Blink Mini Review: Light functions, low price
"Just another mid-of-road offering in an increasingly competitive, affordable space."
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Affordable costs
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Easy setup
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Crunchy sounding audio
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Soft looking video footage
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Favorable construction
After the Amazon subsidiary Blink tackled the outside area with its wireless surveillance camera, it wants to repeat the same success indoors with the Blink Mini. What is remarkable from the start is the low cost of $ 35. The price alone is of course not a measure of the true value of a camera.
Easy setup
Setting up the Blink Mini is a breeze, especially when you compare it to its outdoor sibling, the Blink XT2. Unlike this camera, the Blink Mini does not require a synchronization module because it is directly connected to a home's Wi-Fi network. Which makes sense since it should be stationary somewhere in the house.
The app has a clear layout that allows you to quickly jump to a live view, view all clips stored in the cloud and even change some settings. The appearance of the app is not excellent, but it doesn't matter to me, since all functions of the camera are easily accessible and are not hidden under a cumbersome menu interface.
The basics of privacy
During the setup process, I had to check my email address to sign in properly. Although this was not apparent, it is actually a two-factor authentication. This is a relief as it provides an additional layer of security for those who are concerned about hacking. It is only available through the email address. You cannot select a phone number instead.
I am pleased that there is an option to set up activity zones so that motion detection can be set for certain areas in the camera view. I can block areas to reduce false alarms, but it doesn't stop the Blink Mini from constantly shooting footage when motion is detected in those zones – such as: B. a doorway, a visible pet, or other minor activity. In contrast, cameras such as the Google Nest Cam IQ use indoor facial recognition technology to only record when an unknown face is encountered.
The Blink Mini is currently uploading video clips to the cloud with a total allocation capacity of 120 minutes thanks to the free trial version of Blink's subscription plan. This will change as of December 31, 2020, when users will need to subscribe to the $ 3 monthly plan for additional cloud storage. There is no local storage, but the company plans to release Blink Sync Module 2, which works with the Blink Mini to store clips locally on a flash drive.
I am pleased that there is an option to set up activity zones.
When accessing a live view, a blue LED on the camera lights up to indicate that someone is watching. Although a visual cue is great, I would have liked an accompanying audible alarm.
A boring design
The Blink Mini's design is not pretty. It's generic and has an all-plastic construction that feels a little cheap.
I think it's good that the included USB cable has enough range to attach it to a wall. This gives the Blink Mini a more impressive presence than if it is simply placed on a flat surface. Because of the 110 degree field of view, it's best to place it in corners to adequately cover an entire room.
Soft in detail
The Blink Mini records videos in a resolution of 1080p. When you look at the footage, the details are a bit soft, which is to be expected given the price. Some other notable quirks are artifact elements that appear in the shadow, even when there is enough light, a colder color temperature, and the inability to process high-contrast scenes. It's far from perfect, but at least the footage can be used to determine who's in the frame and what's going on.
The infrared night vision ensures clarity when there is not much ambient light. Details have a significant impact, but this is generally expected. The built-in speaker produces razor-sharp audio data, making conversations in both directions child's play.
Our opinion
It may not look very pretty and it doesn't offer many features, but the Blink Mini has everything you need for a surveillance camera.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes. The Wyze Cam V2 offers an impressive array of features, including the option to turn into a webcam.
How long it will take?
It looks cheap and feels cheap, but if it stays undisturbed on a wall or counter, you shouldn't have to worry about it going bad. Blink offers a 1-year limited warranty against defects and normal use.
Should you buy it
If you have already invested in the Blink ecosystem, this is a useful addition due to the low cost. If not, you can find better alternatives without spending a fortune.
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