VIOFO A139 Pro 2 Channel Dashcam
✓ Excellent 4K Front, Full HD Rear video quality
✓ Sony STARVIS 2 sensor
✓ Dual-channel coverage
✓ Wi-Fi connectivity
✓ Motion Detection
✓ Up to 512GB microSD support
✓ Decent night vision
✓ App connectivity for remote access
✓ Anti-Glare CPL Included & Voice Notifications
$479.00
Product Review: VIOFO A139 Pro 2 Channel Dashcam
Introducing the VIOFO A139 Pro 2 Channel Dashcam, a flagship model that promises a new level of performance. In this review, we dive deep into our experiences and user feedback to present an in-depth look at this remarkable dashcam.
VIOFO has been a favorite dash cam brand for years among Australian drivers who appreciate their cameras’ video quality, reliability, and affordability.
The VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH brings some highly-anticipated features to allow drivers to record the road ahead in 4K UHD and the rear in Full HD. The front camera lens can be rotated up to 300° to give you an optimal viewing angle in a wide range of mounting positions and vehicles.
Unboxing Experience
The first thing you will notice is, the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH is how well the entire package is put together and the premium build quality.
Next is the design of the front/main camera. VIOFO has gone with a completely different design shape compared to their usual wedge-shaped design. Because of this new design, the A139 is not compatible with the old VIOFO CPL filter – instead VIOFO has made a new CPL filter specifically for the A139 which is included in the package.
While VIOFO has kept the same 5-button design on the dashcam’s face, you will notice that the A139 does not come with a screen. If you’re familiar with VIOFO dash cams, you will know that the built-in LCD screen is a feature you find in all VIOFO dash cams, from the A119 to the A129 Pro. Many people prefer using the built-in screen’s convenience when setting up their dash cam or playing back videos. Without the built-in screen, you will now need to rely on the VIOFO mobile app.
Another thing that current VIOFO owners will notice is the slimmer design of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable of previous VIOFO models is thicker compared to other dash cam brands, making installation trickier in many vehicles. We should expect an easier and more discrete installation with a much-slimmer coaxial cable and miniature connectors of the interior and rear cameras.
Finally, you will also notice that the charging port is now USB-C. Compared with the traditional micro USB connector, USB-C is more forgiving because it is reversible, making installation much more manageable.
Image Quality & Recording Capabilities
The VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH is the first-in-the-industry to sport the Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor, giving you excellent 4K UHD images in all light situations at a 140° field of view. Because of the new design, the front camera is now rotatable up to 300°, giving you the flexibility to mount it in a wide range of vehicles without compromising the field of view.
The rear camera also comes with a Sony STARVIS image sensor (IMX291/2MP), giving you almost identical 1080p Full HD quality as the A129 Pro and A129 Plus rear cameras.
Also, note that the option to record in H.265 is available on the Viofo A139 Pro. Like the A129 Plus, this feature is hidden and to enable it, you will need to stop recording and then hold the MIC button to make the switch.
Parking Surveillance
Using the new VIOFO HK4 Hardwiring Kit, the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH offers three options under parking mode. In Auto Event Detection, the dash cam will automatically start recording once an event is detected, saving the footage to the “Parking” folder on the microSD.
In Time Lapse mode, the dash cam will continuously take snapshots at the lower frame rates (1/2/3/5/10/15 FPS). The files will be saved onto the microSD card to be played back as a continuous video. Alternatively, the Low Bitrate mode keeps recording continuously in mini file sizes.
You can also switch on buffered parking mode, which in the event that an impact is detected, a few seconds of footage before and after the impact will be taken so that users will receive a comprehensive coverage of the entire incident.
Regardless of which parking mode you select, the dash cam will save your footage onto the microSD card with the newest files overwriting the oldest so that you always have fresh footage.
One of the concerns we see in similar dashcams is overheating issues, which is not difficult to comprehend because when you put a 5MP image sensor in the same casing with a 2MP image sensor and LCD screen, it’s bound to give off some heat.
Perhaps this is one reason why VIOFO has decided to keep all cameras separated and forego the LCD screen. Although we have yet to test the VIOFO A139 Pro 3-CH in a Beat the Heat experiment, we can see that VIOFO has incorporated quite a bit of ventilation on the casing itself, especially when compared to older VIOFO models. Throughout our product testing, we did not notice any overheating issues.
Voice Notifications & Audio Quality
The VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH has voice prompts, which means you can get an audible confirmation of setting changes such as turning on/off audio recording. It will also give you voice notifications should there be any problems with the camera, for example, memory card failure. This is definitely more intuitive than the beeping alerts on previous VIOFO models. Do keep in mind that voice prompts are disabled when GPS is connected.
Audio in the recordings also seems to be louder, which many rideshare and taxi drivers will find useful in capturing in-cabin sounds for all-round protection. For those who want to disable audio recording, you can easily do so using the microphone button on the front unit, just like how you would on other VIOFO models.
Installing the Cameras
Front Camera
Installation of the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH front camera is the same as that of other VIOFO dash cams: simply slide the camera into the GPS-enabled mount and attach it to your front windshield. While the front camera lens is rotatable up to 300°, we do not recommend overdoing it because the warranty does not cover damages caused by over-rotation.
Rear Camera
Likewise, the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH rear camera installation is similar to the other VIOFO models: just mount the rear camera on your back windshield and connect it to the front camera with the coaxial cable. The longer/6m coaxial cable is ultra-thin, and it tucks away very easily, nothing like the thick cables you typically get with previous VIOFO dash cams.
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Setting up the Dash Cam using the VIOFO App
Note: The A139 does not offer any Cloud capabilities.
Because the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH doesn’t come with a built-in screen, all settings changes are performed from the VIOFO App. For those currently using a VIOFO dash cam, it is the same app that is used for the A129 Plus/Pro.
With built-in dual-band WiFI connectivity, you can use the app to get real-time setup and display options with all three cameras and playback and upload videos.
Once you’ve downloaded the VIOFO app on your iOS/Android device, simply press the WiFi button on the face of the dash cam to turn on the WiFi feature. When connecting from your device, look for the WiFi name “VIOFO_A139_XXXX” – the default password is 123456789. Once you see a flashing blue LED on the dash cam, open the app on your phone to start the connection.
- Select “Connect your camera“
- Follow the steps provided within the app
Once your phone is connected with the dash cam, the LED light will turn into a solid blue.
A simple, flexible solution that covers all your needs.
The VIOFO A139 2-CH is more expensive than the other VIOFO models, including their 4K UHD dash cam. But for drivers looking for an internal camera, it is a simple solution that covers all their needs. And while it is more expensive than the Zenfox T3 or the Vantrue N4, it is also more flexible and offers more features.
Designed with professionals who value the latest hardware offerings, the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH features 2 cameras to capture what’s happening both on the front and rear of your vehicle. The front camera’s image quality isn’t as sharp as the VIOFO A129 Pro 4K UHD – and it’s expected – the VIOFO A139 is a 2K QHD camera, like the A129 Plus.
Unlike other 2-Channel systems on the market, as well as other VIOFO models, the VIOFO A139 Pro 2-CH does not come with a built-in LCD screen. But it does come with built-in WIFI and a free mobile app that is quite intuitive and pleasant to use.
Review Parameters and Scorecard
Video Quality
The A139 Pro shines with outstanding video quality. Equipped with the Sony Starvis 2 sensor and a built-in CPL filter, it captures sharp and vibrant footage. The Starvis 2 sensor elevates low-light performance, ensuring clarity even in challenging conditions. It’s a remarkable upgrade over standard sensors. The Viofo A139 Pro front-facing camera is capable of recording in 4K resolution. The rear can record in 1080p resolution.
Coverage
The A139 Pro offers reliable connectivity options. While it supports Wi-Fi for convenient access via the VIOFO app, some users have reported minor connectivity hiccups during initial setup. However, once connected, it provides seamless access to your videos.
Connectivity
The A139 Pro offers reliable connectivity options. While it supports Wi-Fi for convenient access via the VIOFO app, some users have reported minor connectivity hiccups during initial setup. However, once connected, it provides seamless access to your videos.
Advanced Features
This flagship model packs advanced features that enhance its capabilities. The Sony Starvis 2 sensor and built-in CPL filter deliver superior image quality. Additionally, its triple-channel coverage and compatibility with rideshare driving make it a standout option for professionals.
Storage
The A139 Pro supports up to 512GB microSD cards, offering ample storage for your recordings. This generous capacity ensures that crucial footage is stored without premature overwrites.
Night Vision
With the Sony Starvis 2 sensor, the A139 Pro handles nighttime recording exceptionally well. The built-in CPL filter further enhances low-light performance, delivering clear and detailed footage during nighttime drives.
Build and Design
While the A139 Pro excels in performance, some users have noted that its design could be more discreet. It’s a bit bulkier compared to certain competitors, which might draw attention. However, the build quality remains robust and durable.
Price and Value
Considering the exceptional performance and features offered, the A139 Pro provides excellent value for its price point. Rideshare drivers, in particular, will appreciate its unique capabilities for monitoring both the road and passengers.
Mobile App Features and Usage
The VIOFO app complements the A139 Pro with a range of features tailored to enhance your experience. It offers convenient remote access to your dashcam footage and allows you to manage settings on the go. Additionally, it provides compatibility with rideshare driving platforms, making it an ideal choice for professionals.
Overall Rating
In summary, the VIOFO A139 Pro 2 Channel Dashcam earns an impressive overall rating of 8.6 out of 10. Its exceptional video quality, comprehensive coverage, advanced features, and unique tech specs such as the Sony Starvis 2 sensor and built-in CPL filter set it apart. Rideshare drivers will find its triple-channel setup and compatibility particularly appealing. While the design could be more discreet, the overall value it offers makes it a strong contender in the dashcam market.
FAQ: Common Questions About the VIOFO A139 Pro 2 Channel Dashcam
What makes the A139 Pro's video quality exceptional?
The A139 Pro features the Sony Starvis 2 sensor and a built-in CPL filter, enhancing its ability to capture sharp and clear footage, especially in low-light conditions.
Is the A139 Pro suitable for rideshare drivers like Uber or Lyft?
Absolutely. With triple-channel coverage (front, rear, and interior), it’s an excellent choice for rideshare drivers who need to monitor both the road and passengers.
What is the maximum supported microSD card size?
The A139 Pro supports microSD cards up to 512GB, ensuring ample storage for your recordings.
How does the A139 Pro perform in low-light conditions?
Thanks to the Sony Starvis 2 sensor and built-in CPL filter, the A139 Pro delivers excellent low-light performance, providing clear and detailed nighttime footage.
Is the A139 Pro discreet in terms of design?
While its performance is exceptional, some users have noted that its design could be more discreet compared to certain competitors.
What is the warranty period for the A139 Pro?
The warranty period may vary, but it’s typically covered for one year. Please consult the manufacturer for specific warranty details.
