one. Actually, I would have been pretty surprised had HDR been absent, given that it’s commonplace in almost all modern camera systems.

And thanks to Sony STARVIS 2 Sensors in both the front and rear cameras, every critical detail, like registration numbers, is easily recognizable. This isn’t just during daylight; the night-time performance is equally remarkable. It’s a must for capturing unexpected moments with exceptional clarity.

Voice Control

One of the more advanced features of the A229 Pro is its smart voice control. This allowed me to start and stop recordings or turn the Wi-Fi on and off with just a voice command. I’m so used to using voice commands for my tech that this was second nature.

I’m glad to see VIOFO make it standard in the A229 Pro. There are also clear voice notifications for every status change, like recording start or stop, which I found to add a layer of convenience and confidence while driving.

Parking Modes

Three parking modes come equipped with the system, and each one proved to be quite useful. The 24/7 parking monitoring is particularly effective. It starts recording automatically upon detecting movement, capturing 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after the event.

The time-lapse feature records as low as one frame per second, and the low bit rate mode conserves storage. Both are practical, though they require the additional purchase of the VIOFO Type-C HK4 Hardwiring Kit. So keep that in mind before purchasing.

The heat management also deserves praise. It’s a factor many people tend to overlook when dashcam shopping, and understandably so. But depending on where you live or the time of year, the last thing you want is your system getting too hot.

VIOFO impressed me here, as the A229 Pro managed to stay remarkably cool. I drove non-stop for about two hours, and the unit maintained a reasonable temperature throughout, which is a testament to its build quality and heat management capabilities.

Video Performance

Lastly, let’s talk performance. The front camera records in stunning 4K resolution, thanks to the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 8MP sensor. During my testing, I was struck by the camera’s ability to capture minute details, from subtle textures on buildings to distant street signs, all with impressive clarity.

As I touched on a moment ago, the HDR functionality does wonders for enhancing image quality, balancing the light and dark areas of the footage. This feature was particularly noticeable when driving under changing light conditions, such as entering and exiting tunnels.

The rear camera, on the other hand, operates at a 2K resolution with the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP sensor. Despite the lower resolution compared to the front camera, the quality is by no means compromised.

The rear camera adeptly captured the details of vehicles behind me, including license plates, even in low-light conditions. The wide dynamic range of the rear sensor proved invaluable, especially when driving in direct sunlight or at night.

And as for the interior camera, it’s the least impressive of the trio. But then again, it doesn’t really need to be on par with either the front or rear camera. The most important action is on the outside of your vehicle, not inside. Still, the interior cam’s Sony STARVIS IMX307 2MP sensor captures video in 1080P, which is just fine.

What’s more, the option to choose between dual and triple-channel recording gives users flexibility based on their specific needs. Whether it’s monitoring the road ahead, keeping an eye on the rear, or even capturing interactions within the vehicle, the A229 Pro adapts seamlessly.

Features of the VIOFO A229 Pro

There are a lot of other handy features included in this small camera system, and they’re all worthy of mention.

I’ll break them all down so that you can see what’s included here, what it does, and why it’s a big deal to have.

Wide Viewing Angles

The wide viewing angles of the VIOFO A229 Pro deserve a deeper look. With 140° for the front camera, 160° for the rear, and 150° for the interior, the coverage is exceptional.

These angles are not just numbers; they translate to real-world benefits. For instance, the front camera’s 140° angle captures a broad stretch of the road ahead, including peripheral details that might be missed with a narrower lens.

Similarly, the 160° rear angle offers extensive coverage behind the vehicle, crucial for documenting rear-end incidents or traffic following closely. The 150° interior angle is particularly useful for rideshare drivers, ensuring a complete view of the cabin area.

Dual-Band Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz & 5GHz

The dual-band Wi-Fi is a feature that enhances the usability of the A229 Pro significantly. While 2.4GHz is standard, providing reliable connectivity, the inclusion of 5GHz is a game-changer.

This frequency band is less congested and offers faster data transfer speeds, which is incredibly handy for downloading large video files quickly.

This means less waiting time when I need to access high-resolution footage, a convenience that cannot be overstated in urgent situations.

G-Sensor & Motion Detection

The G-sensor and motion detection features elevate the A229 Pro’s security capabilities. The G-sensor’s sensitivity to sudden movements or impacts ensures that in cases of abrupt stops or collisions, the footage is automatically protected.

This auto-locking mechanism is vital in preserving evidence. Motion detection adds to the security, especially when parked. This feature activates the recording if someone or something approaches my vehicle, providing a record of events even when I’m not around.

Loop Recording & Auto Emergency Lock

Loop recording is a feature that ensures continuous recording, even when storage capacity is reached. The dashcam seamlessly overwrites the oldest footage, ensuring that recording is uninterrupted.

The auto emergency lock, when paired with the G-sensor, guarantees that crucial moments are not lost. This feature is particularly important in accidents, where the immediate aftermath is often the most critical in understanding what happened.

User-Friendly Interface

Navigating the A229 Pro’s settings and features is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface. This is made exceedingly easier with voice control. Ease of use is crucial for any dashcam system, as it means less distraction while driving.

Overall, it’s suited to both seasoned dashcam users and newcomers alike. Adjusting settings or reviewing footage is straightforward, enhancing the user experience without compromising safety.

GPS Module & Circular Polarizing Lens

The GPS module adds a layer of context to the footage by embedding location, speed, and route information. This can be invaluable in the event of an incident, where the exact location and speed can play a crucial role in understanding the scenario.

The Circular Polarizing Lens (CPL) is another thoughtful addition. It significantly reduces windshield glare and reflections, resulting in clearer and more detailed footage, something I think we can all agree is hit or miss on today’s dashcam systems. This is particularly useful in bright sunlight or when facing reflections from wet roads.

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing and examining the VIOFO A229 Pro, it’s clear that this dashcam is a standout performer in its category. Sure, it didn’t get everything right.

But it did get most things right, making it a smart buy for anyone who values their safety while driving. It strikes a great balance between sophisticated features and ease of use, providing an all-encompassing recording setup suitable for any car.