Launch x431 V vs V+ – H2H comparison and review

The Launch X431 V and the V+ are two advanced scan tools that help diagnose your basic and complex car problems.

Although the two have similar features, you might want to consider the hardware differences before purchasing one of these. 

So, let’s compare the X431 V and the V+ to find which one best suits your needs.

Price and lifespan

The X431 V+ is a more expensive device and will cost buyers around $300 more than its counterpart.

Both scan tools offer a one-year local distributor warranty. However, these are premium products designed to last much longer. Buying any of these is a good investment for auto mechanics.

Other than the one-year warranty, the OBD2 scanners come with two years of free updates and lifetime technical support.

Launch X431 V VS V+ – Hardware comparison

These two OBD2 scanners offer similar features but differ when it comes to hardware. Check out the table below for a hardware comparison.

Screen and operating system

The Launch X431 V+ offers better hardware boasting a large 10.1-inch touchscreen with 1920×1200 resolution. This is a Full HD (FHD) screen with in-plane switching (IPS) technology, which will give you a much better viewing experience.

While on the other hand, the slightly smaller 8.0 inch X431 V comes with 1280×800 resolution. Still, more than enough to do any car jobs. At the end of the day, I don’t think you will use it to watch Netflix or something. So, as long as things are easy to read, this difference does not really matter to me.

Both of the devices use Android 9.0, which is totally amazing.

Processor and Storage

Other than bulking on the screen size, the V+ is also a much faster device. It features a 1.8GHz 8-core processor and 3GB RAM. It is more than sufficient to get the job done seamlessly. This is the crucial factor that makes the V+ $300 more expensive than its brother.

Both the devices have 32GB of internal storage. However, they do come with an expandable memory slot. The X431 V and V+ support up to 128 GB of expandable storage.

Camera and battery

When it comes to the cameras, The V+ wins again. It offers 5MP (front) and 8MP (rear) cameras while the X431 V just gives you 2MP(front), 5MP(rear). The major application I use with these cameras is to read VIN bar code and both of them can pull it off.

The two OBD2 scanners come with a lithium-polymer battery known for its fast charging and lightweight, unlike lithium-ion batteries (which you can find in your impact wrench or smartphone.) The Launch X431 V+ holds a 7,000mAH battery which lasts much longer than the 5,000 mAH offered by X431 V.

They have the same functions!

Since the two advanced scan tools are capable of similar functions, let’s explore what these devices can do.

Basic OBD2 functions

Both the devices have the basic 10 different modes that include the following:

• O2 sensor test
• On-board monitor test
• Component test
• EVAP
• Vehicle information
• And more

As obvious as it seems, the devices are capable of reading and erasing fault codes, showing live data, freeze frame, and other basic OBD2 functions. 

ECU coding

With ECU coding, users can reprogram their vehicle’s components, remove unwanted features, and even unlock hidden features. 

Complete system diagnosis with 30+ special functions

These devices offer complete system diagnosis beyond what basic OBD2 scanners are capable of performing. With more than 30 special functions, users can monitor and troubleshoot the following: 

• Injector coding
• ABS bleeding
• TPS
• SAS
• EPB
• And more

The devices offer a fantastic solution for troubleshooting vehicles for professional mechanics. It comes packed with features and functions that are bound to solve most of the problems in a car.

Remote diagnosis

Car owners can add their friends or mechanics using the application. They can send messages and even give remote access to them for quick troubleshooting. 

Mechanics are almost always stressed out on time during busy hours. Having remote access to vehicle data, test reports, complete system diagnosis, and more helps us save a lot of time.

All modules diagnosis in 10,000+ vehicles

Both scan tools offer compatibility with 99% of the vehicles worldwide. Providing compatibility support for more than 10,000 different types of cars, these are the perfect devices for all auto technicians.

The OBD2 scanners are also capable of all module diagnoses including the engine, transmission, airbags, fuel, lights, and other systems.

Conclusion: Which one you should buy

The Launch X431 V and V+ are both advanced scan tools great for auto professionals. Both the devices are capable of dealership level relearn procedures, but the V+ is an upgrade over the more affordable option.

X431 V+ – If you want a better one

As a mechanic, I find that the X431 V+ caters to the demanding needs of an auto technician.

It has a much larger touch screen offering a comfortable viewing experience. It complements that with a solid 7,000 mAH battery that’ll last you through the day. 

For around $300 more, the X431 V+ offers superior hardware. With a powerful 1.8GHz 8-core processor and 3GB RAM to go with it, you’re not going to run into any system failures or crashes during usage. 

The incredibly fast and stable speed is what you get for the extra 300 bucks!

X431 V – Good affordable option

The X431 V is a great affordable option for those not willing to splurge the additional $300. It has decent hardware for the price, not as fast a the V+, but trust me, it’s still faster than most of the scanners on the market.

More importantly, it has all the functions that the V+ has. If you don’t care much about the extra speed, big full HD screen, or the better cameras, Launch X431 V is what you should go for.