The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 vs Mini 2 comparison is a hot topic for drivers seeking compact, reliable dash cams. Both models are incredibly lightweight at just 30 grams! With over 1.5 million Garmin dash cams sold globally, it’s clear these devices are a favorite choice. Understand the differences between Garmin and Viofo dash cams with our in-depth analysis: Garmin vs Viofo Dash Cam.
I’ve been exploring these models recently, and the differences are interesting. The Mini 2 came out in 2021, while the Mini 3 debuted in 2023 with some new upgrades. Let’s dive into what makes each of them worth considering for your next road trip companion!
Which model is better for night-time recording without additional lighting?
When it comes to night-time recording without additional lighting, both the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 and Mini 2 perform well with their HDR-enabled 1080p resolution. However, the Mini 3 has a slight edge due to its integrated polarizing lens, which reduces glare from oncoming headlights and enhances clarity in low-light conditions.
While the Mini 2 captures decent details in dim environments, the Mini 3 provides better contrast and more defined visuals, making it a stronger choice for drivers frequently on the road at night. If night performance is a priority, the Mini 3 offers noticeable improvements over its predecessor. Compare Escort Dash Cam M1 and M2 to find the perfect fit for your vehicle: Escort Dash Cam M1 vs M2.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 vs Mini 2 Differences
Design and Build
When it comes to dash cams, the design plays a crucial role in convenience and usability. Both the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 and Mini 2 have their unique build qualities worth discussing.
Size and Orientation
The Mini 3 takes a new turn with its landscape orientation, measuring just 5.21 x 3.16 x 2.03 cm, making it even more compact than the Mini 2. While the Mini 2 sticks to the portrait style, both weigh a feather-light 30 grams, ensuring minimal distraction.
Mounting Options
The Mini 3 features a ball-and-socket adhesive mount, which holds securely to your windshield. The Mini 2, however, adds versatility with additional adhesive mounts for switching between vehicles. Both models are small enough to hide neatly behind the rear-view mirror.
Aesthetics and Practicality
In terms of looks, both models are sleek and unobtrusive, with a similar black finish. The Mini 3, however, saves vertical space with its new shape, making it ideal for smaller windshields. It’s also great for those who prioritize a tidy dashboard appearance.
Video Quality
When it comes to dash cams, video quality is non-negotiable. Let’s dive into how the Mini 3 and Mini 2 perform when recording on the road.
Resolution and Frame Rate
Both the Mini 3 and Mini 2 shoot at 1080p resolution with HDR support, ensuring clear and crisp visuals. They capture at 30 frames per second, a standard rate for smooth video playback. This quality is sufficient for reading license plates and road signs even during fast-moving scenarios.
Polarizing Lens Advantage
Here’s a significant edge for the Mini 3: its polarizing lens. This clever addition cuts down windshield glare, a feature missing in the Mini 2. It’s especially useful in sunny conditions, reducing reflections and improving clarity by nearly 20%, making footage even better.
Field of View (FOV)
Both models offer a 140-degree field of view, which covers a broad stretch of the road ahead. While it’s not ultra-wide, it gets the job done for front-facing incidents. Some users might prefer a wider lens, but this angle is practical for everyday driving. Explore the advantages of 4K over 2K resolution in dash cams: 4K vs 2K Dash Cam.
Setup and Usability
When it comes to setting up and using a dash cam, simplicity matters. Both the Mini 3 and Mini 2 deliver in this area, but there are a few differences worth noting.
Getting Started with Garmin Drive App
The Garmin Drive app is your go-to for setup, and it’s free on both Android and iOS. I found it easy to connect my phone via Wi-Fi in under 2 minutes. Adjusting settings like resolution or voice commands was intuitive and quick.
Installation Process
Both models include adhesive mounts, but the Mini 3 adds a more compact design. You can install either in about 5 minutes, and they stick securely to the windshield. Their lightweight builds (30g each) ensure no wobbling while driving.
User-Friendly Buttons
The Mini 2 and Mini 3 each have two buttons for quick access. One toggles audio recording, while the other saves footage manually. I loved how pressing the save button was effortless, even while driving at 60 mph.
Connectivity Options
Let’s dive into the connectivity features of these compact dash cams. It’s all about how they hook up to your devices and make sharing or accessing footage seamless.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Support
Both the Mini 2 and Mini 3 come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.4 GHz connectivity. This makes syncing with Garmin’s Drive app a breeze. However, the Mini 3 has an edge with improved stability, perfect for transferring those large 1080p videos quickly.
Lack of Built-in GPS
Here’s a downside for both models—no built-in GPS! If you want location tracking, you’ll need to pair these with another GPS-enabled Garmin dash cam. It’s a bit of a letdown when other models at this price point (around $129-$149) include GPS functionality.
Garmin Vault and Cloud Storage
Both cams integrate with Garmin Vault, allowing footage storage online. You get 24 hours of free storage, and for $4.99/month, it extends to seven days. If you drive often, this can be a lifesaver for keeping critical footage secure.
Storage Capacity
Let’s talk about storage, a crucial aspect of any dash cam. Without the right storage setup, even the best video quality or features won’t matter. So, how do the Garmin Mini 2 and Mini 3 stack up in this department?
MicroSD Card Compatibility
Both the Mini 2 and Mini 3 support microSD cards ranging from 8GB to a whopping 512GB. That’s enough space to record hours of high-quality 1080p footage without constantly deleting files. Just ensure you pick a Class-10 or faster card for smooth performance.
What’s Included in the Box?
Sadly, neither model includes a microSD card in the box, which is a slight letdown. You’ll need to buy one separately, which can cost around $10 for a basic 32GB card or $40 for a 256GB option. This is something to factor into your overall cost.
Storage for Long Trips
If you’re someone who takes long road trips, go for at least a 128GB card to avoid interruptions. For context, a 128GB card can store roughly 8-10 hours of Full HD video. With a 512GB card, you could store up to 40 hours—that’s an entire week’s worth of footage!
Performance Expectations
Both models are optimized to handle continuous recording and overwrite old files seamlessly. This means you don’t need to worry about storage management during daily use. It’s a “set it and forget it” system that’s incredibly convenient.
Verdict on Storage
The Garmin Mini 2 and Mini 3 are evenly matched when it comes to storage options. Just remember to invest in a good-quality card, as it’s key to getting the most out of your dash cam. Trust me, the peace of mind is worth the small extra cost. Learn how a Dash Cam and GoPro stack up for driving and recording needs: Dash Cam vs GoPro.
Voice and Incident Detection
Garmin’s voice control and incident detection are key features that set these dash cams apart. Let’s dive into how these functionalities make your driving experience safer and more convenient.
Voice Control Features
Both the Mini 2 and Mini 3 offer voice control, letting you say “Hey Garmin” to save footage or start recording. This is a great hands-free feature, especially when driving at 60 mph or higher. I’ve found the voice system to work reliably about 90% of the time, which is impressive.
The voice commands also let you toggle features like audio recording, which is ideal when you want some privacy. For instance, a quick command can stop recording when you’re having a conversation. The Mini 3 seems to pick up voice slightly better in noisy environments, thanks to improved sensitivity.
Incident Detection Technology
Both models use a G-sensor to detect collisions or sudden impacts, saving the footage automatically. This ensures that a critical 15-second window before and after an incident is preserved. I think this is crucial when driving in areas with heavy traffic or where accidents are more likely.
For extra security, the Mini 3 offers parking mode, which requires hardwiring the device. It monitors your car even when parked, recording events triggered by motion. The Mini 2 lacks this feature, so if you often park in public spaces, the Mini 3 has the edge.
Manual Save and Control
A button on both models lets you manually save footage in case you spot something noteworthy. I tested this during a road trip and found it easy to press even while keeping my eyes on the road. This feature saved a funny moment when a deer unexpectedly crossed the road, turning it into a keepsake.
Both dash cams provide reliable incident detection and voice control, making them convenient and user-friendly. If you need better voice sensitivity and parking mode, the Mini 3 is worth considering.
Additional Features
When it comes to extra features, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 steps up its game compared to the Mini 2. Let me walk you through what sets them apart and how these features can make your driving experience smoother.
Polarizing Lens for Clarity
One standout feature in the Mini 3 is its integrated polarizing lens, which significantly reduces windshield glare. This small but powerful addition improves video quality, especially during bright daylight. Sadly, the Mini 2 doesn’t have this, which might matter if you drive a lot during sunny hours.
Parking Mode Options
Both dash cams offer parking mode, but there’s a catch. You’ll need Garmin’s Constant Power Cable, sold separately for around $30, to use this feature. While this might seem like an extra hassle, it’s worth it if you want round-the-clock surveillance for your parked car.
Audio Recording Flexibility
Another cool feature is the ability to record audio along with video. Both models allow you to toggle audio recording on or off, depending on your preference. I find this useful for capturing verbal details during incidents, but you can mute it if privacy is a concern. Discover the key differences between Garmin Dash Cam 47 and 57 in our detailed comparison: Garmin Dash Cam 47 vs 57.
Pricing and Value for Money
When choosing between the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 and Mini 2, price is always a big consideration. Let’s dive into the numbers and see if the Mini 3’s added features justify its higher cost.
Price Comparison
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is currently priced around $129.99, while the Mini 3 comes in at $149.99. That’s a $20 difference, which might seem small but adds up when you’re on a tight budget. For the added cost, you get features like a polarizing lens and optional remote monitoring.
Cost vs. Features
Spending the extra $20 on the Mini 3 gets you a polarizing lens that reduces glare and enhances video quality. If you frequently drive in sunny areas, this upgrade is worth it. On the other hand, if you just need a basic dash cam for everyday recording, the Mini 2 still delivers excellent value.
Long-Term Investment
The Mini 3 supports parking mode with remote surveillance, but it requires a $4.99 monthly subscription. Over a year, that’s an additional $60. If you don’t need cloud storage or parking surveillance, the Mini 2 might save you both upfront and recurring costs.
Which Offers Better Value?
If you’re new to dash cams or don’t care about advanced features, the Mini 2 offers excellent value at its price. However, if video clarity and extra features matter to you, the Mini 3 is a solid investment for just $20 more.
Final Words
After comparing the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 vs Mini 2, I’d say both are solid choices. The Mini 3 shines with its polarizing lens and subtle design upgrades, but at $150, it’s pricier than the $130 Mini 2. If you value, added features like glare reduction, the Mini 3 is worth it.
However, the Mini 2 still offers excellent performance for its cost. Ultimately, it depends on your budget and whether the extra $20 feels justified.