DJI Mini 2 SE: what is it worth? Our complete test

DJI has expanded its Mini range of drones weighing less than 250 grams with a new addition: the DJI Mini 2 SE. Announced as a cross between the Mini SE and Mini 2, the firm wants to offer a new reliable alternative at an affordable price. But what is it worth? Does it keep its promises? And who is it for? All the answers in this article.

DJI Mini 2 SE: design and remote control

The design

Weight	246 g
Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	138 x 81 x 58 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, with propellers) (L x W x H)	245 x 289 x 56 mm

The DJI Mini 2 SE has the same design as its big brother, the DJI Mini 2.

There are two small physical differences to note:

• the Mini 2 SE has no LED on the front of the device
• on the Mini 2, the LED on the back is also a button to activate the QuickTransfer function

This function is absent on the Mini 2 SE, but we will come back to it later.

Like all the other drones in the DJI Mini range, the DJI Mini 2 SE does not exceed 250 grams: it weighs precisely 246 grams on the scale. This light weight allows it to benefit from more flexible regulations in most countries.

The radio control

Compatible radio controls	DJI RC-N1
Video transmission system	DJI O2
Max. transmission distance	FCC : 10 km CE : 6 km

This is the big advantage of this new Mini 2 SE compared to the Mavic Mini and Mini SE. The latest DJI Mini inherits the radio control of the DJI Mini 2, which has largely proved its worth and has become a standard on drones of the manufacturer: the DJI RC-N1.

As a result, the WiFi connection of the radio control of the Mavic Mini and Mini SE, which was one of the weaknesses of these models, is over. The Mini 2 SE is connected to its remote control via an OcuSync 2.0 transmission (or O2 for those who know it well), and this is a real advantage. The connection is much more reliable, and the transmission distance much longer (6km CE vs 2km, 10km FCC vs 4km).

Also note that the DJI RC-N1 is the only remote control with the Mini 2 SE. The device is not compatible with the pretty DJI RC and its integrated screen, which is available from the DJI Mini 3.

DJI Mini 2 SE : camera

Image quality

Sensor	1/2.3 inch CMOS
Max photo resolution	12 MP
Max video resolution	2.7K up to 30 fps FHD up to 60 fps
ISO range	100 à 3200
Max bit rate	40 Mb/s
Color profile	Normal
Digital Zoom	2.7K : 3 x FHD: 4 x

The DJI Mini 2 SE is equipped with the same camera as the Mini SE and Mini 2, with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor at 12 MP resolution.

However, this sensor is limited and therefore we find the same characteristics in video as on the Mavic Mini and Mini SE, namely a maximum resolution of 2.7K at 30 frames per second, and up to 60 fps in Full HD. In photo, same resolution as on the Mavic Mini, Mini SE and Mini 2, ie 12 MP.

The maximum bit rate is also the same as on the Mini SE, namely 40 Mb/s, against 100 Mb/s for the Mini 2.

In concrete terms, the image quality is very standard. Nothing extraordinary but it remains correct, especially since the camera benefits from one of the great strengths of DJI: stability. Nothing to say, the image does not shake and you will have smooth shots. Nevertheless, it is not the best in terms of sharpness and we will have more easily noise in the image, especially in low light conditions.

So if image quality is important to you and you want better definition, you’ll have to move on to higher-end models, like the Mini 2, or even the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro, with which the difference is even more obvious.

Photo and video modes

Photo format	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
Photo modes	Single shot Interval Automatic exposure bracketing (AEB) Panorama (Sphere, 180° and Wide-angle)
Video modes	QuickShot (Dronie, Spiral, Rocket, Circle and Boomerang)

If the image quality is clearly the same as on the Mavic Mini and Mini SE, the photo and video modes, as for them, lean more on the side of the Mini 2, and it is a good news.

On the video side, no change, we find the famous QuickShots modes that allow the drone to fly automatically while creating a small video in passing. There are five of these modes: Dronie, Spiral, Rocket, Circle and Boomerang.

On the photo side , however, we find the same modes as on the Mini 2, which is clearly an advantage over the Mini SE. To begin with, the JPEG format is supplemented by the DNG format (DJI’s equivalent of the RAW format), which offers greater leeway in post-production.

For the shooting modes, the Auto Exposure Bracketing mode has been added, as well as the Panorama function which comes in 3 modes: Sphere, 180° and Wide Angle.

On the other hand, there is no QuickTransfer mode, which allows you to quickly load captured images on your mobile. As we mentioned in the section on the design of the device, the LED on the back of the Mini 2 is also a clickable button that enables this function. On the Mini 2 SE, it is a simple LED. The QuickTransfer function is only available from the Mini 2.

DJI Mini 2 SE: flight performance

Wind speed and resistance

Maximum speed	16 m/s
Max. ascent speed	5 m/s
Max. descent speed	3.5 m/s
Max. wind resistance	10.7 m/s (level 5)

Regarding the flight characteristics, the DJI Mini 2 SE is more like the Mini 2 than the Mini SE. Like the Mini 2, it has a maximum flight speed of 16 m/s (about 57 km/h) in Sport mode, which is 3 m/s faster than the Mini SE.

Wind resistance has also improved, with the ability to withstand winds of 10.7 m/s (about 38 km/h) like the Mini 2, i.e. level 5 winds.

More concretely, if we compare the Mini 2 SE with a Mavic Mini for example, we can clearly see the difference. The drone has a much better behavior in flight: it resists the wind much better and is more stable.

Autonomy

Batteries	2250 mAh Li-ion
Max. flight time	31 minutes

On the power supply side, the batteries are the same as on the Mini SE and the Mini 2, therefore the autonomy in flight is the same, 31 minutes according to the data of the manufacturer.

Of course we know the song, this data is to be taken with a pinch of salt because it is the maximum duration in optimal flight conditions that we rarely encounter. So there is always a small difference between the theoretical autonomy and the one in real conditions. More concretely, you should expect to be able to fly around 25 minutes.

DJI Mini 2 SE: price

Standard package	349€
Fly More Bundle Pack DJI Mini 2 SE	489€

The DJI Mini 2 SE is available in its basic package for 349€ on the DJI website. That’s precisely 50€ more than the Mini SE (available at 299€), and 110€ less than the Mini 2 (available at 459€).

The drone comes with the DJI RC-N1 radio control, a pair of spare propellers, a protective cover for the nacelle and data transmission cables.

The newborn DJI Mini is also available in a Fly More DJI Mini 2 SE bundle pack for 489€, which includes 2 extra batteries and 2 extra pairs of propellers, as well as a charging station and a carrying bag.

🚨 Note about accessories: almost a carbon copy of the Mini 2 (except for 4K, you guessed it), the vast majority of the DJI Mini 2 accessories are compatible with the DJI Mini 2 SE. This is great news if you already own a Mini 2, or if you have a broken one and still have accessories and/or spare parts.

Conclusion: should you buy the DJI Mini 2 SE?

In short, with its resolution limited to 2.7K at 30 frames per second, the DJI Mini 2 SE is halfway between the DJI Mini SE and the DJI Mini 2: it’sa Mini 2 with the camera of the Mini SE, i.e. without the 4K and without the 60 frames per second of 2.7K. For the rest, it is identical to the Mini 2.

By doing this, DJI adds a very reliable flying drone at a very affordable price to its gram. At 349€ for the basic package, it is a very good value for money. And for those who don’t need to shoot in 4K, this is another great alternative.

The DJI Mini 2 SE is therefore a very interesting new solution for beginners, for those on a limited budget or who simply don’t want to put too much money into a drone, as well as for those who have limited use and only fly their drone occasionally.

DJI Mini 2 SE vs Mini SE: which one to choose?

With a difference of only 50€ between the two drones, our heart clearly leans towards the Mini 2 SE. For a few euros more, you will get a better flight behavior, thanks to a higher speed and a better wind resistance, and especially, a better radio control with a much better transmission.

DJI Mini 2 SE vs Mini 2: which one to choose?

Here, the choice is more complicated. It all depends on your use. The only real difference between the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2 is the 4K. In other words, with a 110€ difference between the two models, you have to add about a third of the price to get the Mini 2 and its superior image quality, which is not negligible.

So if image quality is important to you, go for the Mini 2: at 459€, it is certainly the best value for money in the range.

On the other hand, if you don’t need to shoot in 4K and 2.7K is enough for you, the Mini 2 SE will be the best solution for you, and you’ll save money in the process.

➡️ See also our DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 comparison
➡️ Interested in a more recent model? Check out our review of the DJI Mini 3.

💡 Also read
👉 Before flying, make sure you understand the drone legislation under 250g: all the essential rules are explained in our guide.