Viofo A139 Pro 4K Dash Cam full review | Safe Drive Solutions

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Ben,
Excellent job.
You got another home run hit on your hands.
Your customers are going to love all these fine details you bring up.
I really like all your onscreen graphics, and images it really makes it easy to understand the point you're making.
Also your “CON” at 25:20 about not being able to adjust the Low Battery Voltage Protection with the Wi-Fi APP. This is because brands like BlackVue, Thinkware, FineVu, and GNET use a 12 Volt power source directly to the camera with a proprietary barrel type power connector. The camera’s firmware can detect vehicle system voltage, and make operational adjustments based on that system voltage. Most all other brands, including Viofo use a USB interface for their power connection. So the camera is only able to see 5 Volts at all times. It has no idea what the vehicle’s system battery voltage is.
Of course having the Low Battery Voltage cut off built in to the camera’s firmware can be more convenient because consumers won’t have to purchase additional hardwire kits for $15 to access parking mode & Low Battery Voltage cut off. But the down side is having a dash cam that uses a proprietary barrel type power cable that runs on 12 Volts that reduces operational flexibility. Of course the average consumer will not need this flexibility, but I for one really like the flexibility of running the camera off a USB Portable Power Bank for testing, diagnostic, and tinkering purposes. Also it makes it easier swapping cables for different lengths when its a universal USB Type-C power connection.
So I hope Viofo never adopts the proprietary 12 Volt barrel type power connection, and just keeps it to the universal USB Type-C.
-Chuck

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I agree with your note on why VIOFO does not do it. It is mainly a personal preference. Similar to the IPHONE or ANdroid debate. Once you get use to a feature you wonder why it is not offered elsewhere. It is a toss up but mainly an installer preference.

[@Anavllama]

The A139Pro looks like a clear winner. One SURPRIZING or perhaps PUZZLING design flaw however is the lens placement! It is located on the right hand side of the dashcam body facing forward. Smarter engineering by Thinkware (Q1000) and Blackvue (R970X) place the lens on the left hand side of the dashcam body. As you know most new cars now have a significant centre piece associated with the rear view mirror that extends down the windshield and typically houses a car safety camera. Let use a Toyota Rav4 as an example. To get the camera reasonable centred (an important factor) and to ensure the camera does not obstruct driver vision (even more important factor), the possibilities are limited. To get the lens centred, one can place the camera underneath the main centre piece body. However, this will obscure driver vision and may also be too low for the dashcam to work properly. One can have the lens somewhat centred by placing the A139 Pro dashcam immediately to the left of the centre piece (at the optimal height) but this will seriously block driver vision. The logical place for dashcam placement in NA is immediately to the right of the centre piece (at the optimal height to eliminate issues with driver vision and camera function). If one places the A139 immediately to the right of the centre piece, the lens will be not even close to centred (now unreasonable). I hope this helps illuminate the concern.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I personally think if they release an A229 Pro or A129 Pro 4K 2. I think that will be the ultimate option with camera lens in the centre. I guess we will see what they come up with.

[@jmackinjersey1]

As for not having the video screen, I personally like it like that. One, you don't have any distractions. Two, and this is very important, if there is an incident, then the Officer can retrieve that information a lot easier than getting it off of your phone.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I think both options will be available in the future. Just more of a personal preference.

[@matty.j_1997]

What an amazing review!
You covered every detail that had to be said. And I also agree with the Pro‘s and Con‘s. 😊👍🏻👏🏻

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks. Hopefully we will see more continuous improvements in dash camera technology. So far very impressed by new A139 Pro

[@zanewalls8596]

I bought the viofo a129 pro based off of year reviews. I'm no expert at this but I was wondering if you could do a video on your recommendations on settings? Thanks for your reviews and videos

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I will try and get to that. A little behind on videos now. This cold kind of rocked my voice the last 3 weeks.

[@stuckneverlost]

I am beyond impressed with Benjamin's customer service. I emailed him on a Sunday and much to my surprise, he emailed me back within 1/2 hour and quickly answered all my questions. Some vehicles need an OBD 2 connection cable to operate the parking mode and he's offered to wire one up for my specific vehicle. This is such a delight to deal with someone locally who gives amazing customer support. I'm looking forward to posting a review video and I have high hopes for this dash cam.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

OBD2 Cable to Viofo Dash Cam
ua-cam.com/users/shortsCdu2EwK6m94?feature=share

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Packaged and ready to ship to you. Thanks for your kind words. We try really hard to give a positive customer experience.

[@Reflect744]

100% if he was in my country I would be buying directly off this bloke. I'm still trying to pick between the Thinkware U1000 & Viovo A139. There's only about a $100 difference in these 2 units over here that's not including the U1000 radar unit that's another $200. U1000 $700 front & rear no radar unit option/ A139Pro $600 front & rear

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@Reflect744 both good cams

[@fareedal-sabban2143]

Very helpful 👌🏽 I purchased it hope I can do the installation this weekend 😅 with road opb link 🤞🏽

[@godisgr8466]

Great review Sir! Thanks.
My only concern has always been whether the dash cam itself can tracked if stolen. I'm looking for a dash cam that can be tracked if stolen (GPS built-in) even when its battery is run out!
What brand would you recommend, Sir?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I actually have never been asked that before and not sure if anyone even has that. If I find one I am sure I will do a video about it.

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

Thanks Ben for taking the time to do this full review for the consumers.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Your Welcome

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Hey Ben I am planning to go to one of the dashcam installers this morning, what is the average reasonable charge should I expect of installing this 3channel dashcam plus connecting the BBMC P8 battery into an SUV? I know some of these places like to charge over price when they see luxury vehicle needing service! Any tips?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@seekfactsnotfiction9056 What make, model, and year of vehicle is it? Also where are you located in terms of major city?
Some words of advice. Some places will charge you extra because you did not purchase product from them. They do that to try and make up possible loss of sales revenue as they are not able to sell their own products in that time slot. Not every shop does this.

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Lexus GX460 luxury trim.
I bought the dash cam from Viofo website and the P8 battery from Amazon. Basically I am not going to buy anything from the store expect their service here in Houston, Texas

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@seekfactsnotfiction9056 Do you have a store picked out? Or shopping around for a few places

[@user-js7hh7cm8m]

Thank you for this helpful review. I have one question. Do you recommend installing the CPL FILTER ANTI-GLARE CIRCULAR POLARIZING LENS?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yes most people put it on and we typically put it on for most clients

[@guruabyss]

I'm using a 512GB Micro SD, works just fine.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Great to hear

[@vipulgupta]

Great review.
Just a suggestion, it would be nice if while showing those clips you could mention at the top what are the settings you are using to record the clips i.e. the resolution, frame rate, HDR on or off etc

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Every clip was recorded in maximum, at 30 frames per second for A139 pro in comparison video, HDR was on all the time.

[@vipulgupta]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Sure, thx

[@SamKhoury]

11:58 You didn't download the same file in the download speed comparison. The file in the faster right side download was 109mb and the file in the left side download was 276mb.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yes we know someone pointed out to me a while ago. I wish we could go back and edit videos already posted. I accidentally grabbed rear video file.

[@presentelaw]

Thanks for the video! What's the wake time between a229pro and u3000?

[@jreyesops]

Great Video Amazing!!!!!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks

[@junehp3507]

Hey...awesome review...!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks

[@MyPrettyPinkCameltoe]

Thank you for all the hard work you do. It is appreciated out here!

[@jtcber]

How is the parking mode in the A139 compared to the Thinkware U3000? Parking security is my first priority. However, I also want clear video playback and be able to make out license plate. Likes like the rear camera is only 1080p which is disappointing.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thinkware U3000 vs Viofo A139 Pro Dash Cam
ua-cam.com/video/XSheY59phfk/v-deo.html

[@RichardYoungCF]

Great video! Does it have a Super Capacitor or internal Battery? I have a Mustang Mach E and have been told it is not a good idea to connect so you have parking mode. Is there a separate wiring connector that could connect it to the windshield wiper control behind the mirror vs running the power cable to the USB connector? Have you looked at the FitCamX (seems like a very clean install and looks OEM).

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Hello Richard, it does have a super capacitor. I have hooked it up for parking mode you just need to set low battery protection accordingly or do a shorter parking mode time. We do not sell any t harness for that application at this time. We are looking at them though. I have seen the fitcamx and installed one. the video quality is not on par with a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor from the A139Pro. I also do not know how it would even compare to other units on the market in terms of video quality. The finish is cool.

[@RichardYoungCF]

@@SafeDriveSolutions So is it still your go to without a Video screen? Have you heard any other Dash Cams coming out with the Sony Starvis 2?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@RichardYoungCF there have been some companies that have contacted telling me they are working on it. But no eta.
The brands are not names I am familiar with so definitely cautious

[@tirekiller1952]

I’m a truck driver and thinking of getting this unit. In reference to the saving of videos using the save button. How do you know how much of the file you are saving? Say you have the clips set at 10 minutes. Are you getting 5 minutes before the button and 5 minutes after? Or however much time is left of the particular segment you’re in when you hit the button?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

If it is a 10 min loop it will lock the whole 10 minute recording unless it is at the very end of 10 minute recording when incident happens

[@Velocity0428]

Quite strange that on the Viofo website, the A139 Pro is more expensive than the A229 Pro. I asked Viofo about this and they said though the A229 Pro is.a better dashcam, the A139 Pro was more expensive to manufacture.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

yes it is more difficult and more expensive to manufacturer. We typically sell it for around the same price. I do still feel there are a lot of positives with this unit but it still depends on the customer.

[@Velocity0428]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Viofo support told me that a Type C connection was a lot cheaper to manufacture than a coaxial connection. But I still don't get it because the A229 Pro has a screen and the A139 Pro doesn't. A screen should make it more expensive, doesn't it?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@Velocity0428 There is some better technology inside the A139 Pro. Now I am trying to remember it again. But I believe it is digital on the A139 Pro and the A229 pro is not digital. There will be some future upgrades coming to A139 Pro that A229 pro will not support. The A139 Pro also supports 60 fps while the 229 pro does not. a139pro also supports h.265 and a229 pro does not.

[@Velocity0428]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Oh really? All along, I thought the A229 Pro is Viofo's flagship model.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@Velocity0428 most people do not care for 60 fps recording. Also H.265 is another thing that some people like and some people do not. A229 Pro supports a 2K rear and interior camera at 30 fps while the a139 pro will only operate at 24 fps. They both have positives just depends on your needs.

[@zahidshaikh6975]

Hi dear i am from pakistan 🇵🇰 today i watched your video doing good job
How can i purchase it i wanna buy it?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

We do not ship to Pakistan. Thanks for watching check out Viofo website.

[@totalkaos6969]

Why is my a139 pro so hot? Also it records only when car is in the garage night and day. When driving it is random recording.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

they do run hot. Not sure why it would be redording only in garage. How is it wired in? cigarette lighter? USB/ Hardwire cable?

[@alexwong2594]

Great review!! Question: how does the dash camera know when to enter parking mode?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

The hardwire cable is hooked up to constant power, ground and ignition. When it sees ignition turn off dash cam will enter parking mode.
Also if your not driving anywhere for 5 minutes and say your parked in a parking lot with ignition on. The dash cam will also enter parking mode

[@HDBoyWonder]

So, can you purchase the main dash cam unit alone and then add the other cameras later?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yes

[@HDBoyWonder]

Does it have a video out to connect to an in-dash head unit?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

It does have an av output. I have never tested it

[@HerbieFollin]

Love the review. But…
How is it the exact same video being downloaded if they were different sizes? I do notice it “downloading” faster, but the video file sizes were different.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

It actually looks like I posted the wrong screen recording of the download. Thanks for catching it. I really wish you could go back in and edit videos after. It does download 3 to 4 times faster. Nice Catch

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I see what happened. I had 2 screen recordings. 1 was front recording and the other was rear recording. I posted the rear recording video.

[@HerbieFollin]

@@SafeDriveSolutions I gotcha. No harm, no foul tho. The overall speed was still significantly faster.
I just ordered the 3-ch from VIOFO. Along with the bluetooth remote, security mount, and their 256gb sd card. Can’t wait!
I’ve been using the Garmin Tandem and Mini 1 dash cams for my setup the last two years, but the video quality has always been subpar. So I’m definitely looking forward to this huge jump in quality.
The only thing I’ll really miss is saying “Ok Garmin, save video” 😛

[@ctrabalful]

Great review thank you very much!
Two questions:
Can I connect it to a portable Hotspot router placed inside my campervan to have live view from my house of what's happening in my parked campervan?
Can I use a portable power station like EcoFlow Delta2, Jackery or Bluetti instead of a small battery bank (Powercell 8 or Blackvue B-124X)?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Let's answer those questions. 1. You can not hook up a hotspot to this dash camera at all for remote viewing. 2. From what i see I have never used a EcoFLow Delta 2 (it does have a USB input though) So I am thinking you may be able to plug the dash camera right into the USB port. I am familiar with powercell8 and B-124X and that is typically what I would recommend but you may want a different solution because of it being a parked camper van.

[@ctrabalful]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thank you very much for your kind reply. Would the Blackvue DR750X Plus 3CH allow me to live view the cameras from another place, either with my own router or the Blackvue CM100G LTE then?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@ctrabalful yes it will with LTE module. Not sure about wi-fi router.

[@ctrabalful]

@@SafeDriveSolutions thank you 🤗

[@barrygervais5985]

Back camera does it work on a tinted window?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

If you can see out the window then it will be fine. Depending on level of tint it may be a challenge in parking mode at night

[@dannytsang7166]

Would like to ask if it worth to upgrade from cammsys ch300 to A139 pro, I mainly focusing on night time recording and parking mode.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

From the specs I can find I would say yes. But it really depends on what you are looking for in a dash cam.?

[@MichaelSmith-zf1kh]

I’m interested in purchasing the Viofo A139 Pro dual channel. I can’t find the button Bluetooth remote. Could you provide it? Thanks for a top drawer evaluation.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Hey Michael we currently do not stock the bluetooth remote. Knowing you are interested we will stock some in the future.

[@MrBillUp]

Does the A139 Pro Duo suffer with radio interference? I like to listen to AM and FM Radio as my car doesn't have DAB, and I am worried there will be radio blackout? Thanks in advance.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Not that I have ever seen

[@MrBillUp]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thank you mate. And my next question is does the A229 Pro Duo? I'm trying to decide which one to get lol? I know you said the video quality of the A229 Pro is unrivaled, yet I believe it has the thicker rear camera cable? Once again, thanks in advance.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Have not seen it on either unit. Does not mean it could not happen. Only ever seen it twice with a non Viofo dash cam. Porsche Cayman with antenna built into front windshield had reduced am reception and static. Also on a chevrolet cruise.
Not a lot of people listen to am anymore so it can easily be missed, what you are asking. Never seen an impact to fm.

[@MrBillUp]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks very much for going out of your way to explain this. Appreciated 👍

[@mikeforever7702]

Thanks for the video. Would an OBD power supply such as Garmin's offering enable park features to function on the A139 pro or any cam for that matter? My battery (and one of the fuse boxes) is in the trunk of my vehicle so the Viofo hard wire kit does not reach without splicing wires. Going through the firewall to get to the other fuse box, not even going to think about that. Pro install would be wonderful, but I am working within a budget for a dash cam for this particular auto.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Hey Mike,
What type of vehicle, make model and year do you have?

[@mikeforever7702]

@@SafeDriveSolutions This would go on my 22 Challenger

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@mikeforever7702 you could use an IROAD OBD2 cable. I have used it and soldered it on to viofo dash cam hardwire cable for clients

[@mikeforever7702]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Ah excellent idea. I guess the only possible downside would be losing fuse protection?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@mikeforever7702 they have a 3.4 amp over current protection and you can also add fuses in if you want
OBD2 Cable to Viofo Dash Cam
ua-cam.com/users/shortsCdu2EwK6m94?feature=share

[@Bacnow]

Have you tested the unit’s heat signature while recording at different fps’s, bitrates, or resolutions? I have seen a review where the thermal image of the unit revealed that both units ran uncomfortably warm on a day where the ambient temperature was 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Those of us that live in traditionally hot areas (Arizona, California or Florida) would find this information very valuable!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I know which review you are referring to. I was debating on getting a tool to start testing these types of things. However I do not have a base line of what is acceptable or not. Also this time of year is typically colder. Once I am more educated on this type of test I will look at conducting it in future. I actually did send that video to Viofo. The one you are referring to for them to review to see if any changes needed to be made or tests needed to be done in engineering on their end.

[@Bacnow]

@@SafeDriveSolutions - That’s awesome! I live in Southern California and last summer there were weeks where the temperatures averaged 105F/40.5C! I like this unit but i’ll have to wait until I get more info on it’s heat handling capabilities!
Thanks for your fine work!

[@richscott2483]

Hi! please see RetroCarGuy530 - "VIOFO A139 Pro Review | 4K UHD Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678" UA-cam video released 3 weeks ago in regards of Thermo Imaging on the A139 Pro. --
Operating Temperature, -10℃~65℃ (14℉~149℉).
Ben really gives great information, cam video comparison and live reviews. Unfortunately, he cannot cover everything but does his best. He receives many business requests and replies as quickly or often as he can. Then his job of selling and installation of products. From all the Safe Drive Solutions UA-cam videos I have seen, in my opinion, that Ben is a very likable gentleman and does exceptionally well with his Dash Cam presentations.
If you own a business, How would you increase your customer base? vlogging, blogs, social media, inexpensive advertisement, UA-cam videos, having a good Reputation, fair and reasonable prices, high skilled, being Professional and honest, earning peoples confidence and trust. - Respect and well mannered.
Some folks like humor, Ben does not waste time or clown around. He is practicable, sensible, direct, and provides information to the best of his knowledge and past experiences. There are no gimmicks and the services and products he sells are of top quality.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@richscott2483 Yeah I think he seen that video. it was a great video for technical information. Thanks for the compliments

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

I am wanting to install this on my work vehicle and have no glass at the rear,does viofo have a solution?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Hey Thomas hope when we talked last week you got some answers on a solution

[@ericcameri]

Disappointing to see brand new dash cams that still limit the SD card to 256gb. What happens if you use a 512gb or higher? Does it give an error message? Does it work but only use 256gb of it? Unreliable recording? Other?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yes that is a good point. I know the IROAD and GNET dash cams we carry will support up to a 512gb micro sd card. To be honest 256 gb is great for most consumers. I have never tried to see how it would react. Might be a future test

[@jmackinjersey1]

Were you using the filter on the lens in these clips? To be honest, the video quality between the three cameras is extremely close, with the exception of the time when you were exiting the tunnel.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

No i never use the polarized lens when comparing dash cam footage.
Also the big difference is license plate pickup.
We have a few videos highlighting that. I think they are in this video as well.

[@jmackinjersey1]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Yes, on a few of the stills, there was a difference in the plates, but for the most part, you could still make them out.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@jmackinjersey1 at night was where the 139PRO kind of leaps way ahead.

[@nikosziogas9008]

Hello dear
I watch all your videos with great interest, they are excellent.
I would like a full video comparing viofo a139 vs a229, day and night footage if that is possible.
Thank you

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

We do not carry the A139, we only carry the A139 Pro. Is that what you meant?

[@nikosziogas9008]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Sorry for my mistake.
Thank you.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@nikosziogas9008 All good. I will add to my list in future.

[@meryrodriguez1684]

@@SafeDriveSolutions any update on when the video would be available? I would also like to see the comparison.

[@843idfa]

6:00 Whats the AV Out for? Have you tried it? The manual says you can connect an external monitor, but what does it display? I would like to get the feed from the rear camera.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I do not have the cable for it to work. But if you have the correct cable it will output whatever was displayed on your screen of dash cam onto a seperate monitor. So if you wanted to use it as a back up camera. You could have the rear camera display on the monitor.

[@843idfa]

​@@SafeDriveSolutions Interesting. This is the only dashcam I found to have an AV out port, which is what i was looking for, but there are no reviews out there that demonstrate how it works. I thought this would be a better option than buying a mirror dashcam. Thanks again, great review.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@843idfa the viofo a129 pro also has av out

[@843idfa]

​@@SafeDriveSolutions At 11:06 theres a "live video source" option, I assume that controls the AV out source feed.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@843idfa yes that is what the manual says

Would love to see a side by side comparison with Nextbase 622GW in terms of low-light and foggy weather conditions.

[@figmo7494]

Can you take the machine out of your car or is it permanently stuck on the windshield?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

You can remove from windshield and take it in the house if you want

[@figmo7494]

@@SafeDriveSolutions , Thank you for your response, much appreciated.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@figmo7494 your welcome

[@jasonwithafelony]

Good stuff