E1 Pro Test & Review PP

[Chuck McCoy]

Test unit provided by Vantrue, (thank you very much).
The Vanture E1 Pro was released January 2025, so why am I testing it 9 months late?
After testing the original Vantrue E1 (IMX335) August 2022 I saw some of the same things with the E1 Pro that caused me to discontinue testing, and send the original E1 back to Vantrue.
Well what a difference a day makes.
October 20, 2025 Viofo released the A119M Pro.
I find it extremely difficult to near impossible to evaluate image quality unless I compare it to another camera.
E1 Pro is the "closest” single channel competitor to A119M Pro.
Both are budget models.
Both 4K STARVIS 2 (IMX678).
Both “mini” but the E1 is definitely cuter. lol
This should be an interesting comparison because E1 Pro has been out for 9 months, and should have fully finished “polished” firmware, and A119M Pro is “brand new”.
What an exiting time to be alive.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Processor: Novatek 98528
STARVIS 2 (IMX678) 4K30fps
HDR Support: Yes
Exclusive PlatePix™ Technology
Compatible with LTE Module
Lens Aperture: F1.8
FOV: 158°
Firmware Delivered: VT-EEH111 (10/21/25)
Current Firmware: VT-EEJ151 (10/21/25)
I tried OTA Firmware update, did not work, had to use “old” SD Card method.
Maximum Bitrate: 32 Mbps
1 Minute File Size: 232MB
CPL Filter: 40mm CPL Filter Included
LCD Display: 1.5” inch
Electronic Fence Support: Yes (not sure what this is maybe GeoFence for parking mode?)
Voice Commands: Yes
Video Codec: H.264
Format: MP4
Super Capacitor (no lithium battery)
Operating Temperature: -4℉ to 140℉ (-20℃ to 60℃)
LED Status Light: Blinking Green Record LED
Wireless Remote: Yes (optional accessory)
Optional Suction Cup Mount: Yes
Dual-System GPS: Yes
Audio Noise Reduction: Yes
Loop Record: Off, 1/2/3 Minutes
Max SD Card: 1TB Vantrue Brand
Wi-Fi 5: Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Wi-Fi Transfer Speed: TBA
Parking Modes: Buffered Motion Detection, Collision Detection, Low Bitrates Recording, Low Frame Rate Recording
Mileage Statistics Support: Yes
OTA Firmware Updates: Yes
Official Release: January 2025
Warranty: 12 Month standard, 18 Month with product registration
FCC ID: 2A7EH-E1PRO (January 1, 2025); https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/2A7EH-E1PRO/

Q&A:

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: TBA

Up next is Horizontal FOV measurements.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

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

112.26° = E1 Pro
112.26° = A119M Pro

 

[Chuck McCoy]

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

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

SETTINGS:

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

A119M Pro
Firmware: V1.0 20251009
512GB Viofo SD Card
Wi-Fi: Off
LCD Screen: Off
Bitrate: Maximum
HDR: 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:
368mA x 12.6V = 4.6 Watts (E1 Pro)
336mA x 12.6V = 4.2 Watts (A119M Pro)
0.4 Watts More E1 Pro

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

 

[jsmith]

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

112.26° = E1 Pro
112.26° = A119M Pro

View attachment 86783
View attachment 86784

1. Why is the E1 Pro image darker in contrast than Viofo image? Were the lighting conditions the same in both tests?

2. Will you be comparing the two side by side in a real world driving test?

3. What are the thermal temperatures in an enclosed vehicle?

4. What is the power consumption in parking mode for both cameras?

 

[Augustus]

1. Why is the E1 Pro image darker in contrast than Viofo image? Were the lighting conditions the same in both tests?

2. Will you be comparing the two side by side in a real world driving test?

3. What is the thermal temperatures in an enclosed vehicle?

4. What is the power consumption in parking mode for both cameras?

3. I'd be interested as to if the A119M Pro has the newer Novatek chipset or not, as it's a much more efficient node process on the NT98530 (if that applies) which could have an effect on heat dissipation. Its one thing testing in a garage at 22C, but another mounting in a vehicle with outside temps being above 30C.

 

[jsmith]

3. I'd be interested as to if the A119M Pro has the newer Novatek chipset or not, as it's a much more efficient node process on the NT98530 (if that applies) which could have an effect on heat dissipation. Its one thing testing in a garage at 22C, but another mounting in a vehicle with outside temps being above 30C.

I guess for @Chuck McCoy it would depends if he is northern or southern California. If southern, he may still have very warm temperatures to test both cameras outdoors. If Northern California, I believe cool temperatures and not possible.

You are right, a garage doesn't have sunshine and increasing temperatures from heating building up in an enclose vehicle. There's more to a test than a "controlled environment" since the primary question is which camera dissipates heat the best in a real world environment.

 

[Augustus]

I guess for @Chuck McCoy it would depends if he is northern or southern California. If southern, he may still have very warm temperatures to test both cameras outdoors. If Northern California, I believe cool temperatures and not possible.

You are right, a garage doesn't have sunshine and increasing temperatures from heating building up in an enclose vehicle. There's more to a test than a "controlled environment" since the primary question is which camera dissipates heat the best in a real world environment.

Exactly that, look I don't even bother testing in a garage and I'll just wait things out for the summer, strap the camera in and test then. That's more representative of real world testing.

 

[TonyM]

1. Why is the E1 Pro image darker in contrast than Viofo image? Were the lighting conditions the same in both tests?

The E1 Pro has PlatePix enabled, hence the video is darker than the A119M Pro.

 

[TonyM]

Exactly that, look I don't even bother testing in a garage and I'll just wait things out for the summer, strap the camera in and test then. That's more representative of real world testing.

The E1 Pro has already been tested by various reviewers in the northern hemisphere summer, and whilst it got hot I don't think it ever affected its performance. Maybe I missed some reports?


In Chuck's first test with comparable dashcam settings, the A119M Pro ran slightly hotter:

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

In Chuck's second test, the E1 Pro was much hotter because the LCD was on and Wi-Fi was on (which seem to be the default settings in this firmware) :

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

Wi-Fi: On (default setting)
LCD Screen: On (default setting)

Test Summary: Vantrue should consider changing the default settings so that Wi-Fi and the LCD screen are not always-on.

Further thoughts: Chuck's highest observed temperature on the E1 Pro is 'only' 77°C. In my real world testing earlier this year I recorded temperatures of 85°C and the dashcam was still operating normally.

 

[Augustus]

The E1 Pro has already been tested by various reviewers in the northern hemisphere summer, and whilst it got hot I don't think it ever affected its performance. Maybe I missed some reports?


In Chuck's first test with comparable dashcam settings, the A119M Pro ran slightly hotter:


In Chuck's second test, the E1 Pro was much hotter because the LCD was on and Wi-Fi was on (which seem to be the default settings in this firmware) :



Test Summary: Vantrue should consider changing the default settings so that Wi-Fi and the LCD screen are not always-on.

Further thoughts: Chuck's highest observed temperature on the E1 Pro is 'only' 77°C. In my real world testing earlier this year I recorded temperatures of 85°C and the dashcam was still operating normally.

I was talking about the process for testing cameras, that's more representative than being in a garage. Written words online don't always convey the meaning portrayed by the writer.

And yes, I was one of those that heat tested it in southern hemisphere summers upon it's release in Q1 this year.

The second last firmware said it addressed the screen shut off settings to reduce the threshold so I wonder if that made any difference. Along with the older chipset.

 

[jsmith]

The E1 Pro has already been tested by various reviewers in the northern hemisphere summer, and whilst it got hot I don't think it ever affected its performance. Maybe I missed some reports?


In Chuck's first test with comparable dashcam settings, the A119M Pro ran slightly hotter:


In Chuck's second test, the E1 Pro was much hotter because the LCD was on and Wi-Fi was on (which seem to be the default settings in this firmware) :



Test Summary: Vantrue should consider changing the default settings so that Wi-Fi and the LCD screen are not always-on.

Further thoughts: Chuck's highest observed temperature on the E1 Pro is 'only' 77°C. In my real world testing earlier this year I recorded temperatures of 85°C and the dashcam was still operating normally.

@Chuck McCoy testing is representational of a "Controlled Environment". It's in a garage with a steady ambient temperature that neither increases nor decreases significantly. We already know the E1 Pro runs hot from other reviewers. I have the E1 Pro myself.

What @Augustus and I were referring to is that @Chuck McCoy methods are not "real world" testing. Both cameras would need to be running on a hot summer day to see which camera shut off, if any from heat. Also, the thermal temperatures would need measured from both (either before shutoff or if both continue to run at X intervals) to determine which camera truly runs hotter. Performing this test in a garage is analogous to doing the test in a lab. It doesn't reflect actual use by consumers.

The only data point we gathered is that at a controlled ambient temperature, the A119M Pro runs hotter at 22C and the E1 Pro runs hotter at 19C.....But not what actually happens in an enclosed car during a hot day?

 

[lufa6977]

@Chuck McCoy testing is representational of a "Controlled Environment". It's in a garage with a steady ambient temperature that neither increases nor decreases significantly. We already know the E1 Pro runs hot from other reviewers. I have the E1 Pro myself.

What @Augustus and I were referring to is that @Chuck McCoy methods are not "real world" testing. Both cameras would need to be running on a hot summer day to see which camera shut off, if any from heat. Also, the thermal temperatures would need measured from both (either before shutoff or if both continue to run at X intervals) to determine which camera truly runs hotter. Performing this test in a garage is analogous to doing the test in a lab. It doesn't reflect actual use by consumers.

The only data point we gathered is that at a controlled ambient temperature, the A119M Pro runs hotter at 22C and the E1 Pro runs hotter at 19C.....But not what actually happens in an enclosed car during a hot day?

Precisely. Does the cam shut down, reduce the frame rate, or take some other action? All essential things to know. When looking at two dashcams with a thermal imager, it can be misleading. One may be hotter than the other in the image, but what is the processor temperature in the dashcam? These 'controlled' heat tests are nice, but very misleading and should be taken with a grain of salt; they're not indicative of a user-based environment.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

After waiting 3 years, 3 months I finally have the elusive suction mount I requested when I tested the original E1 (IMX335) August 2022.
Thank you very much Vanture for making that possible.

Thread 'Vantrue E1 Test & Review PP'

Aug 11, 2022

Hey guys,
Just a few hours ago I received a Vantrue E1 for testing & review sent by Vantrue.
Shoutout to @rcg530 for passing my name along to his Vantrue Representative. Thanks Robert.

When I first learned of this dash cam I read the specifications, and on paper this camera appears to be a direct competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini I just tested.
They are both; $120, 2K (2560 x 1440), Sony IMX335 STARVIS Sensor, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, 1.5” LCD Screen, HDR, External GPS Mount, Super Capacitor, USB Type-C, Optional CPL Filter, 1 Year Warranty (6 months extra with registration),

As far as...

• Chuck McCoy
• Replies: 16
• Forum: E1

• 

Based on the “hanging stalk” form factor I said it would make a great “temporary” unit for rental cars provided they offer a GPS Suction Mount.
I just made a reservation for a rental car at Las Vegas airport for SEMA 2025 next week.
I hope I can get side by side test footage with Viofo A119M Pro of the Vegas Strip, like I did last year with A329 2CH.
But we all know what happens when you get to the rental car counter;

 

[TonyM]

Based on the “hanging stalk” form factor I said it would make a great “temporary” unit for rental cars provided they offer a GPS Suction Mount.

E1 Pro + GPS suction cup mount worked well for me with a rental car in France earlier this year.

It was easy to pack in hand luggage, easy to install, and remained sturdy all week.

 

[jsmith]

E1 Pro + GPS suction cup mount worked well for me with a rental car in France earlier this year.

It was easy to pack in hand luggage, easy to install, and remained sturdy all week.

I have used the suction cup on the N4 Pro S. Worked well enough when I traveled, too. The E1 Pro is certainly much lighter, so I imagine it'll have no issues.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

STATIONARY HDR COMPARISON - E1 Pro vs. A119M Pro

I’m getting ready to install these cameras in my car to gather driving test footage.
Before I head out I wanted to check for any stationary differences in my garage.
Wow, I’m impressed the E1 Pro can actually read the plate better than A119 M Pro.
However, it comes at a cost, (everything else not under direct illumination is dark AF).
I know I can turn off PlatePix to brighten up the image but, that kind of defeats the whole purpose.
I’m excited to see how this plays out on the road with motion.

SETTINGS

A119M Pro
Firmware: V1.1_20260109
HDR: On
CPL Filter: On
1 Minute File Size: 266.5MB
Bitrate: 37Mbps Approx.
SD Card: 512GB Viofo Brand

E1 Pro
Firmware: VT-EFB271
HDR: On
PlatePix: On
CPL Filter: On
1 Minute File Size: 232MB
Bitrate: 32Mbps Approx.
SD Card: 1TB Vantrue Brand

Interesting Side Note:
I measured power consumption, and operating temperature of both cameras with Wi-Fi OFF, and LCD Screen Off.
They both have similar power consumption around 3.7 Watts.
However the E1 Pro runs much hotter.
180℉ (82℃) E1 Pro
160℉ (71℃) A119M Pro
I re-tested this several times over 24 hours, and I was blown away they have the same power consumption, but the E1 Pro runs hotter.
The good news is I have not experienced any overheating malfunctions from either camera.

Here’s the 1 Minute clips the screenshots were taken from.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I got the A119M Pro, and E1 Pro installed in my car.
I was about to remove all my trim panels to run all wiring but, something told me I better go for a drive to make sure everything works first.
Have a look at these screenshots.
Again, I’m impressed with E1 Pro how sharp digits are on the illuminated road sign.
You can really make out 9/10 of a cent much easier.
Again it comes at a cost of everything else in frame to be almost pitch black.

In case you’re wondering what the Horizontal FOV’s are with these two cameras, Jack Trotter III Esq. would argue in a court of law they’re “identical”.
I measured them when first delivered.

A119M Pro FOV MEASURMENT

E1 Pro FOV MEASURMENT

Here’s the videos the screenshots were taken from.

My man Jack for the prosecution from the Great State of Alabama.

Now I just need to super clean my windshield in & out, and wait for it to stop raining.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Just got done running all the wires behind my trim panels.
Windshield is super cleaned inside & out, (also 4 coats of Rain-X).
Keep in mind my car is a model year 2004, (22 years old) 165,000 Miles with original windshield.
This is the first time I’ve had two “competing” dash cams that both have Live View Horizon Line Adjustment, (see attached screenshots)..
This makes lining up both cameras with identical Horizon Lines a breeze, so we have a fair comparison.
Those two pieces of blue painter's tape on my garage door represent “true horizon”.
We’ll see how close I am once the sun comes up, and I can gather DAYTIME test footage.

Just in case I get called on the carpet, I took photos of dash cam mounting locations.
Left to right sitting in car.
1.) Viofo A119M Pro (extra unit)
2.) Viofo A329S
3.) Viofo A329S Telephoto
4.) Vueroid S1-4K
5.) Vantrue E1 Pro
6.) Viofo A119M Pro (comparison unit)

Q: Why do I have E1 Pro mounted with the OPTIONAL SUCTION MOUNT instead of included “permanent” mount.
A: Back in 2022 when I tested the original E1 (IMX335) STARVIS 1 I said the “hanging mount design” would be perfect for a temporary suction mount for rental car & travel use.
When installing the camera I was impressed how much stiffer, and rigid the mount was compared to the E1 from 2022.
However, I just looked at some test footage, and I’m seeing “vibrations” in the recorded footage.
It sticks out like a sore thumb when a car’s headlights are coming right at me, and I hit a small bump in the road.
These vibrations are detrimental to grabbing fine details, but I guess that’s the trade off you get with a hanging suction mount, instead of solid adhesive wedge mount.

 

[TonyM]

Q: Why do I have E1 Pro mounted with the OPTIONAL SUCTION MOUNT instead of included “permanent” mount.
A: Back in 2022 when I tested the original E1 (IMX335) STARVIS 1 I said the “hanging mount design” would be perfect for a temporary suction mount for rental car & travel use.
When installing the camera I was impressed how much stiffer, and rigid the mount was compared to the E1 from 2022.
However, I just looked at some test footage, and I’m seeing “vibrations” in the recorded footage.
It sticks out like a sore thumb when a car’s headlights are coming right at me, and I hit a small bump in the road.
These vibrations are detrimental to grabbing fine details, but I guess that’s the trade off you get with a hanging suction mount, instead of solid adhesive wedge mount.

So, if you think vibration through the suction cup mount is detrimental to capturing fine details, why are you using it for this comparison against a wedge camera?