FIMI Mini 3, full review: full of features!

Welcome to the third generation of FIMI’s Mini range! The FIMI Mini 3 drops the “X8” but gains an all-new sensor capable of 4K filming at 60 frames per second. What else is new? What’s it really worth? Is this the perfect drone for you? We cover everything you need to know in this article!

FIMI Mini 3: design and remote control

Unchanged design

Weight	245g
Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	145 x 85 x 56 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	200 x 289 x 56 mm

Aesthetically, the FIMI Mini 3 looks just like its predecessor, the FIMI X8 Mini V2. The same compact dimensions of 145 x 85 x 56 mm when folded and 200 x 289 x 56 mm when unfolded (without propellers), and the same featherweight of 245 grams. The design remains unchanged, from the fuselage to the propellers, including the battery, which is still located at the rear.

But there are two notable new features:

• Its color: No more white! The FIMI Mini 3 now sports a flashy orange hue. Impossible to miss, even from a distance.
• Its camera: the V2’s 1/2.5-inch sensor gives way to a larger 1/2-inch sensor, promising better performance. We’ll tell you more in the photo and video section below.

As with previous models, the quality of the workmanship is second to none. There’s nothing gimmicky or cheap about this drone, like some of our competitors. Its design inspires sturdiness and a meticulous finish.

The radio control

Radio control model	FMYKQ04A3
Weight	260g
Dimensions	165 x 89 x 47 mm
Video transmission system	SoLink
Operating frequencies	2.4 GHz 5.8 GHz
Maximum transmission distance	9 km (FCC)
Autonomy	4h when charging the smartphone 8h without charging the smartphone

The FIMI Mini 3’s radio control remains faithful to that of the X8 Mini V2. FIMI’s ingenious sliding remote control concept is again at work, allowing a smartphone or small tablet to be placed in the center, between the two handles fitted with buttons. It’s ergonomic, pleasant to hold and super practical.

Video transmission uses FIMI’s SoLink system. According to the manufacturer, the maximum range is 9 km in FCC-compliant countries. However, there’s no indication for CE-compliant countries. According to available feedback, the RTH (Return to Home) generally activates at around 3 km, automatically bringing the drone back to its take-off point.

FIMI Mini 3: in flight

Flight performance

Maximum speed	18 m/s
Max. ascent speed	5 m/s
Max. descent speed	3.5 m/s
Max. wind resistance	10.7 m/s (level 5)

In terms of pure flight performance, the FIMI Mini 3’s technical specifications are very similar to those of the drones in the Mini range from market leader DJI.

We find similar maximum speeds on the ascent (5 m/s, or 18 km/h) and descent (3.5 m/s, or 12.6 km/h), as well as a wind resistance of 10.7 m/s, or level 5 gusts. But there’s a little extra: the FIMI Mini 3 slightly outstrips its competitors in horizontal speed, reaching 18 m/s (approx. 65 km/h), while DJI Minis top out at 16 m/s (approx. 58 km/h).

In practical terms, the FIMI Mini 3 performs admirably in the air. The drone is easy to control, with smooth, precise controls. It’s very stable in flight , and stands up well to light gusts of wind.

Autonomy

Batteries	2200mAh
Autonomy	32 minutes

The FIMI Mini 3 uses the same battery as its predecessor, the FIMI X8 Mini V2. Good news for those who already own a previous-generation drone: your batteries are compatible with the new Mini 3!

These 2200mAh batteries feature a USB-C port, which is super convenient for recharging them directly, whether in or out of the drone. They offer a theoretical flight time of 32 minutes, one minute longer than DJI drones such as the Mini 2, Mini 2 SE or Mini 4K. Of course, as you probably know, this time is measured under optimal conditions. In reality, you will need to subtract 5 to 10 minutes to obtain the actual flight times.

And if you want to fly even longer, there’s an interesting option: the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. With a capacity of 3100mAh, it promises a theoretical flight time of 37 minutes. Note, however, that it adds a further 20 grams, bringing the drone’s total weight to 265 grams. This means that your drone will no longer be in the under-250-gram category, so keep an eye on current regulations.

FIMI Mini 3: photo and video

Sensor	1/2-inch CMOS
Lens	24mm equivalent format Aperture f/1.6 FOV 79
Max photo resolution	48 MP
Max video resolution	4K up to 60 fps
ISO range	100 à 25600
Max bit rate	100 Mb/s
Digital Zoom	12x
Photo format	JPEG
Video format	MP4

Sensor and resolution

As mentioned in our design section, the FIMI Mini 3 features an all-new 1/2-inch 48 MP sensor, replacing the smaller 1/2.5-inch sensor of the Mini V2.

Thanks to this lens, you can now capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, a clear improvement on the V2’s 30 fps. In terms of photography, it can take 8, 12 and even 48 MP shots, whereas the previous model was limited to 12 MP. A real move upmarket for more detailed images and smoother video.

Image quality

The FIMI Mini 3 offers very respectable image quality, slightly better than that of its predecessor. Its high photo and video resolutions enable more detailed images to be captured. Thanks to its slightly larger sensor than those of the DJI Mini 2 and equivalent models, it captures more light. In good lighting conditions, you can obtain beautiful, high-contrast images.

However, you can feel that FIMI has made an effort on the software side to improve rendering, which sometimes results in slightly saturated images, a common trend, particularly in the world of smartphones. In low light, the Mini 3 fares rather well thanks to its night mode, which can increase ISO up to 25600, even if an even larger sensor could have improved performance.

If you’re familiar with drones in the same category, the image quality of the FIMI Mini 3 is comparable to that of an ATOM Potensic. Compared with the DJI Mini range, the FIMI Mini 3 has the advantage of a higher frame rate in 4K, but its images are slightly inferior in terms of aesthetics – although this remains highly subjective. However, it falls short of what the DJI Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro can offer.

FIMI Mini 3: features

Photo and video features

FIMI Mini 3 is packed with impressive features. It offers classic modes such as panorama creation and timelapses in 8K resolution. It also includes a vertical shooting mode. The camera doesn’t swivel vertically as on the Mini 3, the image is cropped vertically, but that’s always a plus for TikTok fans (for example). Speaking of which, you can stream live video from the camera to your favorite social networks.

But where the FIMI Mini 3 really stands out from the competition is in its automated flight modes. At this price, this is the drone that offers the most, and these modes aren’t just gadgets, they’re rich in options and add real value.

To start with, the drone features a night mode called ” AI Super Night Video “. This mode can push ISO up to 25600 (!) for brighter, more vivid and richly colored images, even in low light.

FIMI Mini 3 also features a subject tracking mode capable of recognizing up to 30 different types of target: people, vehicles and even animals. You can choose to follow the target from behind or from the side, offering great flexibility in your shots.

Finally, the drone features an extremely comprehensive route planning mode. Not only can you define the waypoints and their altitude, but you can also specify the action you want your drone to perform at each stage: hover, take a photo or burst of photos, or record a short video. Numerous parameters are available to adjust your flight to your preferences (flight speed, nacelle orientation, end-of-route action, etc.), and you can save your routes for later replay.

In short, the FIMI Mini 3 is a real goldmine for drone enthusiasts looking for advanced features at an affordable price.

Other useful functions

The FIMI Mini 3 also features modes that are unique or unusual for drones in this price range.

Like most drones on the market, it is equipped with an RTH (Return To Home) function, which returns the drone to its take-off point in the event of a low battery, loss of signal or manual request. But FIMI goes one step further by integrating an ultra-precise landing function: thanks to its downward-facing camera, the drone can detect your landing strip and land exactly in the center.

The Mini 3 also features a SAR (Search and Rescue) mode, designed for searching for people. This function displays the drone’s GPS coordinates in real time and activates a digital zoom of up to 12 times, making the search more efficient.

FIMI Mini 3: price

FIMI Mini 3

from $349

The FIMI Mini 3 is available from $349 on the manufacturer’s official website (around 322 euros at the time of writing). For this price, you get the basic kit, which includes the drone, a battery, two spare propellers, a nacelle cover and charging and data transmission cables.

The drone is also available in several packages with additional accessories. You can opt for the basic pack with a 64GB memory card for $359, or go for the complete pack including two batteries, a carrying bag and a 128GB memory card for $409.

Conclusion FIMI Mini 3: the drone for you?

The FIMI Mini 3 is a pleasant surprise. In its price range, it is perfectly competitive with its rivals. Although its image quality isn’t the best on the market, it’s still largely usable, with impressive resolutions of 48 MP in photos and 4K at up to 60 fps in video, which is a real asset.

But where the FIMI Mini 3 really stands out is in the multitude of automated modes it offers. For comparison, the Potensic ATOM also offers subject tracking and route planning modes, but FIMI goes a step further by enriching these options, making them more comprehensive and versatile. Of course, it’s not quite up to the level of a Mini 3 Pro or Mini 4 Pro, which also benefit from obstacle detection, but it’s getting close. It’s an excellent alternative for pilots looking for a versatile drone offering a host of creative possibilities.

In short, the FIMI Mini 3 offers excellent value for money and will satisfy drone enthusiasts looking for advanced features without breaking the bank.

Buy it if…

… you’re looking for a complete, versatile drone at an affordable price. With its 4K resolution at up to 60 fps and numerous automated flight modes, the FIMI Mini 3 offers you great flexibility and enhanced creative possibilities. Perfect for drone enthusiasts who want to explore without breaking the bank.

Don’t buy it if…

… you want the best possible image quality in this category. If you can afford to invest a little more, opting for a DJI Mini 3 or higher might be a better option, offering superior-quality images that will satisfy you even more.

💡 Read also
➡️ See also our full review of the FIMI X8 Pro : FIMI X8 Pro, full review: obstacle detection at last!
➡️ Looking for a compact and easy drone to learn how to fly without spending too much? Check out our guide to choosing the best drone for learning to fly.