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VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3
Dash Cam Comparison Review

The VIOFO A119 V3 has been one of BlackboxMyCar’s best-selling, highly-rated single channel dash cams since we launched it way back in 2019. Check out dash cam community forums like Reddit and Dashcamtalk, and you’ll also find a lot of positive reviews on the V3. We totally understand, as this dash cam has also been one of our favorites for its great image quality, and affordable price. It’s a classic choice for us, that even if it’s been four years since we introduced it, the A119 V3 is still up on our website!

And while the A119 V3 has been continuously impressing the community, VIOFO launched a pretty close competitor to this model in 2023: the A119 Mini 2. In this article, we’ll be comparing the A119 V3 and A119 Mini 2, testing the dash cams and their features to prove if the A119 Mini 2 is designed well enough to beat the classic V3.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Design

We know how VIOFO likes to include screens on their dash cams, evident with the A129, A229, A119 V3, and even the latest A119 Mini 2. While the A119 V3 has a 2-inch screen, the Mini 2’s screen is sized at only 1.5 inches, which can be useful if you want instant playback of footage or setting configuration. In terms of size, the Mini 2 is quite smaller than the V3, with the Mini 2’s full dimensions close to the size of a car key.

Still, both dash cams are discreet and can easily be hidden behind the rearview mirror. Installation is also a breeze with the VIOFO windshield static stickers that allow you to mount the dash cam on your windshield, without leaving marks and residue in case you want to place the dash cam to another car. Little things, but make a big differences.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2

VIOFO A119 V3

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Video Resolution

We recently put the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 and the VIOFO A119 V3 to a test, which you can watch here on our sample footage video. While both dash cams record in 2K, the A119 Mini 2 captures more vibrant, sharper, and clearer videos than the A119 V3. This is because the V3 carries the older Sony STARVIS IMX 335, and the fresher A119 Mini 2 now sports the most advanced 2K image sensor, the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675. We are also amazed that the Mini 2 has added a multiple HDR feature, plus a Super Night Vision 2.0. Compared to the first generation Sony STARVIS in the A119 V3, the A119 Mini 2 delivers superior performance in low light conditions, higher bitrate, resolution, and improved contrast.

The maximum resolution for the A119 V3’s is 2560 by 1600p, while the Mini 2 is 2592 by 1944p, both at 30 frames per second. While both of these cameras record at 30 frames per second by default, both can be downgraded to 2K QHD @ 60 frames per second, recommended when driving at high speeds. Moreover, the highest the Mini 2 can go is 2592 by 1944p @ 30fps, while at 60fps it will only go as high as 2560 by 1440p.

Both the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 and VIOFO A119 V3 are compatible with VIOFO CPL filters, which you can buy separately. Beyond that, we highly recommend a BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield rain guard to keep the front view free from glares, reflections, and most importantly, rain droplets that may distract and ruin your footage.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2

VIOFO A119 V3

VIOFO VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Parking Mode

Now in terms of Parking Mode, both the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 and A119 V3 have three intelligent parking modes: Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse Recording, and Low Bitrate Recording. This gives you the peace of mind that you will have a clear view of your car’s front view 24/7. To use the Parking Mode feature, you must hardwire the dash cam to your car's fuse box. With the A119 Mini 2, what’s used is the HK4 ACC Hardwire Kit. The A119 V3 uses an HK3 hardwiring kit, which you can both buy from BlackboxMyCar separately. If you wish to extend your parking modes for these dash cams, we also recommend using an external battery pack such as the PowerCell 8 Battery Pack.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2

VIOFO A119 V3

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Connectivity Features

Now, in terms of connectivity, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is more advanced than the A119 V3. Although both dash cams have GPS, only the A119 Mini 2 is equipped with Wi-Fi, dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz to be exact.

We understand that the A119 V3 is rather basic and recommended if you’re satisfied with only capturing the road ahead, and watching on the dash cam screen if you want to playback footage instantly. The Mini 2, on the other hand, can easily connect to the VIOFO app if you wish to watch, download, and share footage.

If there’s something that the A119 V3 wants you to know, such as the dash cam’s status or alerts in micro SD card, it will produce beeping sounds that some customers may find annoying. Now, this is not the case for the A119 Mini 2. That’s right, the A119 V3 does not have any form of wifi. A modern staple of current dash cams, though somewhat unsurprising given how long of a life-span this unit has had.

And with the A119 Mini 2, you get to focus on the road while being informed through its Voice Notification feature – listen to a clear and concise voice instead of the annoying alarms! Beyond that, we also love that VIOFO embraced innovation with the Mini 2, adding Intelligent Voice Controls, enabling you to command your dash cam in simple operations. This allows you to start/stop recording, take images, and turn on/off WiFi with your voice, keeping you focused on the road. A true upgrade it is.

VIOFO APP

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Video Playback and File Storage

Both dash cams have screens, so if you want to playback immediately, you can stream videos on the A119 Mini 2’s 1.5-inch screen, or the v3’s larger 2-inch screen. However, the A119 Mini 2 gives you the option to watch on the VIOFO app through its Wi-Fi. With the A119 v3, you have the option to take the microSD card out of the dash cam and plug it into your Mac or Windows. You can also connect the dash cam directly to your computer using the data cable, or even use an SD card adapter to view the footage directly on your phone.

And for the maximum SD card capacity, the VIOFO A119 V3 can only support up to 256 GB. For the A119 Mini 2, VIOFO has increased the maximum SD card capacity to up to 512 GB, similar to VIOFO A139 Pro.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Price

The VIOFO A119 V3 remains to be one of the most affordable, true 2K dash cams in the market, priced at only $85.99. The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is priced higher, at $119.99.

Verdict: VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. A119 V3 Dash Cam - Which is Better?

Don’t get us wrong – we love the VIOFO A119 V3. If you will compare it to other 2K dash cams, it’s still a strong contender despite having the basic features. However, since the demand for advanced features in dash cams have already changed throughout the years, the A119 Mini 2 becomes the smarter choice for us. Video resolution, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Voice Controls? We think that the higher price tag of the A119 Mini 2 is definitely worth it.

The VIOFO A119 series has a long history of innovation, starting from VIOFO’s initial foray into the Dash Cam Field. We’re excited to see the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 become the successor to these models, as VIOFO continues to innovate in new and exciting ways, updating this model with the latest features, and latest tech. Curious about the full history of this Dash Cam Series? Check out our video covering the Evolution of the A119 here.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. VIOFO A119 V3 Product Specifications

Specs VIOFO A119 Mini 2 VIOFO A119 V3

Video Resolution

2K QHD @ 60 FPS

2K QHD @ 60 FPS

Image Sensor

5MP Sony STARVIS IMX 675

5MP Sony STARVIS IMX 355

Field of View

140°

140°

GPS

Built-in

Built-in

Parking Mode

Yes, with Buffered Recording

Yes, with Buffered Recording

G-Sensor

Yes

Yes

Operating Temperature

-20℃ ~ 65℃ (-4℉ ~ 149℉)

-10°C - 65°C (14°F - 149°F)

Loop Recording

Yes

Yes

Max SD Card

512GB

256GB

LCD Screen

1.5-inch

2-inch

Wi-Fi

Yes

None

Mobile App

Yes

None

Microphone

Built-in

Built-in

Speaker

Built-in

Built-in

Battery

Supercapacitor

Supercapacitor

Country of Origin

China

China

Manufacturer Warranty

1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

1-Year Manufacturer Warranty


Choose Your VIOFO dash cam, only here at BlackboxMyCar!

The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 and the VIOFO A119 V3 are both available on our website. Check out our list of VIOFO collections and find which dash cam is best for your needs, wants, and budget! Shop yours today!

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