Both are excellent: Mini 3 nails stealth and simplicity; X110 adds GPS and a screen.
You want proof when things go wrong on the road. I do, too. In my day-to-day drive, both Garmin dash cams kept me covered, but in different ways. The Mini 3 disappears behind the mirror. The X110 gives me a screen and GPS stamps for ironclad evidence. In this Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review, I share what I learned after testing both, so you can pick the one that fits your car and your needs.
Is Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 Good?
Yes—for most drivers, it’s a smart, low-profile choice. The Mini 3 is tiny, simple, and fast to set up. It records crisp 1080p with a wide 140-degree view, and the built-in polarizer keeps glare down. If you want a “set it and forget it” cam that stays out of sight, this one just works.
On a rainy school run, the Mini 3 caught a brake-checker cutting in and slamming the brakes. The polarizer kept the plate readable despite spray. Another time, I left my car at the airport. With the constant-power cable, Parking mode flagged motion in front of the bumper, and the clip synced to my phone before I got to baggage claim.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Ultra-compact body that hides behind the rearview mirror
- 1080p Full HD video with a 140° field of view
- Built-in Clarity polarizer to reduce glare and reflections
- Voice control and automatic recording on power-up
- Garmin Drive app with Vault cloud storage and Live View
What I Like
- Invisible install; no windshield clutter or theft magnet
- Reliable clip capture when it senses an incident
- Polarizer keeps plates readable in sun and rain
- Quick phone pairing; clips transfer without hassle
- Low heat footprint; it stayed stable on hot days
- Travelapse makes long road footage shareable and small
What Could Be Better
- No GPS for speed/location stamping on clips
- No display; aiming and review require the app
- Parking mode needs a constant-power cable (sold separately)
My Recommendation
If you want a stealthy, affordable Garmin that you forget is there, pick the Mini 3. Great daily coverage, minimal fuss.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Discreet installs | Tiny body hides behind the mirror |
| First-time dash cam buyers | Simple setup and automatic recording |
| Hot or bright climates | Polarizer reduces glare; stable thermals |
Is Garmin Dash Cam X110 Good?
Yes—especially if you value GPS proof and on-camera control. The X110 adds a 2.4-inch display and built-in GPS to the same 1080p/140° optics and polarizer. For me, that screen made setup fast, and the GPS stamps give stronger evidence when you need time, place, and speed.
During a late-night highway merge, a driver clipped my lane. I hit Save on the screen and confirmed the plate in seconds. Another day, I guided the mount using the live display, not just the app, which saved time. With GPS, my clips showed exact location, which helped when I sent the video to insurance.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1080p HD with 140° view and Clarity polarizer
- 2.4-inch color display for aiming and quick review
- Built-in GPS for speed and location stamping
- Voice control, auto recording, and on-device controls
- Works with Garmin Drive app, Vault, and Live View
What I Like
- GPS stamps make claims faster and stronger
- Screen saves time when aligning the camera
- Clear menus; quick access to saved clips
- Stable mount; minimal wobble on rough roads
- Same glare control thanks to the polarizer
- Great for road trips when you want on-the-spot checks
What Could Be Better
- Not as stealthy as the Mini 3
- Costs more due to GPS and the display
- Parking mode also needs a constant-power cable (sold separately)
My Recommendation
If you want the most credible evidence and easier setup, get the X110. The GPS and screen are worth it.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Insurance and incident proof | GPS tags add location and speed data |
| Hands-on users | Screen makes aiming and review simple |
| Rideshare and daily commuters | Fast on-device save and playback |
Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review: Side-by-Side Test
I drove with both for weeks on the same routes. This Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review compares what actually matters when rubber meets road. Here is how they differ in daily use, not just on paper.
Video Quality & Optics: Can They Capture the Moment?
Both use 1080p, 140° FOV, and a Clarity polarizer. Day and night clips were clear in my tests.
| Feature | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of View | 140° | 140° |
| Polarizer | Yes | Yes |
| Night Readability | Strong with polarizer | Strong with polarizer |
Rating: Mini 3 – 8.5/10 | X110 – 8.5/10
“Tie. Both deliver sharp, balanced clips with good plate readability and low glare.”
GPS & Evidence: Which Tells the Full Story?
Location and speed can settle disputes fast. Only one has GPS.
| Feature | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | No | Yes |
| Speed/Location Stamp | No | Yes |
| Insurance-Ready Metadata | Basic video | Video + GPS data |
| Clip Credibility | Good | Excellent |
Rating: Mini 3 – 7/10 | X110 – 9.5/10
“X110 wins. GPS makes your evidence stronger and faster to validate.”
Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to Use?
A screen helps with setup and quick review. The app works for both.
| Control | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | None | 2.4-inch color |
| On-Device Menu | Minimal | Full menu |
| App Support | Garmin Drive | Garmin Drive |
| Aiming Ease | App-only | Screen + app |
Rating: Mini 3 – 7.5/10 | X110 – 9/10
“X110 wins. The display speeds up aiming, saving, and quick checks.”
Size & Installation: Which Fits Cleaner?
Stealth matters if you park on the street or dislike clutter.
| Factor | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Ultra-compact | Compact |
| Visibility | Almost invisible | Noticeable due to screen |
| Mounting | Quick | Quick |
| Theft Deterrence | High | Moderate |
Rating: Mini 3 – 9.5/10 | X110 – 8/10
“Mini 3 wins. It hides better and keeps your windshield clean.”
Smart Features & Cloud: What Extras Do You Get?
Both tie into Garmin’s app, Vault, and Live View.
| Feature | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Live View | Yes (app) | Yes (app) |
| Cloud (Vault) | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Upload | Yes | Yes |
Rating: Mini 3 – 8.5/10 | X110 – 8.5/10
“Tie. Both share Garmin’s app, cloud, and helpful voice commands.”
Parking Protection: Do They Watch While Parked?
Both support Parking mode with an accessory cable for constant power.
| Feature | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Mode | Yes (with cable) | Yes (with cable) |
| Motion/Energy Triggers | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Alerts | Via app | Via app (plus GPS context) |
| Setup Ease | Simple | Simple |
Rating: Mini 3 – 8/10 | X110 – 8.5/10
“X110 edges it. GPS context adds clarity to parking incidents.”
Value & Total Cost: Which Feels Like the Better Buy?
Consider price, features, and the proof you need.
| Factor | Mini 3 | X110 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Price | Lower | Higher |
| Features per Dollar | Great | Strong (adds GPS + screen) |
| Best Use Case | Discreet daily use | Evidence-focused drivers |
| Upgrade Pressure | Low | Low (already loaded) |
Rating: Mini 3 – 9/10 | X110 – 8.5/10
“Mini 3 wins on value. X110 is worth it if you need GPS and a screen.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Mini 3 is the stealth champ. It’s tiny, simple, and records clean 1080p with a polarizer. In this Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review, it wins for drivers who want fuss-free coverage and the best value. The Mini 3’s compact design allows for discreet mounting without drawing attention, making it an ideal choice for those concerned about privacy. In terms of performance, a comparison between 66w and 67w shows both models deliver impressive video quality, but the Mini 3 edges out in ease of use and setup. Overall, it provides a winning combination of portability and functionality for everyday drivers. The Mini 3 also benefits from advanced features like built-in GPS and incident detection, which enhance overall safety on the road. For those looking for a comparison, a Garmin Dash Cam 67W review highlights its strong video performance and additional functionalities, but the Mini 3 remains a top contender for those prioritizing simplicity and value. Ultimately, drivers can count on the Mini 3 to provide reliable coverage without the complexity of higher-end models.
The X110 is the proof champ. It adds a display and GPS, which speeds up setup and strengthens evidence. If your top priority is credible, time-and-place video for insurance or rideshare, the X110 is the safer bet.
FAQs Of Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review
What’s the biggest difference between the Mini 3 and X110?
GPS and a screen. The X110 adds a 2.4-inch display and built-in GPS for speed and location stamps. The Mini 3 is screenless and ultra-compact.
Which is better for insurance claims?
X110. In the Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review, GPS data on the X110 made my submissions faster and stronger.
Is video quality the same on both?
Yes. Both record 1080p with a 140° FOV and a Clarity polarizer. My clips looked equally clear.
Which is easier to install and hide?
Mini 3. It’s tiny and vanishes behind the mirror. In the Garmin Dash Cam mini 3 vs x110 review, that stealth felt great for street parking.
Do both support Parking mode and cloud uploads?
Yes. Both use the Garmin Drive app, Vault cloud, and Live View. Parking mode needs a constant-power cable for either model.
