DJI MINI 3 Pro vs MINI 2: In-depth comparison

DJI MINI 3 PRO VS DJI MINI 2

After the latest MINI 3 Pro leaks which confirmed the official release, many DJI fans decided to cancel their MINI 2 order and wait for the new edition. Let’s find out from this in-depth comparison guide if it’s worth waiting for the new MINI 3 Pro.

DJI has completely redesigned the new Mini 3 Pro. It has a new look optimized to get more out of every flight. From the larger propellers, aerodynamic body tilt, and upgraded motors we can expect an improved flight performance.

The biggest improvement of the MINI 3 Pro over its older brother the MINI 2, is the 3D-obstacle avoidance sensor. The M3P comes with Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) which detects objects in the flight path of the aircraft in real-time. Another great feature of the Mini 3, is the visual object tracking enhanced by ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, three powerful storytelling tools.

Camera

While the new DJI MINI 3 Pro features a 4K@60fps camera with a 48MP (1/1.3″) sensor, the older MINI 2 has a 4K@30fps camera with a 12MP (1/2.3″) one. Usually, a larger sensor means better low-light capabilities.

Both mini DJI drones are equipped with a 3-axis gimbal. The Mini 3 Pro’s gimbal offers a wider range of rotation for low-angle shooting as well as vertical shooting, opening up endless creative possibilities for TikTokers.

Battery life

Thanks to the 2250 mAh battery, the MINI 2 has a decent of 31 minutes flight time. By comparison, the MINI 3 Pro with a 2453mAh pack has a 34 minutes battery life. Furthermore, with the high-capacity ‘Plus’ battery, it has an outstanding 47minutes of flight time. Of course, these flight times can be achieved only in optimal flight conditions.

Range

While the MINI 2 features second-generation OcuSync transmission that provides a range of up to 10KM, the MINI 3 comes with the third-generation DJI O3 that allows up to 12KM flight distances (in FCC mode). The MINI 2 is compatible only with the standard RC-N1 transmitter and the MINI 3 with both RC-N1 and RC Pro remote controllers. Another significant difference is that the MINI 2 has 720P FPV and the MINI 3 1080P.

DJI Mini 3 Pro versus DJI Mini 2

The table below will try to compare the most important specs of both 250g-class DJI drones. I highlighted with green where the upcoming MINI 3 excels and red where the older Mini 2 is still better.

  MINI 3 Pro  MINI 2
Size Folded: 145×90×62 mm
Unfolded: 171×245×62 mm
Folded: 138×81×58 mm
Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm
Weight 249 grams 249 grams
Camera 4K@60fps 4K@30fps
Sensor 1/1.3″ – 48MP 1/2.3” – 12MP
Max bit rate 150Mbps 100Mbps
Photo mode RAW + JPG RAW + JPG
Gimbal 3-axis 3-axis
Digital Zoom Yes Yes
FPV 1080P 720p
Communication OcuSync 3.0 OcuSync 2.0
Range 12KM for FCC 10KM for FCC
Wind resistance Level 5 Level 5
Intelligent flight modes QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) Panorama, One Tap, and QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang)
Obstacle avoidance Yes, 3D – APAS 4.0 No
Active tracking Yes, ActiveTrack 4.0 No
GPS Follow me No No
Optical flow sensor Yes Yes
Geofence Yes Yes
Remote controller RC-N1 and RC Pro RC-N1
Battery 2s/2453mAh 2s/2250 mAh
Flight time 34/47 minutes 31 minutes
FAA registration No No
Release date May 2022 November 2020
Price at DJI $759 $449
Conclusions

The answer is straightforward if you are looking for the most capable 250g-class drone,  the new MINI 3 Pro is your best option right now. It has a better camera, longer range, and extended battery life compared to the older MINI 2.

On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget looking for a nice beginner 4K drone, the MINI 2 is still a great choice.

31 COMMENTS

  1. As I always fly with obstacle avoidance off (it confuses the drone and makes things get weird), there is no difference between Mini 3 and Mini 2 for me.

  2. I got a mini 2 from my wife and I convinced her to exchange it for a mini 3 pro. I told her there is not much price difference :D

  3. Hi all!
    I’m going to buy a mini pro 3. I have the mini 2 how is the fpv image on the pro 3 is it more clear than the mini 2?

  4. Just sold my Mini 2 and thinking of getting the new Mini 3 with OAS but seeing a lot of complaints regarding the range…

  5. Huge difference in terms of range. In the same location I had 2-3km range with Mini 2. The mini 3 did it with 7km with no issue.

  6. No matter what your budget – the mini 2 and 3 are an awesome way to enter this hobby! Dji is the most trusted brand!

  7. Two biggest features that I want are obstacle avoidance and active tracking. I’ll still keep my Mini2 and definitively buy the new Mini3 Pro.

  8. Question to Mini 2 owners that already got the new Mini 3: Do you think the difference (image quality and flight performance-wise) between the Mini 3 and 2 is that huge to justify the extra 400$ for the Mini 3?

  9. The MINI 3 is too expensive for beginners, the MINI 2 or MINI SE is a much better choice for first timers!

    • The question should be, does your Mini 2 meet your needs. Personally, I sold my original Mini and purchased a Mini 2 because the Mini 1 couldn’t operate in a modest wind. Being able to fly in higher winds was critical to me. If it is critical that you be able to shoot straight down, have a couple of minutes more flight time, have a slightly larger sensor, have a forward-facing collision avoidance sensor, shoot 4k 60 vs 30 and be able to fly 12 km out vs 10 km out… you should go for the Mini 3 if you can afford it. Personally, I will skip the Mini 3 and fly the heck out of my Mini 2… there will be a Mini 4 out before you know it.

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