Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam vs 70 Mai T800 License Plate Comparison

When it comes to choosing a dash cam that can clearly capture license plates and provide reliable video evidence, clarity and performance are paramount. In this comprehensive comparison, we put two popular 4K dash cams—the Viofo A229 Pro and the 70 Mai T800—to the test in real-world driving conditions through downtown Vancouver and highway scenarios.

Introduction to the Comparison

Dash cams have become essential for drivers who want to protect themselves on the road by recording clear and usable footage. Both the Viofo A229 Pro and the 70 Mai T800 advertise 4K resolution capabilities, which should translate into sharp, detailed video. However, how do they really perform when it comes to capturing license plates, especially under different speeds and lighting conditions? We drove through busy city streets and highways to find out.

License Plate Clarity in Downtown Driving

Starting the test in downtown Vancouver, we focused on how well each dash cam could capture license plates of surrounding vehicles. The Viofo A229 Pro consistently produced sharper and clearer images compared to the 70 Mai T800. The T800’s footage appeared a bit blurry when zooming in on license plates, making it harder to read the numbers.

One important note on our testing method: to ensure the best possible image quality from the recorded footage, we used an iPhone 16 Pro Max to take pictures directly off my computer screen. This was preferable to using computer screenshots, which tended to reduce resolution and clarity. These high-quality images were then airdropped to the computer for side-by-side comparison.

Highway Driving Performance

As we transitioned to highway driving, the Viofo A229 Pro continued to outperform the 70 Mai T800 in capturing license plate details. The A229 Pro’s video made it easier to discern plate information at moderate speeds, while the T800’s footage remained slightly less defined.

Challenges at Higher Speeds and Head-On Traffic

The real challenge for dash cams is capturing license plates on fast-moving vehicles, especially in head-on or one-way traffic. In these situations, both cameras struggled. The 70 Mai T800’s performance notably declined, with license plates being mostly unreadable at higher speeds.

The Viofo A229 Pro fared better at slow speeds, but its clarity also deteriorated as speed increased. Neither dash cam provided a reliable solution for license plate capture at high speeds in oncoming traffic. While the Viofo picked up a few plates better than the 70 Mai, the overall results showed that current dash cams on the market have limitations when it comes to high-speed, head-on capture, often affected by lighting conditions and motion blur.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Vueroid S1 dash cam promises improved software and potential advances in license plate recognition. Early testing shows promise, but it remains to be seen if it can overcome the high-speed challenges experienced by existing models.

Why License Plate Capture Matters

Clear license plate capture is critical for drivers who rely on dash cams for evidence in accidents, hit-and-runs, or insurance claims. When video footage clearly shows license plates, it can make the difference in resolving disputes or identifying other vehicles involved in incidents.

For those interested in maximizing their dash cam’s effectiveness, pairing your camera with high-quality accessories like the Viofo A229 Pro 4K dash cam and the right microSD card can enhance video quality and reliability.

Conclusion: Which Dash Cam Should You Choose?

Between the two tested models, the Viofo A229 Pro clearly provides superior license plate clarity in most driving conditions, especially at lower to moderate speeds. The 70 Mai T800, while capable, falls short in sharpness and detail, particularly in busy urban environments.

However, both dash cameras face challenges in capturing license plates at high speeds with head-on traffic. This is a current limitation across many dash cams, influenced by factors such as lighting, motion blur, and camera sensor capabilities.

If license plate clarity is a priority for you, especially for city and highway driving, the Viofo A229 Pro is a strong choice. For more information on this model and professional installation services, visit our Viofo A229 Pro product page and consider booking an install with our experts in Vancouver or Toronto.

For further reading on dash cams and how to choose the right one for your needs, check out our Dash Cam Buyers Guide and Will a Dash Camera Pick Up a License Plate? blog posts.

Additional Resources

• Dash Cam Installation Vancouver + Toronto
• Shop 4K Dash Cam Resolution
• Common Questions About Dash Cams

Stay safe on the road and make sure your dash cam is up to the task of capturing the details you need when it matters most.