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With so many people on the road, ensuring your safety and that of others should be a top priority. A dashcam strategically placed on your windshield acts as an additional set of eyes and a reliable sidekick, protecting you against fraudulent behavior regarding accidents, insurance disputes, and other unexpected moments on the road.
If you are looking for a top-of-the-line solution, then Nexar beam2, Garmin Mini 2, and Thinkware U1000 are excellent options. All three models showcase advanced features and reliable performance.
In this article, we compare their specifications to help you decide which one is the best for all-around safety and security.
Video Quality
Clear and crisp video is where a dash cam gets all its praise, providing you with accurate details of what is happening on the road.
- Nexar beam2: The main (road-facing) cam’s capabilities include the ability to record with 2K QHD resolution. This excellent attention to detail is beneficial for capturing road signs, license plates, and other vital information in footage, both during the daytime and nighttime hours.
- Garmin Mini 2: The rear cam can record with 1080p Full HD resolution, a few bars down from the Nexar beam2. While this feature is praise-worthy, details may be a bit less visible with low lighting or camera uses zoom option.
- Thinkware U1000: The front camera records in 4K UHD, offering the highest resolution. This ensures superior detail in all lighting conditions, making it easier to capture crucial details like license plates and road signs.
Setup & Design
All three dash cams are designed to take up only a minimal amount of space on your windshield, providing a nice complementary aesthetic with the interior of your vehicle.
- Nexar beam2: With a discreet 0.2% windshield footprint, Nexar beam2 minimizes visual obstruction. Its unique design aims to make only the lens part visible, offering a sleek and discreet presence.
- Garmin Mini 2: Its dimensions of 1.22″ x 2.09″ x 1.14″ make it compact and the approximate equivalent in size of a car key.
- Thinkware U1000: Slightly larger at 4.33″ x 2.56″ x 1.42″, it remains unobtrusive with a sleek design that blends well with any car interior.
Footage Stored in Cloud: Unlimited Cloud vs. Recurring Costs
When we address the issue of storage, choosing which camera offers the best options boils down to collective convenience and cost in the long-term.
- Nexar beam2: With your Nexar Connect subscription, every incident and time-lapse drive is automatically backed up and secured in cloud storage, giving you immediate access whenever you need it.
- Garmin Mini 2: Data remains centrally restricted to the local SD card storage which is not included. While the Garmin Vault provides 24 hours to access cloud storage, you should prepare yourself to pay more money in the long run due to subscription fees that will extend your access to footage over the long-term.
- Thinkware U1000: Offers local storage on a microSD card and supports Thinkware Cloud, providing remote access to footage and incident alerts. Subscription fees may apply for extended cloud services.
Ultimate Connectivity & Smart Features: Your Roadside Co-Pilot
Smart alerts and connected features make your dash cam a dependable sidekick, protecting all those who ride with you.
- Nexar beam2: Comes with the very best in smart features and advanced connectivity to maintain your safety on the road. The built-in GPS tracking and LTE connectivity ensure real-time vehicle location via the app, ideal for monitoring family cars or finding your vehicle in large parking lots. Every incident and clip is uploaded to the cloud instantly, so you never lose crucial evidence. Emergency alerts automatically notify your assigned contacts with location data and a link to livestream your dash cam’s view, allowing appropriate help to get to you faster. Live Parking Mode (enabled by subscription) automatically records and alerts your phone if the car is impacted while parked.
- Garmin Mini 2: While compact and budget-friendly, it lacks built-in GPS and relies on synchronization with other devices from the brand for this functionality. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but lacks LTE support, meaning you miss out on real-time updates. Garmin’s Parking Guard feature works similarly to Nexar’s but requires a separate cable for continuous power and constant Wi-Fi connection for real-time functionality.
- Thinkware U1000: Includes built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Thinkware Cloud offers features like remote live view, geo-fencing, and impact notifications. However, without LTE, the real-time connectivity and instant cloud storage are limited, affecting the overall responsiveness and convenience.
Which Should be Your Next Dash Cam? Nexar beam2 vs. Garmin Mini 2 vs. Thinkware U1000
All three dash cams offer excellent performance, as well as astute design and seamless usability for users. However, your choice should ultimately boil down to your specific needs and budget.
Final Verdict: If you’re exclusively looking for a dash cam to serve as insurance backup, the Garmin Mini 2 might meet your needs. However, if you’re trying to get more from your dash cam—and are looking for connected features that can improve the driver experience through safety, security, and unparalleled command on the environment surrounding the vehicle—Nexar beam2 is your best option.
Nexar beam2’s supreme features with connected capabilities, such as GPS tracking, real-time alerts, and automatic incident detection, ensure you’re always on top of things and in control. The combined LTE connectivity and subscription plan set it apart, providing real-time updates and cloud storage backups, which are essential for modern drivers. Meanwhile, Thinkware U1000 offers top-tier video quality and comprehensive cloud features for those prioritizing performance, but it lacks the continuous connectivity functionality provided by LTE.
Never be scared to drive alone. Protect those closest to you as well as your investments by considering the purchase of a dash cam that not just records—but remains a true companion for your travels wherever you go.