Garmin Mini 2 Review
The Garmin Mini 2 excels with its compact design, enduring popularity, and the trust it commands as a Garmin product. During testing, the video quality at 1080P was clear and sufficient, enhanced by the wide 140-degree lens and Garmin Clarity HDR Optics. Night recordings are also clear, although slightly overexposed, which seems intentional in improving visibility. Voice commands function well; features like Parking Guard and Live View can provide added security when hardwired.
The Mini 2 doesn’t have GPS, so there’s no tracking of speed, and cable management may be a problem if you’re using the 12V power cable. The Live View and Parking Guard, although welcomed features, do need a constant Wi-Fi connection for it to work.
Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam
£89.99
Test Results of the Garmin Mini 2
Key Points in Brief
Enduring Performance:
A clear favourite
Yes, there are budget 4K options in the market, but the Garmin Mini 2 is a testament to the build and performance that stood the test of time. Its compact design, clear video, and advanced features like automatic recording, voice control, and Live View monitoring still make it one of the UK’s favourite choices in dash cams. Despite its 1080p resolution, the Mini 2 offers exceptional performance and reliability, earning its place as a trusted and enduring option for drivers.
Easy Set Up:
Plug-and-play
It’s clear why the Garmin Mini 2 is a favourite among users due to its easy setup. Connecting to the dash cam using my smartphone was quick, and I could find my recorded footage using the Garmin Drive app, which offers convenient options to transfer videos onto my phone and manual options to sharpen video footage. The microSD card (not included) can be used to transfer files to your computer if preferred. There’s also an option to upload videos to Garmin’s Vault service, which stores them for free for 24 hours, with monthly paid subscriptions available to extend this storage time.
Simple Design:
Convenience at your fingertip
For added convenience, the Mini 2 features buttons: one on the side to toggle audio recording and one on the back for manually saving videos, though the camera automatically saves footage upon detecting a collision. The Mini 2 is powered by an included microUSB cable and a 12V lighter socket adapter, which features dual USB ports so you can charge your phone while powering the dash cam.
Garmin Mini 2 In Action
Get a taste of what to expect
Conclusion
Performance Score
Test findings
The Garmin Mini 2 is an excellent choice for a compact and reliable dash cam. Its small design fits neatly behind your rearview mirror. It records clear 1080p Full HD video with a 140-degree field of view, ensuring you capture all important details on the road. The camera’s durability ensures it can handle harsh conditions, including direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Setup is simple, and connecting it to your smartphone using the Garmin Drive app is quick and intuitive. The app makes viewing and transferring footage easy, and the option to use a microSD card adds flexibility for file storage. Garmin’s Vault service provides secure video storage with 24 hours of free storage and extended plans available.
The dash cam includes voice control for hands-free operation, incident detection for automatic video saving during collisions, and a Parking Guard feature to monitor your parked vehicle when connected to a hardwiring cable. It’s powered by a microUSB cable and a 12V lighter socket adapter, offering a quick plug-and-play experience.
Overall, the Garmin Mini 2 offers excellent value with its user-friendly setup, high-quality video recording, and a range of useful features, making it a top choice for drivers in the UK.
Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam
£89.99
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