DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini: Worth the extra money?

By
Robert Neil
-
DJI MINI 2 versus Mavic Mini

After lots of rumors, the new upgraded DJI Mini 2 will be officially released on November 4. While last year, till the launch event of the original Mavic Mini, everything was kept secret, photos, and specs of the MINI 2 was leaked weeks before the big day. Furthermore, many stores already have it in stock on the shelves, but without the possibility to sell it. First Quadcopter was between the first drone blogs that had access to a review unit. We were allowed to publish our Mavic Mini review only after the drone was revealed on DJI’s website. The embargo also included strict rules regarding social sharings (Instagram photos and YouTube videos).

The ‘MINI’ is DJI’s lightest and most compact travel-friendly drone. The weight of just 249 grams (0.54895 lb) places Mavic Mini in the lowest and safest weight class of camera drones, which in many countries may exempt it from certain regulations. For example, in the US and Canada, you can fly with drones under 250g for recreational purposes without the need to register your aircraft at FAA or CCA.

Many pre-release reviews say that, due to a lack of major improvements, the new MM should be called rather MINI 1.1 than 2. Personally, I don’t think they’re right. While the DJI MINI 2 share the design with its predecessor, it has some significant upgrades from the original Mavic Mini. Firstly, it comes with pro-grade OcuSync 2.0 transmission that not just doubles the range but also makes the video-transmission more reliable. Secondly, the new camera is capable to shot 4K@30fps videos and to take RAW photos.

DJI Mini 2 versus Mavic Mini in-depth comparison

In the table below I will try to compare the most important specs of both compact DJI drones. I highlighted with red where the new DJI MINI 2 excels and with green where the older Mavic Mini still shines.

  DJI MINI 2 Mavic MINI
Size Folded: 138×81×58 mm
Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm		 Folded: 140×82×57 mm
Unfolded: 160×202×55 mm
Weight 249 grams 249 grams
Camera 4K@30fps 2.7K@30fps
Max bit rate 100Mbps 40Mbps
Photo mode RAW + JPG JPG
Gimbal 3-axis 3-axis
Digital Zoom 4K: 2x, 2.7K: 3x and FHD: 4x No
FPV 720P 720p
Communication OcuSync 2.0 WiFi
Range 10KM for FCC and 6K for CE 4Km for FCC and 2Km for CE
Wind resistance 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) 8 m/s (Level 4)
Intelligent flight modes Panorama, Hyperlapse, One Tap, and QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang) QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket)
Active tracking No No
Obstacle avoidance No No
GPS Follow me ? No
Optical flow sensor Yes Yes
Geofence Yes Yes
Remote controller New, Air 2 style (RC231) Standard, old design (MR1SS5\MR1SD25)
Battery 2s/2250 mAh 2s/2400 mAh
Flight time 31 minutes 30 minutes
FAA registration No No
Release date November 4, 2020 October 30, 2019
Regular price (Standard/Combo) $449/$599 $399/$499

Other Differences

By using slightly different motors, the DJI MINI 2 also promises better flight performance compared to the older Mavic MINI 1. It has better wind resistance (level 5 vs level 4) and 1 minute longer flight time. Curiously, the improved battery life is obtained by using a smaller capacity Li-ion pack (2250mAh vs 2400mAh). Another unique feature of the new Mavic MINI 2, is that you are able to transfer files from the drone to your computer wirelessly with up to 20MB/s.

QuickShot modes

As you can see in the table below, the MINI 2 comes with a new QuickShot mode called ‘Boomerang’. This creative mode gives you a 360 degree view but with an accelerated curve, just like a boomerang. Unfortunately, still, no ‘Asteroid’ mode as we expected.

QuickShot Dronie Helix Rocket Circle Boomerang
Mavic Mini 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Mavic Mini 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Box content

It looks like DJI decided to pack the MINI 2 with a different set of accessories compared to the older Mavic Mini. For example, the M2 comes with a handy propeller holder that keeps the blades from turning outward and possibly getting damaged when you load the aircraft in the bag.

Included accessories with the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini 1

Both MINI generations have ‘Standard’ and ‘Fly more combo’ package options. As its name says, the “Fly more combo” is dedicated to those who need extended flight time – not just flying once in a month.

Bottom line: Worth to upgrade from Mavic Mini to DJI Mini 2?

Personally, I seriously think to sell my old MINI and buy the new Mini 2. I like the upgraded range and a better camera. Based on my calculations, this switch will cost me about 200 bucks at least. Second-hand drones are sold for about 50-60% of their store price.

Another aspect you should consider when you upgrade from MM1 to MM2 is the compatibility of the accessories you already own. First testimonials say that most of the accessories (excepting remote controller and batteries) are interchangeable across the two generations of MINIs.

In case you are looking for your first drone, without a blink, I would suggest you to buy the new DJI MINI. For the price difference of just $50, you will get lots of features (Better range, 4K recording, and RAW photo).

Last update on November 5, after official release.

Robert Neil
I joined to the FirstQuadcopter team last year. I love diving into the latest and greatest in drone technologies and seeing what they can do. Content moderator and helpdesk.

97 COMMENTS

  1. Anyone upgrade from Mini to Mini 2 and find worth it? I’m still using Mavic MINI but really frustrated that can record 4K videos

    • The MM1 is a great little drone, I have one from its release date. If you are a newbie without the need of a 4K video, I think it would be just fine.

    • It is not worth it Mike. The controller is a setback bigger than the drone which defies why we are buying a mini drone. Also, don’t be fooled with the 4k you won’t notice the difference in pictures. As well the RAW pics, if you are not an expert and having an SW to do editing then don’t bother. Regarding range, usually, it is nice to keep the drone insight range but the mini-1 still has good range, I am not sure when will you need to fly your drone 5km away!! :-). Hope this will help. Thanks..

  9. Decided to upgrade through the DJI trade-up program. The Mini 2 is a huge difference compared to Mini 1. I paid 200$ for the switch.

    • Short answer: No. Long answer: Not a huge amount of difference, so if you want to truly upgrade, go to the Air 2S. It is much better!

  10. Getting a mini 1 for a decent price. What are the most common issues compared to the mini 2. Just to know if I make the right decision

  13. I’ve been hearing horror story’s about their mini 2 losing connection and falling out of the sky just like the older mini 1. Is this a common issue of a firmware problem?

  15. Hello,

    I just bought the Mavic Mini 1 and highly considering DJI Mini 2. I’ll most likely return 1 and get 2.
    I’ve been reading about different brands of filters I could use for drones I have. Just read your review (very helpful) on Skyreat filters.

    There are two filter packages I see on the review.
    5 different ND filters (ND4PL, ND8PL, ND16PL, ND32PL, and ND64PL) and (UV, ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, and CPL) filters.

    Which one would you recommend I buy?
    Keep in mind, I’m new to the DJI Mini drones world but would like to get better.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you!
    Fermin

  16. As many say here, while DJI stopes making updated for the Mavic MINI, the MINI 2 will have be updated for at least 2 years from its release date. It just got a major update which adds zoom and increases stability!

  17. Sold my MM1 and two weeks later I got the Mini 2. Ocusync 2 is amazing. Can easily lock onto 15 satellites. The Mini is an upgrade in every aspect!

  18. I’ve seen many YouTube videos with the DJI Mini 2 and always comes in between 238g & 240g. So it is 10 grams lighter than the Mavic Mini 1?

  19. Happy New Year!
    What do you guys think is a better deal the Mavic Mini for $350 or the new DJI Mini 2 for $450? is it really worth $100 more? Right now it’s just a hobby but I want to get a part 107 before to long and try to do aerial photography…

    • Hi Judith and welcome to FirstQuadcopter.com
      The MINI 2’s 4K camera is better than the MINI 1’s 2.7K but is not a big difference. The biggest advantage of the second-generation DJI MINI drone is the OccuSync communication – it allows a much longer range. Both are excellent entry-level drones. Perfect to learn-to-fly but for professional photography you will need something much versatile, like the Mavic 2 Pro.
      Happy New year you too!

  26. Japan is dropping the weight limit from 200g to 100g. They also want to stop using 5ghz wavelengths by the Mini 1 and Mini 2. This is the end of legal droning in Japan :( Probably more countries will follow their rules…

    • it’s not called “Mini1”! One of them is “MAVIC MINI” and the other is “DJI MINI 2”, just to avoid any confusion…

  32. Like many here I also considering getting a Mavic mini or DJI mini 2. I have a question regarding the “no-fly zone”. Do both have the same limitations?

  35. I was considering an upgrade to Dji Mini2 but once again I’m impressed by the quality of the Mavic Mini1. So I’ll stick to this drone for a while. I know all its issues and limitations. If you use it corectly is a great travel companion. Its 2.7k camera is perfect for most cases. Happy flying on Covidland!

  36. For anyone comparing the MM1 to MM2, there’s a clear decision…DJI Mini 2 without a doubt! It will receive software updates for a longer time. It has a better camera (4k vs 2.7k). It has superior wind resistance. Lastly, when I flying the MM2 I didn’t have any lag in feed or loss of connection.

  37. I bought my Mavic Mini on Amazon Prime day and got $100 off. I have until January to return it. Has anyone else brought their quad recently and thinking to return it to get the new DJI Mavic 2?

  38. Totally newbie here. Is there a way to switch from Occusync to Wi-Fi on Mini 2? I flew today and after only 500meters I lost the signal.
    Second question: Which is better, 2.4GHz, or 5.8 GHz, or dual-band?

  39. I don’t plan to upgrade from Mini 1 to Mini 2 but still a question. Are the batteries compatible? Anybody tried old batteries in Mini 2?

  42. I will buy the new MA2 as can not fly many days with the MM1 because of the wind … Hopefully it will have a better wind resistance

  43. There are many samples on YouTube. Personally, I find the Mini 1 videos at least equivalent (or even slightly superior) to the Mini 2. It looks that the higher bitrate is useless after all.

  44. If you own both, could you make a test for us? Fly the Mini 1 and Mini 2 from point A to point B in a populated area. You get less interference with the Mini 2 controller because of OcuSync communication?

  45. After reading so many issues due to the latest APP update, I am starting to consider returning the Mavic Mini and purchasing the new DJI MINI 2. I really don’t want to end up in a situation where I could lose my investment due to their mistake…

  47. The Quickshots on the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini are only in 1080p resolution? So 4k and 2.7 are available only for regular shots?

  53. DJI robbed us that bought the Mavic Mini a couple of months ago…Not fair to came up with the MINI2 that has just a few software enhancements…

  59. For money and what you get my opinion Mini1 is the best buy if the budget isn’t a problem than the new Mini2. But it’s only a small difference for the extra money.

  61. Anyone who upgraded to the Dji Mini 2 has any thoughts on the difference with photos? Is it a lot better than the older Mavic Mini? Does it have a better low light performance (less grainy)? Love to see some examples. Thanks!

  69. YEAAAHH BOY. I was there the minute it released. Now I’m happy owner of the new DJI MINI2. Maiden flight impressions tomorrow! In-depth review on my YT channel in a few days.

  70. Hey folks. I bought the Mavic Mini 1 in August. Totally new to flying, but learn it fast. All this talk of 4k and everything else that is said about the new Mini 2 looks great but for me as I am not an expert at photography the 2.7k it is just fine.

  73. Here are the full technical specs of the MINI 2 camera:

    – 3840×2160 – 4K UHD
    – MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) video codecs
    – 12MP Still photo resolution
    – JPG + RAW image formats
    – Video formats:
    – 4K Ultra HD 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30fps
    – 2.7K 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30fps
    – Full HD 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50fps
    – Live video streaming
    – ISO 100-3200 in Video & Photo
    – 24mm equivalent focal length
    – 4s – 1/8000s shutter speed

  74. The question is if the Mavic Mini 2 has an upgraded motherboard and Image processor compared to the original MINI. If not, all ‘improvements’ are made by software enhancement.

  75. Awesome! First drone qualified for my girlfriend :D
    Do you know the exact street day? I want to order a Mavic 2 Combo for Xmas.

    • Your girlfriend will love the DJI MINI2. It is super portable and versatile.
      The street day is November 5, if you have luck you can get one before all are purchased…Stocks are limited at the beginning…

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here