Differences Between Nexar beam2 and beam2 mini

A successful product or brand has to stand the test of time, and a part of standing the test of time requires staying in a constant state of evolution. As Nexar continues to provide products and services that help drivers experience a more connected drive every time they start their engines, our dash cams continue to adapt to the needs of every driver on the road.

We are excited to announce the rollout of our beam2 mini dash cam, which strikes the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and cost-efficiency in a pint-sized package. We figure the best way to provide information about our new compact dash cam is to compare it to its powerful predecessor – Nexar beam2.

Think of beam2 as the trusty veteran on the basketball team, ready to deliver for you when the going gets tough, while beam2 mini is the bright young upstart making exciting moves within the organization. Just like Nexar’s beam2, beam2 mini is more than just a quality dash cam. With a hardware price of $129.95, beam2 mini is a gateway to a safer, more connected, and affordable driving experience.

Nexar beam2 & Nexar beam2 mini Overview

Both Nexar beam2 and beam2 mini come packed with intelligent features that result in a more connected driving experience. Both cameras blend innovative technology having to do with video quality, connectivity, and user-friendliness.

Both models are easy to set up, easy to use, and packed with smart features. With your Nexar Connect subscription, you can take advantage of features like Live Streaming, GPS tracking, Live Alerts, and Parking Mode for beam2 and beam2 mini. For less than what it costs for your favorite streaming service each month, Nexar Connect gives drivers comprehensive worry-free coverage, whether they’re driving or away from their vehicles.

Side-by-Side Comparison – beam2 & beam2 mini

If beam2 and beam2 mini went toe-to-toe, which dash cam would come out on top? Well, the truth is that both the beam2 and beam2 mini pack a serious punch. It all depends on your particular needs and what you’re looking for beam2 is our welterweight dash cam, weighing in at 10.4 ounces, while beam2 mini is our featherweight, weighing in at 7 ounces. 

We’ll go deeper into our side-by-side comparison below, focusing on things like camera and video quality, memory/storage, connectivity, setup options, and safety/durability.

Camera/Video Quality

Nexar beam2 records footage in 2K resolution, featuring a road view camera (115-degree field of view) and an in-cabin camera (131-degree field of view), while beam2 mini records in 1080p resolution with a wider road view (160-degree field of view). The beam2 mini does not have a cabin camera. 

2K is typically better than 1080p. While beam2 focuses on capturing details ahead, beam2 mini focuses on a wider field of view. Rideshare drivers might be more interested in a dash cam with 2K resolution, while a college student moving to a large, boisterous metropolitan area might not necessarily need that sort of image quality. 

That’s not to say that 1080p isn’t up to scratch. 1080p is still a good resolution for dash cams, sufficient for most driving situations you will come across. 1080p is perfectly suited for capturing things like road conditions, street signs, license plates, other vehicles on the road, as well as traffic/driving incidents.

beam2 mini can see plates up to one car length ahead and the beam2 can see plates up to two car lengths ahead. Please note this is within optimal conditions with cars that are driving at a similar speed.

Connectivity and Subscription 

4G LTE connectivity is the name of the game when it comes to Nexar beam2 and beam2 mini dash cams. This enhanced connectivity allows you to access your dash cam remotely and view its live stream – from anywhere. 

Additionally, with a Nexar Connect subscription, these two 4G dash cams can automatically upload your drive footage to the cloud, which makes it easy for you to access and upload your footage from any location – at a moment’s notice. Let’s discover what The Nexar Connect subscription provides more. 

The Nexar Connect subscription provides unlimited cloud storage and powers Parking Mode 24/7 with both cameras. Parking Mode provides real-time alerts and automatic activation, instantly recording any impact or disruption when your car, truck, or SUV is parked.

Both cameras feature live streaming via Nexar Connect and provide live alerts to you and your emergency contacts. Both cameras also feature pre-paid cellular connection, or, in other words, a 4g LTE sim card.

Both beam2 and beam2 mini are also backed by a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Memory & Storage 

Both beam2 and beam2 mini come with internal memory options upon initial purchase. However, those looking for worry-free storage can find it with Nexar Connect. Major impacts/incidents are backed up on the cloud automatically while users can manually back up any footage they choose. AI-detected clips (like collisions and hard brakes) are backed up automatically for your peace of mind. 

With beam2 and beam2 mini, you no longer have to worry about storage space or tedious, time-consuming footage maintenance. 

Setup & Ease of Use

Both beam2 and beam2 mini utilize a true plug-and-play setup style via an OBD2 power adapter. All you have to do is install the dash cam, plug it in, and download the Nexar Connect app for easy breezy setup instructions.

Size/Windshield Footprint

Both dash cams are discreet and provide comprehensive coverage without disrupting the driver’s view. When compared against each other, beam2 mini sports a smaller design that results in a slightly smaller windshield footprint (0.15%) than beam2 (0.2%). 

Rugged Durability

Both beam2 and beam2 mini are ready to operate when the going gets tough. Suitable for operation in extreme temperatures, beam2 and beam2 mini continue to perform in temperature extremities (-4°F to 158°F equivalent to -20°C to 70°C). Especially in extremely hot, desert landscapes, beam2 and beam2 mini can work in extreme conditions for your protection and peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Connected Dash Cam for You

When it comes down to it, both beam2 and beam2 mini are viable, cost-efficient connected dash cam options for drivers looking for complete protection and are competitively priced, while supplies last, beam2 starts at $199.95 while beam2 mini is currently selling for $129.95 out the door. With Nexar Connect priced at $9.99 per month and $7.99 if prepaid yearly subscription plan, drivers can achieve peace of mind without breaking the bank. 

Drivers looking for sharper picture quality might choose the beam2 while parents looking for security and peace of mind for their student driver might zero in on beam2 mini, keeping in mind that it has the largest camera angle in our entire portfolio (160 degrees). Even students on a tight budget can afford this dashboard camera. 

Joining the Nexar Driving Community

Nexar dash cams provide connected features without breaking the bank, that much is true. But we also provide a more connected driving experience for our customers, with the primary goal of boosting everyone’s safety and intelligence on the road.

Purchasing a Nexar dash cam such as beam2 or beam2 mini gives you instant access to the Nexar ecosystem via Nexar Connect. We never want our drivers to feel like they’re on their own out there. Whether you choose beam2 or beam2 mini as your trusty sidekick, rest assured you’re in the best of hands.