Viofo A229 Plus Specs
– Two or three-channel dash cam
– Released 2023
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 (1440p)
– Price (2 channels): Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)
– GPS
– Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz)
– 2.4″ Screen
– Video format: MP4
– Codec: H.264
– Supports up to 512 GB MicroSD cards
– Novatek NT96580 processor
– Time and date stamp on video
– Parking modes: Buffered, time-lapse, low bit rate
– Lock file button
– CPL filter (optional)
– Remote Bluetooth button (optional)
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, motion detection
– Operating temperature: from -10°C to 65°C (14°F to 149°F)
– Storage temperature: from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
– Apps for Android / iOS
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Adhesive mount
– Voice control
– Audio error notifications
Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
– Aperture: f/1.8
– Bit rate: 29 Mbps
– Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP CMOS sensor
– High Dynamic Range (HDR)
– Angle of view: 140° diagonal
– Size: 99mm x 58mm x 46mm (3.9″ x 2.3″ x 1.8″)
– Weight: 172g (6.1oz)
Rear Camera:
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
– Aperture: f/1.9
– Bit rate: 24 Mbps
– Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP CMOS sensor
– HDR
– Angle of view: 160° diagonal
– Size: 67mm x 34mm x 28mm (2.64″ x 1.33″ x 1.1″)
Interior Camera (Optional):
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Aperture: f/1.8
– Bit rate: 15 Mbps
– Sony Starvis IMX307 2MP sensor
– Angle of view: 150° diagonal
– Size: 67mm x 34mm x 28mm (2.64″ x 1.33″ x 1.1″)
– 4 infrared (IR) LEDs
Viofo A229 Plus Review
This camera is very similar to he Viofo A229 Pro, which we’ve reviewed previously. Outwardly, both cameras look exactly the same, with Viofo’s familiar wedge shape, a screen on the rear, and 5 buttons to operate the device.
Since the two cameras are so similar, we won’t go into all the details here and focus on the differences instead. If you’re not familiar with the Viofo A229 series, have a look at our A229 Pro review.
The main difference (apart from the price) is that the A229 Plus uses Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 sensors for both its front and its rear channels. Thus, it records at 1440p resolution (2K) both ways, unlike the A229 Pro which can record at 4K resolution with its forward camera.
The two cameras also use different processors. The A229 Plus is based on the Novatek NT96580 CPU.
Video Quality
Despite the lower resolution of the A229 Plus, it still records very good video (4.0/5) with the forward camera. This is true both at day and at night. Its footage isn’t quite as detailed as the A229 Pro’s, but it’s still easy to read license plates of nearby cars under most circumstances.
As for the rear and interior lenses, they are identical to the ones used in the A229 Pro. Thus, there’s no difference in video quality.
Let’s sum it up once more real quick.
Rear cam: Very good at day (4.0/5), and fair (2.0/5) during the night. We can read license plates easily during the day. At night, readbility depends a lot on the lighting and camera angle.
Interior cam: Excellent video (5.0/5) at day, and good video (3.0/5) at night. Comes with 4 infrared LEDs to record the passenger cabin at night.
Our total video score is 3.7/5 for the 3CH version, and 3.5/5 with 2 channels. Check out our comparison tables to compare it with competing models, side by side.
Differences Between The Viofo A229 Plus And The Viofo A229 Pro
The lower video resolution of the front camera leads to a few interesting differences with regards to the Viofo A229 Pro:
Lower Bit Rate
For the front channel, the bit rate is lower. The A229 Plus records at a bit rate of 29 Mbps, while the A229 Pro can do up to 60 Mbps. Obviously, higher bit rates and higher resolutions result in better video quality. On the other hand though, higher bit rates also use more storage for the video files.
Due to its lower bit rate, the A229 Plus uses less memory. Thus, your memory card can hold more video footage. Transmitting videos to your phone over Wi-Fi is also faster, since the individual files are smaller.
How Many Hours Of Video Will Fit On The Memory Card?
The maximum supported SD card size is 512GB. This is enough for 21 hours of 2CH video, or 16 hours with 3 channels. In contrast, with a 512GB card, the A229 Pro can record 13 hours and 11 hours, respectively. Of course, both cameras have loop recording (like all dash cams) so once the card is full they start overwriting the oldest files.
Different CPU
As indicated above, the A229 Plus has a different CPU (processor) than the A229 Pro. The Novatek NT96580 is a little less powerful since it only has to process 1440p instead of 4K video with the main channel. This means the A229 Plus consumes less power than the Pro.
Consuming less energy can be an advantage when you run the dash cam in parking mode and are drawing power from the car’s battery or from a battery pack.
Also, it leads to the A229 Plus running cooler than the A229 Pro. We’re not aware of any overheating issues for the A229 Pro, but nonetheless this may be of interest for you if you live in a hot climate.
All that being said, the A229 Pro does deliver better front video at 4K than the A229 Plus can ever hope to produce at 2K.
Everything else stays the same. Read our Viofo A229 Pro review to find out about features such as parking mode, GPS, voice alerts, optional extras and so on that are identical for the A229 Plus.
Conclusion
While the A229 Pro continues to be our top pick as far as video quality is concerned, the A229 Plus is a reliable alternative. It uses less energy and runs cooler than the A229 Pro, plus it’s a lot cheaper.
Remember that both the A229 Plus and A229 Pro need either Viofo or SanDisk Max Endurance memory cards to run reliably. Other cards can cause stability issues.
Pros:
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Well-designed app
- Buffered parking mode
- Runs cooler than the A229 Pro
Cons:
- Large size
- Picky with memory cards
Viofo A229 Plus Video Samples
Front Video Samples
Forward video at day time is very good, with vivid colors. It is easy to read other cars’ license plates even while driving.
At night, forward video quality is also very good. Again we have no difficulties reading license plates.
Rear Video Samples
The rear camera records very good video quality at day, and fair quality video at night. You can read license plates during the day, but at night it’s hit and miss.
Interior Video Sample (Parked)
Interior video quality is excellent during the day, and good during the night.
Compare Prices And Buy Online Today
You can order the Viofo A229 Plus 2CH from:
For the 3CH version, go to the following vendors:
Amazon US / CA / UK / DE / FR / ES
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