A119 Mini 2 long-term reviews?

R

Regular Dashcammer

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Hello!

Now that it has been a year since the launch of the A119 Mini 2, how was everyone's experience?

Thanks in advance!
 
Great! Been using it as a rear camera for my Tesla Model Y (yes, I know, Tesla have sentry...) alongside the VS1 in the front. Both excellent dash cam for the price range.
 
M_B said:
Have you noticed any issues with it?
Click to expand...
I personally haven't had any issues with it. More of a set and forget type of dash cam for me - but I make sure I have the sounds turned on so I can heard warnings if memory card failed or some other errors.
 
runtohell121 said:
I personally haven't had any issues with it. More of a set and forget type of dash cam for me - but I make sure I have the sounds turned on so I can heard warnings if memory card failed or some other errors.
Click to expand...
Curious, do you have a rear camera installed or do you only use the A119 mini 2 as a front dashcam?
 
Knice said:
Curious, do you have a rear camera installed or do you only use the A119 mini 2 as a front dashcam?
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I'm running Viofo VS1 for the front dash cam (stick behind the display/monitor) and A119 Mini 2 for the rear cam (on rear glass).
 
runtohell121 said:
I'm running Viofo VS1 for the front dash cam (stick behind the display/monitor) and A119 Mini 2 for the rear cam (on rear glass).
Click to expand...
Is there a particular reason you use a Viofo VS1 on the front instead of say, a second A119 Mini?
Are you just prioritizing front camera quality?
 
Knice said:
Is there a particular reason you use a Viofo VS1 on the front instead of say, a second A119 Mini?
Are you just prioritizing front camera quality?
Click to expand...

Form factor - easier to place behind the monitor. I didn't want to stick anything on the windshield and run wires down A-pillar.

You could say it's a lazy way of doing it and no visible wires on dash or windshield by placing a dash cam behind the screen.

edit: Here's a photo that was featured on Viofo social media - the dash cam next to it was the A119 Mini 2, but I've removed it and placed it in the back glass. It was just rigged together for testing purpose only at that time.
1732861343114.webp
 
runtohell121 said:
I'm running Viofo VS1 for the front dash cam (stick behind the display/monitor) and A119 Mini 2 for the rear cam (on rear glass).
Click to expand...
Do you find one is better than the other?
And in what way?
 
Nigel said:
Do you find one is better than the other?
And in what way?
Click to expand...

To me, video quality is about the same. It all came down to the form factor honestly and if you really wanted a screen on the body or not.

Wedge shaped dash cams are better for glass/windshield, whereas the tiny boxier shapes to me is better for placing elsewhere (e.g. behind screens, mirrors, etc.)
 
I bought two cameras at the same time for both my cars. I'll call them Camera A and Camera B.

  • Camera A was replaced by VIOFO under warranty after 9 months (I think) as it started malfunctioning. No matter what firmware or microSD I used, I was getting recording issues. Specifically, the camera would freeze or constantly shout "recording started" which means there were gaps in recording. VIOFO contacted me on the forums and I ran through some troubleshooting with them via WhatsApp as well, showing them proof of the issue. Eventually they replaced it for me under warranty and the replacement unit has been working fine ever since. I did not yet update to the latest firmware.
  • Camera B only works with a specific firmware, specifically the January 29, 2024 firmware. I remember updating to a newer firmware a few months ago and again, I would constantly get the "recording started" message, meaning there were gaps in recording. I gave up and just flashed back to the January 2024 firmware since I know it works. VIOFO just contacted me so we'll see how that goes. I personally think that VIOFO made internal hardware revisions to their cameras and the earlier hardware does not work with the latest firmware, but this has yet to be confirmed.
  • Parking mode - "Auto Event Detection" does not work on both cameras regardless of firmware so I use "Low Bitrate Recording." I think VIOFO still has a way to go to get it working.
  • Both cameras are hot! It needs additional cooling or more holes for the heat to dissipate.
 
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My 2 cams been great. No issues. Can't say how they compare to the higher more expensive multi-cam or 4K models... but I am perfectly happy with them.
I intend on having them until they either die, or the car dies, whatever comes first, 😉.
Unless Viofo comes out with a comparable cost upgrade/ Mini 3 or something...or they are gracious enough to send me that fancy new 4K 60fps A329 model.... i do not see myself needing to invest a small fortune on dashcams.
At this time, i do not drive enough to really justify such a high end dashcam setup.
The A119 Mini 2, to me, has 90% the picture quality of those more expensive ones. The cost to upgrade to 4K is too steep in my book right now.

(though, it seems, i have been active on here enough to capture the attention of Vantrue, and they seem keen to want to have users here review their products....which, have different features and vastly different designs. I rather stick to what i know works well and am familiar with. I also do not care for a interior cam)
 
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