4K HDR dashcam review: Features, likes & dislikes of my Viofo A229 Pro

I found it easy to set up, configure, and install, with crisp and clear videos.

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I had been meaning to install a dashcam in our VW Taigun, Helios since the day I got it. One thing after another kept causing delays until my brother-in-law's car met with an accident, and he had to settle by paying the expenses for no mistake of his own. In a scenario where a small vehicle hits a big one, it's always considered the fault of the larger vehicle, regardless of whether the smaller vehicle broke any rules to be in that situation. Following this incident, my significant other also embraced the idea of investing in a dashcam.

After scouring reviews on Team-BHP for the past year, I almost settled on a Viofo dashcam. My model preference kept changing until, after extensive research, I chose the Viofo A229 Pro 4K dash camera. I cannot wait to see how it will enhance my driving experience. I must mention that I have been in constant conversation with Vijay, who is the distributor of Viofo products, for the past year. He has been very supportive, providing me with input and dealing with my indecisiveness for many months.

Eventually, my choice narrowed down to A229 Pro or A139 Pro. I opted for A229 because the rear camera also features a Travis sensor and the price for both seemed the same. This decision was partly due to my nature of wanting the best available if I can afford it, to avoid possible regrets later—a habit my significant other doesn't approve of. No discounts were offered.

In this review, I will share my Initial thoughts on the car dashcam, its features, and the installation process (apologies for not documenting the steps).

Viofo A229 Pro Key Features:

1. First 4K+2K dual dashcam with Sony STARVIS 2 Image Sensors
2. 4K Front with Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 8MP Sensor
3. 2K Rear with Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP Sensor
4. HDR for Front & Rear Cameras
5. 140° + 160° Wide Viewing Angle
6. Dual-Band Wi-Fi Built-in 2.4GHz & Ultra Fast 5GHz
7. G-Sensor & Motion Detection Supported
8. Loop Recording & Auto Emergency Lock
9. Smart Voice Control & Notification
10. Easy Installation & Friendly User Interface
11. GPS module & Circular Polarizing Lens (Included)
12. Bluetooth Emergency Remote (Optional, Not Included)
13. Support MicroSD Card up to 512GB (Optional, Not Included)

What I like:

• Crisp, clean video
• Display screen
• Simple button interface
• Lots of settings in the app
• Easy to watch videos on the app or download them to the phone
• Good Polarizing lens

Cons:

• Expensive
• Size because of the display

Recording Quality:

The dashcam's recording quality surpasses my expectations, capturing sharp and clear video footage during both day and night. The wide-angle lens covers a broad area, providing peace of mind knowing that any incident on the road is adequately recorded.

Additional Features:

The car dashcam comes equipped with various useful features. The built-in GPS tracker records my vehicle's speed and location, while the G-sensor detects sudden impacts and automatically locks the footage to prevent overwriting. Additionally, the dashcam's loop recording feature ensures that the oldest files are replaced by new ones, optimizing storage space.

Installation:

Initially, I wanted to try installing it myself, but my professional life has been hectic. I opted for a home installation and contacted Mr. Waseem of Cars Glamour, Kaggadasapura. He did the installation, routing the wires via the A-pillar to avoid impacting the curtain airbags. I chose not to hardwire the cameras, as suggested by the service manager at VW Service Domlur. I might invest in something like a Rhundo RV31 to use on the 12V socket and leave it on.

Before this, I contacted Konark Accessories in HSR Layout and the person who answered the call didn't seem too keen and couldn't confirm a slot for Saturday. I was willing to drive in as they open
and Sachin's Auto Shop in Koramangala for installation. The person who picked up the call was polite and confirmed a Saturday availability but the quoted price was high.

Conclusion:

The A229 Pro is a new dashcam from VIOFO. I found it easy to set up, configure, and install, with crisp and clear videos. Saving important videos is simple, and viewing them is easy with the VIOFO app. Overall, I am genuinely impressed with the product, counting on it to become an invaluable companion during my daily drives, providing added security and confidence on the road. If you're considering investing in a car dashcam, I recommend this model for its ease of installation and outstanding performance, despite the high price.

• Dash Cam Price: Rs 34,000
• Memory Card - SanDisk Extreme - Rs 2,100
• Installation Charges - Rs 1,500 at my doorstep.
• Where to buy: VIOFO’s online store

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