VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH review

The A229 Pro 2CH is the default dual to start with when the job is evidence. VIOFO publishes a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 at the front and an IMX675 at the rear, with HDR on both. Front is 4K at 30fps. Rear is 2K at 30fps. That rear spec is the gap most “4K duals” quietly leave open.

Parking mode is the same three-way suite as other current VIOFOs: buffered auto-event, time-lapse, and low bitrate. Buffered mode keeps 15 seconds before an event and 30 seconds after. The maker requires the HK4 or HK6 hardwire kit. Until that kit is in, treat parking as unavailable.

We do not run a night-plate lab. The night grade is an A because of the sensor pair and dual HDR on the published spec sheet — the honest ceiling for a spec-sheet grade, not a test filmed on the M25.

Pick the Nextbase 622GW instead if you want a polarising filter in the bezel, What3Words, and a 3-inch screen. Pick the Thinkware U3000 if overnight street parking is the reason you are here.

Who it is for

UK drivers who want front and rear evidence, including a 2K STARVIS 2 rear.

People who will fit a hardwire kit so buffered parking counts.

Who should skip it

Anyone who will not hardwire.

Anyone who wants a 3-inch Nextbase screen as the main interface, or built-in radar overnight.

The good

• Named STARVIS 2 sensors on both cameras, with a 2K rear — rare at this level
• Buffered parking is specified, not just a G-sensor wake
• Dual-band Wi-Fi and voice control are on the spec sheet

The bad

• Hardwire kit is extra
• No built-in radar, so overnight power draw is higher than a Thinkware radar setup
• The 2.0-inch class screen is smaller than a Nextbase 622GW

Common questions

Why does this lead the Best 5?

Named STARVIS 2 on front and rear, 2K rear, buffered parking once hardwired. Spec-sheet lead for evidence.

Hardwire kit which one?

VIOFO HK4 or HK6 on the published notes.

A229 Pro or U3000?

A229 Pro for dual evidence. U3000 if built-in radar overnight parking is the job.