VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. Rove R2-4K PRO 1-CH
Dash Cam Comparison Review

First, let’s take a look at the design of these dash cams. From the name itself, the wedge-shaped VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is a mini-unit, a discreetly designed dash cam with a 1.5-inch screen at the back to check footage and manage settings efficiently. Something that we compare to the size of a car key, we can confirm that the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is an easy-to-install dash cam that is legal in all states.

What makes the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 less noticeable is the mounting, which only requires an adhesive. For us, this is ideal and safer compared with dash cams that have to be mounted with a suction cup, dangling on the windshield which could be more distracting – the case with the Rove R2-4K Pro. While Rove’s square-designed dash cam is also compact, it comes with a 360° Suction Mount or 3M Adhesives, and a 2.4-inch screen at the back.

Based on the form factor, we see that it looks similar to its predecessor, the Rove R2-4K. The key difference is that the Rove R2-4K Pro is now upgraded with a supercapacitor, unlike the standard R2-4K’s lithium-ion battery, which is more at risk for higher temperatures. Meanwhile, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2, just like the rest of the VIOFO product line, has been producing all their dash cam models with supercapacitors, so we can say that it’s already a pro in beating the heat.

Next, let’s talk about the video quality of these dash cams. The Rove R2-4K Pro dash cam is one of the most affordable “4K dash cams” on the market, equipped with a Novatek NT96670 Processor, a 5MP Sony STARVIS IMX335 Sensor, and an F1.5 Large Aperture 6-Glass that delivers up to a resolution of 2160p. It covers a 150-degree field of view and sports Super Night Vision and WDR, which allows for clearer recording in low-light situations.

However, In our previous reviews for the standard Rove R2 4K, we found out that the dash cam only has a video resolution of 2880 x 2160P @ 30 frames per second, which is lower than 3840 X 2160P @ 30 fps. When running a real 4K dash cam like the VIOFO A139 Pro or the Thinkware U3000. Admittedly, when the upgraded Rove R2-4K Pro was released, we assumed that they would upgrade the resolution into true 4K – and they did. Now, the new Rove R2-4K Pro captures in 3840 X 2160 P and also at 1440P @ 60 FPS. But still, there’s a catch.

4K dash cams are supposed to have an 8MP image sensor, and Rove R2-4K Pro and the Rove R2-4K still use the same image sensor – a 5MP Sony STARVIS IMX 335, which is commonly used in 2K dash cams like the first generation A119 Mini. So, in terms of video resolution, we can also confirm that while the Rove R2-4K does imply that its footage was being recorded at 4K (3840x2160p), but rather it only records in 2K QHD.

The sad truth is that many dash cams, especially the ones you see in Amazon, pretend that they’re 4K. Meanwhile, here goes the VIOFO A119 Mini 2, a true 2K QHD dash cam but captures footage that we can say rivals many 4K rivals.

The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is VIOFO’s best-in-class 2K QHD dash cam, thanks to its Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675 sensor that records up to 60 frames per second – frame rate increased! While Sony STARVIS 2 is known for its excellent low-light performance, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 exceeds expectations with Super Night Vision 2.0, the first in VIOFO. Its highest resolution can be set up to 2592 x 1944P @ 30fps, or 2560 x 1440P @ 60fps.

Comparing the Rove R2 4K and VIOFO A119 Mini 2, we learned that the A119 Mini 2 has the highest sensitivity and lowest noise captures in nighttime driving, which also works best with its High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature. It also offers a wider dynamic range of 78 dB in a single exposure – significantly improving over previous STARVIS sensors of the same size. Pair it with a CPL filter, and a BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield to keep the view glare- and rain-free, and you’re very close to capturing 4K.

Standard in VIOFO dash cams, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 dash cam also offers 3 different parking recording modes: Auto-Event Detection with buffered recording, Low Bitrate Recording and Time-Lapse Recording.

The most important option here that you will use is  Auto-Event Detection with buffered recording. With this mode, the Auto-event detection will automatically record for 45 seconds while a moving object is detected. If any impact is detected, it’ll give you footage 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after so you can get a full understanding of the incident. Regardless of the parking mode you are using, you will need the HK4 hardwiring cable to activate this feature.

Meanwhile, the Rove R2 4K Pro is also equipped with parking mode, though not as advanced as VIOFO. This dash cam has three auto-trigger parking mode features, including Collision Detection Only, Time-Lapse + G-Sensor, and Motion Detection parking modes. If you want to activate this, you have to purchase a separate ROVE USB Type-C Hardwire Kit. It does not support buffered parking recording.

As of Q3 of 2023, both the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 and the Rove R2-4K Pro are priced at $129.99 USD. Compared to other dash cam brands like BlackVue or Thinkware, these two brands definitely fall on the budget-friendly side, providing you with notable features that don’t break the bank.

When comparing a 4K dash cam to a 2K dash cam, it’s normal to assume that the 4K dash cam would win. However, this isn’t the case with the Rove R2 4K Pro and the VIOFO A119 Mini 2  comparison review for multiple reasons.

First, the Rove R2 4K Pro, like its R2 4K predecessor, is not a real 4K dash cam. Its image sensor is a 5MP IMX335 sensor which is used for 2K dash cameras. While the A119 Mini 2, with all honesty, is a 2K QHD dash cam, its advanced video recording features like Sony STARVIS 2, HDR, and frame rates up to 60 fps firmly comes out on top here. Check out our sample footage and see how vibrant and crisp the videos of the A119 Mini 2 are, compared to the Rove R2 4K or even some 4K dash cams on the premium side.

Next, the features of the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 are more up-to-date compared to the Rove R2 4K Pro, despite being launched at the same time in Q2 of 2023. For the A119 Mini 2, the dual-band Wifi, built-in GPS logger, mobile app, Voice Notifications, and Voice Controls are really useful, especially with the driving demands of the times.

Furthermore, VIOFO has a stronger brand reputation compared to Rove. VIOFO dash cams are loved by dash cam experts in the industry, and even by everyday drivers in Reddit and Dashcamtalk communities. And with all the features, functionality, excellent video resolution, and pricing of the A119 Mini 2, you can already count us in too!