The DJI Mavic Mini is perhaps the most popular foldable drone on the market, in part because it is such a great product, in part because it was the first of its kind. Now competition is starting to gain a foothold. Can the Holy Stone HS720 compete with the DJI Mavic Mini? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
- About the Holy Stone HS720
- About the DJI Mavic Mini
- How Are the Holy Stone HS720 and DJI Mavic Mini Different?
- How Are the Holy Stone HS720 and DJI Mavic Mini Similar?
- What’s Better About the Holy Stone HS720?
- What’s Better About the DJI Mavic Mini?
- Who Should Get the Holy Stone HS720?
- Who Should Get the DJI Mavic Mini?
- Final Thoughts
The comparison between Holy Stone HS720 and DJI Mavic Mini isn’t about deciding the superior brand. Without a doubt, DJI is ahead of the former. However, it’s only natural for competition to enter the market and attempt to gain a slice of the pie.
One of these competing players is Holy Stone. They have released a wide range of drones, covering most of the consumer drone market. The HS720 is aimed to be a direct competitor to the Mavic Mini.
At first glance, it looks like the HS720 offers most of the same features at a lower price point. So how do the two drones stack up and is the Mavic Mini worth the higher price tag, or should you go for the underdog HS720 and keep some money in your pocket?
This comprehensive review has all the answers to enable you to make the right decision.
| Holy Stone HS720 | DJI Mavic Mini | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Dimensions (folded) | 6.8×4.1×2.2 in | 5.5×3.2×2.2 in |
| Weight | 459 grams 16.2 oz | 249 gram 8.78 oz |
| Flying Time | 26 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Max Speed | 44 mph | 29 mph |
| Photo | 1/3″ CMOS | 1/2.3” CMOS |
| Video | 4K | 2.7K, FHD |
| More Details & Price | More Details & Price |
About the Holy Stone HS720
Holy Stone is an industry leader in consumer drone production, reputable for producing excellent-performance quadcopters. The HS720, their latest release, promises an exciting flying experience to enthusiasts around the globe.
In the box, you’ll find:
- One drone and transmitter
- A set of drone batteries
- Four extra propellers
- A USB charging cable
- Once charger Hub
- A screwdriver
- A carrying bag
- Instructions for use
Design
The brand’s design is outstanding. It’s made of quality, durable plastic, and its back color delivers a premium feel.
The drone also stands out with its elegant folding structure, and the all-black color gives it a futuristic look. In essence, the Holy Stone HS720E gives the impression of a modern consumer drone.
Features
Holy Stone HS720E stands out because it comes with a 4K anti-shake camera. It delivers outstanding video quality thanks to its Electric Image Stabilization (EIS) technology and Sony sensors comprising an advanced image capturing and grander image quality.
Most users prefer the drone due to its ease of operation. It’s equipped with air pressure control that lets it float stably outdoors and indoors, and has an Auto Return to Home feature, so you won’t worry about losing your drone.
The drone’s advanced flight mode facilitates automatic flights, hence easier to create quality images and videos. It also has a brushless motor that makes it less noisy while flying fast and stable.
It’s easier motorbike maintenance helps extend the drone’s service life. What’s more, you’ll never worry about running out of battery power–the battery delivers 23 minutes of flight, and it comes with a pair of extra batteries, which extend this duration up to 46 minutes.
- 4K UHD Camera with Image Stabilization:...
- GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight: Never...
- Configuration Upgrade: The 2 intelligent...
Pros
- Easy to use
- Foldable design
- Great maximum range
- Decent battery life
- Advanced flight modes
- Longer flight time
- Great camera resolution
- Powerful 4K EIS anti-shake camera
- Excellent customer service
- Brushless motors
- GPS enabled
Cons
- Longer charging time
- Must have a replacement battery
- No image stabilization
- Weighs 460 g, so you must register it with the relevant government body
The drone comes in a great design that’s practical and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. It also has excellent and high functionality accessories, including the camera, transmitter, and battery.
About the DJI Mavic Mini
Related: DJI Mini 2 vs DJI Air 2S | DJI Mini 2 vs Mini SE
This brand is DJI’s latest attempt to deliver an entry-level drone. It’s not the company’s first product but part of the Phantom series known for its low-cost models.
In the box, you’ll find:
- One drone and controller
- Gimbal protector
- RC cables and micro USB cable
- Intelligent flight battery
- Extra propellers and control sticks
- Extra screws and a screwdriver
Design
The DJI Mavic Mini drone boasts a super sleek design and weighs almost the same as a smartphone device.
This small design makes the drone very portable and usable across all fields. Notably, it’s among the safest and lowest-weight drones at its level.
Features
One of the drone’s most attractive features is its easy-to-use mobile application. You can achieve an intuitive experience with only a few taps, and you can be sure of cinematic shots.
DJI Mavic Mini also comes with a Flight Tutorial to help you fly the drone safer. Despite its compact appearance, it can still capture your moments.
It’s below the minimum weight requirement; hence you can fly it without registering with the government, whether in the US or Canada.
DJI Mavic Mini comes with a 12-megapixel camera that can capture 2.7 HD videos. It also comprises a three-axis motorized gimbal that makes the camera more stable and ensures seamless footage.
Its lighter weight allows it to stay in the air for long. With a full battery, you can enjoy a flight time of up to 30 minutes.
- Weighing less than 0 55lbs / 250 grams...
- The compact yet powerful Mavic Mini...
- Mavic Mini's weight allows it to stay in...
Pros
- Potent camera
- Lightweight
- Superior camera stability
- External memory slot
- Includes gyroscope
- High-level product
- Stable video capturing
Cons
- Lacks image stabilization and obstacle detection sensors
- No object tracking
- Doesn’t support HDR or raw images
- No headless mode
In essence, the DJI Mavic Mini is an excellent addition to the brand’s product lineup, and its features make it a terrific refinement of what casual drone users expect.
Despite its lower-resolution camera and fewer features than its costlier predecessors, it’s okay for anyone who often wishes to fly their drone.
How Are the Holy Stone HS720 and DJI Mavic Mini Different?
The Holy Stone HS720 and DJI Mavic Mini drones have several striking differences in features, accessories, and capabilities. Let’s explore the main distinguishing factors between these drones:
| Holy Stone HS720 | DJI Mavic Mini | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Dimensions (folded) | 6.8×4.1×2.2 in | 5.5×3.2×2.2 in |
| Weight | 459 grams 16.2 oz | 249 gram 8.78 oz |
| Flying Time | 26 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Max Speed | 44 mph | 29 mph |
| Photo | 1/3″ CMOS | 1/2.3” CMOS |
| Video | 4K | 2.7K, FHD |
| More Details & Price | More Details & Price |
Flight Performance and Features
The Holy Stone HS720 is mainly preferred due to its flight modes, including waypoint, orbit, and follow me. This is the brand’s most outstanding advantage.
It also comes with an automatic return-to-home capability which you can activate using the remote controller or application. This feature automatically starts when the drone runs out of battery or loses connection. Notably, this feature is also available in DJI Mavic Mini.
The HS720 is controlled through the Ophelia Go Android or iOS app. This is one decent application, but the screen occasionally freezes up when using the FPV feature.
Fortunately, the future works better if your device uses 5G Wi-Fi technology.
On the other hand, DJI’s Mavic Mini is light and smaller and can fly in moderate wind. With three flight modes, the drone can hit up to 30 miles/hour in sports mode.
Its official flight time is about 30 minutes. However, the real time is closer to 28 minutes, which is still pretty impressive.
Notably, this is the only drone at its level that lacks intelligent flight modes, which is a bit disappointing considering Holy Stone HS720 comes with three.
Still, it comes with four pre-programmed flight modes known as QuickShots. These allow you to create brief cinematic footage entirely hands-free.
Another cool Mavic Mini feature is DJI Fly App that has a simple, easy-to-use interface. You can edit your videos on the app and share them on your social media pages.
Camera
Holy Stone HS720’s camera is the better option here. You can capture pictures in 4K and videos in 2K. It comes with a wide-angle FOV lens, and you can adjust it 90 degrees remotely.
It also has a 1/3 inch CMOS sensor, and you need a micro SD card when recording. While the drone may deliver decent videos, it doesn’t have a stabilization system.
Now, the DJI Mavic Mini has a 2.7K camera that can record 180p at 30 frames per second. It’s placed on a three-axis gimbal for stability so that the images won’t be shaky and blurry.
Furthermore, this camera has a CMOS sensor that can capture images in 12MP. However, professional photographers find it disappointing that it only delivers JPEG photos.
Design and Build
Both brands look great and don’t have any design problems. However, they display slight differences in design.
The Holy Stone HS720 is also well designed, affordable, and has a handy case that simplifies storage and transportation. Brushless motors are part of the package, a feature that’s not common among most Holy Stone products.
This drone is slightly heavier than its counterpart, weighing 460 g. So you must register it with the FAA to use it legally.
Its GPS feature allows for easy and precise tracking via the smartphone. What’s more, it achieves better hovering thanks to its optical flow sensor and flight features.
It comes with a 2800mAh 7.4volt lithium polymer battery that delivers about 22 minutes flight time. Its well-designed controller looks like the drone, but its range is shorter than that of the Mavic Mini – it can only go 900 meters from the controller running on a pair of AA batteries.
Now let’s look at the Mavic Mini drone. It’s robust and small, an attribute that lives up to its DJI title. Its size can perfectly fit in your palm, and it’s light.
Despite its tiny and lightweight nature, the drone has potent brushless motors and GPS capacities to maintain its stability while in the air.
The pair of GPS systems and advanced brushless motors allow it to hover precisely. It also comes with optical and infrared sensors that successfully aid orientation and prevent any crash, making the drone perfect for indoor flying.
This drone has a 2.400mAh lithium polymer battery, and changing many things can reduce the flight time. Still, its average flight time is remarkable, and that’s why it’s among the most reliable brands.
Apart from its robust build, the drone can reach up to four kilometers from the controller.
Dimensions
First, the two products have different volumes, which refers to the quantity of three-dimensional space the either product’s chassis encloses or the space they occupy. DJI Mavic Mini has a volume of 1555.4cm³, while Holy Stone HS720E has a volume of 4691.04cm³.
Also, the former is 55mm thick, while the latter is 58mm. Typically, a thinner chassis is preferred because it makes the product more portable and compact.
Finally, the two have different heights, which represents their vertical. The former is 202mm, and the latter is 240 mm.
How Are the Holy Stone HS720 and DJI Mavic Mini Similar?
These two drones may have contrasting features, but they also share several similarities.
For instance, both drones have great designs and look good. They’re both foldable, hence more practical and easier to transport.
Also, each of the brands delivers excellent flight performance. They hover with precision, are easy to control, and most features function as expected.
As you would expect, either product comes protected with additional seals. These are there to safeguard failures resulting from raindrops, dust, and water splashes.
What’s Better About the Holy Stone HS720?
Surprisingly, Holy Stone HS720 has a few outstanding features. These include:
- A greater battery power by 7.69% (2800mAh compared to 2600mAh)
- A wider field of view by 44.58% (120° compared to 83°)
What’s Better About the DJI Mavic Mini?
As you already know, DJI Mavic Mini is a higher-level product compared to Holy Stone HS720. the following excellent features make it stand out from the latter:
- The main camera delivers 1.7 times better video quality (1530 x 30fpsvs1080 x 25fps)
- It comes with a serial shot mode
- It delivers a ten-minute longer flight time (30 minutes compared to 20 minutes delivered by Holy Stone HS720)
- It comes with a 24-pixel cinema mode
- There’s a slot for external memory
- It comes with a compass, gyroscope, and an accelerometer
Who Should Get the Holy Stone HS720?
The HS720, is ideal for starting and intermediate-level pilots looking for an affordable product that offers advanced features only available on high-end drones.
Its three-axis gimbal camera is ideal for creating stable 4K footage. So if you require an excellent gadget for high-end aerial photography and an easy-to-fly drone that makes flying fun, then this is the perfect product for you.
Get the Holy Stone HS720 on AmazonWho Should Get the DJI Mavic Mini?
While numerous reasons make DJI Mavic Mini the perfect drone for starter pilots, its technical information solidifies its place.
This is because it has a comprehensive spec list comprising a 2.7K camera, three-axis gimbal, GPS precise hover, vision sensor, perfect size and weight, and 30-minute flight time.
Get the DJI Mavic Mini on AmazonFinal Thoughts
The comparison between the DJI Mavic Mini and Holy Stone HS720 drones is a never-ending debate. Both brands stand out among the top options, offering some of the best features you’d love to see in a drone.
But I understand why people make this comparison; Mavic Mini is the smallest and lowest priced drone from DJI and offers most of the series’ innovative technology. On the other hand, the HS720 stands out among the most advanced drones by Holy Stones.
The HS720 offers most of the features at a lower price point. Some features such as the camera is actually better on the HS720.
Understandably, it can be hard to make the right buying decision. However, we recommend the DJI Mavic Mini for beginner pilots looking for awesome tech features and the HS720 for beginner and intermediate pilots interested in aerial photography.
Another thing to keep in mind is resale value. Due to its brand name, the DJI Mavic Mini will likely retain its value better than the HolyStone HS720.
Whatever you choose to go with, remember to prioritize your needs–the drone should be able to deliver according to your requirements and circumstances.
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