A119M Pro Test & Review PP

[Chuck McCoy]

Retail / production test unit with serial number provided by Viofo, (thank you very much).
A119M Pro = Inflation buster? Tariff buster? Best Budget King?
A while back there was a thread talking about the recent cost increase of Viofo cameras.
Well have I got good news for the cash strapped / value for money crowd.
It seems like since forever Viofo always held the title “best budget single channel dash cam” going back to A119V3 (2019), and before.
A119V3 was before my time, and I’m only “hands on familiar” with the original A119 Mini (IMX335) 2022, and A119 Mini 2 (IMX675) 2023.

A119M Pro (IMX678) 2025 is the “upgraded version” of A119 Mini 2 (IMX675).
A119 Mini 2 was released May 2023, (MSRP $150).
2 years, 5 months later A119M Pro has been released with an MSRP that is actually $7 lower than A119 Mini 2, (MSRP $160).
A119M Pro now includes $17 optional CPL Filter as standard equipment.
https://www.viofo.com/products/viof...ontrol-dash-camera-with-sony-starvis-2-sensor

We get a bump in resolution from 2K to 4K, upgraded processor, HK6 compatibility, LPID Parking Mode (low power impact detection) pending with firmware update, 3 new time lapse settings, upgraded Quad GPS, upgraded Wi-Fi 6, and a few others.
Sadly there’s no 4K60fps setting “yet”.
Granted based on my testing 60fps does NOT increase license plate capture, but I still think it’s an important option even if never used.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Processor: Novatek TBA
STARVIS 2 (IMX678) 4K30fps
HDR Support: Yes
Lens Aperture: F1.8
FOV: 140°
1st Official Public Firmware: V1.0_20251031 (released November 17, 2025)
Current Pre-Production Firmware: V1.0 20251009
Pre-Production Firmware (delivered 8/12/25): V0.18 20250716
Maximum Bitrate: 37Mbps
1 Minute File Size: 267MB
Maximum Bitrate: 62Mbps - UPDATED JUNE 2, 2026 WITH FIRMWARE V1.2_20260409
1 Minute File Size: 445MB
CPL Filter: CPL-100 Included
LCD Display: 1.5” inch
Voice Commands: Yes (enable / disable)
Voice Notifications: Yes (enable / disable)
Video Codec: H.264
Format: MP4
Super Capacitor (no lithium battery)
Operating Temperature: -4℉ to 140℉ (-20℃ to 60℃)
LED Status Lights: Power, Recording, Microphone, Wi-Fi
Bluetooth: Yes
Bluetooth Remote: Optional BTR200
Quad GPS: GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, and GLONASS
Loop Record: (1, 2, 3, 5, 10 min, OFF)
Max Capacity SD Card: 512GB Viofo Brand
Wi-Fi 6: Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Wi-Fi Transfer Speed: (waiting on official public firmware)
Parking Modes: Hybrid Parking Recording, Low Power Impact Detection, Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse, Continuous Low Bitrate
Official Release Date Viofo.com: October 20, 2025
Official Release Date Amazon US: November 17, 2025
FCC ID: 2AMBW-A119MINI (May 20, 2022)
Power Consumption (normal / driving mode & parking modes):
(waiting on official public firmware before I take measurements).

Q&A:

Q: What is the heat signature difference measured with Thermal Imaging Camera between continuous Low Bitrate parking mode, and the new LPID (Low Power Impact Detection) parking mode?
A: TBA

Q: What is the heat signature difference measured with Thermal Imaging Camera between A119M Pro, and Vanture E1 Pro in normal / driving recording mode?
A: See Post #4 POST #4

Q: Is A119M Pro GPS Mount 100% identical to A119 Mini 2 GPS Mount?
A: No, A119M Pro has been upgraded to Quad GPS.

Q: Can I use A119 Mini 2 GPS Mount with A119M Pro?
A: A119M Pro will power up with A119 Mini 2 GPS Mount, if you experience malfunction you may need to use A119M Pro GPS Mount.

Q: When upgrading from A119 Mini 2 (2023) to A119M Pro (2025) can I use the Viofo Brand USB Type-C Power Cable that was included with A119 Mini 2?
A: Yes, they are both 20AWG.

Q: When upgrading from the original A119 Mini (2022) to A119M Pro (2025) can I use the Viofo Brand USB Type-C Power Cable that was included with A119 Mini?
A:
22AWG: A119 Mini (2022)
20AWG: A119M Pro (2025)
If you experience power starvation malfunctions, you may need to use the 20AWG USB Type-C Power Cable included with A119M Pro.
Thicker wires allow more current / amperage / power.

Q: When upgrading to A119M Pro, can the old HK4 Hardwire Kit be used, or is the new HK6 required?
A: HK6 Hardwire Kit is required for the new voltage based HPR Hybrid Parking Recording, (HK4 does not support voltage based HPR).
Also HK6 will display optional vehicle battery voltage in the text stamp at the bottom of recorded footage.
Vehicle battery voltage may be used to aid malfunction diagnosis.

Q: What’s better, A119M Pro or Vanture E1 Pro?
A: I find it extremely difficult to near impossible to evaluate image quality unless I compare it with another camera.
I’ve obtained an E1 Pro for a no holds barred, side by side, shootout cage match.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.
1CH Budget Battle 2025.

Up next is Horizontal FOV measurements.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Q: What is the Measured Horizontal FOV of A119M Pro, and how does it compare to Vantrue E1 Pro, and all other Viofo cameras?
A:

112.26° = A119M Pro
112.26° = E1 Pro

Thread 'VIOFO Horizontal FOV Database'

Nov 28, 2023

The purpose of this thread is to document the measured Horizontal FOV of all future Viofo Dash Cams I receive for test & review, (and previous models).
Shoutout to these gentlemen for helping me revise my testing jig, and measurement procedure.
@rcg530 @Vortex Radar @Nigel @DT MI @Karagandinez @gse @Dex_

I settled on this method because all you need is a wall, and a yardstick.
It’s easy to duplicate so anyone can confirm & verify my measurements.
The hardest part to maintain accuracy is to place the camera lens in the same location every time...

• Chuck McCoy
• Replies: 69
• Forum: VIOFO Other

• 

 

[Chuck McCoy]

A119M Pro vs. E1 Pro
NORMAL / DRIVING MODE - POWER CONSUMPTION & HEAT COMPARISON

Q: What is the difference between A119M Pro vs. E1 Pro in power consumption, and heat signature in Normal / Driving Recording Mode.
A: See Below

SETTINGS:

A119M Pro
Firmware: V1.0 20251009
512GB Viofo SD Card
Wi-Fi: Off
LCD Screen: Off
Bitrate: Maximum
HDR: On
Loop Record: 1 Minute

E1 Pro
Firmware: VT-EEJ151
1TB Vantrue SD Card
Wi-Fi: Off
LCD Screen: Off
Bitrate: Maximum
HDR: On
PlatePix: On
Loop Record: 1 Minute

I let the both cameras operate in normal / driving recording mode for 1 hour.
I used the MIN / MAX / AVG function on my Fluke 115 & 117 to get the average amperage / current draw.

POWER CONSUMPTION:
336mA x 12.6V = 4.2 Watts (A119M Pro)
368mA x 12.6V = 4.6 Watts (E1 Pro)
0.4 Watts More E1 Pro

HEAT SIGNATURE (highest observed temperature)
Garage Ambient Temperature 72℉ (22℃)
176℉ (80℃) A119M Pro
171℉ (77℃) E1 Pro
5℉ (3℃) A119M Pro Hotter

 

[Chuck McCoy]

A119M Pro vs. E1 Pro
NORMAL / DRIVING MODE - POWER CONSUMPTION & HEAT COMPARISON

Q: What is the difference between A119M Pro vs. E1 Pro in power consumption, and heat signature in Normal / Driving Recording Mode.
A: See Below

SETTINGS:

A119M Pro
Firmware: V1.0 20251009
512GB Viofo SD Card
Wi-Fi: Off
LCD Screen: Off
Bitrate: Maximum
HDR: On
Loop Record: 1 Minute

E1 Pro
Firmware: VT-EEJ151
1TB Vantrue SD Card
Wi-Fi: On (default setting)
LCD Screen: On (default setting)
Bitrate: Maximum
HDR: On
PlatePix: On
Loop Record: 1 Minute

I let the both cameras operate in normal / driving recording mode for 1 hour.
I used the MIN / MAX / AVG function on my Fluke 115 & 117 to get the average amperage / current draw.

POWER CONSUMPTION:
317mA x 12.6V = 4.0 Watts (A119M Pro)
398mA x 12.6V = 5.0 Watts (E1 Pro)
1.0 Watt More E1 Pro

HEAT SIGNATURE (highest observed temperature)
Garage Ambient Temperature 66℉ (19℃)
145℉ (63℃) A119M Pro
170℉ (77℃) E1 Pro
25℉ (14℃) E1 Pro Hotter

 

[batman_]

Can this enter and exit parking mode based on GPS? I use an A119 Mini 2 in my Tesla, which has GPS-based parking mode.

Will the same USB-C wiring harness, powered by a USB-C port, that works with the A119 Mini 2 also work with the A119M Pro?

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Can this enter and exit parking mode based on GPS? I use an A119 Mini 2 in my Tesla, which has GPS-based parking mode.

Do you mean enter / exit parking mode without the Hardwire Cable?

Will the same USB-C wiring harness, powered by a USB-C port, that works with the A119 Mini 2 also work with the A119M Pro?

Do you mean using the included Viofo Brand USB Type-C Power Cable?

 

[batman_]

Do you mean enter / exit parking mode without the Hardwire Cable?

Do you mean using the included Viofo Brand USB Type-C Power Cable?

No hardwiring is needed for me in mini2. The A119mini2 works in a Tesla, as it can enter and exit parking mode based on GPS.

I used the provided USB-A to USB-C cable for power, not the cigarette lighter adapter, because my Tesla has USB ports.

 

[batman_]

> Inflation buster? Tariff buster? Best Budget King?

In all honesty, isn't Tech supposed to go down in price? The pricing of any of these non-cyclical commodities is determined by what people are willing to pay, rather than by their actual cost.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

No hardwiring is needed for me in mini2. The A119mini2 works in a Tesla, as it can enter and exit parking mode based on GPS.

I used the provided USB-A to USB-C cable for power, not the cigarette lighter adapter, because my Tesla has USB ports.

A119 Mini 2 does not use GPS to enter / exit parking mode.
It uses the image sensor to “see activity”.
I was headed out to the garage to confirm & verify if A119M Pro can enter / exit parking mode without hardwire cable, (using included Type-C power cable), but I just realized I only have pre-production firmware.
V1.0 20251009
This might change once we get the first official public firmware.
And of course this might change again too. lol
When we get the first official public firmware I’ll test for you, and post the results.

Inflation buster? Tariff buster? Best Budget King?

In all honesty, isn't Tech supposed to go down in price?

$150 A119 Mini 2 (May 2023)
$160 A119M Pro (October 2025)
A119M Pro is actually $17 less than A119 Mini 2, because now the CPL Filer is included.
Not to mention we also get;
1.) Upgraded Processor
2.) (IMX678)
3.) HK6 Compatibility
4.) LPID Parking Mode (low power impact detection) pending with firmware update
5.) 3 new time lapse settings
6.) Upgraded Quad GPS
7.) Upgraded Wi-Fi 6

So yeah, the price of tech has gone down.

 

[batman_]

Thank you. If I swap the Mini 2 with the 119 Pro, will it be a drop-in replacement? Can I reuse the existing wiring from the Mini 2 for the 119 Pro?

Is this an upgrade you recommend, or is it required?

While I agree with inflation generally, I disagree with this specific number comparison. The A119 Mini 2's price is expected to decrease significantly. For instance, buying it now is like purchasing an iPhone 15 at its original launch price today. The iPhone 15 and 17 have maintained the same launch price, despite inflationary pressures and advancements.

A note on CPL Filer (is included), it was included at launch for a119mini2 in 2023 when I ordered mine direct from China. Or the bundle including was $117.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

If I swap the Mini 2 with the 119 Pro, will it be a drop-in replacement?

A119 Pro (2018), and A119M Pro (2025) are two different camera models.

Can I reuse the existing wiring from the Mini 2 for the 119 Pro?

Q: Is A119M Pro GPS Mount 100% identical to A119 Mini 2 GPS Mount?
A: No, A119M Pro has been upgraded to Quad GPS.

Q: Can I use A119 Mini 2 GPS Mount with A119M Pro?
A: A119M Pro will power up with A119 Mini 2 GPS Mount, if you experience malfunction you may need to use A119M Pro GPS Mount.

Can I reuse the existing wiring from the Mini 2 for the 119 Pro?

The included 3.5 Meter Viofo Brand USB Type-C power cable that comes in the box with A119 Mini2 (2023), and A119M Pro (2025) are both 20AWG.

However, the included 3.5 Meter Viofo Brand USB Type-C power cable that came in the box with the original A119 Mini (2022) is only 22AWG.
The smaller 22AWG power cable may experience power starvation malfunctions.

Is this an upgrade you recommend, or is it required?

I don’t understand this question.
I’m waiting on the first fully finished official public firmware before I go full bore with testing, (maybe next week).
Right now we only have pre-production firmware, (V1.0 20251009).

While I agree with inflation generally, I disagree with this specific number comparison.

My comparison was Official Release MSRP vs. Official Release MSRP, (not pre-release promotional offer).

A note on CPL Filer (is included), it was included at launch for a119mini2 in 2023 when I ordered mine direct from China.

The “free” CPL Filter with A119 Mini 2 (2023) was a pre-release promotional offer.
A119M Pro pre-release promotional offer was a "free" Viofo Brand 128GB SC Card. ($50 value).

 

[Karagandinez]

The included 3.5 Meter Viofo Brand USB Type-C power cable that comes in the box with A119 Mini2 (2023), and A119M Pro (2025) are both 20AWG.

However, the included 3.5 Meter Viofo Brand USB Type-C power cable that came in the box with the original A119 Mini (2022) is only 22AWG.
The smaller 22AWG power cable may experience power starvation malfunctions.

Is this verified information or just a guess?

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Is this verified information or just a guess?

After finishing the test & review of the original A119 Mini (IMX335) in 2022 it became my rear camera mounted on the rear window using the included USB Type-C Power Cable (22AWG).

After finishing the test & review of the original A229 Duo (IMX335) in 2022 I replaced the A119 Mini with the A229 Duo on the rear window.
I swapped the GPS Mounts, but kept the old power cable, (22AWG).
It worked for a couple days, but then I started having power starvation malfunctions when I would turn on the LCD Screen, and Wi-Fi.
I replaced the 22AWG power cable with the 20AWG power cable from the A229 Duo, and no more power starvation malfunctions.

My A329S 3CH worked with HK4 cables with a cross-section of "only" 22AWG without any problems.

I thought the “old” HK4 was 20AWG + 22AWG, (20AWG power & ground, 22AWG ignition signal).

 

[Chuck McCoy]

If I remember correctly, the Mini and A229 Duo had the same HK4. Changes to the HK4 were made later, if I'm not mistaken...

Correct.
But, I'm not sure why your talking about HK4.
In post #11 I'm answering the question from batman_
He does not use HK4, he only uses the included Viofo Brand USB Type-C power cable in his Tesla.

Now that you mention it, can you post a photo of the 22AWG HK4 you used with A329S?
Only if it's handy, no need to remove or go to big trouble.

 

[Karagandinez]

But, I'm not sure why your talking about HK4.
In post #11 I'm answering the question from batman_
He does not use HK4, he only uses the included Viofo Brand USB Type-C power cable in his Tesla.

Oops...😱
My mistake.

Now that you mention it, can you post a photo of the 22AWG HK4 you used with A329S?
Only if it's handy, no need to remove or go to big trouble.

Unfortunately, I cannot provide photographs.

 

[Karagandinez]

Now that you mention it, can you post a photo of the 22AWG HK4 you used with A329S?

Here's a photo of the HK3-C with a 24AWG cable, which I used with the A329S
until I replaced it with the HK6.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Random Test Footage
SEMA 2025

SETTINGS:
Pre-Production Firmware: V1.0 20251009
Resolution: 4K30fps
HDR: On
Bitrate: Maximum
CPL Filter: On
Loop Record: 5 Minute

DEPARTING FLIGHT:
SMF to LAS Delta 4105 Embraer 175 3:00PM - 4:00PM (sunset 4:41PM)
Filming Location Seat: 1A (left side)
Final Approach (3 of 5): Borax, Nevada N35.744845 W115.458171

NOTES:
1.) Could not mount camera to window, hand held footage is shaky, (especially during turbulence).
I wish A119M Pro had suction mount like the Vantrue E1 Pro, (I would have stuck on window).
2.) CPL Filter was a mistake, (airplane window causing rainbow effect).

RETURNING FLIGHT:
LAS to SMF Delta 3695 Embraer 175 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Filming Location Seat: 1A (left side)

 

[xtremesniper]

Honestly, I'm just looking for someone to film themselves driving around with both a A119 Mini 2 and a A119M Pro to compare footage in day and night. That's what matters.

 

[Karagandinez]

Perhaps someone will find the time to compare the A119M Pro and A119 Mini 2.
But what's the point of comparing videos from a 4K model with videos from a 2K model?
You should be comparing models with identical specifications.

 

[xtremesniper]

Perhaps someone will find the time to compare the A119M Pro and A119 Mini 2.
But what's the point of comparing videos from a 4K model with videos from a 2K model?
You should be comparing models with identical specifications.

I have seen comparison videos in the past between 2K and 4K models that sometimes show a surprising upset during night time shots, where the 2K sensor is able to take in more light and therefore has a clearer picture at night than the 4K sensor.

I know on paper the A119M Pro should be better, but specs don't tell you everything. No point in more pixels if the sensor doesn't get as much light.