In this review, we compare the DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 drones to help you choose the most suitable drone for taking great aerial photos. By examining the features and capabilities of each drone, we aim to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. If you have no idea how to choose DJI Mini 2 or DJI Mini 3, please read DJI Mini 3 vs DJI Mini 2.
Firstly, let’s have a look at the specifications and features of these two drones.
Table of Contents
Features – DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2
| DJI Mini SE | DJI Mini 2 |
| 30 mins flight time | 31 mins flight time |
| Foldable & Lightweight Design | Recording 4K footage (the Mini maxes out at 2.7K) |
| Up to 2.7K Video & 12MP Still Images | 4x Digital Zoom and More Quick Shots |
| Up to 2.5-Mile HD Video Transmission | 10km Video Transmission |
| Entry-level pilots | Less Than 249g Ultralight and Foldable |
| With a 360° Propeller Guard | 37.8km/hr Wind Resistance |
Specifications – DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2
| Specifications | DJI Mini SE | DJI Mini 2 |
| Weight | 242 g | 249 g |
| Overall Dimensions | 3.2 x 2.3 x 5.4″ (Folded) 11.4 x 2.2 x 9.6″ (Unfolded) | 5.4 x 3.2 x 2.3″ (Folded) 9.6 x 11.4 x 2.2″ (Unfolded) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 249 g | 249 g |
| Maximum Horizontal Speed | 29.1 mph / 13 m/s | 36 mph / 57.9 km/h |
| Maximum Ascent Speed | 8.9 mph / 4 m/s | 16.4 ft/s / 5 m/s |
| Maximum Descent Speed | 6.7 mph / 3 m/s | 7.8 mph / 3.5 m/s |
| Maximum Wind Resistance | 23.5 mph / 10.5 m/s | 24.2 mph / 39 km/h |
| Flight Ceiling | 1.9 Miles / 3000 m | 2.5 Miles / 4000m |
| Maximum Flight Time | 30 Minutes | 31 Minutes |
| Maximum Tilt Angle | 30° | 40° |
| Sensor Type | 1/2.3″-Type CMOS Sensor | 1/2.3″-Type CMOS Sensor |
| Sensor Resolution | Effective: 12 Megapixel | Effective: 12 Megapixel |
| Field of View | 83° | 83° |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter 4 to 1/8000 Seconds | Electronic Shutter 1/8000 to 4 Seconds |
| Rotor Configuration | 4 | 4 |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 72°F / 0 to 40°C | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
Size and Weight – DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2
Both of these drones are small and portable. The DJI Mini SE measures 3.2 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches, while the DJI Mini 2 measures 5.4 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches when unfolded.
Image and Video Quality – DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2
Photo Quality
| Features | DJI Mini SE | DJI Mini 2 |
| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 | ƒ/2.8 |
| Focal length | 24mm (83˚ FOV) | 24mm (83˚ FOV) |
| ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-3200 |
| Resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels | 4000 x 3000 pixels |
| Formats | JPEG or DNG (Raw) | JPEG |
Both drones have many features in common, including an f2.8 aperture and an ISO range of 100-3200, making both the DJI Mini SE and DJI Mini 2 great choices for social media users. However, there is a slight difference between the two in terms of file formats. The DJI Mini SE supports both JPEG and RAW formats, while the DJI Mini 2 only supports JPEG.
Using RAW format allows photographers to edit images with greater detail and flexibility, making it a valuable feature for advanced users. However, it’s important to note that RAW files are larger and require more storage space and processing power. If you are social media users who prefer convenience, DJI Mini 2’s JPEG format is the best choice for you. DJI Mini SE is your great option if you are a professional photographer.
Video Quality
| Features | DJI Mini SE | DJI Mini 2 |
| Resolution | 2.7L @ 30fps / 1080P @ 60fps | 4K @ 30 fps / 2.7K @ 30fps / 1080P @ 60fps |
| Frame rate | 30 frames per second | 24 to 30 frames per second |
| Transmission | 4km HD video transmission | 10km HD Video Transmission |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3″ | 1/2.3″ |
| Bitrate | 40 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Below are 4k Video Drones
| DJI Mavic Air 2 | $969.00 (Amazon) |
| DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 | $2,399.00 (Amazon) |
| Autel Robotics EVO II | $5,299 (Amazon) |
| DJI Inspire 2 | $2,599.00 (Amazon) |
| Parrot Anafi USA | $369.99 (Amazon) |
Both drones are capable of producing high-quality video. However, for YouTubers who need to create high-resolution 4K videos for the platform, the DJI Mini 2 may be the better choice. With its 4K video resolution, the DJI Mini 2 can capture more detail and produce sharper images than the DJI Mini SE, which has a maximum video resolution of 2.7K. A higher frame rate can produce smoother, more fluid video with less motion blur. DJI Mini SE and DJI Mini 2 have a great frame rate of 30 frames per second and 24 to 30 frames per second respectively.
Speed & manoeuvrability – DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini SE | |
| Horizontal Speed | 16 m/s | 13 m/s |
| Ascent Speed | 5 m/s | 4 m/s |
| Descent Speed | 3.5 m/s | 3 m/s |
| Maximum wind resistance | 10.5 m/s | 10.5 m/s |
Battery Time and Flight Time – DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2
The DJI Mini SE has an upgraded power system compared to its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, allowing for up to 30 minutes of flight time on a full charge under ideal conditions. The DJI Mini 2 offers a slightly longer flight time of up to 31 minutes, which can be enough to capture additional footage without needing to stop and recharge. Both drones provide extended flight time, allowing users to fly farther and capture more footage while planning and composing their shots.
Overall, both DJI drones offer excellent battery life and are ideal options for users looking to capture footage over an extended period without worrying about running out of power. The slightly longer flight time of the DJI Mini 2 may be a consideration for users who need a few extra minutes of flight time to capture the perfect shot.
The Reasons to Choose DJI Mini 2 over DJI Mini SE
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo Foldable Drone
| Features | DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini SE |
| Flight Time | 31 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K @ 30 fps / 2.7K @ 30fps / 1080P @ 60fps | 2.7L @ 30fps / 1080P @ 60fps |
| Video Transmission Distance | 10km | 4km |
| Flight Speed | 16 m/s | 13 m/s |
| Format | JPEG or DNG (Raw) | JPEG |
| Modes | Single Shot, Interval, AEB, Panorama (Sphere, 180˚ and Wide) | Single Shot, Interval |
| Max zoom | 4x digital | None |
| Price | $669 | $379 |
Both drones, the DJI Mini SE and the DJI Mini 2, are excellent options for many users. When it comes to the DJI Mini 2, this drone can capture 4K video and supports both JPEG and DNG formats. With a flight time of up to 31 minutes, the DJI Mini 2 is a great choice for professional photographers and videographers who need extended flight time and high-quality footage.
Moreover, the DNG format offers more flexibility in editing photos and allows users to create great shots with ease. The DJI Mini 2 also offers a variety of modes to help users capture creative and interesting footage. Overall, the DJI Mini 2 is a versatile drone that can meet the needs of many different users, from amateur photographers to professional filmmakers.
DJI Mini SE Drone Quadcopter
For users on a tight budget or beginners who don’t need to capture 4K video, the DJI Mini SE is a good option. While it doesn’t offer 4K video capabilities, it still provides high-quality 1080p video and a 3-axis gimbal for stabilized footage. The DJI Mini SE also features a maximum flight time of up to 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for capturing aerial footage.
