Three-channel dash cameras offer the ultimate protection by capturing the action inside and outside the vehicle. Both of these packages include front, rear, and inside cameras with some of the latest and greatest technology that will give you the image quality you need and offer a convenient way to share videos whether they are just for fun or because you’ve been in an accident. We are going to look at the features and functions of the Viofo T130 vs Vantrue N4 in this review article so you can see the differences and why we think the Viofo T130 is better (>>>Check its pricing on Amazon).
Before we get into how well these two camera packages stack up, we want to point out that in the U.S. there are specific laws that regulate how interior cameras can be used. Cameras that face away from the car are considered to be capturing public information, but cameras in the vehicle do not have the same legal protection.
If you are a ride-share driver, you should carefully read the laws in your area and understand that Federal law essentially prevents you from using an interior camera without getting the express permission of your passengers. With that said, one of our favorite uses for an interior camera is to protect ourselves from police officers who tend to lie and make other bad decisions.
Viofo T130 vs Vantrue N4 Side by Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Viofo T130 | Vantrue N4 | |
| Resolution (front) | 1440P+1080P+1080P @30fps | 1440P + 1080P + 1080P |
| View angle | 140° | 155° |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes (need to buy separately) |
| Parking mode | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
| Maximum capacity | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon Find on VIOFO.COM | Find on VanTrue.us Find on Amazon |
Viofo T130 vs Vantru N4 Specifications
There are a number of similarities between the Vantrue N4 and the Viofo T130 starting with the appearance. Of all the camera designs out there, this style is our favorite. Both devices use a slim, cylindrical shape that is unobtrusive and easy to mount to almost any windshield so that you get a great view of the road ahead without a distracting design.
Both designs also incorporate the interior camera into the front camera which makes installation simple and fast. We prefer the design of the Viofo interior camera simply because it allows the lens to be rotated to the sides, ideal for capturing images and audio when someone is at your window.
Both designs use a small, cylindrical rear camera that is discrete. The design is excellent, looks high-end, and blends in very well with most interior designs.
Front, Rear, and Interior Camera Capabilities
These two cameras are nearly identical in terms of resolution and video capabilities when using all three cameras. The Vantrue N4 is capable of capturing 4k images, but only when used solo. Both systems default to 2k+1080p+1080p when using all three cameras.
The Viofo T130 front camera provides both a front-facing lens that uses a Sony IMX335 sensor with 5-megapixel capabilities. The interior camera is mounted to one side and allows for 90 degrees of rotation, so you can easily move it from facing directly into the car all the way to the driver-side window.
The Vantrue N4 uses a comparable lens system to generate 2k+1080p+1080p images. It can also be configured to capture 4k and 1080p rear with the interior camera turned off. It uses a Sony STARVIS sensor that is somewhat better at low-light capture than the IMX335 sensor used by Viofo. The interior camera rotates up and down but does not provide views to the side.
One key difference between these two camera packages is the inclusion of a small display on the Vantru N4. The display is useful for accessing settings, viewing files, and checking the alignment of the cameras to make sure you are capturing everything.
Both rear cameras are similar in appearance with a cylindrical design that mounts to the rear window. Both designs rotate vertically but don’t have a horizontal adjustment.
Video Image Quality
Any manufacturer can boast about the quality of the image their product produces, but when it comes to real-world uses, there are some differences even when resolution is equal. That is the case with these two camera packages.
The first thing to consider is that the viewing angle of a camera impacts the overall quality of the video. Wider angle lenses will have more distortion, particularly along the edges where the fishbowl effect can make it very difficult to interpret fine details.
The Vantrue N4 provides a wide 155-degree front angle, 160-degree rear angle, and 165-degree angle inside the car. In contrast, the Viofo provides a 140-degree front angle and matching 165-degree angles for the inside and rear cameras.
In practice, the Viofo produces slightly more clear front images when all three cameras are used in conjunction, but the resolution pales in comparison to the 4k capabilities of the Vantrue when used alone. Comparing both images with all three cameras operating demonstrates how much more clear the front image is on the Viofo T130 due to the more narrow viewing angle.
Accessing Video Files
Capturing video files is only part of the equation. Once your camera records an image, you’ll want to view the files. This is a substantial difference between these two designs and one of the main reasons we like the Viofo T130 over the Vantrue N4.
The Viofo T130 provides Wi-Fi built-in so that you can connect your compatible smartphone and download the images quickly and easily. You can also use the app to adjust various settings, save, delete, and lock files, and numerous other options to get the most out of your dash camera.
Like virtually all of the other Vantrue products, there is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth built in. You’ll either use the tiny display screen to preview videos or you’ll have to remove the SD card and read it on a laptop or PC. This is an unnecessary limitation in this day and age and is likely a deal breaker for many buyers, including us.
Reasons We Picked the Viofo T130 vs Vantrue N4
There are two, main reasons we like the Viofo T130 over the Vantrue N4, and both are about functionality. The first thing that sets them apart for us is the rotating camera on the Viofo T130 interior cam. This lets you quickly and easily swing the camera to face your drivers side window when talking to weird people, cops, or your friends. No such ability with the Vantrue N4 means you’ll be getting as much or as little as possible based on where and how the front-facing camera is positioned.
The other thing that just bugs us so much is the lack of Wi-Fi in the Vantrue N4 design. Having to remove and replace the MicroSD card each time you want to view files is irritating and in this day and age, totally unnecessary. We consider this omission to be a big deal considering that both devices are approximately the same cost.
Individual Product Reviews
Viofo T130
The Viofo T130 is a three-channel system with front, rear, and interior cameras. It uses excellent Sony sensors in the front and rear cameras to allow the capture of 2k+1080p+1080p images while driving and while parked. The interior cam features four IR diodes to get great results even in near total darkness. Check related comparison vs. Viofo A139.
Pros
- Easily adjustable to capture just what you want
- Simple process for downloading and viewing video files
Cons
- The interior camera can only adjust toward the driver’s side while cops tend to approach from the passenger side
Vantrue N4
The Vantrue N4 offers front, rear, and the interior camera captures. The front cam can capture up to 4k resolution when used alone and offers 2k+1080p+1080p resolution in conjunction with the other cameras. Four IR diodes ensure accurate in-car images. Click here for our more in-depth Vantrue N4 review.
Pros
- Good looking package that offers high-resolution image capture
- No frills approach to camera safety
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- No app, so you must remove SD card to save files
Final Thoughts
The Viofo T130 offers at least as good image quality under all conditions and has the ability to easily rotate the interior cam to capture side views, something that is essential when dealing with law enforcement in the U.S. We like the design of the Vantrue N4, but the lack of connectivity options makes it inferior to the Viofo T130 (>>> Buy on Viofo).