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DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro: what are the differences?
Aug
They are the same weight, about the same size and both have 4K cameras. However, when you go to the checkout, the bill is not at all the same: the latest DJI has not gained an ounce, but on the other hand it has taken a few more euros. So what justifies this price difference between the two most advanced Minis? The answer in our DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro comparison.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro : Design
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Dimensions (folded) | 138 x 81 x 58 mm | 145 x 90 x 62 mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded) | 159 x 203 x 56 mm | 171 x 245 x 62 mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded with propellers) | 245 x 289 x 56 mm | 251 x 362 x 70 mm |
| Diagonal | 213mm | 247mm |
| Weight | <249g | <249g |
| Obstacle detectors | Low | Front / Back / Bottom |
DJI has given the Mini 3 Pro a rather striking redesign if you compare it to the other drones in the series. Its look is clearly different from the Mini 2, less refined, but it is for a good reason: the arrival of obstacle detectors, a first for the DJI Mini. Its nose is shorter, the objective being to allow the camera to tilt upwards more without the field of view being obstructed by a piece of fuselage.
In terms of dimensions, the Mini 3 Pro is larger than its predecessor. The difference is clearly visible when both drones are unfolded, as the Mini 3 also has longer propellers. But it gains in flight stability in passing and is also quieter.
On the other hand, the dimensions of the two drones get closer when folded and the difference is barely noticeable. They are both convenient to store and transport.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro : Remote control
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Video transmission system | DJI O2 | DJI O3 |
| Quality of the live preview | 720p at 30 fps | 1080p at 30 fps |
In their standard package, both drones come with the same remote control: the DJI RC-N1, to which you need to connect your smartphone to view the live camera image. The quality of this image is slightly better with the Mini 3, but the riding experience will be much the same.
But the arrival of the Mini 3 Pro also means the arrival of choice. While the Mini 2 is only compatible with the RC-N1, DJI offers with the Mini 3 Pro a new remote control (optional): the DJI RC, with its integrated screen of 5.5 inches. The main advantage is that you won’t need to connect your phone anymore, gaining in comfort of use. However, you will have to buy the most expensive pack to get it.
To learn more about this new remote control, we invite you to read our complete article on the DJI RC.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro : Battery
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro (standard battery) | DJI Mini 3 Pro (battery Plus) | |
| Battery capacity | 2250mAh | 2453mAh | 3850mAh |
| Battery weight | 86.2g | 80.5g | 121g |
| Maximum flight time | 31min | 34min | 47min |
Well, we know that there is always a difference between the theoretical flight time, measured by the manufacturer without any wind and at a defined speed, and the real flight time. However, DJI announces a duration of 34 minutes for the Mini 3 Pro with its standard battery, which is 3 minutes more than the Mini 2. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s still a good thing.
To achieve this, DJI has optimized the weight of its latest model to have the necessary margin to increase the battery capacity, from 2250mAh on the Mini 2, to 2453mAh on the Mini 3.
And the Mini 3 Pro has another trump card up its sleeve: an optional extra battery, with a capacity of 3850mAh offering a maximum flight time of 47 minutes. Not bad at all. The only problem is that DJI does not sell this battery in the European Union, because its weight exceeds the 250g limit for unregistered drones. Too bad.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro: Performance in flight
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Max. wind resistance | 10.5 m/s (Level 5) | 10.7 m/s (Level 5) |
| Maximum ascent speed | 5 m/s (18 km/h) | 5 m/s (18 km/h) |
| Maximum descent speed | 5 m/s (18 km/h) | 3.5 m/s (12.6 km/h) |
| Maximum speed | 16 m/s (57.6 km/h) | 16 m/s (57.6 km/h) |
The flight performance of the two models is very similar and they are both very pleasant and fun to fly. Their maximum speed, in Sport mode, is identical, as is their maximum ascent speed.
They are also very stable and easily withstand small gusts of wind. On this point, DJI announces a (very) slight improvement for the Mini 3, which can withstand winds of 10.7 m/s against 10.5 m/s for the Mini 2. Negligible.
The only real difference is in descent, where the Mini 3 can reach a maximum speed of 5 m/s against 3.5 m/s for the Mini 2 (in Sport mode). This improvement can be credited to its improved stability due to its larger scale and faster AI.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro : Cradle
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Axes | 3 | 3 |
| Max. control speed | 100 °/s | 100 °/s |
| Mechanical amplitude | Vertical tilt: from -135° to 80 Roll: from -135° to 45°. Pano: from -30° to 30°. | Vertical tilt: from -110° to 35 Rolling: from -35° to 35°. Pano : from -20° to 20°. |
Both drones are equipped with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal to stabilize the image, however they are not equal. The big advantage of the Mini 3 Pro is that the camera can be tilted 90° in portrait mode. To enable this option, DJI has given its new pod a much greater range of motion, which will be useful even if you never use portrait mode.
However, it is important to note that the two pods do their job of stabilization very well on both models, and will be perfectly capable of ensuring a stable image for the greatest happiness of videographers.
Discover our accessories for
DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro : Camera
The camera is clearly one of the points on which DJI has put the most effort to offer a worthy improvement. The Mini 3 Pro switches to a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, which improves dynamic range and low-light performance. And this inevitably affects the quality of the images, whether in photo or video mode.
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Sensor | 1/2.3″ CMOS | 1/1.3″ CMOS |
| FOV | 83° | 82,1° |
| Opening | f/2,8 | f/1,7 |
| Photo resolution | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Photo formats | JPEG / DNG (RAW) | JPEG / DNG (RAW) |
| ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 |
| Video resolution | Up to 4K/30ips | Up to 4K/60ips |
| Slow motion | – | 1080p/120ips |
| Max bit rate | 100 Mb/s | 150 Mb/s |
| Digital Zoom | 4K : 2x 1080p : 4x | 4K : 2x 1080p : 4x |
Photo mode
The Mini 3 Pro’s larger sensor allows it to offer up to 48 megapixels of photo resolution (compared to the Mini 2’s 12 megapixels), although this resolution is only available in single shot mode. For other modes, such as burst mode for example, you will have to “make do” with 12 MP.
Other advantages of the Mini 3 Pro: its portrait mode that allows you to take pictures (and videos) vertically thanks to its new pod, and its new faster aperture of f/1.7.
Since both drones use the DJI Fly application, the user experience is similar. Regarding the available photo modes, both models have AEB, interval shooting and panoramas. The Mini 3 Pro simply adds vertical to the list of panoramas and can now handle 5 bracketed images, compared to 3 for the Mini 2.
Video mode
If we look at the video side, here again the DJI Mini 3 Pro is superior. Its larger sensor (still him 😁 ) and native dual ISO, which expands its dynamic range, allow for the capture of higher quality images, which is especially noticeable in low light conditions, with richer details.
Other improvements: the Mini 3 Pro has a faster bit rate, 150 Mbps against 100 Mbps for the Mini 2. It also features a D-Cinelike color profile, providing the widest possible dynamic range for those who will be color grading themselves during editing.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro also has an HDR mode (in video as well as in photo), absent on the Mini 2. And of course, as already seen in the paragraphs on the pod and photo mode, the ability to take videos in vertical format that can be shared directly on social networks such as Instagram and TikTok without having to edit. Ideal for content creators on these platforms.
In terms of automatic video modes, both drones have DJI’s QuickShots modes, including the famous Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang and Asteroid. The Mini 3 Pro also adds the MasterShots mode, which was previously only available on the best drones of the brand. This mode combines several QuickShots and adds music to them, to make a small clip ready to post on Youtube.
Discover our accessories for
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro: Smart Features
Obstacle detection
Along with the camera, this is THE big upgrade to the Mini 3 Pro over the Mini 2, taking it to the next level. While the Mini 2 only has a downward-facing obstacle sensor that helps it determine its position when hovering, DJI’s latest has a true three-way obstacle detection system with forward, backward and downward-facing sensors.
Intelligent flight modes
The addition of obstacle sensors offers new possibilities to the DJI Mini 3 Pro in terms of automatic flight. Now able to avoid obstacles, the new Mini can also automatically follow a moving subject thanks to APAS 4.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance). A real plus compared to the Mini 2.
These skills are put to use via the FocusTrack suite, including Point of Interest, Spotlight and ActiveTrack modes, which allow you to track a moving target such as a person, cyclist or motorcycle in a variety of ways.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro: the price
| DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Without remote control | – | 739€ |
| Standard package | 459€ | 829€ |
| Fly More Pack | 599€ | 999€ |
As we mentioned in the preamble, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is much more expensive than its predecessor. While you can get the standard Mini 2 package for 459€ (599€ for the Fly More package with its additional accessories), the Mini 3 starts at 829€ for the standard package (almost the price of a Mavic Air 2) and up to 999€ for the ultimate version with the new DJI RC remote control.
A nice difference in price, but that can be explained by the significant improvements made by DJI to its new offspring. It is not for nothing that it is called “Pro”. Also note that if you already have a DJI RC-N1 remote control (supplied with the DJI Mini 2, Air 2/2S and Mavic 3 drones), DJI offers a package without remote control for 739€ which will save you some money.
Conclusion: is the Mini 3 Pro worth it (and the extra cost)?
In reality, if you opt for the standard remote, fly manually and your goal is to capture 4K video in daylight, your experience won’t be that different from one drone to another. For the average consumer, the Mini 2 is still a lot of fun to fly and captures impressive images.
But if you want to take things a little further, then the Mini 3 offers new possibilities that could prove to be very useful. But this upgrade comes at a price: it’s up to you to see what you expect from your drone, and if you are ready to put the extra money.
To go further, discover also our complete test of the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
The advantages of the DJI Mini 3 Pro at a glance
- Improved autonomy
- New camera with larger sensor
- Portrait mode
- HDR
- Slow motion 120fps
- New intelligent video mode MasterShots
- Three-way obstacle detection system
- New intelligent flight modes (FocusTrack suite)
- DJI RC remote control with integrated display (optional)
