A Look into OLIGHTS Mini Flashlight
In this article, we’ll look at the OLIGHT iMini 2: its practicality, specifications, build quality, and my experience with it, so you can decide if it fills a need in your life.
Specs at a glance
The iMini 2 has some fantastic specs and features:
- 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Turn the light on by simply detaching the body from the magnetic cap
- Brightness 50 Lumen
- Max Throw 21 Meters (68 Feet)
- Lightweight 19.2g
- Runtime 1 hour
- Water Resistance Level Waterproof
- Power Source Battery Internal Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
- Light Source Type LED
- 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: There is an integrated USB plug at the tail, which can be directly inserted into the adapter for charging. The USB port allows for a full charge within 60 minutes.
- 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: The mini light has a magnetic base to attach to any metal surface, leaving both hands free to do other things
- 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: Only 55 mm (2.17Inch) long with a weight of only 19.5g (0.69oz), you can hardly feel the weight on your bag
But why a mini flashlight?
I think it would be fair to say that most people don’t carry a flashlight. Many people rely solely on their phone for their illuminative needs. They shouldn’t. Here’s why:
The problem with phone lights
The average iPhone flashlight puts out a respectable 40-50 lumens. That’s typically sufficient lighting to be able to see whatever it is you’re doing -navigating a pathway, seeing a keyhole, or finding the airpod you dropped on the floor of the car that rolled under the seat where your hand can’t fit-. I digress. The problem with using a phone as your light source is often not the brightness, but trying to wield the slippery brick with one hand while fumbling the task with your other.
I’ve been guilty of it myself, trying to hold my phone while going through my key ring, fiddle with a padlock, work on something under the hood of my truck, and a myriad of other tasks; all while losing the function of an entire appendage. It’s just so awkward. I find myself frustrated like the Dad whose kid wont point the flashlight “where I’m looking!” Enter the dedicated mini light
Why a Mini light makes sense
More isn’t always better. A driver isn’t the right tool for the putting green, and a 2,000-lumen baton-style flashlight isn’t the right tool to get a better look into your glove box. Another problem is the size—a large flashlight doesn’t always fit into an EDC, which makes it not EDC. With a large light, you again lose the function of a hand.
Using a mini light solves this problem. It’s enough light for most daily uses, takes up little space, and can be easily incorporated into a practical EDC.
The iMini 2 activated, detached from its magnetic base
My Experience With The OLIGHT iMini 2
My first impressions
I’ve had my iMini 2 for just about a year now. I purchased the light online, attracted by its size, unique features, and its low cost. I was familiar with several of OLIGHTS products and knew them to always deliver in quality and value. When it arrived I was instantly impressed with its quality. The aluminum body is sturdy yet lightweight. It’s no cheap toy. Its magnet is strong, so losing the light portion isn’t a concern. I appreciated the extra silicone charger cover so in the event of losing one (I don’t know how you could) you won’t damage the unit. Charging is easy, remove the keychain clasp, the silicone cover, and plug the unit directly into a USB port. I’ve charged it using both charging blocks and directly into a computer. The magnetic foot is also very nice. You can stick it anywhere magnetic for a hands free experience. Its magnet is strong enough that losing the light portion isn’t a concern.
Why I like it
Since that day, I’ve used the light daily. The design made implementing it into my EDC easy peasy. I wear my keys on a carabiner attached to my belt or belt loop (depending on which set of keys I’m carrying) and simply snap the light onto the keyring. The light hangs just past my keys, making it easy to feel, grab, and activate without even looking. Because you can clip it to anything—your keys, a backpack, zipper pull, bicycle, Stanley cup, toddler, etc.—it can always be within reach and easy to use. My favorite feature of the light actually lies in its activation: you simply detach the torch from the magnetic base. Instant illumination. No looking for a button, no parts to twist. It’s just on.” The battery life of 1 hour means I can use often between charges, as most of its applications are brief . It charges quickly too
An anecdote
One day, during a trip with the family to Disneyland, I had the bright idea to listen to “Fortunate Son” by CCR while riding Indiana Jones.
In line, I readied the song on Spotify. When it was our turn to ride, I sat down in the tight seat, buckled in, ignored the warning to hold onto valuables, and threw in my Apple AirPods Pro 2s.
When the ride took off, I pinched the AirPod stem to play the song. Straight up, it was pretty awesome. The military anthem fit perfectly with the bumpy jeep adventure.
Then came a particularly violent turn…
One of my AirPods flew from my ear into utter darkness. My pleasure turned to panic in an instant—my AirPod was gone.
My phone was deep in my pocket, impossible to retrieve.
But I had my iMini 2 on my keyring.
My hand went to my keychain, and instantly I had a grasp on it. I pulled it from the magnetic base and it lit up.
I aimed it at the deck of the truck and scanned for my lost tech.
There it was, bouncing around and on its way to the edge of the passenger side.
I exclaimed, “MY AIRPOD!”
My brother, sitting in the edge seat, heard my cry and turned his attention to the beam of light on the ground. Under its glow, he spotted the earpiece too.
Right before its plunge onto the tracks of the ride, he pinned it under his boot. We both celebrated with laughter at the catch.
I returned the light to its magnetic sheath, deactivating it like a lightsaber. I had definitely made a risky choice—but I owe the recovery to OLIGHT (and my brother I suppose).
The Olight fits perfectly on a keychain.
Overall Review: Is the OLIGHT iMini 2 Worth It?
After nearly a year of daily use, I can confidently say the OLIGHT iMini 2 has earned its permanent spot in my EDC. It’s tiny, simple, tough, and absolutely reliable. The magnetic activation is genius, the build quality feels premium, and the convenience of having instant light on-demand is -dare I say- unmatched. It’s one of those items you didn’t realize you needed until you’ve used it a few times—then you never want to be without it.
The iMini 2 isn’t trying to compete with the Streamlight Strion DS HPL. It’s designed for the everyday moments: finding dropped items, unlocking doors in the dark, checking under a seat, navigating dim spaces, or giving you a free hand when your phone just isn’t cutting it. And for those tasks? It’s fantastic.
For the price, size, and pure practicality, I think it’s one of the best mini EDC lights on the market. If you want a small, durable, ultra-easy light that truly fits an everyday carry, the iMini 2 is a no-brainer.
Think the OLIGHT iMini2 is right for you?
If you decide the OLIGHT iMini 2 is right for you, you can check it out using the link below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support Tower Mills and allows us to keep bringing honest, experience-based reviews like this one.
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The Olight iMini 2 baring its integrated usb charger