Hands-On Review of Viofo A229 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam: Monitoring Every Aspect of Your Drive

The A229 Pro functions as a 3-channel dash cam. It features a front-facing camera in the primary unit, along with two separate cameras—one for the interior and another for the rear view. With two satellite cameras, there are two sets of cables that require installation. One cable runs the length of the interior to the rear window. The standard power cord connects to a 12-volt socket, and everything is affixed using double-sided tape. Currently, the Viofo A229 Pro is priced at $389.99 on Amazon.

The A229 Pro prominently features 4K resolution, as evident in its nomenclature, depending on where you source the information. The primary front-facing camera indeed captures footage in 4K resolution and provides a 140° field of view. The rear-facing camera records in 2K resolution with a 160° viewing angle, while the interior camera delivers 1080P footage with a 150° viewing angle. Furthermore, the interior camera boasts night vision functionality with four infrared LEDs designed to illuminate the car’s interior during nighttime.

The camera saves video recordings on a microSD card, which is not included in the package. It supports microSD cards with up to 512GB of storage capacity. The front 4K camera generates approximately 1.2 gigabytes of data every 5 minutes, similar to the combined data output from the rear and interior cameras. The dash cam loops footage based on a user-configurable time interval, although it tends to retain a significant number of videos until storage space depletes.

If you’ve been following my reviews on dash cameras, you’re aware that I have a preference for wiring. I always emphasize the importance of professional installation for any device that involves wiring if you are not comfortable with electrical work. It will lead to a much more satisfying experience.

The A229 was temporarily installed in my car. I opted for the simplest installation without removing any panels. Viofo provides clear static-cling sheets for placement on the glass before attaching the cameras, which is highly convenient as it avoids adhesive residue issues. The cameras have remained securely in place, even though I don’t have aftermarket window tint. Initially skeptical, I must say it has performed well. Just ensure your glass is thoroughly clean before application.

The installation of the main unit is straightforward. I connected it to power first to help with aligning the camera using the screen. Unlike most dash cams that require smartphone pairing to view the camera feed, positioning it in front of the rearview mirror towards the passenger side has proven to be an ideal location for dash cam placement, eliminating any additional blind spots.

I positioned the interior camera above the mirror towards the driver’s side, utilizing the ample cable provided by Viofo to place it anywhere on the windshield. This involved concealing a considerable amount of cable. For the rear-facing camera, the best placement is high up in the rear window. Personally, I suspended it between the C-pillar, a clothes hook, and up to the camera, resulting in an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. For a neater finish, consider professional installation to avoid removing panels. I tucked the cable from the C-pillar forward into the door seals, maintaining an acceptable appearance without causing wind noise.

Given the A229’s 2.5-inch screen, you can complete the setup without relying on the smartphone app. However, you’ll eventually need it to download footage. The camera connects to your phone via WiFi, supporting 2.4 and 5GHz networks. One minor issue I encountered was the finicky WiFi connection process. Activating the WiFi on the main unit sometimes resulted in my iPhone 15 ProMax not detecting the network or failing to connect even when detected. Power cycling the dash cam resolved this issue, allowing smooth navigation through saved videos and successful download of desired clips.

The setup menu offers various options, including camera orientation adjustment based on mounting position, audio recording toggling, unit measurement selection, HDR recording enablement, time-loop configuration, and more. The menu is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Approaching dash cameras from a user’s perspective rather than delving into technical details, I do not claim expertise in electronics. Having a background in professional photography, including automotive features for various magazines, I possess an eye for visual media. Upon reviewing footage quality from the tested dash cams, I have observed minimal differences in quality. Note that I have not yet assessed the cheaper brands available online. While there is a noticeable disparity between 4K and 2K cameras, the HDR function of the A229 may not be true HDR, but it effectively enhances contrast in challenging lighting conditions.

Spotting fine details can be challenging when vehicles are only a couple of feet away and moving faster than a walking pace. You can obtain a clear description of the vehicle, and perhaps even a close enough glimpse of the driver to determine if they were using their phone. However, capturing a hit-and-run driver’s license plate might be unlikely. In such cases, relying on eyewitness accounts becomes crucial.

The key variations between different dash cams lie in the user interface. Apart from connecting to the A229’s WiFi network, this dash cam is exceptionally user-friendly. It responds to voice commands for locking footage, and the buttons are clearly marked for easy access if needed. The accompanying app is intuitive and stable, and all components are well-built with sturdy construction. The cable insulation is thick enough to prevent damage while still being flexible for installation in tight spaces. The greatest asset a dash cam can have is minimal complaints, and this one ticks that box.

Full disclosure: I had to install and uninstall this camera twice. Initially, I faced some usability issues with the app. However, Viofo releases updates regularly, and after a reinstall with the latest versions, the usability improved significantly, resulting in a much better review of the camera.

The Viofo A229 Pro typically falls below the $400 price range, which may seem steep compared to budget dash cams on Amazon. However, this model consists of three distinct cameras with high-resolution capabilities in 4K, 2K, and 1080P, coupled with a crisp screen.

This dash cam may not cater to everyone’s preferences. Personally, I find the inclusion of all three camera views unnecessary, yet I understand the practicality they offer in different scenarios. Having a rear view can be invaluable during accidents requiring rear footage, and the interior camera can serve as a crucial piece of evidence if accused of negligence.

Deciding whether to purchase this dash cam is a personal choice. While only a few insurance companies offer dash cam discounts, these devices can prevent unfair judgments. It’s advisable to review your state’s regulations on dash cam usage and specifications before making a purchase decision. If the A229 Pro meets your criteria, don’t hesitate to buy it and disregard the myriad of alternative options you didn’t select.