Bang for Your Buck, Without the Bulk
VIOFO A119 V3 vs. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Simple, compact, and budget-friendly. The designers of the Garmin Mini 2 and the VIOFO A119 V3 must have kept these three things in mind when creating these single-channel dashcams.
These low-cost dash cams cost around $100 and are considered best-sellers for their respective brands. While both are highly rated, we will help you determine which is better suited to your video recording and driving needs in this review.
Review: Garmin Mini 2 Dashcam
The Garmin Mini 2 is one of the market's smallest and least noticeable dash cams. This 1-channel camera, which is almost the size of a key fob, can be neatly installed behind your rearview mirror.
Can the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 Record Full HD?
Despite its small size, the Mini 2 records in Full HD at 30 frames per second through a 140-degree lens. It trails other Garmin models which shoot at 1440p via wider, 180-degree lenses. However, 1080p is adequate for a dash cam, particularly one as small and inexpensive as this one.
Does the Mini 2 Dash Camera have Voice Commands?
The Dash Cam Mini 2 has only two buttons. One on the side turns on and off audio recording, while another on the back saves the most recent segment of videos. Voice commands are fantastic because the driver can stay in place and ask the device to save and play videos more responsively than other models in their price range.
Does the Mini 2 Dashcam have GPS?
However, a disadvantage of this dash cam is it is not equipped with a GPS. Rather, locational data can only be collected if the device is connected with a GPS-enabled Garmin dashcam via the Drive mobile app.
Does the Mini 2 have Parking Mode?
The Mini 2 also has parking mode, although it requires the purchase of a separate Garmin Constant Power Cable for hardwiring. The Mini 2 also lacks driver assistance features in comparison to other models in the Garmin range of dash cams.
Review: VIOFO A119 V3 Dash Camera
Launched in 2019, the VIOFO A119 V3 is an upgraded model of the popular A119 series, replacing the A119S and the A119 Pro.
The VIOFO A119 V3 is the most recommended 2K QHD dash cam on Reddit and the DashcamTalk. With the new Sony Starvis 5MP technology and advanced Parking Mode features, the VIOFO A119 V3 is the top model in the A119 Series, offering brighter, clearer and more detailed images captured in day or nighttime lighting for super clear night vision.
Does the VIOFO A119 V3 Dash Cam Have Night Vision?
The VIOFO A119 V3's 5MP Sony STARVIS image sensor showcases clear vibrant colors in 2K QHD+ @30FPS, giving you clearer and sharper video quality with key details like road signs and license plates evident in both night and daylight settings.
Does the VIOFO A119 V3 Support 4K?
Because the Sony IMX335 sensor is used in the VIOFO A119 V3, this dash cam can also support interpolated 2160P resolution. In fact, VIOFO has implemented the 2880*2160P 30FPS on the A119 V3 V2.5 version.
Is the A119 V3 Easy to Install?
However, unlike the Mini 2 which doesn't have a display, the VIOFO A119 V3 has a 2-inch LCD screen and five buttons for adjusting menu settings and playing back recorded video. It also employs a quick-release mount to simplify and user-friendly installation on the windshield.
What are the A119 V3's Parking Modes?
The buffered parking recording feature includes the 15 seconds preceding and 30 seconds following the triggered event, giving you more concrete evidence. You'll need the HK3 hard-wire kit if you want to use it. In addition to buffered parking mode, it has a low bit rate and a time-lapse function.
Unlike certain dash cams that can record at a low frame rate while parked, the VIOFO A119 V3 dash cam offers a supercapacitor rather than a battery.
Does the A119 V3 Have GPS?
Another feature that sets it apart from the Garmin Mini 2 is its GPS. This VIOFO A119 V3 includes an external GPS module that tracks speed and route in your video footage. The GPS will also sync the A119 V3's clock with the GPS time, allowing your video files to be properly time-stamped.
Conclusion: Best Dash Cam Around $100
Both dashcams are valid contenders under the Best Budget models in the market. They offer the essentials of capturing quality videos with their front camera but don't have the extras such as Wi-Fi, lane departure notifications, a microSD card, or a rear camera.
With its size, the capacity of the Garmin Mini 2 to produce full HD is already impressive. However, even though Garmin is known for its GPS tracking devices, it didn't include a GPS for this model. It's really just the image quality and compactness of the device that make it stand out.
If you want a dash cam and have the same budget, you can already have an HDR that supports up to 4K resolution, three parking modes with motion detection, and a GPS useful for tracking evidence on the footage. That's what the VIOFO A119 V3 can offer that the Mini 2 cannot - which is loved by many users in credible dash cam forums, and at BlackboxMyCar.
