The VIOFO A119 Mini is the latest in the popular A119 series of cameras. Released in May 2022, it is an updated version of the popular A119 V3. Note that this is not a replacement for the A119 V3 and the V3 is still being sold.
The camera uses the Novatek NT96580 processor and Sony IMX335 Exmor R Starvis CMOS. This is the same CMOS sensor as the A119 V3 hence the Mini has very similar video quality to the V3.
Comparison with the A119 V3
The following table summarizes the main differences between the A119 Mini and A119 V3. As can be seen below, outside of the addition of WiFi, the improvements are minor.
| Area | A119 Mini | A119 V3 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi and App | Yes | No |
| Processor | NT96580 | NT96670 |
| Screen Size | 1.5″ | 2″ |
| Size (mm) | 75 x 46 x 42 | 85 x 52 x 36 |
| Voice Notifications | Improved | Included |
| USB | USB C | Mini USB |
| GPS Mount | Improved | Included |
Dashcamtalk member, Nigel, shared the following photo comparing the A119 V3 on the left with the A119 Mini in the center and A129 Plus on the right. While the A119 Mini is a bit smaller than the previous A119 versions, size is not significantly different.
Video Quality
The A119 Mini records 1600p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 30 Mbps. Video quality during the day is very good and night quality is good. Quality is quite similar to the A119 V3 given the hardware used. That being said, the A119 V3 firmware is more refined then The A119 Mini and video quality is slightly better on the older camera in some conditions.
While video resolution can be set up to 1600p (2560x1600p), we recommend setting this to 1440p (2560x1440p). This is the standard 16:9 video format. 1600p captures the same width but more sky which really does not provide any tangible improvement as a dash cam.
Features
The A119 Mini has a similar wedge shaped design as the other cameras in the A119 family. The A119 Mini comes with a 1.5″ screen, g-sensor and GPS mount. Build quality is excellent and the camera has additional holes when compared to the A119 V3. the Size is 75mm x 46mm x 42mm and the wedge shape allows it to be mounted discreetly. In addition, the camera comes with audio and screen error notifications.
The big change for the A119 Mini is that this camera comes with WiFi and has apps for Android and iOS. This is a handy feature to download a specific video to your phone without removing the MicroSD card. That being said, the app isn’t the highest rated and downloading files to your phone is a slow process.
Like other VIOFO cameras, the A119 Mini supports 3 parking modes:
- Auto event detection or buffered parking mode
- Time-lapse parking mode
- Low bitrate parking mode
To enable these parking modes, you will need to hardwire the dash cam to your car (the Viofo 3-wire hardwire kit has a low voltage cutoff and is recommended)
Support
VIOFO is responsive to questions and have adequate support. They also provide regular firmware updates and take into consideration user feedback. VIOFO also provides a 18 month warranty (12 months plus an additional 6 months if you register online) which is better than most dash cams.
Known problems
While the A119 Mini is new, the A119 series has generally been quite reliable. Some preproduction units had overheating problems but this problem appears to be resolved for launch. To date there have been very few problems reported with this camera.
Internal Photos
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
You can also check additional reviews from forum members Nigel, rcg530 and Panzer Platform.
Should I Purchase?
The VIOFO A119 Mini is a very good dash cam and a nice upgrade over the A119 V3 if you are looking for WiFi. Video quality is decent and the price is reasonable. That being said, the A119 V3 is a better bang for your buck if you don’t need WiFi as the firmware is very mature and the camera has proven reliability. Both choices are good options.
Note: The VIOFO A119 Mini has been replaced by the A119 Mini 2 in 2023.
To see what other owners are saying, visit our VIOFO A119 Mini Forum.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
- Format the MicroSD card
- Download the bin file to the the card
- Power the camera with card inserted
Latest Firmware
The latest firmware can be downloaded from the VIOFO website or below:
User Manual
The English user manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Wedge |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Novatek NT96580 |
| CMOS Front | Sony Exmor IMX335 |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 1.5" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 2560×1600p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 30 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 or H.265 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 140° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 256GB |
| Max Size (User) | 256GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 75 x 46 x 42 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -10°C to 65°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Error Notification | Audio and Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | May 2022 |
| Warranty | 18 months with registration |
| Unique Features | 3 Parking Modes (Buffered, Timelapse, Low Bitrate) Hidden H.265 Option |
| Advantages | Good video quality Buffered parking mode Discreet Wedge shaped WiFi |
| Disadvantages | App is not the greatest |
| Final Word | A small improvement over the very popular A119 V3 as this camera is smaller and has WiFi. Slightly higher price than the A119 V3. |
Published: Jan 3, 2023
VIOFO A119 Mini - DashCamTalk
The VIOFO A119 Mini is a very good dash cam and a nice upgrade over the A119 V3 if you are looking for WiFi. Video quality is decent and the price is reasonable.
Product SKU: VIOFO A119 Mini
Product Brand: VIOFO
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 120
Price Valid Until: 2025-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
7.8