VIOFO A229 Plus Duo vs. Vantrue S1 Pro 2K QHD

If there’s one major upgrade in the dash cam scene in 2023, we must say that it’s the integration of the new Sony STARVIS 2. We have witnessed how top dash cam manufacturers have equipped and updated popular units with these new image sensors highlighting excellent performance in low-light and more vibrant colours, allowing the dash cam to capture more crisp and sharper details. Two dash cam brands that have carried Sony STARVIS 2 are VIOFO and Vantrue.

Today, we’ll take a look at VIOFO and Vantrue’s entries for 2K dual-channel dash cams, the VIOFO A229 Plus and the Vantrue S1 Pro, also known as the Sonnet 1 Pro. Both dash cams are equipped with 5MP Sony STARVIS IMX675, while having very similar features, so it will be a close competition. We noticed some members of the dash cam community who are up to now, still wondering which the better one is. Let us help you find out which is better in this VIOFO A229 Plus and Vantrue S1 Pro comparison review.

First, let’s talk about the VIOFO A229 Plus’ design. Measuring 2.3 inches by 3.9 inches for the head unit, and 2.64 x 1.33-inches for the rear, the VIOFO A229 Plus is built to be discreet enough to be hidden behind the rearview mirror and rear window. With the same form factor as the previous A229, the all-new A229 Plus still has a 2.4-inch HD screen where you can watch footage and configure dash cam settings. If you wish to install it, every package comes with an adhesive mount for a more discreet and stable attachment to the windshield. The body is matte-black, built from sturdy and reliable plastic.

Meanwhile, the Vantrue S1 Pro has a similar wedge-shaped design, which has a measurement of 1.97 x 1.97 x 3.54 inches. It also has a built-in 2-inch LCD screen like the A229 Plus, and you can control the dash cam through the buttons below. The buttons on the S1 Pro are much larger, and take up a wide amount of space on the face of the unit. In comparison, the A229 Plus’s buttons are smaller with clearer labels for different functions, allowing for a slightly larger screen. We appreciate how Vantrue has started designing dash cams with adhesive mounts, because the previous models, like the Vantrue N2 Pro, are still built with long-armed suction cups that, for some drivers, can be distracting.

Both the Vantrue S1 Pro and VIOFO A229 Plus are equipped with static stickers, which act as a barrier between the mount’s sticky tape and the glass, so you’re not left with sticky residue or marks when you need to uninstall the dash cam. In other words, the dash cam is not mounted directly onto the glass – perfect if you typically move your dash cam from one car to another. While both front cameras are very comparable in size, the rear camera for the S1 Pro is notably larger than the discrete Viofo A229 Plus’s.

Moving on to video quality, the A229 Plus records up to 2K QHD at 60 fps at a 140-degree field of view for the front, and 2K QHD @ 30 fps at a 160-degree field of view for the rear – yes, both cameras are in 2K! With a 60FPS frame rate, the A229 Plus surpasses the A129 Plus earlier model, delivering more nuanced details, particularly during high-speed driving.

However, it’s not just the higher frame rate and dual-2K QHD that makes the A229 Plus standout – it’s the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 image sensors that are both sported in its front and rear cameras. It’s actually the first 2K + 2K dash cam to get the world’s most advanced sensors, recording clearer and more colourful footage, day and night, through 2.5x higher dynamic range and light sensitivity. Best of all, all cameras are also equipped with HDR and Super Night Vision 2.0!

On the other hand, the Vantrue S1 Pro dual dash cam is upgraded to an advanced Novatek Chip, recording at 1944P @ 30fps for the front camera. It also carries the same Sony STARVIS 2 sensor as the A229 Plus, the IMX675. However, the main difference comes to the rear camera, as the Vantrue S1 Pro only records 1080P or Full HD @ 30 frames per second. Its front camera also records at only 30 fps maximum. The A229 Plus is the clear winner here with 2K QHD @ 60 fps for the front, and 2K QHD @ 30 fps for the rear – both front and rear powered by STARVIS 2.

In terms of parking mode protection, the VIOFO A229 Plus and the Vantrue S1 Pro emphasize Buffered Parking Mode. This implies that when an impact is detected, the dash cam will transition to standard event recording, including the 15 seconds preceding and following the incident – yes, it’s 15 seconds for both the A229 Plus and S1 Pro.

Interestingly, aside from Buffered Parking Mode, both A229 Plus and S1 Pro are equipped with the same Parking mode settings, including Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse, and Low Bitrate Recording.

If you want to hardwire the VIOFO A229 Plus or Vantrue S1 Pro for parking mode, keep in mind that it requires a hardwiring kit or a dash cam battery pack (which both are compatible with), which you will need to buy separately.

We are surprised to learn that the Vantrue S1 Pro almost has the same features as the VIOFO A229 Plus. Both dash cams are equipped with new Voice Controls that allow you to utilize simple voice commands to start/stop recording, snap photographs, and turn on/off WiFi while remaining focused on the road. However, only VIOFO A229 Plus also comes with Voice Communication. What this means, is that while the Vantrue S1 Pro only communicates to you in a series of beeps, the Viofo A229 Plus can verbally tell you what’s going on with the camera, from recording modes, to video protection status, it’s always clear what’s going on with your unit, rather than trying to translate repetitive beeping.

Both the Vantrue S1 Pro and VIOFO A229 Plus are compatible with their dedicated mobile apps where you can stream your footage live, download media, and share it on social networks. With a 2.4GHz and 5GHz Dual-Band connection, the A229 Plus and S1 Pro enable faster data transfer than typical 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Both units have an included GPS, however the GPS for the A229 Plus is a quad-mode GPS, checking with 4 different satellite signals for ultra-precise location information.  

Beyond connectivity, the Vantrue S1 Pro and the VIOFO A229 Plus now support micro SD cards up to 512GB for maximum storage capacity. Along with Auto Emergency Lock, in case a sudden impact or collision happens, the dashcam's built-in G-sensor instantly locks the ongoing recording file, preventing it from being overwritten.

Both VIOFO and Vantrue are budget-friendly dash cam brands. The VIOFO A229 Plus Duo is priced at only $229.99 for the dual-channel. The Vantrue S1 Pro, on the other hand, is 10 dollars cheaper at $219.99.

The VIOFO A229 Plus and the Vantrue S1 Pro were both released in October 2023, and both have caught the interest of the dash cam community due to their affordability, plus the Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, and similar features, from top brands in the dash cam community no less.

Despite the similarities, we can say that the VIOFO A229 Plus Duo can give a higher value for your money. It may be 10$ USD more than the S1 Pro, but its features, such as integrated Quad-Module GPS, higher frame rate at 60 fps, and Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675, even for its rear camera, make it truly worth it.

Most importantly, since 2011, VIOFO is a trusted brand worldwide – check any dash cam community forum, and you’ll see how drivers and dash cam enthusiasts love VIOFO products, which have also become classic industry selections like the A119 V3 and A119 Mini 2. Thousands of dash cam dealers and users, including us, have witnessed how VIOFO has been consistently improving their product line, while still keeping the price tag within every driver’s reach.