Blink Mini 2 has better night vision while Blink Outdoor 4 has better motion detection. Both are also great for indoors and outdoors, but Blink Mini 2 is a cheaper option for indoor use, while Blink Outdoor 4 has a more straightforward installation for outdoor use.
Blink Mini 2 vs Outdoor 4: Five Things to Consider
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
Looking for a budget-friendly, reliable smart security camera for your home? Blink has a range of options to choose from! The second-generation Blink Mini and fourth-generation Blink Outdoor cameras are the latest models in each product line, offering the latest features and improvements over previous versions.
Both cameras are great for indoors and outdoors, and have some similarities in terms of features and performance. However, they also have key differences that make one better suited for certain use cases than the other. We'll explain what we know about these two cameras in detail while comparing them across 5 consideration aspects.
Key Takeaways
Both cameras have similar video quality, features, and performance, but Blink Mini 2 has better night vision while Blink Outdoor 4 has better motion detection. Both are also great for indoors and outdoors, but Blink Mini 2 is a cheaper option for indoor use, while Blink Outdoor 4 has a more straightforward installation for outdoor use.
Blink Mini 2
Wired Smart Security Camera
✓ 1080p HD Video
✓ 143° Diagonal FOV
✓ Built-in Spotlight
✓ Work as a Chime
Blink Outdoor 4
Wireless Smart Security Camera
✓ 1080p HD Video
✓ 143° Diagonal FOV
✓ Dual Motion Sensors
✓ IP65 Weather-Resistant
#1 Price
Blink Mini 2
Blink Mini 2 is very budget-friendly. It costs only US$39.99 for the camera, but it is also available for a US$49.98 bundle consisting of the camera and a Weather Resistant Adapter.
Blink Outdoor 4, on the other hand, retails at US$119.99. This price includes the camera and Sync Module 2, which is required for the camera to operate.
Sync Module 2 is also compatible with Blink Mini 2 and is sold separately at US$49.99. Though the Blink Mini 2 seems to be much more affordable than the Outdoor 4, if we add up the price to include the Weather Resistant Adapter and also the Sync Module 2, the total cost (US$99.97) is not too far off from the Blink Outdoor 4's price. The function of these two additional accessories, as well as why we might need them, we'll be discussed in the upcoming sections.
#2 Design & Installation
Blink Outdoor 4
Though Blink Outdoor 4 can be considered a compact-sized security camera, it is almost 1.5 times the size of the Blink Mini 2. If you prefer a more discreet camera, then the Blink Mini 2 may be the better choice.
While Blink Outdoor 4 is powered by non-rechargeable batteries (which can last for up to 2 years), Blink Mini 2 is a plug-in camera that requires constant power via a wired connection. This makes the Outdoor 4 easier and more flexible to install, as it does not require access to a power outlet.
Both cameras have a sleek appearance and are suitable for indoor and outdoor placement. However, take note that for installing the Blink Mini 2 outdoors, we need the Weather Resistant Adapter. Even though Blink Mini 2 has an IP65 rating just like the Blink Outdoor 4, its power cable is not weatherproof, so the adapter is required for outdoor use.
Blink Outdoor 4 doesn't require a wired connection, so it is outdoor-ready without any additional accessories. However, if you want to constantly power it using a wired connection instead of batteries, then the Weather Resistant Adapter is also needed.
#3 Video Quality
Blink Mini 2
Blink Mini 2 and Outdoor 4 are very similar in terms of video quality. They both offer a maximum video resolution of 1080p, which is a standard for a security camera in the market today, as well as a wide field of view of 143 degrees, sufficient to cover a wide area.
Both cameras also have infrared (IR) night vision for clear footage in low-light conditions, but the Blink Mini 2 has an advantage in this aspect. It comes with a built-in spotlight, which can be set to continuously illuminate the area or to turn on only every time the camera detects a motion. With the added spotlight, Blink Mini 2 provides clearer night vision in color, compared to the black-and-white night vision of the Blink Outdoor 4.
#4 Smart Features
Blink Mini 2 vs Outdoor 4
Blink Mini 2 and Outdoor 4 share some basic security camera features, such as a live view, two-way audio, motion detection and alerts, customizable activity zones, and integration with Alexa.
Joining a subscription plan for US$3 per month also unlocks more benefits, including cloud storage, person detection, extended live view, and others. Without a subscription, both cameras can also save motion clips with local storage support. However, to add local storage, Blink Sync Module 2 is needed.
Blink Sync Module 2 is included with the Outdoor 4 in the bundle, while Mini 2 users will need to make a separate purchase. The Sync Module 2 will connect to the camera and save footage locally to a USB drive, then we'll be able to review the recordings through the Blink app.
Blink Mini 2 vs Outdoor 4
Despite these many similarities, Blink Outdoor 4 has one advantage in terms of motion detection. Blink Outdoor 4 is equipped with 2 passive infrared (PIR) sensors, compared to the single PIR sensor of the Blink Mini 2. Dual-zone motion detection means the Blink Outdoor 4 can provide better and quicker motion alerts, especially in outdoor environments where there may be more motion triggers.
Blink Mini 2 has a unique ability to function as a chime. If you have a Blink Video Doorbell at home, you can use the Mini 2 as a chime to receive alerts whenever someone rings the doorbell.
Blink Mini 2 vs Blink Outdoor 4
Final Thoughts
Blink Mini 2
Though both cameras are suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses, Blink Outdoor 4 is more straightforward for outdoor installation, compared to Blink Mini 2 which requires an additional outdoor adapter. For indoor installation, Blink Mini 2 can be much more budget-friendly, even though Blink Outdoor 4 is also great for indoor placement.
When it comes to performance and features, both cameras have their own strength and uniqueness. Blink Mini 2 stands out with its enhanced color night vision, enabled by its built-in spotlight, while Blink Outdoor 4 has an edge with its dual-zone, enhanced motion detection powered by its two PIR sensors.
If you like to read more about Smart Home Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Home Camera
Blink Mini 2 vs Blink Mini
Blink Mini 2 vs Wyze Cam v4
Blink Mini 2 Ring Stick Up Cam
Blink Outdoor 3 vs Blink Outdoor 4
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs Indoor Cam
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs Stick Up Cam
Ring Stick Up Cam vs Stick Up Cam Pro
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