Viofo A329S vs Viofo A229 Pro Dash Camera: What Is the Difference?

When it comes to choosing a reliable dash camera, the Viofo A329S and Viofo A229 Pro are two popular options that often come up for comparison. Both models pack impressive features, but discerning the key differences can help you make an informed decision that best suits your driving and recording needs. In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between the Viofo A329S and the Viofo A229 Pro, covering everything from hardware design and camera options to video settings and parking mode capabilities.

Design and Hardware: A Closer Look

At first glance, the Viofo A329S and A229 Pro look remarkably similar, especially from the front. Both units feature the same button layout, including the Wi-Fi button, microphone button, emergency record button, recording toggle, and the picture/power button, making the user experience consistent across both models.

However, differences become apparent when examining the sides of the devices:

• Viofo A329S: Has a rear camera port on one side, along with a Micro SD card slot and an optional interior camera input. On the opposite side, it features an SSD port input.
• Viofo A229 Pro: The Micro SD card slot and interior camera port are on one side, while the rear camera input is on the other side.

The power input for both units is cleverly integrated into the GPS antenna connector, which slides into the top of the device. Power cables, including the Viofo HK4 hardwire kit or cigarette lighter adapter, plug in at this point. This design ensures the power connection is identical between both models.

Camera Options and Compatibility

Both the Viofo A329S and A229 Pro use the advanced 4K Sony Starvis 2 IMX 678 image sensor, promising excellent video clarity. But the camera accessory options vary between the two models:

Viofo A329S Camera Configurations

• Standard Rear Camera: The most common setup for rear video recording.
• Exterior Rear Camera: Waterproof and designed for external mounting.
• Fisheye Interior Camera: Popular among rideshare drivers such as Uber for capturing interior footage.
• Telephoto Camera: Ideal for zooming in on license plates and distant details.

Important to note is that the telephoto and interior IR fisheye cameras cannot be paired simultaneously. You must choose either a telephoto and rear camera combo or a rear and interior camera setup.

Viofo A229 Pro Camera Options

The A229 Pro offers fewer camera accessory choices but covers most users’ needs:

• Rear Camera: The standard choice for rear footage.
• Interior IR Camera: Infrared interior camera, highly favored by Uber drivers for night and low-light recording.

Both cameras use USB-C connections, but the A229 Pro’s USB-C cable is thicker compared to the optional coax cable for the A329S, which can make installation a bit more challenging in some vehicles. The interior camera for the A229 Pro connects via a headphone jack-style USB-C plug.

Video Quality and Recording Settings

Both models can record in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) with HDR enabled. However, the Viofo A329S has a significant advantage when it comes to frame rates:

• Viofo A329S: Supports 4K recording at 60fps, but only when HDR is turned off and the camera is operating in one- or two-channel mode (not three-channel mode).
• Viofo A229 Pro: Limited to 4K at 30fps regardless of settings.

Both cameras support maximum video bit rates, loop recording, and audio recording through the built-in microphone. Loop recording allows continuous video capture by overwriting old footage, with options to set loop lengths between 1 and 10 minutes (3 minutes is a popular choice).

The microphone can be toggled on or off manually to protect privacy during conversations, which is a handy feature if you want to avoid recording sensitive audio.

Additional Video Features

• Exposure Value: Adjustable for tech-savvy users who want to fine-tune image brightness.
• G Sensor Sensitivity: Detects sudden impacts during driving; medium sensitivity is recommended for balanced responsiveness.
• Stamp Options: Customize what information is overlaid on videos, including date, GPS coordinates, license plate, brand, model, and more.
• Time-Lapse Recording: Records at reduced frame rates (1 to 10 fps) for scenic drives or extended recording without audio. Note that accident footage during time-lapse may lose critical data due to low frame rate.

Parking Mode: The Biggest Difference

Parking mode is where the Viofo A329S really sets itself apart from the A229 Pro. Both cameras offer parking recording, but the way they handle battery protection and recording options differ significantly.

Viofo A229 Pro Parking Mode

• Parking recording timer options range from 30 minutes to 48 hours, or continuous recording until low battery protection activates.
• Parking mode recording options include time-lapse at 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 fps, low bit rate recording, and auto event detection.
• Battery protection is based on selecting a cutoff time.

Viofo A329S Parking Mode

The A329S introduces advanced vehicle battery protection with selectable cutoff voltage or cutoff time, but this feature (Cutoff voltage) requires the new Viofo HK6 hardwire cable, which is currently being tested and expected to be available soon. The Viofo HK4 works for all other parking mode options.

With cutoff voltage mode, for example, if the battery voltage drops below 12.2 volts, the camera switches to a low power impact detection mode, significantly extending battery life—up to 10 times longer than standard recording.

Additionally, the A329S supports hybrid parking mode and low power impact detection, features not available on the A229 Pro. Hybrid parking mode intelligently combines time-lapse and event-triggered recording, maximizing both video coverage and power efficiency.

For quick wake-up times in parking mode (under 2 seconds), the A329S prioritizes using the Micro SD card over SSD storage, as SSDs take longer to boot.

Parking G sensor sensitivity can also be adjusted, with high sensitivity recommended. The A329S includes improvements to the G sensor, though full testing is ongoing.

Interior Camera Settings and Multiplex Video

The Viofo A229 Pro allows flexible control over the interior IR camera, including options to record only while driving, only while parking, or both. IR LEDs can be set to auto, off, or always on for optimal night recording quality.

One exciting new feature exclusive to the A329S is multiplex video. This allows merging video files from multiple channels (front, rear, interior) into a single video file, simplifying playback and review. This feature is still being explored, and more information is available through dedicated tutorials.

Summary: Which Dash Camera Should You Choose?

Both the Viofo A329S and A229 Pro are excellent dash cameras offering 4K recording with the trusted Sony STARVIS 2 sensor. The choice boils down to your specific needs:

• Choose the Viofo A229 Pro if: You want a solid, straightforward 4K dash cam with reliable front and rear or interior camera options, and you prefer a simpler parking mode setup.
• Choose the Viofo A329S if: You want cutting-edge features like 4K 60fps recording, advanced parking mode with battery voltage cutoff, hybrid parking mode, low power impact detection, and multiplex video capabilities.

For rideshare drivers, both models support interior IR cameras, but the A329S offers more flexibility in camera pairings and parking mode efficiency.

If you want to learn more about dash cam parking modes, check out our in-depth Dash Cam Parking Mode guide. For a detailed look at the Viofo A229 Pro, visit our product page Viofo A229 Pro 4K Dash Cam, and for the latest on the A329S, explore Viofo A329S 2-Channel 4K Dash Cam.

Professional installation can ensure your dash cam is set up correctly for optimal performance and discreet wiring. If you’re in the Vancouver or Toronto area, consider our expert on-site dash cam installation service.

Final Thoughts

Both Viofo dash cams deliver exceptional video quality and useful features that can help you provide video evidence, whether on the road or parked. The A329S pushes the envelope with advanced parking mode technology and higher frame rate recording, while the A229 Pro remains a reliable and popular choice for everyday use.

Choosing the right dash cam depends on your recording priorities, vehicle setup, and budget. Whichever model you pick, a dash cam is a valuable investment in your driving safety and peace of mind.

For more information on dash cams and accessories, visit our main site at Safe Drive Solutions and explore our wide selection of dash cams, installation services, and expert resources.