First there was the success of the DJI Mini. Now DJI has released the DJI Mini 2 as its successor. Which one is better? And what’s the difference between the Mini and Mini SE? I’ll be answering these questions today, including which one you should buy.
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DJI’s Mavic line of drones has solidified itself as the top choice for serious hobbyists and aspiring photo and video pros. Their Mini drones, in particular, have opened the door for tons of new fans to experience the fun and excitement of piloting a drone.
These Mini drones are easy to fly, feature powerful cameras for photos and video, and their tiny size allows you to pilot one without registering it with the FAA. Most drones small enough to avoid FAA registration are little more than toys, so the DJI Mini line represents a huge step forward in terms of performance and function.
DJI manufactures several drones in the Mini line, including the Mini 2 and Mini SE. These drones are both quite similar, and deciding on the ideal one for you can be difficult, especially if you’re shopping for your first drone.
Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Mini 2 and Mini SE to help you decide which of these powerful drones is the best fit for you.
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini SE | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Weight | <249 g < 8.78 oz. | <249 g < 8.78 oz. |
| Size (folded) | 138 × 81 × 58 mm 6.2×8.0×3.0 in. | 138 × 81 × 58 mm 6.2×8.0×3.0 in. |
| Flying Time | 31 min | 30 min |
| Max Speed | 16 m/s | 13 m/s |
| Photo | 1/2.3″ CMOS 12MP | 1/2.3″ CMOS 12MP |
| Video | 4K/30fps | 2.7K/30 fps |
| Obstacle Sensing | Downward | Downward |
| Transm Distance | OcuSync 2.0, 720p, 6km | Wifi, 720p, 4km |
| More Details & Price | More Details & Price |
About DJI Mini 2
The Mini 2 is the latest model in the Mavic Mini series, which has been the go-to drone for pilots on a budget who still need a premium drone that shoots stunning photos and videos.
Related: DJI Mini 2 vs DJI Air 2S
This tiny quadcopter comes in under the 250g threshold, so there’s no need to register this drone with the FAA before using it. This fact will be crucial for small businesses who can benefit from a photography drone but aren’t keen on the registration and certification process that’s necessary when using a drone commercially.
The Mini 2 offers a 12-megapixel camera that’s capable of shooting in 4K UHD at 30fps or in 1080P FHD at 60fps, so users should have no trouble capturing breathtaking photos and video with this tiny drone. There are also a few intelligent shot modes that make it easy for total newbies to capture incredible shots.
Another breakthrough development with this drone is the inclusion of Ocusync. Ocusync is a connection protocol that leverages both Wi-Fi and radio frequencies to significantly extend the range of the drone. Past models provided a range of about 4 km, but the Mini 2 more than doubles that, with a range of over 10 km.
- PACK LIGHT, FLY FREE: at less than 249...
- OCUSYNC 2.0 VIDEO TRANSMISSION: mini 2...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: with a max battery...
Key Specs
- Weight: 242g
- Flight Dimensions: 245mm x 289mm x 56mm (LxWxH)
- Max Speed: 16m/s
- Max Ascent Speed: 5m/s (depending on mode)
- Max Descent Speed: 3m/s (depending on mode)
- Service Ceiling: 4000m
- Gimbal: 3-axis
- Camera Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS
- Megapixels: 12
- Max Video Resolution: 4K @ 30fps, FHD @ 60fps
- Live Video: 720P @ 30fps
- Onboard Storage: N/A
About DJI Mini SE
First off, what is the difference between the Mini and the Mini SE? Well, the Mini SE basically combines the internals of the original Mini with the externals of the new Mini 2. In other words, the Mini SE is a facelifted Mini. SE stands for either Second Edition, or Standard Edition, depending on who you ask.
In order for the Mini 2 to fly, the original Mini first had to walk. DJI set out to create a tiny drone that was small enough to avoid registration but still powerful enough to shoot incredible photos and videos.
The original Mini already brought some serious photo and video bonafides to the table, with its 12-megapixel camera, large CMOS sensor, and ability to shoot in 2.7K, or FHD at 60fps. The main drawback of the original was it had severe difficulty navigating the skies on a breezy day. The original only offered level 3 wind resistance, while the Mini SE bumps it up to level 5 wind resistance.
With quality components and a more wind-resistant design, the DJI Mini SE is still one of the most feature-rich and value-packed drones on the market, even with newer drones like the Mini 2 shouldering their way into the mix.
- Light as a Smartphone - Weighing less...
- Capture on the Go - The lightweight and...
- More Time in the Sky - DJI Mini SE's...
Key Specs
- Weight: 242g
- Flight Dimensions: 245mm x 289mm x 56mm (LxWxH)
- Max Speed: 13m/s
- Max Ascent Speed: 4m/s (depending on mode)
- Max Descent Speed: 3m/s (depending on mode)
- Service Ceiling: 3000m
- Gimbal: 3-axis
- Camera Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS
- Megapixels: 12
- Max Video Resolution: 2.7K @ 30fps, FHD @ 60fps
- Live Video: 720P @ 30fps
- Onboard Storage: N/A
How are the Mini 2 and Mini SE Different?
These two drones have many striking similarities that make them a challenge to differentiate. But, there are six crucial areas where these two similar drones are pretty different:
- Flight speed
- Flight distance
- Video quality
- Image capture
- QuickTransfer
- Remote controller
When it comes to flight performance, the Mini 2 flies further and faster than the Mini SE. The Mini 2 clocks in at an impressive top speed of 57.6 km/h compared to the Mini SE’s top speed of 46.8 km/h.
The Mini 2 is also able to travel much farther distances, thanks to Oculink, which provides more than double the signal range of the Mini SE. The Mini 2 can also operate at greater distances above sea level compared to its predecessor.
Video quality is another significant difference between the two. The Mini 2 is able to record 4K video, while the Mini SE is only capable of 2.7K. At 60fps, the Mini SE drops to 1080p, while the Mini 2 is able to record 2.7K or 1080p at 60fps.
Image capture is another differentiator between these two. The Mini SE can only shoot in JPG format, while the Mini 2 can shoot JPG or RAW, which dramatically expands the room creators have to edit their photos.
The QuickTransfer function is available on DJI’s newer drones, including the Mini 2, and it allows users to transfer content from the drone directly to their smartphone or computer in record time. Users can also make real-time edits and delete footage on the fly to save storage space mid-project. Unfortunately, you won’t find this feature on the Mini SE.
The final difference between the Mini 2 and Mini SE is the controller. The controllers are similar, and the one you prefer will essentially boil down to personal preference. The Mini SE controller is a bit more streamlined, with a phone dock that folds into the body when it isn’t being used.
The most significant difference between the two controllers is the location of the phone dock. The Mini 2 places the phone above the controller, while the SE controller places the phone dock below it. Many users seem to prefer the original SE-style controller, but all DJI’s newer models come with a controller more akin to the Mini 2.
How are the Mini 2 and Mini SE Similar?
While there are several areas that separate these two drones, there are also a few striking similarities worth discussing.
The most obvious similarity is the look and size of the two drones. Both the Mini 2 and Mini SE are the same size and weight, and they both have the exact dimensions. In fact, the Mini 2 borrows its body housing from the SE model, and the two are identical until you get under the hood.
Both drones also feature the same suite of safety and performance features. A downward sensor helps pilots avoid collisions, and there’s also intelligent RTH (return to home) and hover modes that make it easier to fly.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of the cinematic Quickshot modes that DJI has developed with both drones. These modes allow you to pull off challenging cinematic shots with the press of a button. All you’ll need to do is watch in amazement as the drone pulls off precise aerial maneuvers to deliver the perfect shot.
Both drones also feature the same dual-frequency transmission system, which works at both 2.4 and 5.8GHz. This system allows the signal to automatically switch between the two frequencies intelligently to provide you with the strongest signal possible. While the Mini 2 has more range, both drones will perform reliably as long as you’re within the specified range for each drone.
What’s Better About the DJI Mini 2?
Both the Mini SE and Mini 2 are excellent drones that are perfect for beginner and novice drone users and small businesses who are looking to employ some basic drone shots in their work. But, the Mini 2 has some distinct advantages that may make it easier for you to decide on the ideal drone for you.
The Mini 2 is the better drone in several notable ways, the first of which is the improved camera. While the Mini SE is capable of shooting excellent HD videos and photos, the Mini 2’s camera manages to shoot at higher quality despite being virtually identical to the Mini SE.
Since the Mini 2 is also able to shoot in RAW format, there’s much more room for you to edit your photos compared to the SE, which only shoots in JPG format.
Beyond the better video quality, the Mini 2 also offers a range that’s more than double what the SE provides, which allows pilots to shoot at greater distances. Since the Mini 2 also has a higher max speed, you’ll be able to get to where you need to go more quickly compared to the SE.
Performance-wise, the Mini 2 is slightly better than the Mini SE by most measures. It’s a bit more resistant to wind and atmospheric conditions, it’s a bit faster, and the range is greater.
These advantages all pale in comparison to the difference between the two cameras. The slight improvements in performance are nice and certainly useful, but the main draw of the Mini 2 is its better camera and 4K video.
Get the DJI Mini 2 on AmazonWhat’s Better About the DJI Mini SE?
While the Mini SE is a worthy competitor and an excellent drone when judged on its own merits, there isn’t much that this drone does better than the newer and faster Mini 2. Of course, sometimes it’s not so much about the best tool for the job; it’s about the right product at the right price.
Value is the one area where the Mini SE has a clear edge. The Mini 2 is a bit more expensive, and the added expense nets you a better camera and better performance.
But, the Mini SE still offers an excellent camera and solid performance. If you can sacrifice a bit of performance, you can save big by opting for the Mini SE over the Mini 2.
Get the DJI Mini SE on AmazonWho Should Get the DJI Mini 2?
The Mini 2 is the clear choice for drone pilots who need a drone with the best camera possible. The Mini 2’s camera represents a dramatic upgrade over the Mini SE, and the fact that it can shoot in RAW makes it easier to edit your shots into masterpieces.
Beyond the camera upgrades, the slight bump in performance compared to the Mini SE makes the Mini 2 the best choice for pilots who need a drone that’s fast and capable of flying long distances.
Get the DJI Mini 2 on AmazonWho Should Get the DJI Mini SE?
While the Mini SE doesn’t offer the upgraded camera or impressive range and speed of the Mini 2, that doesn’t mean that the Mini 2 is the ideal choice for you.
Keep in mind that even with an inferior camera, the Mini SE can still shoot at resolutions as high as 2.7K, and it takes excellent photos and videos in its own right. If you can make do with that, you can save a few hundred bucks by purchasing the Mini SE over the Mini 2.
Drone operators on a tight budget, as well as those who are willing to sacrifice a bit in the way of camera and drone performance will be well served by the Mini SE.
Get the DJI Mini SE on AmazonFinal Verdict
Both the DJI Mini 2 and Mini SE are excellent drones that deliver a ton of value. If you’re looking for a basic drone that’s small enough to take with you virtually anywhere, you can’t go wrong with either model.
But, if you’re concerned with shooting the best possible photos and videos, the DJI Mini 2 is a clear choice as the best drone of the two. With an impressive 31-minute flight time, blazing top speed of nearly 60km/h, and an upgraded 4K camera, the Mini 2 is the clear choice if you’re in the market for a small and affordable drone.
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