DJI Mini SE vs DJI Mini 2: Best Small Drone on the Market

Introduction

The DJI Mini SE was one of the strangest DJI releases to date, coming out without warning, with little to no marketing and their sales site using old photos/videos from previous Mavic Mini drone. What does the DJI Mini SE have to offer compared to the DJI Mini 2 (DJI Mini SE vs DJI Mini 2)? Let's take a look.

The DJI Mini SE is designed for stronger winds and remains under 249 grams which is ultralight. It is a successor to the original Mavic Mini, which it looks very similar to, but has it improved as much as the DJI Mini 2?

DJI Mini SE Specs

  • 2.7K Video Camera with 3-Axis Gimbal
  • 4 km (2.48 mi) Video Transmission
  • Stronger Wind Resistance (vs Mavic Mini)
  • 249 g Ultralight (no FAA registration required)
  • 30-min Max. Flight Time
  • Vision Sensor + GPS Precise Hover

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DJI Mini 2 Specs

  • 4K Video Camera with 3-Axis Gimbal
  • 10 km (6.21 mi) Video Transmission
  • Stronger Wind Resistance (vs Mavic Mini)
  • 249 g Ultralight (no FAA registration required)
  • 31-min Max. Flight Time (Longer Flight Time!)
  • Vision Sensor + GPS Precise Hover

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Mini Camera Performance

What we are seeing with the DJI Mini SE is the same 2.7K camera from the original Mavic Mini and 40 Mbps bitrate, while the DJI Mini 2 sees up to 100 Mbps bitrate which is a significant improvement.

WiFi vs OcuSync 2.0

Using the OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology, the DJI Mini 2 can transmit FPV video over a wider range of distance without interruptions.

The controller that comes with the DJI Mini 2 has the same unit that comes with the DJI Mavic Air 2 or DJI Air 2S. This means that when you buy it, you get a really solid piece of kit.

The controller that comes with the DJI Mini 2 is a lot nicer and more ergonomic compared to the older controller include with the DJI Mini SE.

I like having my phone mounted on top instead of below.

Wind Resistance

If you're thinking about buying the DJI Mini SE or DJI Mini 2, you may be wondering whether these models come with any wind warnings.

You will experience fewer problems with the DJI Mini SE or DJI Mini 2, compared to the original Mavic Mini and both are more reliable than other drones in the same price range.

How did DJI manage to improve the DJI Mini SE wind performance? Well, they used the improved Mini 2 body instead of the original aircraft body.

It would be interesting to tear down a DJI Mini SE to see if the internals are the same as the DJI Mini 2 or same used in the original Mavic Mini?

I would imagine that they reused the Mavic Mini board, otherwise they would have used the newer board, but sampled the camera down to 2.7K.

Both drones share the same body frame and feature a max flight speed of 16 m/s (56km/h), which makes them both more resistant to wind. The DJI Mini SE is likely to have fewer wind warnings than the original Mavic Mini.

Verdict: DJI Mini SE or DJI Mini 2?

DJI Mini SE vs DJI Mini 2

I had the choice between the DJI Mini SE and DJI Mini 2.

The one minute of additional flight time didn't really cross my mind, as it's a tiny difference.

4K UHD video, RAW file support and along with OcuSync 2.0 for the extra range were all important to me.

I went with the DJI Mini 2 for $400 (on sale) over the $300 DJI Mini SE.

It came with a total of two Mini 2 batteries and a decent carrying case, whereas the DJI Mini SE comes with a single battery and no case at all. A battery and a case can add up.

DJI Mini SE vs Mavic Mini

If deciding between the the DJI Mini SE and Mavic Mini, I would go with the DJI Mini SE because of the better wind resistance alone but at this point in time it's very possible to score an awesome deal on the Mavic Mini. :)

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