The DJI MINI 2 has sat at the top of our guide for the best drones under 250 grams you can buy since it was revealed. But now, a new shining star from Hubsan, the Zino MINI Pro, has landed. Is its position, as king of the sub-250g drone mountain, under threat? Our ZINO Mini Pro vs DJI MINI 2 comparison guide covers range, battery life, camera performance, and extra features.
Without question, DJI is the world leader in drone technology. Their products incorporate the latest technologies available at that time which results in a high price tag. They claim to have about 70% of the market share worldwide. In contrast, Hubsan is a low-profile company that targets persons who need budget drones with decent capabilities. Putting a 3-direction obstacle avoidance system on an ultra-light affordable drone can shake DJI’s domination.
Hubsan ZINO Mini Pro versus DJI Mavic MINI 2 comparison
In the table below, I compared the most important specs of these two foldable drones. I highlighted blue where the DJI MINI 2 excels and red where the Zino Mini Pro wins.
| DJI MINI 2 | ZINO MINI PRO | |
| Size | 138×81×58mm | 137x88x61.6mm |
| Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Image sensor | 1/2.3″ | 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 | NO | Yes |
| Digital Zoom | 4x | 6x |
| FPV | 1080p | 1080P |
| Communication | OcuSync 2.0 | Syncleas 3.0 |
| Range | 10KM FCC or 6KM CE | 10KM |
| Wind resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Max flight speed | 16m/s | 16m/s |
| Smart flight modes | QuikShots modes | 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 |
| Extended warranty | Yes, Care refresh | No |
| Release year | November 2020 | April 2021 |
| Price | $449 | $479.99 |
1. Camera performance
While both are equipped with a UHD camera, there are significant differences between them. DJI Mavic MINI 2 camera’s 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor is capable of taking 12MP photos. Its Hubsan rival comes with a 1/1.3″ sensor that provides 48MP photo resolution. A larger sensor should provide better low-light performance and the ability to take wider angle images.
Video resolution-wise, both are capable of recording 4K videos with up to 30 fps. Here the difference made by the higher video bitrate. The Hubsan Zino Mini Pro doubles the MINI 2’s 100Mbps bitrate. The Zino MINI has a 6x zoom and the Mavic MINI 2 only 4x.
2. Flight range
Both are advertised with a maximum distance flight of 10Km. The DJI MINI 2 uses OcuSync 2.0 communication and the Hubsan Zino MINI Syncleas 3.0 transmission.
DJI provides different power/range ratings for the US and Europe. FCC edition has 10KM range and CE version only 6KM. Apparently, Hubsan allows working at full power regardless of your geographical location. This could be a huge issue if you want to be compliant with your local RF regulations.
3. Battery life
Here is also a huge difference between the Mavic MINI 2 and the ZINO MINI. DJI stands that their smallest 4K drone can stay in the air for 31 minutes. By comparison, Hubsan showed in their marketing video that the ZINo MINI has 40 minutes of battery. Considering that both have about the same size and weight, I’m curious how they managed to obtain those extra 9 minutes of playtime.
4. Other features
The Hubsan Zino MINI Pro’s major selling point is the 3-direction obstacle avoidance system. This is a must-have feature when you are using active-tracking (visual follow me). Surely will not protect 100% from collisions, but it is much better than just flying ‘blindly’. DJI offers such functionality only on drones priced over $799.
5. After-sale support and extended warranty
DJI is famous for its premium Care Refresh service. They cover accidents like water damage, collision, and even one Flyway (missing aircraft). For a small fee, they will replace your drone in no time. They have authorized service centers in many countries, and if you want to repair your drone by yourself, you can easily find spare parts for the MINI 2.
The Hubsan provides a standard warranty that covers only malfunctions caused by product quality. The problem comes when you need to prove that the drone crashed suddenly and wasn’t your fault (pilot error).
ZINO Mini Pro vs DJI MINI 2: Conclusions
Either of these two drones you choose you will make an excellent deal. Both come with a 4K@30fps camera and weighs less than 250g (.55lbs) allowing you to fly legally in most countries without special registration.
While the MINI 2 comes from the most reputable brand, the ZINO MINI Pro packs a lot more features. You will need to decide whether you need a more trusty product or one with top specifications.
Choosing between the Zino Mini SE and the Dji Mini2. Inputs?
which one better for quality of video, Zino Mini Pro or DJI MINI 2? im planning to buy soon, but still confused. help me please !
Personally, I prefer the MINI 2 over the ZMP. Actually, I prefer a DJI over any Hubsan drone.
Earlier read the Zino has a 10 k range. It does not (4k). Read it had a 40 minute flight time. It does not (less than 25 minutes. Has a top speed of 22 MPH whereas the Mini 2 has a top speed of 37.79 MPH. BIG DIFFERENCE!
I have both Zino Mini and Dji Mini2. If the footage sharpness gets corrected by Hubsan it could be a great contender.
I have flown DJI drones for the past 11 years and have switched to an Autel Evo 2 for my main drone and sold my DJI Mini 2 to order the Hubsan Mini. My main reason for moving away from DJI is the need to contact DJI to unlock firmware to fly almost on each site I fly. DJI’s lock out of NFZ in their software/firmware makes it difficult to fly and get the video you need in a timely manner. I will trade in the brand name for a drone that flys at the direction of the pilot without lockouts and updates daily. I bought the drone, let me comply with the LAANC and FAA without your help DJI!
The DJI MINI 3 will be available sooner than the Zino Mini Pro!
The pros for this drone are big but there are a couple of big cons there too:
Looking at the spec on the Hubsan website it says that the only photo mode that it has is JPEG and not RAW.
It doesn’t look like there’s an SD card slot either so you would be stuck with max 128gb in internal storage. If that storage becomes corrupted your drone is toast.
One of the main plus points is the kick to the butt DJI will get from Hubsan, and competition can only be healthy for the drone market and the consumer.
Yes, I totally agree with you regarding internal memory.
DJI started to work on the MINI 3. For sure will be better than this Zino MINI!!!
Jordan, there are only rumors about the MINI3, which most likely will be available only in 2022!
Well pointed!
I have a Mavic Mini 2.7k but never used it I’m thinking of selling it to buy a Hubsan Pro Mini. I like the 4k camera and obstacle avoidance system.