Trying to decide between the new Blink Mini 2 and original Blink Mini? We’ve compared the two models
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly security camera to keep an eye on your home, there are multiple options out there to consider, but Amazon-owned Blink is a good place to start. The brand has several compelling options, two of which include the new Blink Mini 2 and the original Blink Mini.
Both Blink Mini cameras deliver high-definition (HD) video quality and two-way audio communication, making them suitable for basic indoor monitoring.
The Blink Mini 2 boasts several key upgrades however, which might make it a better choice depending on what you’re looking for. To help you decide which Blink Mini camera is best for you, we’ve dived into the design, features, and performance differences between these two cameras.
Blink Mini 2 v Blink Mini: Price
The Blink Mini launched in 2020, while the Blink Mini 2 is newer, coming out in the US in on March 14, 2024 and arriving in the UK on April 30, 2024. The Blink Mini remains in the line up, costing $29.99/£24.99, while the Blink Mini 2 costs a fraction more at $39.99/£34.99. A Blink subscription plan is also a good idea if you want all the features offered, with prices starting from $3/£2.50 a month.
Blink Mini 2 v Blink Mini: Design
The Blink Mini and Blink Mini 2 cameras share a similar compact and discreet design. Both come in black and white color options to blend seamlessly into your home décor and they both opt for a cube shape sitting on top of a circular stand. The Blink Mini 2 is a little rounder with a softer finish overall but unless they were side-by-side, you probably wouldn’t know the difference.
The two Blink Mini cameras measure roughly 50 x 50mm (give or take a millimeter here and there), making them easy to install in inconspicuous locations, whether that’s alongside some books on a shelf or on a TV unit. Or, in the case of the Blink Mini 2, outside.
It’s here that the key design difference in these two models lies, with the Blink Mini 2 suitable for outdoor use offering an IP65 water and dust resistance, if you use the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter (sold separately). The Mini 2 also has an operating temperature between -5°F to 113°F, compared to the original Mini’s 32°F to 95°F.
Elsewhere, the Blink Mini 2 is slightly thicker than the original Blink Mini, at 40mm compared to 36mm due to the inclusion of an LED spotlight, and it is heavier too at 65g compared to 48g but that doesn’t really matter as it’s designed to be on top of a table or furniture.
Blink Mini 2 v Blink Mini: Features
When it comes to features, the Blink Mini 2 has a wider field of view compared to the Blink Mini with the Mini 2 offering a 143-degree diagonal view compared to the Mini’s 110-degree diagonal view. This allows the Mini 2 to capture a larger portion of your room or garden, reducing blind spots.
The Mini 2 also boasts a built-in LED spotlight, as mentioned, which is included for color night vision, allowing for clearer footage during those night time hours with an image not too dissimilar to what you would see in the day. The Blink Mini meanwhile, has infrared night vision so while you can still see what is happening, you wouldn’t be able to see an intruder had a red top on, for example.
Another significant upgrade in the Mini 2 is the inclusion of on-device computer vision (CV). This enables features like person detection (with a Blink Subscription Plan), which helps minimize false alarms triggered by pets or other movements. The Blink Mini relies solely on motion detection, which can be less precise. It will still record the footage, it just may be more of a chore to filter through the notifications rather than being able to specify that you only want to be notified when a person is detected, for example.
Both cameras offer two-way audio for communication and they are both compatible with Alexa devices so you could ask Alexa to see your Blink Mini 2 or Mini live video feed on an Echo Show 8, for example.
Blink Mini 2 v Blink Mini: Performance
Both the Blink Mini 2 and the Blink Mini cameras offer a video recording resolution of up to 1080p. The Blink Mini 2 offers a frame rate of up to 30fps, which could translate to smoother video playback compared to the Blink Mini, but Blink doesn’t specify the frame rate of the Mini so it’s possible it is the same.
Both cameras offer a motion detection range of up to 20 feet, though Blink claims motion detection has been improved on the Mini 2, which may be helped by the computer vision we mentioned. Both offer the ability to create activity zones in order to mask off regions of your space to selectively prevent motion alerts however, so you get similar performance on the video recording front.
A stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz only) is required by both the Blink Mini 2 and the Blink Mini to operate and they both work with the Blink Home Monitor app. Both also offer cloud storage options through Blink Subscription Plans.
When it comes to power, both need to be plugged in. These are not battery-operated models. The Mini 2 has a USC-C connector, while the Mini has a Micro-USB connector.
Blink Mini 2 v Blink Mini: Which one is right for you?
If you prioritize affordability and are primarily concerned with basic indoor monitoring, the Blink Mini remains a solid option to consider. It delivers HD video quality, two-way audio communication, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, along with features like Alexa and activity zones.
That said, if you’re willing to spend a little extra, the Mini 2 offers a wider field of view, color night vision, person detection, and the option to use it outside if you buy the separate adapter, giving the Blink Mini 2 a few clear advantages and greater flexibility.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the features most important to your security setup and choose the camera that best aligns with your priorities, but we would be recommending the Blink Mini 2 if your budget can stretch.
FAQs
No, a Blink subscription plan is not mandatory for either camera to function. You can still access live view, record footage triggered by motion detection, and use two-way talk with both cameras without a subscription. However, a subscription unlocks additional features like cloud storage for recorded clips, person detection (for Blink Mini 2 only), and the ability to save and share clips.
No, the original Blink Mini is not designed for outdoor use. It lacks weather resistance and has a narrower operating temperature range. The Blink Mini 2, however, is weather-resistant (with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter purchased separately) and can withstand a wider range of temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor use.
The Blink Mini 2 offers superior night vision compared to the Blink Mini. The Mini 2 uses a built-in LED spotlight to provide color night vision, allowing you to see objects and people in their natural colors even at night. The Blink Mini, on the other hand, relies on infrared night vision, which produces a black and white image and is sometimes considered grainy.
