Upgrading from Vantrue N2 Pro..

[Gunner786]

Hi all,

I've had a Vantrue N2 Pro since 2018 and it's still going strong 😂. I'm a taxi driver so it gets used pretty much every day, and to be honest I've been really happy with it.

I'm looking to upgrade now mainly because I'd like front + cabin + rear cameras, but I definitely want to stick with Vantrue after how well my N2 Pro has lasted.

Just wondering what people would recommend?

A few things I'm curious about:

- How easy/quick is it to download videos over WiFi to your phone? Is it actually decent or is taking the microSD card out still much quicker?
- Does the newer GPS-equipped Vantrue cameras keep the time/date correct automatically? The N2 Pro is doing my head in with the time being wrong and having to keep setting it manually 😂
- How much better is the picture quality compared with the old N2 Pro, especially at night and for number plates?
- If I'm using a 256GB card with 3 cameras recording, roughly how many hours of footage would I get?
- Can you turn the front camera down from 4K to 1080p if you want to save space and get more recording time?
- And most importantly, how reliable are the newer ones? My N2 Pro has lasted me 8 years and is still working perfectly, so that's a pretty high bar!

I'm not necessarily after the newest or most expensive one. I just want a really good 3-camera Vantrue (front/cabin/rear) that's reliable and good value.

Would be interested to hear what you guys are using and what you'd buy if you were in my position.

Cheers 👍

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I'm a taxi driver

I'd like front + cabin + rear cameras, but I definitely want to stick with Vantrue

what you'd buy if you were in my position

Why not get the VANTRUE N5S ?
Dual front & rear IR Interior cameras will better monitor passengers right?
Also supports 1TB SD Card.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Hi there! What a pleasant surprise to see your questions here as well 👀

Here are the answers:

1. Is WiFi video download convenient? How’s the speed?
Newer Vantrue models support WiFi connection to your phone. You can view and download videos directly through the App, which is very convenient for everyday checking or reviewing incident clips — no need to remove the SD card. In 5GHz WiFi mode, the transfer speed can reach up to 10 MB/s.

2. Does the GPS automatically update the time and date?
Yes. Newer Vantrue dashcams with GPS can automatically calibrate the time and date. Once the GPS function is turned on and successfully acquires satellites, the device will sync the time automatically.

3. How much better is the image quality of the new models compared to the N2 Pro, especially at night and for license plates?
The new models offer higher resolution and feature a newer generation of Sony image sensors, delivering better detail, particularly for license plates. Some of the latest models also support PlatePix™ technology, specifically optimized for clearer plate capture.

4. With a 256GB memory card, how long can it record with all three cameras running?
For example, with the front camera at 4K + interior at 1080P + rear at 1440P/1080P, you can typically store around 10 hours of footage. The actual recording time may vary depending on the specific model and resolution settings.

5. Can I lower the front camera from 4K to 1080P to save storage space?
Yes. Vantrue dashcams usually support multiple resolution options, and you can independently set the front camera to 1080P.

6. Most important question: How reliable are the new models? Can they match the N2 Pro’s level?
Using an N2 Pro for 8 years is certainly a very high standard. Regarding the reliability of the newer models, actual lifespan depends on factors such as usage environment, temperature, power stability, etc. As long as you use the recommended original accessories and perform regular maintenance, the devices can deliver a solid long-term experience.

Recommendation:
I’d suggest the N4 Pro S. It balances excellent 4K image quality with reliable three-channel recording for long-term use, and it also supports remote monitoring.

 

[kamkar]

I still think the N5 series is the best ride share / cabby camera out there, with 2 interior cameras, though some would argue a cabin camera in the rear will just film peoples neck / back of the head.
But i like to think it would also capture something when people get in the car.

I would NOT run any dashcam in a lesser resolution to save memory space, in that case you need to buy bigger memory instead, though that have now become horribly expensive as some ultra rich manipulate the market.

I have not run any Vantrue camera for that long, but none of them ever given me any grief. i personally expect to get 4 years out of a dashcam, by that time technology have also moved so far you might want to upgrade anyway.

For instance current dashcams with good low light performance, stand a very good chance of capturing the plate on a oncoming car, on a rural road with just the light of your headlights.
assuming your headlight geometry throw enough light into the oncoming lane, my old car did not do that so in this video i an running with high beams dipped down all i could to not fry peoples retinas.
My new 2022 car with LED lights on it, do not need that cheat deployed, making lots of good plate captures on pitch black roads.