DJI Launch Mini 3 Pro drone. Pre-order Now
In-depth comparison between the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2, Mini SE, and Mavic Mini drones. Find out the difference between the camera, flight performance and controllers, among other key features, and decide which Mini drone is best for you.
Last updated: May 12, 2022 Published on: Jan 13, 2022
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is here.
The teeny-tiny ultralight drone is the latest model in this incredibly popular series, following on from the original Mavic Mini, the upgraded Mini 2 and also the Mini SE, which became available in the UK a few months ago and essentially houses the Mavic Mini's features inside a Mini 2's body.
This impressive drone series has redefined what is possible in such compact airframes and the Mini 3 Pro continues this innovative trend, with enhanced flight performance, upgraded camera and the addition of a supercool rotating gimbal to enable landscape and portrait content capture.
So, with four DJI Mini drones now in the mix, which one should you go for? And is the Mini 3 worth an upgrade if you are already an owner of another DJI Mini drone?
To help you make an informed decision, read our in-depth comparison guide between the Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2, Mini SE, and Mavic Mini.
For a quick overview, here are the key features of the Mini SE, Mini 2 and Mavic Mini.
Drone (no RC): £639 Drone (RC-N1 Controller): £709 Drone (DJI RC Controller: £859
The Mini 3 Pro has a revamped design compared to the other three Mini drones.
For instance, look at the difference between the Mini 3...
...compared to the Mini 2, Mini SE, and Mavic Mini, which all have a similar appearance.
DJI says that the Mini 3 Pro's new appearance is intended to optimise flight performance: With larger propellers, an aerodynamic body tilt, and a powerful obstacle sensing system, the streamlined design allows for increased flight time and safety.
With all of this in mind, the Mini 3 Pro is the largest in size of all four Mini drones, but it is still tiny.
And all four Mini drones are sub 250g - weighing around the same as the average smartphone - which places them in the safest category of drones. In actual fact, the Mavic Mini is listed as being 249g, while the Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2 and Mini SE are down as sub 249g, so there is a slight difference, but not much.
Their tiny frames, coupled with the iconic folding DJI Mavic design, make these drones extremely portable, perfect for capturing content on the go.
While the Mini 3 Pro has larger propellers, the Mini 2 and Mini SE benefit from their own set of strong props - distinguished via the orange tips - to enhance their own flight performance, which help to enhance their flight performance.
The table below provides an overview of some of the drone's design specifications.
Perhaps the biggest differences between these four drones are the camera capabilities.
One of the stand-out features of the Mini 3 Pro is its re-engineered camera gimbal which rotates 90° to switch between landscape and portrait content capture.
It is a supercool feature and this True Vertical Shooting mode removes the need to digitally crop your images, providing you with quality content all ready for social media.
The gimbal also offers a wider rotation range for low-angle shots.
When it comes to video, the Mini 3 Pro can shoot 4K/60fps, as well as gorgeous slow motion at 1080@120fps.
In contrast, the Mini 2 can shoot 4K/30fps video, whereas the Mini SE and Mavic Mini are limited to 2.7K Quad HD videos (2.7K/30fps).
Make no mistake, the 4K on the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 yield gorgeous footage but, whether you actually need that quality is up to each operator. After all, 1080p is often enough for YouTube and posting videos on social sites like Facebook and Instagram.
The Mini 3 Pro has a superior bit-rate (150 Mbps), compared to 100Mbps on the Mini 2, and 40Mbps on the Mini SE and Mavic Mini.The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 can also capture 2.7K video at 60fps.
The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 also have up to 4x zoom capability - a feature missing on the Mini SE and Mavic Mini.
On the photo front, the Mini 3 Pro can capture up to 48MP photos and benefits from a 1/1.3-inch sensor.
In comparison, the Mini 2, Mini SE and Mavic Mini are capable of 12MP imagery and have a smaller-sized 1/2.3” CMOS sensor.
The Mini 3 Pro features dual native ISO and has an ISO range, for photography, of 100-6400.
The Mini 2 and Mini SE have an ISO range of 100-3200, while the Mavic Mini is limited to 100-1600 in Auto and 100-3200 in Manual.
When shooting in JPEG, the Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2, and Mini SE have a single shot interval of up to 60 seconds, whereas the Mavic Mini tops out at 30s.
Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 operators can also utilise JPEG or RAW photo modes; the Mini SE and original Mavic Mini lack RAW photo mode.
The Mini 3 Pro also has D-Cinelike Colour mode, which provides more visual information to offer you richer colour possibilities and more flexibility when editing, and benefits from a generous 2.4μm pixel size.
The Mini 3 Pro also has a dedicated HDR mode: For photos it is supported in Single Shot mode, while for video it is supported when shooting at 24/25/30fps.
Interestingly, for all that the Mini drones are great beginner UAVs, the cameras are good enough to be used by some commercial operators for work such as basic rooftop inspection and real estate. Their sub 250g weight is also an advantage, as it means that drone training (A2 CofC/GVC) isn't required. Find out more in our guide to UK Drone Laws.
The table below provides an overview of the camera specifications for all four drones.
All four Mini drones feature a range of smart shooting modes, known as QuickShots, to capture eye-catching content - quickly and easily.
The four Mini drones can utilise Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket, however, the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 provide users with the Boomerang function. In addition, the Mini 3 Pro has Asteroid mode.
So, what do these QuickShot modes bring to the table?
On top of the additional QuickShot mode, the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 have a dedicated Panorama function, with Sphere, 180°, and Wide-angle functionality.
The Mini 3 Pro also has MasterShots. This cool feature is especially suited to new aerial content creators: Simply select your subject, and Mini 3 Pro will execute a sequence of pro manoeuvres, generating a short cinematic video afterward.
The Mini 3 Pro also has dedicated FocusTrack, which is a suite of subject-following tools.
This suite includes ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, three powerful storytelling tools, as outlined below.
The other Mini drones don't have dedicated FocusTrack, however, Litchi - one of the most popular third-party flight apps for DJI drones - did bring out a firmware update (version 4.20.0) to enable things like tracking and follow me for the Mini 2 and Mini SE.
All four Mini drones utilise the DJI Fly App: An app which generates awesome videos with just a tap. Even beginners with no editing experience can turn any moment into a social media hit.
The drones in the DJI Mini range are reliable and powerful performers, especially considering their small footprint.
The Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2 and Mini SE have a Level 5 wind-speed resistance. The Mini 3 Pro can resist wind up to 10.7m/s, while the Mini 2 and Mini SE are just shy of this, handling gusts up to 10.5m/s.
The Mavic Mini has a lower resistance - 8m/s (Level 4) - and the difference is noticeable when the wind does pick up: When the Mavic Mini struggles, the Mini 3 Pro, Mini SE and Mini 2 get on just fine.
The Mini 3 Pro is the most rugged of the four, with an operating temperature range of -10° to 40°C. The Mini 2, Mini SE and Mavic Mini all range from 0° to 40°C.
In terms of transmission distance, the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 utilise OcuSync, giving them stronger resistance against signal interference and automatic adjustments between two frequencies.
The Mini 3 Pro has the updated O3 transmission system, giving it a transmission range of 8km. The Mini 2 uses OcuSync 2.0 and has a transmission range of 6km.
On the other side of coin, the Mini SE and the Mavic Mini use enhanced WiFi, with a significantly shorter transmission range of 2km of the Mini SE and Mavic Mini.
Please note that all of these transmission distances apply to the CE versions.
In other areas of performance, the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 (16m/s) are slightly faster than the Mini SE and Mavic Mini (13m/s).
The Mini 3 Pro has a flight time of 34 minutes, while the other three come in just shy of this, closer to 30 minutes. Regardless, this sort of flight time on such a small drone is seriously impressive.
For the record, the Mini 3 Pro's flight time can be extended to 47 minutes thanks to the Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus (which make the drone heavier). Sadly, these are not being made available in the UK or the EU, so operators in these areas only have the option of flying for up to 34 minutes.
The table below provides an overview of their performance specifications.
By default, the DJI Mini drones are incredibly safe because of their compact form and lightweight design.
But when it comes to the Mini 3 Pro, DJI has gone the extra mile to pack it with features to enhance in-flight safety.
In a first for the Mini drone series, DJI Mini 3 Pro features Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing, consisting of forward, backward, and downward visual sensors.
The forward and downward sensors have a wider field of view, providing seamless coverage for better route planning and environmental awareness.
These sensors also enable Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 4.0, which automatically detects and finds a safer path around obstacles during flight. Note thought that APAS 4.0 is not available while recording 4K/48fps, 4K/50fps, 4K/60fps, 2.7K/48fps, 2.7K/50fps, 2.7K/60fps, or 1080p/120fps video.
In addition, these sensors also enable the entire FocusTrack suite, which allows users to select a subject that the drone automatically keeps within the center of the frame during flight while automatically planning a safe flight route.
Thanks to its upgraded sensing system, DJI Mini 3 Pro is the first of the Mini lineup to integrate APAS and FocusTrack.
In contrast, the Mini 2, Mini SE and Mavic Mini just have downward sensors.
The table below provides a breakdown of the sensing systems on all four Mini drones.
There is a difference in the type of controller between the Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2, the Mini SE and Mavic Mini.
The Mini 3 Pro can be used with the new DJI RC controller, which is a lightweight device with a 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen. With the DJI Fly app pre-installed, you can focus on flying and save your phone's battery. The DJI RC is also compatible with the DJI Mavic 3. Compatibility with the DJI Air 2S is planned but not scheduled.
The drone can also be used with the RC-N1 controller, which incidentally can also be used with the Mini 2. This controller works in conjunction with a smart device.
In contrast, the Mini SE and Mavic Mini controllers feel more basic, with antennae at the top and fold-out arms beneath the joypad to grip the phone. It means that your phone live view screen is beneath the fold out antenna and body.
It is also worth noting that the Mini 2 can be used in conjunction with the DJI Smart Controller.
Price can be a big factor in a purchasing decision and the DJI Mini series offers a broad spectrum of pricing offers, as the table below shows. Please note that pricing is correct as of May 10, 2022, but is subject to change.
The Mini 3 Pro is the most expensive DJI Mini drone to date, but remember it has enhanced capabilities and performance specs, so it's more expensive price tag is understandable. It means that anyone who wants that bit extra from their drone can do so with slightly more investment. And let's face it, the Mini 3 is seriously impressive, so you are getting plenty of bang for your buck.
That said, on the other end of the spectrum, the Mini SE offers incredibly good value for money. In short, it has mostly the same features as the original Mavic Mini, but comes in the Mini 2's body, giving it that extra wind-speed resistance, for instance, compared to the original Mini.
And if you don't mind sacrificing a tad on the video front (and a few other capabilities like lack of RAW imaging and slightly slower flight speed), then it is one of the best budget drones available - especially for beginners - offering a great balance between price and performance.
All of this possibly makes the original Mavic Mini redundant, but there is still value in the Mini 2, which offers great specs - albeit not as advanced as the Mini 3 Pro - at a reasonable price point.
The Mini 3 Pro has three options: The drone with no RC (coming in June 2022); the drone and RC-N1 controller; and the drone and DJI RC controller (pictured below).
In the case of the Mini 2, Mini SE and Mavic Mini, the standard versions feature more than enough to get you started, ie the drone, controller, battery, spare props and ancillaries, while the Fly More Combo comes with extra batteries, a greater number of additional props, and also accessories like the two-way charging hub and carrying bag.
Purchasing the Combo is more cost-effective that buying the standard package and then adding these key accessories (two-way charging hub, bay, and extra batteries etc) retrospectively.
The Mini 3 Pro does not have a Fly More Combo in the same way as the other Mini drones. However, a separate Fly More Kit - featuring extra batteries, bag, charging hub and props - is available to make more of your missions.
The innovative DJI Mini series has proved a firm favourite since launch, and the fact that there are now four drones in this family is testament to its popularity.
The original Mavic Mini was groundbreaking, and the Mini 2 built upon this solid foundation to provide a hugely impressive upgrade. The Mini SE is a combination of the two, essentially housing the Mavic Mini's features inside the Mini 2's body.
The Mini 3 Pro has upped the level again, redefining what is possible for a drone of this size. Stand-out features like enhanced safety, great camera specs and the awesome rotating gimbal make it a seriously attractive proposition.
Which Mini drone is for you is therefore down to personal preference.
For content creators or some commercial users wanting something extra with their footage, the Mini 3 Pro is the way to go, and you do get plenty for your money.
But with its ability to capture 2.7K video - which is more than ideal for YouTube and social sites - then a drone like the Mini SE is certainly worth a look, especially when you throw its smaller price tag into the mix. As far as budget drones go, the Mini SE is a big hit.
Thanks for the review most interesting and has now made up my mind on which drone to go for. Thanks
Thx for the review, really helpful
Thanks for the detailed review
Great article, can’t wait to read the addendum version including the Mini 3!
A great overview of the 3 models, comprehensive but concise, thank you!
Please note, comments must be approved before they are published
If you have a question or require urgent assistance, please contact us to ensure your query is dealt with quickly.
Please note, this hidden field is to prevent bot submissions and entering data will result in your comment being discarded without moderation.
heliguy™ has partnered with Emlid to offer affordable and highly-accurate GNSS solutions to empower surveying workflows. The Emlid ecosystem includes the Reach RS2 multi-band and Reach RS+ single-band RTK GNSS receivers. Emlid technology can be used by traditional land surveyors and drone operators.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is available in three combos: Featuring the new DJI RC smart controller; the DJI RC-N1 controller; or drone only. Find out the key differences between these options and which Mini 3 Pro combo is the best for you.
In-depth comparison between the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2, Mini SE, and Mavic Mini drones. Find out the difference between the camera, flight performance and controllers, among other key features, and decide which Mini drone is best for you.
FREE next day delivery when you spend over £99.
Orders placed before 3pm will be dispatched same day.
We use DPD which is tracked and insured *other options available.
*Product must not be activated.
Instant replacement of DOA (Dead On Arrival) products, including fault diagnosis over the phone with one of our 4 technicians, free returns and replacements of faulty items.
Warranty repairs and replacements at no extra cost including access to repairs infrastructure in the UK from a DJI Approved Repair Centre.
Firmware upgrade and setup support if required.
Data analysis and premium customer support for Heliguy™ customers.