VIOFO A139 Pro vs. Rove 3 3-Channel

A triple-channel dash cam for your car also triples your peace of mind. – you get the security and protection of what’s happening ahead, behind, and inside when you drive. Oh, and even when you’re parked too!

Some might think that since there are more cameras included, triple-channel cameras are expensive. Thankfully, we know a couple of 3-ch dash cam models that don’t break the bank, but still have essential features. And in this article, we’ll take a look at two of those, the VIOFO A139 Pro, comparing it with another budget-friendly dash cam, the Rove R3.

In terms of physical design, both the Rove R3 and VIOFO A139 Pro offer distinct approaches. The Rove R3, just like older VIOFO models, has a 3-inch touchscreen for viewing, and changing settings. This physical screen will sit at an angle from the mount, causing the unit to be more vertical for the driver, taking up more space on your windshield overall. Meanwhile, the VIOFO A139 Pro boasts a more sophisticated appearance, featuring a screenless finish that sits flush against the windshield, right against its mount.

What’s interesting about Rove, is the Rove 3 has a built-in supercapacitor. Previous Rove dash cams like the R2 (which we compared to the A110 V3 here) were built with a lithium-ion battery, which is prone to overheating. On the other hand, all VIOFO dash cams are built with a supercapacitor, so they are already experienced in knowing how to keep their dash cams safe from harsh temperatures. It’s nice to see Rove taking a page from VIOFO’s book, and choosing the reliable, safe option of the supercapacitor.

Now, let’s talk about the most important feature of a dash cam – video recording! The Rove R3 presents three cameras with resolutions of 5MP Omnivision 1440P CMOS Sensor for the front and 1080P for the rear and cabin. However, the VIOFO A139 Pro elevates the game with its cutting-edge 4K UHD resolution for the front camera, and 1080P resolution for the rear and interior cameras.

Best of all, the A139 Pro is powered by the latest Sony STARVIS 2 technology, offering enhanced low-light performance and dynamic range. Angle-wise? The Rove R3’s front captures 150-degrees, a bit wider than the A139 Pro’s 140. Still, the interior and rear cameras of the A139 Pro offer better coverage with 170-degrees, as opposed to R3’s 140-degrees for both.

It’s also worth noting that the A139 Pro’s interior cameras have 6 IR Leds, while R3 only has 4. This means that the interior camera of the A139 Pro can display more details, even in dark situations. On top of the Sony STARVIS 2 sensor of the A139 Pro, it also comes with a CPL filter that reduces glares and reflections.

Both models address the importance of parking mode protection. The Rove R3 introduces a Smart Auto triggered 24-Hour Parking Monitor and a Time Lapse recording. On the other hand, the VIOFO A139 Pro introduces three distinct parking modes: Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse, and Low Bitrate Mode. Regardless of the parking mode you are using, you will need the Type-C HK3-C or HK4 hardwiring cable. The R3 also works with a Type-C hardwiring cable. You’ll need to purchase the cable separately for both cameras.

It’s nice to know that the Rove R3 now comes equipped with built-in dual-band WiFi, allowing seamless connection to a smartphone via an app. It supports external storage of up to 512GB, like the VIOFO A139 Pro. Apart from built-in GPS and dual-band Wi-fI, another thing in common between the two are the Voice Communication features, which lets you focus on the road while being in the know of your dash cam status.

The VIOFO A139 Pro 3-channel is priced at $369.99 USD while Rove is available at $199. It’s completely understandable, as VIOFO A139 Pro runs a 4K Sony STARVIS 2 sensor, plus the VIOFO brand name is popular for its long-term reliability.

We’re not saying that Rove R3 is not reliable, but we’ve already had some concerns with it before, especially when we discovered that the Rove R2 dash cam, advertised as 4K, is not a 4K dash cam at all. Read our True 4K vs. Fake 4K article here.

So, if you prioritize top-tier technology and care for your investment, the VIOFO A139 Pro stands as the preferable option. While its price point may be higher, the A139 Pro's capabilities and features validate the investment for those seeking a value-for-money dash cam.