If you are looking for the best drone under 250 grams, you should definitively read our in-depth comparison of the FIMI MINI versus DJI MINI 2. Both of these drones feature a similar folding design, GPS positioning, ultra-long flight range and stabilized UHD camera, but which one is the best for your money? Let’s find out!
The second generation of Mavic MINI was announced in November 2020. At that time, it was not just the first but also the only true 4K drone which weighed less than 250g (.55 lbs).
I think that we can admit that DJI is a market leader in drone technology and their products are reliable and safe to use. FIMI was founded in 2014 and is a member of the Xiaomi ecosystem. Maybe FIMI’s product range is far behind DJI’s product diversity but they continuously try to surprise the RC community with new exciting gears.
FIMI X8 MINI vs DJI MINI 2: Comparison table
In the table below I compared the most important specs of both 250g class drones. I highlighted with blue where the new FIMI MINI excels and with red where the DJI MINI 2 shines.
| DJI MINI 2 | FIMI X8 MINI | |
| Size | Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Folded: 145x85x56 mm Unfolded: 200x145x56 mm |
| Weight | 249 grams | 258 grams (Standard) 245 grams (Pro) |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Image sensor | 1/2.3″ | 1/2.6″ |
| Megapixel | 12MP | 12MP |
| Max Video resolution | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Max bit rate | 100Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Photo mode | RAW + JPG | RAW + JPG |
| HDR | NO | Yes |
| Digital Zoom | 2-4x | 3x |
| FPV | 720P | NA |
| Communication | OcuSync 2.0 | TDMA |
| Range | 10KM for FCC and 6K for CE | 8KM |
| Wind resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Smart flight modes | Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang | Smart tracking, One-tap Shots, and RTH |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No |
| Internal Memory | No | No |
| Battery | 2s/2250 mAh | 2s/2250mAh |
| Flight time | 31 minutes | 31 minutes (Pro) 30 minutes (Standard) |
| FAA registration | No | No for Pro, Yes for Standard |
| Release date | November 4, 2020 | March 25, 2021 |
| Regular price (Standard/Combo) | $449 (Order from DJI) | $449 (Order from Banggood) |
Battery life
The FIMI X8 MINI comes with two battery options. The ‘Standard’ 2S LIPO pack has 7.2V 2400 mah and provides up to 30 minutes of flight time, the ‘Pro’ 2s LiHV pack has 7.7V 2250 mah and allows 31 minutes of airborne time. High Voltage LiPo batteries can store more energy than normal LIPOs per weight, so theoretically you get a longer playtime. Its DJI rival is powered by a 2S/2250 mAh battery which in optimal conditions provides 31 minutes of flight time.
Camera and Range
Both our contenders come equipped with a UHD camera that is capable to record 4K@30fps videos with a max bit rate of 100Mbps. In order to achieve butter-smooth footage, they adopt 3-axis mechanical stabilization. The week point of flying cameras is the gimbal unit and can be permanently damaged even on small crashes. Unfortunately, none of the manufacturers thought of offering an easy solution, and especially a cheap one for replacement.
While the DJI MINI 2 adopts OcuSync 2.0 communication system, the FIMI MINI uses upgraded TDMA transmission. The quality and range of video transmission depend on environmental factors such as radio interference, obstacles between the drone and the controller, local RF regulations, and even wind speed. The max flight range of the MINI2 in the US (FCC) is 10 KM. By comparison, its FIMI opponent has up to 8Km.
Bottom line
Both drones come with an impressive set of features. The flight time and control range of these two drones are almost identical. Both come equipped with a similar 4K camera with 3-axis mechanical image stabilization.
To be honest is pretty hard to make a final verdict. Personally, if the price remains $449, for both drones, I will vote for the DJI drone. Their customer support is probably the best in the drone industry. They continuously offer software and firmware upgrades that not just eliminate bugs and issues, but also is adding new functionalities.
Remember that only the ‘Pro’ version of FIMI MINI is under 250 grams and does not require FAA registration.
Even with closed eyes I would chouse DJI over FIMI!
Yes, but for the same money, FIMI offers more features! You can’t debate on this!
I have both DJI Mini 2 and Fimi Mini drones. In the same location, Fimi is showing only 8 satellites and DJI 14 satellites. Very annoying!
Till FIMI MINI has the same price as the DJI Mini 2, better buy Mini 2!!!!
I’m thrilled I upgraded from my Tello to a DJI Mini 2 instead of the Fimi Mini. It still has so many issues, and Pro battery can’t be ordered yet…
Is there a real online shop where I may get the FIMI X8 Mini Pro batteries? It looks like there isn’t possible to get them.
P.S. I’m a kind of drone collector, I have both but if I have to choose I always get DJI.
FIMI drones have serious firmware problems, as crazy as randomly losing the link or pairing to the remote control, staying hovering in the same place until the batteries run out.
Moreover, I did a test with an lab electronic load and a FIMI X8 SE battery and upon reaching about 10% charge it was rendered useless by software. Once recharged, all the cells were working perfectly but only using another motherboard in the battery. In my opinion, this is a plain scam.
Thank you for helping make the decision a little bit easier than it was for those ready to buy. It looks that the DJI MINI 2 is over the FIMI MINI and worth the extra money.
Sincerely,
Brandon
The real word tests proved that the FIMI MINI has less flight time and battery life than Mini 2. DJI wins another battle!
None had a real flight with the Fimi Mini till now. This quad is already dead. Buy the DJI MINI 2, and you will not get disappointed!
If you r a beginner and you have two options Fimi Mini Pro vs Dji Mini 2. Which one would you purchase ??
DJI MINI2. You will enjoy it without headache
If you are new to drones, then get the DJI Mini 2. You can add Care Refresh to minimize the cost of crashes. Trust me, accidents happen…
The Fimi Mini looks good on paper, but there will be issues for the next several months. After several firmware fixes will work as it should from the beginning…
Just for the record, DJI’s customer support not as good as it should. They answer very slow and stand that was your fault… With FIMI do not have any experience…
How is the FIMI MINI compared to the Mavic Air 2?
In the beginning, FIMI drones have lots of issues. It will take 3 to 6 months of firmware updates to get it normal. If you have the money just buy an MA2. It is better in every aspect, plus it has an obstacle avoidance system.
Buy the Fimi, and you will be disappointed like you open the fridge, and there is no beer…
What’s a beginners drone that you’d suggest to me to start with. The Fimi Mini or Dji Mini 2? I never had a drone before.
The Mavic Mini for sure. You can get a used one rather cheap.
So 258grams for the Standard.. No thanks for that price… I would go instead with the Mavic MINI 1. Still a good drone!
I like the FIMI MINI specs, but they could come up with a replacement plan like the DJI Care Refresh.
You will regret not buying DJI for the price of FIMI
While FIMI MINI battery has USB charging, the DJI MINI2 battery comes with dedicated combo charger which should be much faster.
True words! Most FIMI owners have never used a better drone before. That’s why they all have this misconception that FIMI is the greatest thing ever. DJI drones have the best performance of all I used till now (including Xioami FIMI).
Top 3 drones under 250g – 2021:
#1 DJI MINI 2
#2 DJI MAVIC MINI
#3 FIMI MINI X8
Yeh. DJI da Best!
For the same price, the MINI 2 is the winner. If the FIMI will be $100-$150 cheaper, the FIMI X8 MINI has a chance against its DJI rival.
But the official price on Aliexpress is only 319$!
I think till you can’t trully order it, the real price is uncertain.
Fimi is trash. Buy DJI!
I like the nose of the FIMI MINI, it protects the gimbal against frontal collisions.
If it’s under $300 I’ll take a FIMI…. otherwise, DJI is the KING!
For 449 bucks that gonna be a hard sell vs a DJI Mavic Mini 2
Well pointed! Maybe not a true Mini 2 alternative, but it will take some sting out of DJI’s dominance in the sub 250g drone market.
Great comparison, for $449 the MINI 2 is definitively the winner!!!
Maybe this time FIMI will surprise us with something affordable and excellent performance
Thank you very much for your article. I have been flying both FIMI X8 SE and FIMI A3 for two years. I am ready to order the new FIMI X8 Mini to compare this new drone with his older and bigger brothers. I hope, that during the development of the new FIMI X8 Mini were repaired all previous technical problems of FIMI X8 SE.