DJI Mini 2 vs. Mavic Mini vs. Mini SE: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Overview of DJI Mavic Mini, DJI Mini 2, and DJI Mini SE

| #1 DJI Mavic Mini

• Adorama: $239 (up to 2% cashback)
  

• Amazon: $298

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Released in 2019, DJI Mavic Mini was the first drone in the Mavic Mini series. At 249g, the featherweight flyer neatly avoids the need for registration, while its folding design makes it super easy to stash in your jacket pocket. Offering almost the same features as the larger and more advanced DJI drones like gimbal, altitude control, GPS, a remote controller, and subject-tracking QuickShots, DJI Mavic Mini instantly became one of the best miniature drones.

It can't capture 4K or 2K/60p video, but footage is nevertheless punchy and detailed, with decent dynamic range. And while it doesn’t offer object-tracking smarts, the DJI Mavic Mini can still do more than any other drone at this size and price: a 2.5-mile range and 30-minute battery life offer plenty of flexibility, while pairing with the DJI Fly app unlocks those lovely Quickshots for stable and effortless cinematic footage.

| #2  DJI Mini 2

• Bestbuy: $449.99 (up to 0.5% cashback)
  

• B & H Photo: $449 (up to 1.5% cashback)
  

The Mavic Mini 2 came a year later after the Mini, in 2020. With the same lightweight folding design, it remains a properly pocketable drone that doesn’t require registration in most regions. But the Mavic Mini 2 came with several significant upgrades that outdo the Mini 1 by far. It has essentially the same fantastic new OcuSync 2.0 controller from the Mavic Air II, with automatic frequency hopping.This makes it easier to fly and gives you an increased range of up 10km.

In addition, the Mini 2 is with 31-minute flight duration and five Quickshots. Photographers have been rewarded with Raw, Exposure Bracketing (though only 3 stops), and DJI’s spectacular automated panorama features, while video enthusiasts finally have 4K under 250g , topped off with digital zoom.

| #3  DJI Mini SE

• Abt: $299(up to 4% cashback)
  

• Walmart: $299 (up to 4% cashback)
  

Recently released DJI Mini SE  is an excellent upgrade from the Mavic Mini and a much more affordable option than the DJI Mini 2.It shares the same body as the Mini 2, with a folding design that packs up small enough to fit into a jacket pocket.

But in order to get that price down, the maximum video resolution is still 2.7k rather than 4K, the maximum speed is slightly slower (13 metres per second, rather than 16) and it lacks advanced photography features such as raw image shooting and auto exposure bracketing. The Mini SE does, however, pack intelligent flight modes which is a great way of getting good-looking footage with little experience.

DJI Mini 2 vs. Mavic Mini vs. Mini SE:  Full Comparison

At a Glance

Before you go ahead, there is a quick comparison between DJI Mini 2, DJI Mavic Mini  and DJI Mini SE for you.

Design

The three Mini drones are very similar in design. They are all sub 250g, weighing around the same as the average smartphone.  This makes them an excellent option for hobbyists who don’t want to register their drones. The FAA requires all drones weighing 250 grams or more to be registered with them. Even though the process is easy, not having to register is still cool. In addition, their tiny frames, coupled with the iconic folding DJI Mavic design, make this trio extremely portable, perfect for capturing content on the go.

The Mini 2 and Mini SE feature the newer, stronger style props that distinguished via the orange tips, so their built quality is better and more durable.

Unlike the Mavic Mini and Mini SE , the Mini 2 has air intakes that enhance cooling as the drone flies. It also has a status indicator button.

Camera

 DJI Mini SE,  DJI Mini 2 and  DJI Mavic Mini have the same sized 1/2.3” CMOS sensor. On the photo front, all three capture 12MP images.

The biggest differences between these three drones are the camera capabilities. The DJI Mini 2 can shoot 4K/30fps video, whereas the DJI Mini SE and DJI Mavic Mini are limited to 2.7K Quad HD videos (2.7K/30fps). But for most hobby applications, a 2.7K resolution is more than enough. After all, 1080p is often enough for YouTube and posting videos on social sites like Facebook and Instagram. However, DJI Mini SE and DJI Mavic Mini only produces photographs in JPEG format, not in Raw format.

In addition, DJI Mini 2 can get a 4X zoom , which can help spice up your photography sessions, while DJI Mini SE and DJI Mavic Mini no zoom available. But the zoom of DJI Mini 2 isn't entirely lossless. You can only achieve a lossless zoom at 2X. After that, the image quality deteriorates.

The DJI Mini 2 also has a superior bit-rate (100Mbps, compared to the 40Mbps of the Mini SE and Mavic Mini) along with better frame-rate options (for instance it can do 2.7K at 60fps), while the DJI  Mini SE and DJI  Mavic Mini miss on these feature.

Shooting Modes

All three Mini drones feature a range of smart shooting modes, known as QuickShots, to capture eye-catching content - quickly and easily. They all can utilise Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket, however, the Mini 2 provides users with the additional Boomerang function. In addition, the Mini 2 has a dedicated Panorama function, with Sphere, 180°, and Wide-angle functionality.

All the three drones utilise the DJI Fly App: An app which generates awesome videos with just a tap. But the Mini 2 includes Enhanced Photo, which enables content creators to download automatically enhanced photos directly in the DJI Fly app for instant sharing to social media.

Flight Range and Time

DJI Mini SE has almost the same transmission as the  Mavic Mini and can achieves a 2.5 Miles operating range, which is pretty standard. While the  DJI mini 2 is more powerful which is equipped with DJI’s OcuSync 2.0, a strong transmission system that increases the operating range up to 6.5 miles.

There isn't much of a difference in flight time between a Mavic Mini and a Mini SE,they both can achieve up to 30 Minutes. Thanks to more powerful and more efficient motors,  DJI Mini 2 can last up to 31 Minutes in the air. Overall, the three have little difference in flight time.

Controller

The Mini 2 comes with an upgraded controller, similar to the Mavic Air 2 controllers, and they can even be interchanged between these two drones. The controller of Mini 2 has  clamps coming up from the top to hold your smartphone in place which means that the phone-as-monitor, when connected, is at the top of the device, meaning less travel for the eyes while piloting.

In contrast, the Mini SE and Mavic Mini controllers feel more basic, with antennae at the top and fold-out arms beneath the joypad to grip the phone which means your phone live view screen is beneath the fold out antenna and body.

DJI Mini 2 vs. Mavic Mini vs. Mini SE:  Verdict

The original Mavic Mini was groundbreaking, and the Mini 2 built upon this solid foundation to provide a hugely impressive upgrade. The DJI Mini SE has mostly the same features as the original Mavic Mini, but comes in the body of the Mini 2. This means that the flight performance of the Mini SE is still better than that of the Mavic Mini, but its 2.7K video capabilities lag behind the Mini 2's 4K video.

So if you’re a professional photographer looking for a budget drone, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 is still the best budget camera drone. It features a 4K camera, better wind resistance, and better performance.

If you’re on a limit budget and don’t mind the 2.7K camera, the Mini SE is a good option since it costs $299, about $150 less than the Mini 2. If you already own a Mavic Mini, then you don’t need a Mini SE. Your best option is the Mini 2.

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