Key points
- The Google Nest Mini, formerly known as the Google Home Mini, is a compact smart speaker that offers a convenient and affordable way to interact with Google Assistant.
- The first-generation Nest Mini features a fabric-covered exterior that comes in a variety of colors, while the second-generation model boasts a more sleek and modern aesthetic with a soft-touch plastic shell.
- However, if you are primarily interested in a basic smart speaker with a compact design and affordable price, the first-generation Nest Mini remains a solid option.
The Google Nest Mini, formerly known as the Google Home Mini, is a compact smart speaker that offers a convenient and affordable way to interact with Google Assistant. Since its initial release in 2017, Google has introduced a second generation of the Nest Mini, offering several improvements over its predecessor. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Google Nest Mini first generation and second generation, helping you make an informed decision about which device best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality:
The first noticeable difference between the two generations of the Nest Mini lies in their design. The first-generation Nest Mini features a fabric-covered exterior that comes in a variety of colors, while the second-generation model boasts a more sleek and modern aesthetic with a soft-touch plastic shell. Both devices are small and lightweight, making them easy to place anywhere in your home.
Audio Quality:
One of the most significant upgrades in the second-generation Nest Mini is the improved audio quality. It features a more powerful speaker driver that delivers louder and clearer audio, making it ideal for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. In comparison, the first-generation Nest Mini has a smaller speaker driver, resulting in a less immersive audio experience.
Smart Home Control:
Both the first and second-generation Nest Mini offer seamless smart home control, allowing you to control compatible devices with your voice. However, the second-generation model includes a dedicated Thread radio, which is a low-power wireless protocol optimized for smart home devices. This allows for faster and more reliable communication with Thread-enabled devices, enhancing the overall smart home experience.
Google Assistant Integration:
The Nest Mini is primarily designed to provide hands-free access to Google Assistant. Both generations of the device offer the same core features, including voice commands, music playback, and information retrieval. However, the second-generation Nest Mini has a slightly faster processor, which can result in improved responsiveness and performance when interacting with Google Assistant.
Connectivity:
The first-generation Nest Mini relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the second-generation model adds support for Thread and Bluetooth 5.0. The addition of Thread enhances the device’s smart home capabilities, as mentioned earlier, and Bluetooth 5.0 provides improved wireless range and stability when connecting to Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Environmental Sustainability:
Google has made a conscious effort to improve the environmental sustainability of the second-generation Nest Mini. It is made from 54% recycled plastic, compared to 39% in the first generation. Additionally, the packaging of the second-generation Nest Mini is 100% recyclable, demonstrating Google’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Wrap-Up:
The choice between the first and second-generation Google Nest Mini ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize audio quality, smart home control, and environmental sustainability, the second-generation Nest Mini is the superior choice. However, if you are primarily interested in a basic smart speaker with a compact design and affordable price, the first-generation Nest Mini remains a solid option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Is the second-generation Nest Mini waterproof?
A: No, neither the first nor second-generation Nest Mini is waterproof.
Q: Can I use the first-generation Nest Mini as a Bluetooth speaker?
A: Yes, both generations of the Nest Mini can be used as Bluetooth speakers.
Q: Does the second-generation Nest Mini have a 3.5mm audio jack?
A: No, neither generation of the Nest Mini has a 3.5mm audio jack.
Q: Can I control my TV with the Nest Mini?
A: Yes, you can control compatible TVs with the Nest Mini using voice commands or the Google Home app.
Q: Does the second-generation Nest Mini support Matter?
A: No, neither generation of the Nest Mini currently supports Matter, but Google has announced plans to add Matter support in the future.