VIOFO A139 Pro 3-CH Dash Cam vs.
Vantrue N5 4-CH Dash Cam Comparison Review

In terms of dash cam channel configurations, the Vantrue N5 shows off its flexibility and coverage with a four-channel camera – one of the front, the rear, and interior cabin cam for the front, and another interior cabin for the rear.

The need for an interior rear cabin is interesting, although we don’t really find it necessary for everyday driving, unless, as advertised, you want to have a baby monitor.

The VIOFO A139 Pro only has three-channels, which we believe is truly essential. It serves its purpose to watch over passengers inside, while keeping an eye of what’s happening outside.

Moreover, we also discovered that Vantrue has also equipped the Nexus 5 with a Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor for its front camera, just like the VIOFO A139 Pro. However, the Vantrue N5 only carries a 5-megapixel IMX675 for its front dash cam’s sensor, so it only captures 2K.

Comparing it to the VIOFO, the A139 Pro is more advanced as it has an 8.24-megapixel Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 that captures 4K @ 30 frames per second. Therefore, the VIOFO A139 Pro offers a wider dynamic range in a single exposure, bringing much less noise and motion blur during day & night recording.

Here, we found out that Vantrue N5 doesn't have HDR for the front cam, but has it in the interior and rear cam. The front cam and interior cams support WDR, which isn't as good at capturing plates at night in our experience.

While Vantrue advertises ‘SuperHD’ resolution which we’re not really confident of, especially in night driving, VIOFO has already highly optimized the A139 Pro with another ‘Super’ feature, particularly Night Vision. With a type 1/1.8’’ lens with larger pixels, it brings in more light under the same illumination level and 4K HDR tech balances over dark and over bright areas to help accurately restore 4K details recorded at night. Complaints about Vantrue being challenging in the dark are not new, so we think that the A139 Pro stands out here.

The VIOFO A139 Pro’s secondary cameras capture Full HD footage with its 2MP Sony STARVIS sensors, and a 170-degree field of view for both front and rear. The N5, on the other hand, only covers 160-degrees for its secondary cameras. We think that the rear interior cam is also helpful, but only for longer rides like buses or vans. What matters more is that the video resolution is clear and sharp, which is highly valuable for all types of vehicles.

We also appreciate that the Vantrue N5 can be added with an optional CPL filter which reduces glare and reflections for its 2K front cam. Although, the VIOFO A139 Pro already comes with a free CPL filter, best paired with the BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield to keep your footage free from external and environmental elements like rain and dust.

The VIOFO A139 Pro is priced at $369.99, considering that it’s a true 4K triple-channel dash cam, and the first to have the Sony STARVIS 2. Vantrue’s N5 is priced 10 dollars lower at $359.99.

We appreciate the fact that Vantrue prioritized holistic security - both in and out - with the Nexus 5. The rear interior camera is a great addition, although we can only recommend it for longer vehicles like coasters or buses. The features of the Vantrue N5 is also a step up from the previous Vantrue models, and we really hope that Vantrue has improved the N5’s reliability, durability and performance.

The VIOFO A139 Pro is still our pick, as it’s a true 4K UHD dash cam with the most advanced Sony STARVIS 2. The HDR is also properly equipped with the front camera, unlike the N5 that only has WDR. So in terms of recording videos, even if it doesn’t have a rear cabin camera, you are assured that the quality is sharp and clear, not giving you a headache when it comes to sharing footage for evidence.

Overall, the VIOFO A139 Pro might be slightly 10 dollars more expensive than the Vantrue N5, but the overall quality, performance, and reputation in the dash cam industry is definitely priceless.