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I was really curious about the LINX Mini (A19), so I ran right out and brought one to try it out just for you. Of course, you’ve heard me talk about LIFX smart bulbs in some of my other articles such as this article, What Are the Best Smart Home Gadgets for an Apartment?
So, is the LIFX Mini everything I thought it would be? What’s the difference between the LIFX Mini vs LIFX (A19)?
Which one should I buy?
Read on to find out.
LIFX Mini (A19) vs LIFX (A19)
The LIFX Mini is a new addition to the LIFX models and it’s a smaller version of its bigger brother LIFX (A19) in terms of size and price. LIFX brand has a new feature called day and dust, this feature allows the bulb to automatically change colors temperature based on the time of day.
The LIFX Mini comes in three different variations, and offers a cheaper smart bulb, for those who don’t feel like spending for a premium version. The three variations are Mini color, Mini white, Mini Day and Dust. While the LIFX mini is identical to its big brother the important thing to keep in mind the maximum brightness is only 800 lumens vs 1100 standard LIFX bulbs lumens but the Mini is as bright as a standard home light bulb.
Set up is easy for both, just take it the box, screwed it in any lamp and run through the set-up screen.
LIFX Mini Day & Dusk
LIFX Mini Day & Dusk mode adjusts the color temperature of the light throughout the day. Inspired by the sun, the lighting will automatically adjust the times for the four-set periods of the day which are wake-up, day, evening and night light. You can change the type of light that you want for each. To be honest, we keep the light at 4000K Cool – 90% (Day), we rarely use anything less but it’s a cool feature to have. You can disable the feature from operating on certain days but you can’t set different schedules for different days.
LIFX Mini White
The LIFX Mini white is a great option if you’re not looking for any color features or turning features and just want an old-fashioned illumination, mini white is the perfect light for you. The brightness is 800 lumens and color temperature 2700K, the lifespan is around 22 years and it is much cheaper out of the three. The Mini white is set up the same as the Day & Dusk and the bulb can also be dimmed in software. I end up buying LIFX Mini white because they were sold out of the Day and Dusk. I end up using the mini white in our bedroom, and it actually gives us the same effect as our traditional illumination bulb.
LIFX Mini Smart Bulbs Features, App and Voice Control
I had no issues setting up the app, it was actually a breeze to download, set it up and join Wi-Fi network. Once both bulb and app were connected, I was able to control the bulbs through the LIFX app. In the app, you can use the strobe mode, rapidly flick the lights on and off which I used for Halloween but the kids were scared and music visualizer that flashes your lights in time to the music they were completely terrified.
LIFX App – Mini Day & Dusk & Mini White
The only issue I have come across is not with LIFX smart app but with Apple Homekit. The first few attempts gave me connection issues but after several attempts to connect, the bulb started working with Homekit.
LIFX Mini also supports voice control with your Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. So, you can now control your LIFX lights with some simple commands, such as,
Alexa…
“Alexa, Turn on the hallway light”
“Alexa, Dim the living room to 20%”
“Alexa, Set the living room to warm white”
Ok, Google…
“Ok Google, turn on all my lights”
“Ok Google, switch all my lights off”
“Ok Google, make my lights brighter”
Hey, Siri…
“Turn on my Sofa lamp”
“Turn of my Reading lamp”
“Dim my Bedside lamp”
LIFX Troubleshooting Setup
During setting up with Google Home I ran into another issue. For some reason, Google was not able to connect to the LIFX Mini bulbs through Google Home app. I had to manual connect Google Home to the LIFX bulbs, but after several tries, it finally worked.
Not sure if this is this could be a bug with the Google Home or LIFX app but if you have the same problem please click the link here for support.
Why buy the LIFX Mini Smart Bulbs?
Here are a few reasons you should consider the LIFX Mini, It’s cheaper, smaller, no hub needed and identical to its big brother LIFX (A19) which means that it’s a great choice for your smart home.
The LIFX Mini is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit, but you might have some difficulties to set-up.
Conclusion
If you want to buy LIFX Mini, I would highly recommend this product. My only concern is it is not as bright as the LIFX (A19). If brightness is an issue for you, I would suggest buying the LIFX (A19)
The LIFX Mini worked consistently and respond to Amazon Alexa, google assistant, and Apple Homekit.
It’s pretty easy to use and very few flaws. The LIFX Mini was the perfect fit for our home and I can say, it will be the same for you.
At the end of the day, LIFX made an entry price point for the average consumer who is enthusiastic about home automation. If you are going to implement smart bulbs for the first time then LIFX Mini is the way to go primarily from a price perspective.
Related Article: 3 Energy Saving Smart Home Gadgets To Save Money On Electricity
If you would like more information on LIFX Mini (A19) please check out my recommended gadgets page.
For more useful smart home gadgets, please continue to check out AutomateYourCrib.com.
Please e-mail me (rodney@automateyourcrib.com) your opinion, comment or if you have any ideas for a future post you would like to read, drop me a line or two as I appreciate my audience. Thank you again for reading this post.
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It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
