VIOFO A139

The VIOFO A139 is the first 3-channel camera released by the popular Chinese dash cam manufacturer VIOFO. The camera was launched in January 2021 and is joining a growing number of 3-channel rideshare cameras such as the Vantrue N4 and the Zenfox T3.

The A139 is based on the Novatek NT96687 processor. It uses a Sony STARVIS IMX335 sensor for the front camera, a Sony STARVIS IMX291 sensor for the rear camera and a Sony STARVIS IMX291 for the interior camera. This is the first time we have seen the NT96687 processor in a dash cam but these STARVIS sensors are common in many premium cameras.

Video Quality

The front camera records 1440p (Quad HD) video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 27.8 Mbps. The rear camera records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 17 Mbps. The interior camera records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 17 Mbps.

Video quality for the front camera during the day is very good and night quality is above average. When compared to good dual or single channel dash cams, the A139 picks up a bit less detail but still does a good job.

The rear camera’s video is good as well but the 1080p quality is less impressive then the front camera. The interior camera comes with 6 infrared LEDs which does a good job of illuminating the cabin at night. Cabin video quality is good (color in the day, monochrome at night) and the 170° lens captures the entire cabin.

Features

One of the key differences between the A139 and other VIOFO dash cams is the A139 does not come with a screen. You will need to use your Smartphone and free Android or iOS apps to use the camera.

While VIOFO has one of the better dash cam apps for Android (ratings are better than average) there are complaints of connectivity issues for some owners. Unfortunately, the VIOFO iOS app is rated lower. App quality may not be a deal breaker when a dash cam has a screen, however it is critical for a screen-less camera. Something to consider when purchasing.

The A139 has a g-sensor and GPS built into the mount. While the A139 does not have a screen, it does come with 4 LED lights to indicate recording, mic on/off, GPS connected and WiFi connected. With no screen, error notifications are audio based. Audio based error notifications are preferred since there is less chance of you missing an error.

VIOFO is known for there wedge style dash cams. The A139, while still a wedge shape, has a wider and flatter design with the lens offset to the right side. While other rideshare cameras include the front and interior camera together, the interior camera is separate from the front camera. Some people prefer the simplicity of having the front and interior cameras together, like the Vantrue N4 and the Zenfox T3. Others prefer the flexibility of being able to place the interior camera exactly where they want it.

The A139 comes with an adhesive mount but cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows. The build quality is very good.

Parking Mode

Like other VIOFO dash cams, the A139 offers 3 parking mode options (when hardwired to your vehicle):

1. Buffered Parking Mode: When a moving object is detected while parking, a video is recorded for 15 seconds before the event to 30 seconds after the event.
2. Time Lapse Recording at 1fps, 2fps, 3fps, 5fps or 10fps. While parked, the camera will be always recording at a lower frame rate but no audio is recorded.
3. Low Bitrate Recording at approx 4Mbps will always record when parked and audio is recorded

While VIOFO does a much better job for parking mode than other Chinese cameras, they are not at the same level as the Korean cameras (Blackvue, Thinkware, etc.). Many of the VIOFO complaints we see on our forum relate to parking mode issues.

Support

VIOFO is responsive to questions and has adequate support. They also provide firmware updates which is a positive as well and have been making firmware updates pre-launch based on feedback from numerous testers

Mounting the Camera

Our member SawMaster shared the following photo of the A139 camera mounted with the interior camera above. It is next to the Blueskysea B2W.

Known Problems

This camera has not been released yet.

Sample Videos

A number of Dashcamtalk members have been testing the camera before launch. You can see sample videos and impressions from Paul Iddon here and feedback from other owners on the A139 forum.

Should I Purchase?

2020 is turning out to be the year of COVID-19 and 3-channel dash cams. VIOFO has done a good job with the A139 and from both a video and build quality perspective it is an all around good camera. Out of the small number of 3-channel dash cams available, the A139 is leading the pack.

The only caveats are reliability is unknown, selling price hasn’t been announced (but rumored be in the $270 range) and the WiFi app while above average is not great. Once the camera is officially released we will update this review with further thoughts.

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

1. Download the firmware and unzip it. You will find a file named: FWA139A.bin
2. Format a microSD card (16GB to 128GB recommend) as FAT32 format in the camera or on a computer
3. Insert card in camera and connect it to computer using USB cable
4. Copy the FWA119V3.bin on the root of the card
5. After the FWA119V3.bin is copied to the card disconnect the camera from computer
6. Reconnect the camera to your computer and wait few seconds until the camera restarts
7. The front red LED will be blinking while upgrading
8. The firmware will be automatically deleted from Micro SD card after upgrade completed

Latest Firmware

The latest firmware can be downloaded from the VIOFO website or below:

• FWA139A_V1.0_1126.zip

Specifications

Published: Nov 5, 2020

Updated: Nov 30, 2020