After the latest MINI 3 Pro leaks which confirmed the official release, many DJI fans decided to cancel their MINI 2 order and wait for the new edition. Let’s find out from this in-depth comparison guide if it’s worth waiting for the new MINI 3 Pro.
DJI has completely redesigned the new Mini 3 Pro. It has a new look optimized to get more out of every flight. From the larger propellers, aerodynamic body tilt, and upgraded motors we can expect an improved flight performance.
The biggest improvement of the MINI 3 Pro over its older brother the MINI 2, is the 3D-obstacle avoidance sensor. The M3P comes with Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) which detects objects in the flight path of the aircraft in real-time. Another great feature of the Mini 3, is the visual object tracking enhanced by ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, three powerful storytelling tools.
Camera
While the new DJI MINI 3 Pro features a 4K@60fps camera with a 48MP (1/1.3″) sensor, the older MINI 2 has a 4K@30fps camera with a 12MP (1/2.3″) one. Usually, a larger sensor means better low-light capabilities.
Both mini DJI drones are equipped with a 3-axis gimbal. The Mini 3 Pro’s gimbal offers a wider range of rotation for low-angle shooting as well as vertical shooting, opening up endless creative possibilities for TikTokers.
Battery life
Thanks to the 2250 mAh battery, the MINI 2 has a decent of 31 minutes flight time. By comparison, the MINI 3 Pro with a 2453mAh pack has a 34 minutes battery life. Furthermore, with the high-capacity ‘Plus’ battery, it has an outstanding 47minutes of flight time. Of course, these flight times can be achieved only in optimal flight conditions.
Range
While the MINI 2 features second-generation OcuSync transmission that provides a range of up to 10KM, the MINI 3 comes with the third-generation DJI O3 that allows up to 12KM flight distances (in FCC mode). The MINI 2 is compatible only with the standard RC-N1 transmitter and the MINI 3 with both RC-N1 and RC Pro remote controllers. Another significant difference is that the MINI 2 has 720P FPV and the MINI 3 1080P.
DJI Mini 3 Pro versus DJI Mini 2
The table below will try to compare the most important specs of both 250g-class DJI drones. I highlighted with green where the upcoming MINI 3 excels and red where the older Mini 2 is still better.
| MINI 3 Pro | MINI 2 | |
| Size | Folded: 145×90×62 mm Unfolded: 171×245×62 mm |
Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
| Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams |
| Camera | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Sensor | 1/1.3″ – 48MP | 1/2.3” – 12MP |
| Max bit rate | 150Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Photo mode | RAW + JPG | RAW + JPG |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Digital Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| FPV | 1080P | 720p |
| Communication | OcuSync 3.0 | OcuSync 2.0 |
| Range | 12KM for FCC | 10KM for FCC |
| Wind resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Intelligent flight modes | QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) | Panorama, One Tap, and QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang) |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes, 3D – APAS 4.0 | No |
| Active tracking | Yes, ActiveTrack 4.0 | No |
| GPS Follow me | No | No |
| Optical flow sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Geofence | Yes | Yes |
| Remote controller | RC-N1 and RC Pro | RC-N1 |
| Battery | 2s/2453mAh | 2s/2250 mAh |
| Flight time | 34/47 minutes | 31 minutes |
| FAA registration | No | No |
| Release date | May 2022 | November 2020 |
| Price at DJI | $759 | $449 |
Conclusions
The answer is straightforward if you are looking for the most capable 250g-class drone, the new MINI 3 Pro is your best option right now. It has a better camera, longer range, and extended battery life compared to the older MINI 2.
On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget looking for a nice beginner 4K drone, the MINI 2 is still a great choice.
I found the mini 3 more fragile and too sensitive to operate compared to the mini 2.
As I always fly with obstacle avoidance off (it confuses the drone and makes things get weird), there is no difference between Mini 3 and Mini 2 for me.
My Mini3 RIP on First MasterShots… Now I’m back to my first love, the MINI2
At COSTCO MINI 2 BUNDLE is on sale for only $439. This makes it a serious MINI 3 alternative
I got a mini 2 from my wife and I convinced her to exchange it for a mini 3 pro. I told her there is not much price difference :D
Hi all!
I’m going to buy a mini pro 3. I have the mini 2 how is the fpv image on the pro 3 is it more clear than the mini 2?
Upgraded from the mini2 to the mimi3 and I must say it’s a good upgrade.
Just sold my Mini 2 and thinking of getting the new Mini 3 with OAS but seeing a lot of complaints regarding the range…
The Mini 3 Pro gets hot really fast when its on the ground. A huge disadvantage over the Mini 2.
The truth is that Mini3 has less distance than my Mini2!
Hyperlapse is supported natively with Mini 3 Pro but not with the MINI 2
Huge difference in terms of range. In the same location I had 2-3km range with Mini 2. The mini 3 did it with 7km with no issue.
Mini 3 Upgrade from Mini 2 was definitely the right move! True vertical shooting makes all the difference.
No matter what your budget – the mini 2 and 3 are an awesome way to enter this hobby! Dji is the most trusted brand!
Two biggest features that I want are obstacle avoidance and active tracking. I’ll still keep my Mini2 and definitively buy the new Mini3 Pro.
Question to Mini 2 owners that already got the new Mini 3: Do you think the difference (image quality and flight performance-wise) between the Mini 3 and 2 is that huge to justify the extra 400$ for the Mini 3?
OA is the only real advantage of Mini3 over Mini2!
Is the Mini 2 battery compatible with Mini 3 Pro? Looking for anyversari gift.
No, they aren’t compatible!
The MINI 3 has almost double the price of the MINI 2! WHY DJI??
what is the max speed for the mini3 in sport mode
The top speed of the MINI 3 Pro in ‘S’ aka Sport mode is 16 m/s (~36 mph) in no wind conditions
Love my Mini 2 but to have the Mini 3’s features convinced me to make the upgrade
Does Mini 3 Pro noise is less than Mini 2 ? Asking for wildlife photography
OcuSync 2.0 vs OcuSync 3.0. I assuming the mini 2 controller will not work with the mini 3 :(
The MINI 3 is too expensive for beginners, the MINI 2 or MINI SE is a much better choice for first timers!
I already own a MINI 2 there is any sense to order the new MINI 3?
The question should be, does your Mini 2 meet your needs. Personally, I sold my original Mini and purchased a Mini 2 because the Mini 1 couldn’t operate in a modest wind. Being able to fly in higher winds was critical to me. If it is critical that you be able to shoot straight down, have a couple of minutes more flight time, have a slightly larger sensor, have a forward-facing collision avoidance sensor, shoot 4k 60 vs 30 and be able to fly 12 km out vs 10 km out… you should go for the Mini 3 if you can afford it. Personally, I will skip the Mini 3 and fly the heck out of my Mini 2… there will be a Mini 4 out before you know it.
I heard Mini 3 is coming today so it’s time to sell the Mini 2 :)
the Mini 3 is better than the Mini 2 in every aspect. In under 250g it has the premium features of a Mavic!
Where can I find the page with all the articles like before? It was so convenient!
Thx