Our Hubsan ZINO Mini Pro versus FIMI X8 MINI Pro in-depth comparison guide covers features, range, battery life, and camera performance. In case you are looking for an affordable DJI MINI 2 alternative, these two are excellent pretenders. Both feature a travel-friendly folding design and weigh less than 250 grams.
While the FIMI X8 MINI was revealed in March 2021, the ZINO MINI Pro in April 2021. From the beginning, I can confess that I’m impressed by the features of the ZINO MINI. I think is the biggest surprise of the 2021 release. No one expected a sub 250g drone to have a 3-direction obstacle avoidance system, 10KM 1080P real-time video transmission, and 40 minutes of battery life. Its capabilities are so imposing that it will make it difficult for even DJI to compete.
Hubsan ZINO MINI PRO versus FIMI X8 MINI PRO
In the table below, I compared the most important specs of these two 250g-class drones. I highlighted red where the Zino MINI excels and green where the FIMI MINI shines.
FIMI X8 MINI PRO | HUBSAN ZINO MINI PRO | |
Size | Folded: 145x85x56 mm Unfolded: 200x145x56 mm |
Fodled:137x88x61.6mm Unfolded:202.54×161.2×61.6mm |
Weight | 245 grams | 249 GRAMS |
Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
Image sensor | 1/2.6″ | 1/1.3″ |
Megapixel | 12MP | 48MP |
Max Video resolution | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
Max bit rate | 100Mbps | 200Mbps |
Photo mode | RAW DNG + JPG | RAW DNG + JPG |
HDR | Yes | Yes |
Digital Zoom | 3x | 6x |
FPV | NA | 1080P |
Communication | TDMA HD | Syncleas 3.0 |
Range | 8KM | 10KM |
Wind resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 |
Max flight speed | 16m/s | 16m/s |
Smart flight modes | Smart tracking, One-tap Shots, and RTH | ATVT 3.0 AI Tracking and RTH |
Obstacle avoidance | No | Yes, Front/Back/Down |
Internal Memory | No | Yes, eMMC 64G/128G |
Battery | 2s/2250mAh | 2s/3000mAh |
Flight time | 31 minutes | 40 minutes |
FAA registration | No | No |
Release year | March 2021 | April 2021 |
Price | $449 (Order from Banggood) | $479.99 |
Camera performance
Both drones are equipped with a UHD HDR camera that is capable of recording 4K videos with up to 30 frames per second. The cameras are installed on a 3-axis gimbal that allows capturing super-smooth footage and remote camera angle adjustment. The FIMI MINI’s camera has a 1/2.6″ CMOS sensor and the Hubsan MINI’s camera a 1/1.3″ one. Usually, a larger sensor provides better low-light performance and the ability to take wider angle images.
While the X8 MINI’s camera features 3x digital zoom and 100Mbps video bitrate, the Zino Mini’s camera has 6x zoom and 200Mbps video bitrate.
Flight range
The FIMI X8 MINI uses TDMA HD communication that provides up to 8KM range. By comparison, the Hubsan ZINO MINI adopts Syncleas 3.0 transmission that allows flight distances of up to 10Km.
Battery life
While the X8 MINI Pro is advertised with 31 minutes of battery life, the ZINO MINI Pro with 40 minutes of flight time. These performances can be obtained in optimal flight conditions. It is possible that in windy conditions both drones will have the same battery life,
Bottom line
I think we can conclude that the Hubsan ZINO MINI Pro is superior to the FIMI x8 MINI in all aspects. It has a 2KM longer range and 9 minutes of extra battery life. Hubsan’s camera surpasses the FIMI’s camera in sensor size, bitrate, and digital zooming.
I’m seriously considering switching from my Fimi Mini to the Zino Mini. Any opinions or recommendations on the two?
The ZMP has obstacle avoidance but the FM does not.
The current prices on AliExpress:
•Hubsan Zino Mini Pro: 550€
•Xiaomi FIMI Mini: 310€
The FIMI MINI already has many know issues, probably will be the same with the Zino MINi. If you want a good drone to forget about Hubsan, Xiaomi, HolyStone, and go with a DJI!!!
They claim 8Km respectively 10km, but if you get out that far you won’t have any battery to get back… shitty marketing….
Well at 16 meters per second, it would only take about 10.5 minutes out, so that may not be correct. Of course, they won’t actually be able to go 10km likely, and won’t actually be able to go 31 or 40 minutes though.