Mavic Air 2 vs DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini: Which One to Choose?

For Mavic Air 2 and DJI Air 2S comparison, please check this guide for details.

The Mavic Mini is an entry-level drone that you don’t need to register to fly. It stands out for its great portability, super lightweight (only 249g), and long battery life.

The DJI Mini 2 is the upgrade version of the Mavic Mini. The main upgrades include a 4K capable camera, 6.2 miles Ocusync Video Transmission, Level 5 wind resistance, and more.

The Mavic Air 2 is DJI’s first new drone in 2020, offers the latest and greatest features in an iconic foldable design. It’s a massive upgrade over the previous generation-Mavic Air and even edges out the flagship Mavic 2 in terms of flight performance, control range, video shooting, and more.

In this article, we will compare the DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2 with the Mavic Mini from head to head to find out the differences and help you to decide which one you should buy.

If you want a quick overview:

Get the DJI Mini 2 if:

• You just want an entry-level drone
• You want an FAA register-free drone
• You want a drone that has an affordable price
• You want an extremely portable drone for traveling, hiking, and backpacking

Get the Mavic Mini if:

• You have a small budget, and DJI Mini 2 is a little bit pricer for you
• 4K capability and long control range are not necessary for you

Get the Mavic Air 2 if:

• You have more budget
• You expect a better camera that is capable of 4K videos and better photos
• You want a more powerful drone that has a longer flight time
• You want a drone that has obstacle avoidance ability and Follow Me mode

DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, and Mavic Mini Comparison

Price

Mavic Air 2 starts from $799, and the Fly More Combo costs $988. Compared to the mavic mini series, it’s much pricer.

One of the biggest changes between the new DJI Mini 2 and Mavic mini is the price. The price of the standard DJI Mini 2 is $449 and that of the Fly More Combo is $599, while the Mavic Mini costs $399 and the Mavic Mini combo costs $499. The new version comes at a higher price.

Similar Aircraft Design

All three drones feature the DJI Mavic drone’s iconic foldable design, Mavic Air 2 is more like a small version of Mavic 2, while DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini differ in size, color, props, and attaching batteries. As the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini are much smaller, they have better portability.

Mavic air 2

When it comes to DJI Mini 2 and Mavic mini, there is no drastic change in the design. DJI Mini 2 looks almost the same as the Mavic Mini. They have the same color and foldable design. DJI Mini 2 is slightly smaller when folded but a little bit larger when unfolded. The other differences in the design include orange propeller tips, an additional front light, “4K” printed on the lens, and a clickable aircraft status indicator.

DJI Mini 2

Mavic Mini

Weight

The Mavic Mini only weighs 249g which makes it an FAA register-free drone, and you don’t need to register in many countries and regions. DJI Mini 2 edges out the Mavic mini by making the weight even lighter and it gives you more space to customize it like adding a wrap.

Though Mavic Air 2 comes with a bigger size and heavier weight, it doesn’t trade in too much for portability.

Different Remote Controller

The design of the remote controller is totally different, Mavic Mini’s remote is similar to other Mavic drones, while the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2 have a much bigger remote controller. The way you mount your mobile device is also different. Your phone or tablet will be on the top. Maybe it’s because both Mavic Air 2 and DJI Mini 2 use the Ocusync 2.0 transmission system. For more details about the remote controller, please check this guide.

 

DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2 Remote Controller

 

Mavic mini Remote Controller

 

Battery life

Mavic Air 2 features a 3500 mAh battery that supports a max flight time of 34 minutes.

In terms of DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini, there is no significant change in the max flight time, DJI Mini 2 can fly up to 31 minutes, Mavic Mini has a max battery life of 30 minutes. Another difference is that DJI Mini 2 supports QC and USB PD fast-charging protocols and supports up to 29 W of input power.

Video Transmission System and Control Range

These 3 drones use different transmission systems. Mavic Air 2 and DJI Mini 2 packs the latest Ocusync 2.0, while Mavic Mini comes with reinforced WiFi transmission.

With Ocusyc 2.0 transmission system, both DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2 can fly up to 6.2 miles (10 km) away, and you can also get a stable live video view. The difference is Mavic Air 2 offers 1080p HD live video, and DJI Mini 2 only has 720p.

Mavic Mini uses WiFi transmission is comparatively not that stable and reliable. The max range is only 2.5 miles (4 km).

Apparently, Mavic Mini doesn’t do much to compete in terms of flight performance.

Obstacle Avoidance

When it comes to obstacle avoidance, both DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini are unable to detect objects and avoid them because they don’t pack any obstacle avoidance sensors. Mavic Air 2 has obstacle avoidance sensors in the front and back and allows you to fly safely together with the APAS 3.0 intelligent flight mode.

 

Wind-Resistance

One of the major complaints of Mavic Mini is the poor wind resistance ability (18 mph, Level 4). Because of the upgrade on motors, the max wind speed resistance of the Mini 2 is 23.5 mph (Level 5) which is the same as the Mavic Air 2. The upgrade on motors also increases Mini 2’s max service ceiling to 4000 m.

Camera

Camera performance differs a lot. DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini use the same 1/2.3″ sensor. When it comes to video, DJI Mini 2 is capable of 4K 30fps videos at a bit rate of 100Mbps. This means it allows you to capture higher-quality videos. Mavic Mini only supports recording 2.7K videos with a lower bit rate of only 40Mbps.

DJI Mini 2 is capable of 2x zoom when shooting in 4K, 3x zoom when shooting in 2.7K, and 4x when recording in HD. Mavic Mini has no Zoom feature.

When it comes to photos, one of the major differences is that DJI Mini 2 supports shooting DNG Raw while Mavic Mini can only shoot 12 MP JPEG. DJI Mini 2 also allows you to take Sphere, 180 degrees, and Wide panorama with only one tap.

Mavic Air 2 packs a better camera that features a larger 1/2″ sensor. It enables you to capture 4K @60fps videos and 48 MP stills. When shooting videos, the max bitrate of Mavic Air 2 is 100 Mbps which is the same as the DJI Mini 2 but much higher than that of the Mavic Mini. Mavic Air 2 also has Zoom features, it supports 2x digital zoom when shooting 4K/30 fps and 2.7k/60 fps. If you are shooting in 1080p you can zoom in up to 4x at 60 fps.

 

Intelligent Flight Modes

Mavic Air 2 has all the latest intelligent flight modes including ActiveTrack 3.0, APAS 3.0, POI 3.0, Spotlight 2.0, FocusTrack, QuickShots, SmartPhoto, and more. ActiveTrack allows you to follow an object automatically, the drone can also detect what the subject might be. Point of Interest enables you to set the drone to fly around a subject automatically. APAS enables the drone to set the fly path automatically when detecting obstacles. Mavic Mini only features QuickShots.

DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini only come with QuickShots.

• DJI Mini 2 QuickShots include Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang.
• Mavic Mini only has Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Circle.

DJI Mini 2 Intelligent flight modes

Faster File Transfer: QuickTransfer & Trimmed Download

How to fast download videos from your SD card to your mobile device has always been an issue for drone pilots, especially when you have a lot of 4K videos stored on your card. It normally takes around 2 minutes to download a 1GB video. The Mini 2 comes with QuickTransfer that allows you to download files at 20 MB/s, you just need to put your DJI Mini 2 close to your smartphone, the DJI Fly app will recognize and connect to the aircraft automatically to download the files. That is to say, it only takes 50 seconds to download a 1GB video.

QuickTransfer is only available on the Mini 2, it might appear on other drones later by updating the firmware. To learn how to download Mavic Air 2 and Mavic Mini files, check this guide for details.

 

Accessories Compatibility

Although the Mini 2 and Mavic Mini use a similar design and have almost the same size, not all the accessories are compatible. Mavic Mini international version’s intelligent flight battery can be used on DJI Mini 2, but it will result in power decrease and weight increase, you will experience shorter flight time and heavier weight, you will also need to register because it will exceed 250g. Here is a list of compatible accessories for the Mini 2.

• Mavic Mini DIY Creative Kit
• Mavic Mini Snap Adapter
• Mavic Mini Propeller Holder
• Mavic Mini Intelligent Flight Battery

As Mavic Air 2 and DJI Mini 2 use the same remote controller, so their remote controller, the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller Monitor Hood, and DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller Tablet Holder are all interchangeable.

Our Verdict

As mentioned earlier, the Mavic Air 2 is much more powerful than the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini in terms of flight time, range, transmission system, speed, and camera. If you take a look at their prices, it’s no surprise.

Mavic Mini is for people who just want a drone to learn how to fly or enjoy the fun of flying, 4K videos are not that attractive to them, they are more price-sensitive.

Mavic Air 2 is a high-end drone that aims to replace the Mavic Air and Mavic Pro. It comes with a much higher price and has the latest and greatest technology and comes with a better camera.

Get the DJI Mini 2 if:

• You just want an entry-level drone
• You want an FAA register-free drone
• You want a drone that has an affordable price
• You want an extremely portable drone for traveling, hiking, and backpacking

>>Check Price on Amazon Now<<

Get the Mavic Mini if:

• You have a small budget, and DJI Mini 2 is a little bit pricer for you
• 4K capability and long control range are not necessary for you

>>Check Price on Amazon Now<<

 

Get the Mavic Air 2 if:

• You have more budget.
• You want a more powerful drone.
• You expect a better camera that is capable of 4K videos.
• You expect a longer flight distance.

>>Check Price on Amazon Now<<

 

DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, and Mavic Mini Key Specs

Drone	DJI Mini 2	DJI Mavic Air 2	DJI Mavic Mini
Dimensions (Folded)	138×81×58 mm (L×W×H)	180×97×84 mm (L×W×H)	140×82×57 mm (L×W×H)
Weight	< 0.54 lbs/ 249 grams	1.25 lbs/570 grams	0.54 lbs/ 249 grams
Max Range	6.2 miles (10 km)	6.2 miles (10 km)	2.5 miles (4 km)
Wind Resistance	19-23.5 mph (Level 5)	19-23.5 mph (Level 5)	18 mph (Scale 4)
Battery Life	up to 31 minutes	up to 34 minutes	up to 30 minutes
Max Speed (Sport Mode)	35.8 mph (57.6 kph)	42 mph (68.4 kph)	29 mph (46.8 kph)
Obstacle Avoidance	Downward	Forward, Backward, Downward	Downward
Internal Storage	No	8GB onboard	No
SD Card	Micro SD™ UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required	Supports a microSD with a capacity of up to 256 GB	Micro SD™ UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required
Sensor	Sony 1/2.3″ CMOS	Sony 1/2″	Sony 1/2.3″ CMOS
Camera	12 MP	48 MP	12 MP
Video	4K: 3840×2160 24/25/30p,  2.7K: 2720×1530 24/25/30p, FHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60p	4K: 3840×2160 24/25/30/60p,  2.7K: 2688×1512 24/25/30/48/50/60p, FHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/120/240p	2.7 K: 2720×1530 25/30p FHD: 1920×1080 25/30/50/60p
Video  Format	MP4 / MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)	MP4 / MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)	MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC）
Lens	f/2.8	f/2.8	f/2.8
Zoom	Yes 4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x	Yes 4K: 2x 2.7K: 2x FHD: 4x	No
Max Bitrate	100 Mbps	100 Mbps	40 Mbps
Shutter speed	Electronic Shutter 4-1/8000s	Electronic Shutter 8-1/8000s	Electronic Shutter 4-1/8000s
ISO	Video: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual) Photos: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual)	Video: 100-6400 Photo (12 MP): 100-3200 (Auto) 100-6400 (Manual) Photo (48 MP): 100-1600 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual)	Video: 100-3200 (Auto) Photo: 100-1600 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual)
Gimbal	3 Axis	3 Axis	3 Axis
Transmission System	Ocusync 2.0	Ocusync 2.0	WiFi
App	DJI Fly	DJI Fly	DJI Fly
Price	Start from $449	Start from $799	Start from $399

Which one would you choose? Tell us your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

 

 

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