Should you buy the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo dash cam? The Bad & Good... VIOFO A129 Plus Duo review

[@zcgt98]

Holy heck dude; you didn't have to go so hard on this review... but you did--for us. For real though, this is insanely comprehensive! Thanks so much for this!

[@FrakkingCreations]

You're welcome. Thank you for commenting to let us know my review was really good. If you are looking to purchase a dash cam, consider using our affiliate links in the video description. Please like and share our video and subscribe for more good content to come!

[@CJ-fh5xq]

This pick this up for my weekend car. I also have the A229 for my daily driver and it is great. I think the main advantages of the dashcam is the low bitrate recording. It is constantly recording during parking mode so you do not miss any incidents at all. Only thing I wish it had is voice notification. The A229 will tell you it is recording in 2 channel mode or locked in a video.

[@FrakkingCreations]

It's too bad the a129 plus duo only records parking mode Impact recordings after it detects motion AND an impact. I was surprised that it didn't record when only impacts were detected in parking mode. To me it would be more useful if it did because if the impact was to the side of the vehicle where no motion would have been detected in the front and rear cameras, no recordings would be made. Also, no saved event of the impact. * Edited to correct inaccuracy.

[@Onlyinbean]

Love my Viofo. Very good quality

[@abdulazizabdunasimov8978]

You are professional reviewer. Great attention to small details! Please keep up your professionalism. Thank you

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thank you for your kind comments. While not a professional reviewer, I really am passionate about the topics in our videos. We really do put a lot of effort in our videos and are happy when our viewers enjoy the results. Please like and share our videos to help our channel grow. Check out our other videos and Subscribe too for more good stuff to come! We appreciate the help in growing our channel.

[@SirShivamVishwakarma]

Great review! Clear and concise, thanks.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thank you. We're happy our video was helpful. Please subscribe, like and share our video to anyone else you think it will help. We appreciate your support in helping our channel grow!

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I'm dissatisfied with the A129 Plus Duo I got, for the following reason: When you have the camera in looping record mode while you're driving, and you hit the button that saves video, it only saves the current clip, regardless of whether the current clip just started or is about to end. So it's pure chance whether you'll actually have saved video of the events leading up to whatever made you push the save video button. This is extremely frustrating since my previous dashcam would save the clip before as well, making SURE you recorded what had happened. With the A129 Plus Duo, I've had saved recorded clips start 14 seconds before the button was pressed, and over four minutes before the button was pressed (with video clip length set to five minutes). I really wish they'd change it to save the clip before and after you press the button too, and the manufacturer could add this in a firmware update, but I'm not hopeful that they will.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks for sharing your frustration with this dash cam. These are good points to know. That is one reason why I really like the dash cams with buffered recording, since you get footage before and after the event, whether it is a detected impact, detected motion (parking mode) or manual event (pushing record button). I don't think VIOFO will update the firmware for the A129 plus duo, though. Since it was mentioned on their website that the decision not to include buffered mode recordings is due to hardware limitations.

[@FrakkingCreations]

I think that if they don't implement buffered recordings, then the better way to implement is to save the previous or next footage in the Read-Only (RO) folder too. So for example, if you press the record button before the half-way point of the set clip length time (< 2 mins 30 seconds, in your case), it should move the previous clip and store the current clip to the RO folder. Otherwise, if you press the record button at or after the half-way point of the set clip length time (>= 2 mins 30 seconds, in your case), it should save the current clip and the next clip to the RO folder. This way you have enough footage before and after the manual event locked in the RO folder.

[@cvgguy98]

Thanks for the in-depth and excellant review. I am seriously considering this model. Could you give any information about where you got the vinyl sun shield from, how it adhered to the window and if the dash cam was actually attached to it? Thanks!

[@FrakkingCreations]

Your're welcome. Glad the review was useful for you. Please share the video and subscribe to help the channel grow. More good stuff to come. Thanks for the support. I have a link to the vinyl in the video description for the vinyl. The vinyl is the type that is used to wrap vehicles and work by static adhesion. So, just peel and stick to the windshield then clean and attach dash cam. I made the vinyl larger than the dash cam so that it can block direct sunlight from hitting it. It should not block your view when installed properly. I cleaned the vinyl with rubbing alcohol on the side the dash cam is to attach to. It has worked well so far with no issues for me. When I look from the outside, it actually hides the dash cam a bit and makes it harder to spot.

[@cvgguy98]

@@FrakkingCreations I really appreciate your quick response...I am sorry...just can't seem to find that link anywhere. Also, I think I was expecting for the Dash Cam to be mounted on the clear mounting sheet I have seen in other videos that come with this model (then mounted onto the windshield) and the vinyl shield you have cut out around and then placed inside the windshield as the outer most layer, thus then shielding the dash cam. I am surprised that the weight of the dash cam doesn't pull off the vinyl wrap simply attached by static charge & no adhesive. I subscribed to get more great content...thanks.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Sorry. My mistake. It was in my other video on what not to do with your dashcam. I have placed the link there now. I don't put the link here because it's easier to maintain and for everyone to find. If you use the vinyl wrap you won't need to use the plastic sheet provided. They both adhere to the windshield through static charge. Because it is a big enough surface area they do a good job. Thanks for subscribing! Really appreciate the support.

[@cvgguy98]

Many thanks! BTW, you are very good at presenting technical info.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thank you. That's kind of you to say. Please share our videos with anyone else you think they can help. We definitely appreciate the support of our viewers.

[@hasdemirfatih]

I am between Z50 and Redtiger F7N. Which one you recommend?

[@wcsoblake85]

@Frakking Creations 9:31 not trying to get too personal but the veins in your hand are bulbous and very dark. If you have not been screened for any cardiac or vascular issues I would suggest you do. You sound fairly young but there is still a chance. I work in the medical field and due to my training and experience those veins, especially in that location, look odd. It may be a normal baseline for you but I just had to say something.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks you for sharing your concern. I appreciate it. Can you provide any more information or terms for me to look into and also any particular issues I should also look into. Sometimes health professionals dismiss concerns.

[@Geo_Sma]

Good review dude, thanks! I was close to buy A129 plus but is not very good i see, the A229 is better in parking mode and other things no? Or what you recommend me?

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thank you for commenting. I do think that the A129 plus could be better for the reasons I mentioned in the video. I like the FineVu GX300 that I am using but the A129 plus does have better image quality. So if you want better image quality, I think the A229 plus duo and up do seem like a step up from the A129 plus duo. I just don't have one to test. Based on the specs on paper, I do think it can be better than the A129 plus duo. I have to say that I do like that the A229 plus has a buffered recoding mode for parking mode recordings, which the A129 plus lacks. Also, I noticed that the A129 plus parking mode only records if it first detects motion then an impact. This reduces the number of recordings but may cause you to miss motion around the vehicle otherwise. So for me, I would rather have motion detection and impact detection happen independently. The GX300 does that and from the specs of the A229 plus, it is supposed to as well, though I am not 100% sure. Hope this helps.

[@Krishi85]

Thank you very much for the review, really helpful! iI the rear camera can be used as an internal camera instead?

[@FrakkingCreations]

You're welcome. Thanks for commenting. Glad my review was useful. The rear camera can be used internally if you want but there is at least one thing to consider. The rear camera does not have infrared LED lights on it so at night or dark settings you may not be able to see much in the video captured.

[@Krishi85]

@@FrakkingCreations Yes that is really something to consider LOL well I know they had an A129 Duo IR but I can't find it now , at least not at a reasonable price that ships to Israel. Anyway, thanks again for the help

[@Team_Killer_NZ]

@@Krishi85that’s because Jews can’t be captured on camera !

[@MyTripRoads]

It's this camera suitable for large trips at 4K/60fps without interruptions? Or night driving? Does it have infrared camera?

[@lawrence17201]

Thanks for the video. Great narrative

[@FrakkingCreations]

You're welcome. Thanks for commenting to let us know. Appreciate you taking the time. Feel free to checkout our channel for more great videos and share any that you think will help someone else.

[@Elemental-l9i]

Why do you need the hard wiring kit to use parking mode? Is that so it knows when to switch to parking mode? I had it plugged into the cigarette lighter and it ran my battery down😅

[@FrakkingCreations]

There are several things to note regarding this. Most new vehicles nowadays have 12 V outlets that either turn off immediately when the vehicle is turned off or will power-off the outlets after several minutes when the vehicle is turned off. In those situations, the dash cam will not have power and will stop running. The hardwiring kit is wired to the vehicle in a way to allow the dash cam to receive power even when the vehicle is turned off. Some hardwiring kits will detect and prevent full draining of the vehicle battery while others don't. The hardwiring kits that don't detect the voltage of the vehicle's battery voltage will rely on the dash cam itself being able to detect the voltage and to not fully drain the vehicle's battery. In both cases, a hardwiring kit is still required to power the dash cam as per my first point. I hope that clarifies things for you. Checkout our video on 4 ways to power a dash cam with the vehicle On or Off for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGeVd6xorrOGebs

[@JorgeMendoza-o4x]

Hi, Do you know if this camera has loop recording? (i..e, will record and erase previous videos on camera, thus ensuring video is always recording and never running out of storage?)

[@FrakkingCreations]

Yes it does. Most dash cams do this by default or it won't be useful as a dash cam.

[@SpeedySpartan]

I have the dashcam plugged in via a connector from dongar that pulls power off the mirror rather than a hardwire or 12v plug, nice and clean install. Question is would you rather select 1440p30 or 1080p60? _Another_ dumb question you only can get 1440p60 in single cam mode not duo right?

[@FrakkingCreations]

Nice clean mod for your dash cam. I take it that you do not use parking mode then since I would think the mirror powers down when the vehicle is turned off. There are no dumb questions, only the questions that don't get asked. I think whenever you have a choice between higher resolution and more fps it depends what is more important for you. with the higher resolution you get more detail but with the higher frame rate you get more frames of video in 1 second. More detail allows you to have sharper video, where you can zoom in more without losing as much detail. More frames per second allows you to have smoother, less blurry video, where you can freeze a scene and have a less blurry still image. Higher frame rates is better for fast motion. In general, both are important but I think in this case, I would go for the higher resolution. For the A129 Plus Duo that I have, it doesn't have the 1440p60 mode option. It is on Firmware version V1.8 Build 20220704. Hope this answers your questions.

[@SpeedySpartan]

@@FrakkingCreations Thanks! I am running the latest firmware V1.9_20230221 and I also don't see the option for 1440p60, only 1440p30, even though I thought it had it. Must be for front camera only mode... Fine with me since I would definitely go for the higher res option than the frames, which I did! Parking mode would be nice, but since this is a vehicle that sits for a while, I'd have to do some extensive wiring into the fusebox and add a dashcam battery underneath a front seat. Chose not to do this since the Xterra that has this has a subwoofer under the passenger seat, leaving no space for one anyways. Since it's parked in the city most of the time, It's usually parked at home or by a security camera or parking lot light anyways.👍

[@FrakkingCreations]

It's possible VIOFO took away that functionality for 1440@60. I think the A129 Plus duo did have some functionality removed through its lifecycle. It may have had buffered recordings once, too. I don't believe hardwiring a dash cam is too difficult, but then I suppose it depends how much experience one has with DIY around cars. Checkout our latest video on the install of the BlackVue DR770X Box dash cam. I show how I hardwire it to the SUV. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3mtn2ywn716hpY The A129 Plus duo doesn't seem to use too much power so you might not need a dash cam battery pack. The hardwire cable allows you to adjust at what voltage to cutoff the power to the dash cam in order to protect the car battery.

[@xaraphyn]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. :)

[@mexicutioner5882]

If you dont mind me asking, is the install easy?

[@FrakkingCreations]

@xaraphyn thank you for taking the time to comment. Check out our other videos and subscribe for more good stuff! If you think our videos will help others please share to help us grow. We appreciate the support.

[@FrakkingCreations]

I've installed enough dash cams for it to be easy for me. That said, it really isn't that hard if you take a little time to learn before you attempt it. In terms of hardwiring, it's as easy as finding the appropriate fuse slots to use and plugging in 2 fuse taps and attaching one ground. The rest you can find out in installation guides. I do provide a link to a guide on hardwire installation in the video description. Hope that helps

[@Elemental-l9i]

I thought it switched to parking mode via the GPS movement detection, is that incorrect?

[@FrakkingCreations]

There are at least 2 ways for a dash cam to detect when a vehicle is parked and to switch to Parking mode. The simplest way is to detect when the vehicle has not been in motion for a set period of time. It uses the GPS module for this. It is simple, works, but will take the few minutes before the dash cam switches to parking mode. In that time, it will work in driving mode and continuously record. The second way is when the dash cam is hardwired to the vehicle. The hardwire allows the dash cam to know when the vehicle has been turned off. As soon as the vehicle is turned off, the dash cam can switch to parking mode. This is usually instant but for some dash cams up a little longer but still shorter than the GPS method. Hope that helps. Checkout our video on the 4 ways to power a dash cam for more on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGeVd6xorrOGebs

[@dronefilmsgermany]

How do u connect the rear camera. Is it over wifi or we need run a cable to the rear.

[@FrakkingCreations]

You have to run the rear camera cable to the rear of the vehicle.

[@saurabhsingh-pj3rz]

cannot see the interior camera pictures ,connection is fine

[@TakeThis_L]

wth are you in edmonton?

[@tomopgenorth4321]

After watching the road footage a couple of times, I'm pretty sure he is (or, at least, he recorded this video in Edmonton).

[@alexportiiii6414]

Thanks!

[@FrakkingCreations]

You're welcome. Glad the video was useful. Please like and share it so it can help others too!

[@choderdroid]

I had one for less than two years, and the supercapacitors inside blew up. It is now dead.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks for sharing your experience. What is the typical outdoor temperature on an average summer day and what is the highest temperature in the summer? Do you also park out under the sun a lot?

[@TheHealthLife]

Dash cams only come with a 18 month warranty. The typical lifespan for a dash cam is 2 years...3 or 4 if you are lucky. So budget for a new cam every 2 years or go without.

[@Fresh-uc9vb]

whats the best aftermarket 360 car camera?

[@FrakkingCreations]

I haven't reviewed any 360 degree dash cam yet so I won't be able to say. Is there a particular reason you are looking for one that is 360 degrees? Also, are you referring to one that has cameras that point in all directions or one that can swivel 360 degrees?

[@Fresh-uc9vb]

​@@FrakkingCreations I mean type one that has 4 cameras and gives a birdseye view with record function. It just seems like a natural progression to go from recording in front, to adding rear recording and then include side recording. If I do all that, might as well make it birdseye view and assist with lane markings and parking. Thanks, All the best.

[@minsitu2872]

Which App do you use to?

[@FrakkingCreations]

I don't have an app I use for viewing that VIOFO A129 plus footage on Windows. When I showed a dashcam app on Windows I was talking about other dashcams that have viewers included for Mac and Windows. That viewer app was for a FineVu dashcam. Did I answer your question or were you asking about a VIOFO Android/iOS app for your phone?

[@NB_NB_NB]

Can you update the firmware over wifi?

[@FrakkingCreations]

I am not 100% sure as I did not get to try it over wifi. Though the app has a feature for checking and updating the firmware over wifi, official notes from VIOFO only mention it works for some of the other A129 models but does not list the A129 Plus Duo specifically. Hope that helps answer your question.

[@NB_NB_NB]

@@FrakkingCreations postman arrived, just checked, and no.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Just to clarify, you connected your dashcam to the app and tried the Firmware feature and it did not allow?

[@NB_NB_NB]

@@FrakkingCreations yes no option from the app. All sorted, I went old school and used my Windows 7 laptop and official Viofo firmware via the SD card.

[@tarkanyilmaz6905]

Isnt leaving it in the car a risk of theft? Is it a clip on or glued?

[@FrakkingCreations]

Yes. Pretty much anything left in the vehicle including dash cams is at risk for theft. Most dash cams are mounted using double sided mounting tape. The tape attaches to the windshield and the mount, which attaches to the dash cam. The dash cam can be unclipped from the mount easily.

[@alexo6960]

the motorcyclist getting pulled over for speeding lol.

[@FrakkingCreations]

I always thought that the police would only pull over one vehicle per officer. But I guess this guy was going way too fast to let off the hook. That day I was testing the dash cam going back and for a few times on the same route, it must have been a speeding blitz. There were 4 to 5 cop cars and they were lined up on the off ramp of an overpass with one cop getting the speeds and calling out the cars to catch. Every time I passed by they had caught someone speeding. That motorcyclist was going quite fast based on how fast he passed me. I was already at the speed limit.

[@PatH902101]

DO NOT BUY. Stops recording for MONTHS at a time!

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you tried to troubleshoot it to see what's the problem? Could the microSD card be a potential issue?

[@MoonLiteNite]

Camera is great, until it quits working. Mine lasted just 14 months. The one i got for my dad only lasted for 9 months... another crap product from china...

[@FrakkingCreations]

Damn. That sucks. What stopped working? Were these new or refurbished units? Also, both could be covered under the VIOFO warranty. Your dad's unit is with the standard 1 year and yours under the 18 month if you registered it with VIOFO when you bought it.

[@suinaja]

Mine also, I just contacted Viofo last week, I bought it about two years ago. Lately, it's been having trouble starting. Sometimes it starts fine, other times it doesn't. Occasionally, it runs normally, but usually, it goes through multiple start attempts before shutting off. From trusted online sources, I found battery issue suggestions. However, these relate to pouch batteries, not the capacitors used in A129 Plus Duo. They'll charge $30 for the replacement. I haven't sent it yet, but I will soon.

[@BKDDY]

Nah its old and outdated.