Both, Mavic Air 2 and FiMI X8 SE 2020 are relatively new drones, revealed this year. Featuring compact size with foldable arms, they are travel-friendly flying cameras. While the Air 2 weights 570 grams, the X8 SE 2020 765 grams. Xiaomi’s drone is not just 200 grams heavier, but it’s also a bit larger compared to its DJI contender.
In the last few weeks, I had the luck to play a lot with these two drones. My recently published in-depth Mavic Air 2 review includes battery life and flight ranges tests. I concluded that DJI’s official specs are close to its real-world performance. In terms of no-fly zones (geofence), the FIMI X8SE 2020 was less restrictive compared to the Air 2. I was able to take-off and fly in zones where I couldn’t even arm the Mavic’s motors.
While both, features an active tracking system, only the Mavic Air 2 has an advanced 3 direction (front, rear, and bottom) collision avoidance system which allows it to track you even in the forest.
Mavic Air 2 vs FiMI X8 SE 2020: In-depth comparison guide
In the table below, I compared the most important specs of both 4K drones. I highlighted with red were the Mavic Air 2 shines and with green were the FiMI X8 2020 excels.
| DJI Mavic Air 2 | Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE 2020 | |
| Size | Folded: 180 × 97 × 74 mm Unfolded: 183 × 253 × 77 mm |
Folded: 204 x 106 x 73 mm Unfolded: 287 x 247 x 96 mm |
| Weight | 570 grams | 765 grams |
| Camera | 4K@60fps or 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps or 1080p@90fps |
| Image size | 1/2″ CMOS | 1/2.26″ CMOS |
| Max bit rate | 120Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Photo mode | 12MP and 48 MP | 12 MP |
| 8K Hyperlapse | Yes | No |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| FPV | 1080P | 720P/1080P |
| Internal storage | Yes, 8GB | NO |
| Range | 10 km (FCC) or 6 km (CE) | 8Km |
| Lights | Motor + Belly | Motor |
| Intelligent flight modes | Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid | POI flight, Orbit and Drone |
| Active tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes (3 direction) | No |
| Geofence | Yes | No |
| Max flight speed | 19 m/s (S Mode) 12 m/s (N Mode) 5 m/s (T Mode) |
18 m/s |
| Wind resistance | ≤37.8 kph | ≤50 kph |
| Remote controller | Standard, NO Screen | Standard, NO Screen |
| Battery | 3s/3500 mAh | 3s/4500 mAh |
| Flight time | 34 minutes | 35 minutes |
| FAA registration | Yes | Yes |
| Regular price | $799 Order from DJI | $459 Buy from BG |
Camera
The Mavic Air 2 features a powerful camera, capable of capturing great aerial footage. It can shoot 4K videos at 60 fps and to take 12 or 48-megapixel stills with a 1/2″ CMOS image sensor. In slow-motion mode can capture full HD (1920 x 1080) videos with 240 fps. Furthermore, it is capable to capture cool 8K Hyperlapse videos. Compared to these, the FIMI X8 SE 2020 has only a mediocre camera, with 4K@30fps video and 12mp photo resolutions.
In my opinion, Mavic Air 2’s camera is powerful enough to appeal to both hobbyist and semi-professional users alike. For even better results, you can find a wide range of compatible optical filters (UV, ND, and CPL).
Air 2’s QuickShot modes allow you to create easily super cool aerial footage. I liked most the ‘Asteroid’ mode, also know as TinyPlanet. Epic 360-degree panoramas have never been easier to do.
Flight range
Personally, I tested only Mavic Air 2’s range. With the CE version, I got a stable signal from 5300 meters, so the advertised 6KM can be achieved for sure. In the US, FCC version can fly even further, DJI says that 10KM is the limit in an open field with low RF noise. On YouTube, I saw lots of FIMI X8 SE 2020 range tests, where it was able to fly far as 8500 meters from its pilot.
Bottom line
To finish off this comparison, it seems the Mavic Air 2 won this battle. It’s superior over the FIMI X8 2020 in most aspects.
If you are marketing for a flagship-like drone with 34 minutes of flying time, 10 km (6.2 miles) range, 4K@60fps camera, and collision avoidance system, the Air 2 is the best in its price tag ($799).
On the other hand, in case you are on a tight budget, the Xiaomi X8 SE 2020 has probably the best battery life and wind resistance that you can get under $400.
Finally, if you are already a Mavic Air player and want to upgrade your old drone, the Air 2 would be a great choice. It has a lot of things you’d expect: extended flight time, longer control range better camera, upgraded obstacle avoidance, and quieter operation.
I’ve owned the fimi for now a yr. It has given me great service no problems period. I must say price was nice. Also Iam now about to purchase the ma2 as well also believe to be an outstanding flyer.
Two years ago, I purchased a FIMI X8SE. I had about 15 flights in this time. None of them was really successful (connection lost, horizon problems, gimbal errors, battery drain in 15 minutes top). At least no crashes due to hardware failure… I have ended up exactly a year after purchase with no connection between aircraft and transmitter. Very bad experience with this drone. No manufacturer support to solve my issue… Finally, I sold it for parts and got a Mavic Air 2 instead, now I understand how stupid I was when chose Xiaomi Fimi over DJI.
I gave away my FIMI X8 to my dad so we can fly together. I have to admit that the AIR2 is superior but still like the X8. For its price, you still can’t find a better drone.
How many YouTube reviews did you watch before pulling the trigger?… because I’m at 50 or so, and I’m no closer! …. Mavic Air 2 or Fimi X8 SE 2020 damn hard decision to make
I hesitate to take a used Mavic Air 2 or the FIMI X8 SE 2020. Any suggestion?
Air 2 for sure! It is over the FIMI X8!
Maybe I will choose fimi X8 se 2020
If you are looking to get into drones but don’t want to waste your money on limited cheap “toys”, then look no further. This is an excellent starter drone with features that far surpass others in similar price ranges. It was easy to learn and tons of fun.
Does this even count as a review? You read the spec-sheet at us and compared some numbers, but did you actually try both drones?
What a waste of time.
Yes, it is a side by side spec comparison of these two drones and Yes, I played with both drones!
What you expected to say that the FIMI X8 is better than the Air 2? Or the FIMI X8SE is a garbage?
IMHO both drones are good for their prices.
In addition the cost of DJI MA2
Is 138$ by parts
Mostly American processor units
Dji care refresh vs Fimi premium service?
For beginner and flexibility, I’d go with the X8 2020.
1. No DJI account registration required !
2. No geo-fencing. Can go up to 500m altitude where DJI can’t even launch in places.
3. DJI Fly app requires newer 64-bit enabled OS phones. Fimi Navi 2020 supports wider android device range.
4. X8 is 45%++ cheaper but still has 4K camera and tracking functions.
5. Less to lose after crashing, can almost buy two X8s for one MA2
Support Fimi and hopefully get DJI to churn out cheaper and better drones.
YMMV.
1 and 2: are safety measurements
3: I think it is normal to work with the latest phones
4: you have perfectly right
5: why you should crash it?? the Mavic Air 2 is a very stable drone with obstacle avoidance system
DJI makes better and better drone, not cheaper and cheaper ones. they are the best in innovations!
Totally agree with you mate
DJI drones are much reliable compared to Xiaomi ones!
Cheaper = Problems