VIOFO A229 Pro 3-CH vs. Vantrue N4 Pro 3-CH 4K

It’s interesting to see that more and more three-channel dash cam models have begun carrying Sony STARVIS 2 sensors. This means that beyond front, rear, and interior security, the video resolution has evolved too, creating more solid evidence and footage for road incidents.

Two of the most popular triple-channel dash cams with Sony STARVIS 2 sensors are the Vantrue N4 Pro, and the all-new VIOFO A229 Pro 3CH dashcam. In this article, we will compare these models and find out which among them delivers superior image quality, parking mode, safety and convenience, and pricing.

Let’s find out who the real PRO is.

Let’s talk about the A229 Pro first. The VIOFO A229 Pro 3-CH comes with three separate cameras, all built to be discreet enough to be hidden behind the rearview mirror and rear window. The body of the A229 Pro retains the same sleek wedge design, and a 2.4-inch screen good for instant viewing of footage or adjusting camera configurations. It comes with a VIOFO windshield static sticker that acts as a barrier between the mount’s sticky tape and the glass, so you’re not left with sticky residue or marks when you need to uninstall the dash cam.

Meanwhile, the tubular-shaped Vantrue N4 Pro is much larger than the A229 Pro and features a 3-inch screen for viewing dash cam footage. Its inside-facing camera is likewise in the main unit, directly beside the screen, which may possibly restrict your mounting options. In comparison to VIOFO, the N4 Pro features an adhesive mount that can be removed from the camera magnetically, hanging below the windshield, making it take up more space on your windshield.

Both the VIOFO A229 Pro and the Vantrue N4 Pro boast Sony STARVIS 2 sensors for its front camera. However, we found differences, where the A229 Pro truly shines.

First, the processor of the A229 Pro is now powered by a more advanced Novatek 96529 processor. The A229 Pro’s front camera records 4K Ultra HD footage through its 8MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor at 30 frames per second, covering 140 degrees. The rear camera shoots 2K Quad HD films at 30 frames per second, thanks to its 5MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor at 160 degrees. Finally, the VIOFO A229 Pro’s interior camera records 1080P Full HD footage at 30 frames per second through its 2MP Sony IMX 307, at a viewing angle of 150 degrees. All of these cameras support HDR and Super Night Vision 2.0 from VIOFO.

Highlighted in the 3-channel A229 Pro, the camera's built-in IR light sensor activates its four infrared LED light and now includes an IR Cut Filter. The IR Cut Filter shifts filters automatically depending on light sensor data, screening out infrared rays in sufficient light to restore true colour and significantly reduce red or purple hue.

Moving on to the Vantrue N4 Pro, while its front image sensor is the same as the A229 Pro’s 8MP IMX 678, the rear captures 165 degrees, and interior cameras covering 160 degrees only have a video resolution of full HD @ 30 frames per second.

Overall, we’re finding that the HDR and Super Night Vision 2.0 are causing the image quality of the A229 Pro to excel in nighttime driving, while the Starvis 2 rear camera records excellent 2k footage, compared to the non-STARVIS 2 1080p rear camera of the Vantrue N4Pro.

For maximum sharpness and clarity, there’s a free CPL filter that comes with the A229 Pro to reduce glare and reflections. The N4 Pro is also compatible with a CPL filter, although you must buy it separately. If you wish to add more protection, you can also get the BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield which works to prevent your dash cam from being ruined by raindrops, dust, and other environmental elements.

In terms of parking mode protection, the VIOFO A229 Pro and the N4 Pro dash cams are both equipped with Buffered Parking Mode. This means that when an impact is detected, the dash cam will transition to event recording, including 15 seconds preceding and following the incident. The difference is that Vantrue N4 Pro only captures 10 seconds. Still, a lot can happen in 5 seconds, so the point goes to VIOFO.

Aside from Buffered Parking Mode, the VIOFO A229 Pro and N4 Pro’s Parking mode settings include Auto Event Detection or Motion Detection, Time Lapse, and Low Bitrate Recording. If you want to hardwire the A229 Pro and N4 Pro for parking mode, keep in mind that they require an ACC hardwiring kit or a dash cam battery pack, which you will need to buy separately.

Now let’s talk about the safety and convenience features of these dash cams. Both the VIOFO A229 Pro and the Vantrue N4 Pro come with Voice Controls that allow you to utilize simple voice commands to start/stop recording, snap photographs, and turn on/off WiFi while remaining focused on the road. However, the VIOFO A229 Pro also uses Voice Notifications to keep you up to date on storage, features, recording modes, and video protection status.

In terms of connectivity, the A229 Pro and Vantrue N4 Pro have their own mobile apps, the VIOFO app and Vantrue app respectively, where you can stream your footage live, download media, and share on social networks. With a 2.4GHz and 5GHz Dual-Band connection, both these dash cams enable 4 times faster data transfer than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Still, the A229 Pro is more advanced as it also has a new integrated Quad-Mode GPS module that provides more detailed location and speed data.

Beyond connectivity, the new VIOFO A229 Pro and Vantrue N4 Pro now supports micro SD cards up to 512GB for maximum storage capacity. In terms of security, the A229 Pro’s Auto Emergency Lock again shines. Through this feature, in case a sudden impact or collision happens, the dashcam's built-in G-sensor instantly locks the ongoing recording file, preventing it from being overwritten. In the event of an accident, hit-and-run, or other incident, this feature gives critical video evidence.

Despite being a more advanced and recently launched model, the VIOFO A229 Pro is competitively available at $359.99 USD for the three-channel, while the Vantrue N4 Pro is more expensive at $379.99 USD. While neither camera comes with a hardwiring kit or SD card, the VIOFO A229 Pro also comes with an included CPL filter.

You may notice that between these two dash cams, features and pricing are only inches away, truly a tough competition, but still with the A229 Pro sliding slightly ahead. In terms of video resolution, the dual Sony STARVIS 2 sensors for the A229 Pro’s 4K front and 2K rear already make it superior to the N4 Pro’s 4K front and full HD secondary cameras. The free CPL filter makes the deal even better, too.

While both dash cams have similar features like dual-band wifi, advanced parking modes, and voice controls and 512 GB memory, the A229 Pro is still ahead with voice notifications, quad-mode GPS module, and Auto Emergency Lock. VIOFO also has a good reputation in the dash cam community, which makes it the best value-for-money dash cam to date.