Back in 2019, DJI released their first drone under 250g, following by the second-generation MINI 2 in 2020 and now they released the third version of their smallest drone named MINI SE. This new ultra-light drone is positioned between the Mini 1 and Mini 2. Despite that many hoped for an obstacle avoidance system, this feature remains available only for the Mavic Air 2 and Pro series.
Besides the MINI 2 style propellers and new battery, the DJI Mini SE appears identical to the first generation Mavic Mini, with a 2.7K@30fps camera and up to 30 minutes of flight time. The first rumors showed the MINI SE with a Mavic Air 2 remote controller, which proved to be fake news. The SE has the same transmitter and range as the first-generation of Mavic MINI.
While the DJI Mini SE and DJI Mini 2 are powered by the same capacity 2 cell 2250 mAh battery pack they have a different flight time (on paper at least). The MINI SE has in optimal flight conditions 30 minutes battery life and the MINI 2 31 minutes.
DJI Mini SE versus Mini 2 in-depth comparison guide
The table below will try to compare the most important specs of both compact DJI drones. I highlighted with green where the new DJI MINI SE excels and red where the older Mini 2 is still better.
| DJI MINI SE | DJI MINI 2 | |
| Size | Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
| Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams |
| Camera | 2.7K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Max bit rate | 40Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Photo mode | JPG | RAW + JPG |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Digital Zoom | NO | 4K: 2x, 2.7K: 3x, and FHD: 4x |
| FPV | 720P | 720p |
| Communication | Enhanced Wi-Fi | OcuSync 2.0 |
| Range | 4KM for FCC 2.5KM for CE |
10KM for FCC 6KM for CE |
| Wind resistance | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) |
| Intelligent flight modes | QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) | Panorama, One Tap, and QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang) |
| Active tracking | No | No |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No |
| GPS Follow me | No | No |
| Optical flow sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Geofence | Yes | Yes |
| Remote controller | Old, Mavic Mini style | New, Air 2 style |
| Battery | 2s/2250 mAh | 2s/2250 mAh |
| Flight time | 30 minutes | 31 minutes |
| FAA registration | No | No |
| Release date | July 2021 | November 2020 |
| Price at DJI | $359 | $449 |
Bottom line: Worth paying more for DJI Mini 2 over MINI SE?
The answer is straightforward if you are looking for a long-range 4K drone, the DJI MINI 2 is your best option right now. It is only slightly expensive than the new MINI SE, but it comes with a twice better flight range and 4K@30fps instead of just a 2.7k@30fps camera.
On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget looking for a nice beginner drone, the DJI MINI SE is a great choice.
Very good informative and helpful article.
The difference between the mini 2 and SE really worth it buying it!
Thank you for your DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 comparison. I understood the SE should be just fine for newbies like me. Personally, I do not need 4k camera nor 10KM range.
Yes, the MINI SE is just perfect for first-time pilots. It is much affordable and it comes with all the features most newbie pilots need
@GregB
No it’s absolutely not the same. I can’t understand how people can make these comparisons between dirt cheap product and high-quality more expensive products.
Importance is:
– Sensor quality
– GPS trustability
– Lens glass
– Image software
– flight duration. (to get 30min with 8min á 20.- = still 75.- same price)
– and more of course
Do you want reasonable photos or do you want good photos. Thats is your preference and doesnt make a drone better or worse. For me I’d go with a high quality so spending more money on a drone which i know will work, is worth the money.
But please stop with comparing rocks with gold.
Well, I guess if you were a professional photographer, it would matter re sensor quality .. personally, I have a Mini and a Mini 2, and I can’t tell the difference between the 4k and the 2.7 k …as far as range goes, good luck with trying to get further that about 3 k’s with the Mini 2, the battery is the limiting factor here .. if you ever did manage to get out 10 k’s, the battery would be dead flat and you would never get back. The Mini has good Wifi video reception up to about 2.5 k’s, and I have to say the Mini 2 is not that much better … and as far as wanting reasonable photos or good photos, I am sure a professional photographer would not be considering any of the Mini, Mini Se or Mini 2 …
I know the quads can fly 10 k but if you’re supposed to fly keeping it in sight, how far can you really see with the unaided eye or with out a spotter?
You have perfectly right! Also, besides that flying for such long distances is against rules, the battery will not last for the return flight…
Does the Mini 2 have Hyperlapse? I just got one today and it does not have Hyperlapse, or rather, I can’t find that option.
The SE is mini 1 in a mini 2 body so should have the 1’s range and flight performance. Save your money and buy a Mini2. Its a much better drone.
Anxiously awaiting my DJI Mini SE. It should arrive next week. I’m totally new in this hobby. I going to love it or should I have gotten the Mini2?
If you don’t need long-range the MINI SE should be just fine as first drone
For me, the Mini SE camera is a jump up from my Bugs 7W (243gm) quad, so I am considering it carefully. I like the quieter props, LiPo battery, don’t mind the lack of OcuSync but the lack of some DJI software features is a disappointment (Panorama, Hyperlapse, One Tap, and QuikShots).
Are either the Mini 2 or SE really worth £503 (Mini 2) or £395 (SE) when a cheap sub-250gr GPS 4K camera drone (mine) cost me only £100, gives reasonable photos and videos if somewhat shaky videos, is awkward to set up (gyro and compass) and only flies for about 9 mins?
I think I’ll be asking myself that for a couple of months yet, so thanks for the helpful comparison!