Potensic Atom vs DJI Mini 2 SE: which drone to choose?

With the ATOM, Potensic makes another attempt to rival DJI’s Mini range. With prices almost on a par, the comparison with the Mini 2 SE is a natural one. So what are the differences between the two models? Which is the best? Which one should you choose? Find out all the answers in our comprehensive Potensic ATOM vs DJI Mini 2 SE comparison!

Potensic Atom vs DJI Mini 2 SE: design and remote control

Design

	Potensic ATOM	DJI Mini 2 SE
Weight	< 249 g	246g
Dimensions (folded)	143 x 88 x 58 mm	138 x 81 x 58 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, with propellers)	242 x 300 x 58 mm	245 x 289 x 56 mm

Although the Potensic ATOM and the DJI Mini 2 SE aren’t identical enough to play the game of 7 errors, they are aesthetically very similar. Both drones feature a foldable design, almost identical dimensions and weigh less than 250 grams, placing them in the same lightweight drone category.

Both models feature a camera mounted on a 3-axis stabilized gondola at the front, and stabilization sensors underneath to ensure stability in flight. The most notable difference is at the rear: both drones have a USB-C port and a memory card slot, but the ATOM’s battery slides straight in, while the Mini 2 SE’s is housed behind a small hatch.

For both drones, the materials used and the finish give an impression of high build quality and robustness.

🚨 Regulatory note
Like previous models in DJI’s Mini series, the Mini 4K and Mini 2 SE are distinguished by their featherweight of less than 250 grams. This lightness allows them to benefit from less restrictive regulations in most countries. They are thus authorized to fly over residential, commercial, industrial and leisure areas. What’s more, these drones can fly over people, provided they do so accidentally and briefly.

Radio control and transmission

	Potensic ATOM	DJI Mini 2 SE
Video transmission system	PixSync 3.0	DJI O2
Max. transmission distance	6 km	FCC : 10 km CE : 6 km

Both the Potensic ATOM and DJI Mini 2 SE come with a screen-less remote control, enabling you to install and connect a smartphone via the dedicated app to control the drone and receive camera feedback.

The main difference between the two remote controls lies in the position of the smartphone:

• On the ATOM radio control system, the phone is placed in the center, on an adjustable stand that can be adjusted by sliding the side handles where the buttons are located.
• On the Mini 2 SE’s remote control, the DJI RC-N1, the smartphone is positioned on top, on a fold-out bracket on the upper edge, which is pulled up.

Both radio controls are ergonomically designed, comfortable in the hand, and can accommodate a wide range of compatible smartphones (although we recommend checking that your model is on the manufacturers’ list of compatible devices). Preference for one or the other radio control will therefore be highly subjective.

In terms ofkey interface, the two devices are very similar. However, the ATOM’s radio control system has one minor drawback: the lack of a button or switch for switching between flight speeds, as on the DJI RC-N1, or of a dedicated button for pod orientation, can be regrettable. For these settings, you’ll have to find the option in the application menu, which is less convenient.

For video transmission, both brands use their own systems: PixSync 3.0 for Potensic and O2 for DJI. The Mini’s range is 6 km in Europe (CE) and 10 km in the USA (FCC), while Potensic does not specify whether the 6 km indicated is for CE or FCC standards. In any case, in Europe, you’ll have the same range whatever you choose between the two drones. There may be a slight drop in transmission quality for ATOM as distance increases.

As far as the interface is concerned, the two applications, Potensic Pro and DJI Fly, are very similar: intuitive and well-organized, they make it easy to find all the modes and settings you need.

Potensic Atom vs DJI Mini 2 SE: in flight

Flight performance

	Potensic ATOM	DJI Mini 2 SE
Maximum speed	16 m/s	16 m/s
Maximum ascent speed	5 m/s	5 m/s
Maximum descent speed	4 m/s	3.5 m/s
Maximum wind resistance	10.7 m/s (level 5)	10.7 m/s (level 5)

Both the Potensic ATOM and the DJI Mini 2 SE have three identical flight modes: a slow mode for easy shooting, a normal mode, and a “sport” mode for reaching maximum camera speeds.

Speeds are almost identical from one model to the next, with the ATOM boasting a slightly higher ascent speed (4 m/s vs. 3.5 m/s for the Mini 2 SE). Similarly, in terms of wind resistance, both models can withstand gusts of 10.7 m/s (approx. 38 km/h), corresponding to level 5 winds.

In practice, it’s hard to tell the difference between the two UAVs in terms of flight behavior and stability, since both are so reliable. However, we note that the Mini 2 SE offers a slightly more precise hover, while the ATOM can sometimes be a little more prone to pitching.

In terms of handling, both drones are easy to fly, with precise, responsive controls. The ATOM may be a tad too reactive: you’ll have to go very smoothly if you want to avoid jerks, and favor Video mode for a better chance of smooth shots.

In-flight features

While both models feature RTH (Return to Home) mode for automatic return to the take-off point in the event of low battery or manual action, the ATOM offers two functions usually found on higher-end drones.

These two flight modes are :

• Visual Tracking mode for subject tracking: This mode allows you to follow a person walking or running. However, you mustn’t move too fast, and the drone will only follow the target from behind.
• WayPoint mode for route planning: This mode lets you place points on a map in the application, so that the drone automatically follows the defined path.

In terms of safety, it’s important to note that neither drone is equipped with obstacle detection. Both have sensors under the fuselage, but these are only used for positioning to improve hovering.

Autonomy

	Potensic ATOM	DJI Mini 2 SE
Batteries	2230 mAh	2250 mAh
Autonomy	32 minutes	31 minutes

According to the data supplied by the manufacturers, the Potensic ATOM has a theoretical autonomy of 32 minutes,one minute more than the 31 minutes of flight time announced by DJI for the Mini 2 SE.

However, this advantage is unlikely to be felt in real-life flight conditions, as actual flight times are generally lower than manufacturers’ estimates and can vary. Under more realistic conditions than those encountered in laboratory tests, the two drones generally offer an effective flight time ofaround 20 to 25 minutes.

Potensic Atom vs DJI Mini 2 SE: photos and video

	Potensic ATOM	DJI Mini 2 SE
Sensor	CMOS 1/3″ 12 MP	1/2.3-inch 12 MP CMOS
Lens	Aperture f/2.2 78° FOV	Aperture f/2.8 83° FOV
Max photo resolution	12 MP	12 MP
Max video resolution	4K up to 30 fps 2.7K up to 30 fps 1080p up to 60 fps	2.7K up to 30 fps 1080p up to 60 fps
Max video rate	50 Mbps	40 Mb/s
ISO range	100 à 6400	100 à 3200
Photo format	JPG JPG+RAW(DNG)	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4 (H.264)	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)

Sensor and resolution

The two drones are equipped with sensors of different sizes. The Potensic ATOM has a 1/3-inch sensor, while the DJI Mini 2 SE has a 1/2.3-inch sensor, larger than that of its competitor.

Despite this, the Potensic ATOM offers higher video resolution: it can film in 4K at up to 30 frames per second and in 2.7K at up to 30 fps, while the Mini 2 SE is limited to a resolution of 2.7K at up to 30 fps. In terms of photography, the two models are on a par, offering 12 MP shots.

Image quality

So which wins out in terms of image quality: the largest sensor or the highest resolution?

In daylight and in good lighting conditions, it’s hard to tell the two cameras apart. Although the quality isn’t the best on the market, it’s very good on both sides. The choice will depend mainly on personal preference, with ATOM offering slightly warmer colors.

However, the Mini 2 SE’s larger sensor enables it to handle certain situations better, especially high contrasts. The Mini 2 SE’s images are less noisy and more detailed in shaded areas, and less overexposed in bright areas, compared with those of the ATOM.

Another advantage of the DJI drone is its ability to handle changing light conditions in automatic mode. As you move from darker to brighter areas, the Mini 2 SE adjusts exposure more smoothly, while the ATOM does so more abruptly.

That said, ATOM’s 4K resolution offers greater flexibility for cropping images. It’s always easier to achieve better final resolution when cutting an image from a larger format. This is particularly useful for those wishing to create videos in vertical format.

Photo and video features

When it comes to photography, leading manufacturer DJI offers a little more choice in the modes available. You can take single shots, but also AEB photos (multiple shots with different exposures) and panoramas (wide-angle, 180-degree and 360-degree photos). These functions are not available on the ATOM.

On the other hand, both drones can take photos in both JPG and raw (DNG) formats, giving you the option of fine-tuning the colors of your photos on your computer, whichever model you choose.

On the video side, both drones offer QuickShots automatic shooting modes, which have the drone perform an aerial circuit while capturing video. Each of the two models offers five QuickShots modes, with more or less similar names, but identical figures.

Potensic Atom vs DJI Mini 2 SE: pricing

	Potensic ATOM	DJI Mini 2 SE
Standard Pack	$319.99(official website) 289.99 (Amazon)	279€(official website)
Fly More Pack	$419.99 (official website) 399.99€ (Amazon)	419€ (official website)

The Potensic ATOM and DJI Mini 2 SE are available in two versions: the Standard kit and the Fly More pack (which, strangely enough, bears the same name for both manufacturers). The latter is particularly interesting in terms of value for money, as it includes many practical additional accessories.

The standard package is virtually identical, and includes virtually the same accessories: drone, remote control, battery, nacelle protection, spare propellers and various cables. This pack costs €289.99 on Amazon for the Potensic ATOM, and €279 on the DJI store for the Mini 2 SE, i.e. €10 less for the latter.

The Fly More package includes all the basic kit, plus two extra batteries, a charging station, four extra pairs of spare propellers, and a carry bag. The Mini 2 SE also includes a propeller clamp to hold propellers in place during transport. While DJI’s standard package is cheaper, you’ll have to pay €399.99 for the ATOM and €419 for the Mini 2 SE, i.e. €20 more for the Mini.

Conclusion Potensic Atom vs DJI Mini 2 SE: which to choose?

It’s usually difficult for a drone manufacturer to go head-to-head with the market leader DJI, because the latter excels so much in its field. While many drones don’t reach the level of DJI’s Mini range, the Potensic ATOM stands out from the crowd and manages to hold its own, thanks in particular to its exceptional flight behaviour and its new 3-axis nacelle, which deliver perfectly stable images.

The DJI Mini 2 SE remains superior to the ATOM in terms of image quality, thanks to its larger sensor. However, the Potensic ATOM also has its strengths, including better video resolution and automated flight modes for subject tracking and route planning, available from DJI only from the Mini 3 Pro upwards.

Each drone has its own arguments, and given the very small difference in price, the choice will depend mainly on your use and the importance you attach to certain functions or specific features.

Choose Potensic ATOM if…

… you’re looking for a versatile drone. Thanks to its automated flight modes for subject tracking and route planning, ATOM gives you greater flexibility for a variety of situations, stimulating your creativity. What’s more, its 4K resolution lets you retain superior quality when cropping your photos and videos.

Choose DJI Mini 2 SE if…

… if you’re looking for the best image quality. Although it doesn’t offer 4K, the Mini 2 SE’s 2.7K resolution is slightly superior to that of its competitor, thanks to its larger sensor. What’s more, its smoother automatic exposure adjustments make it a better ally for filming in-flight shots.

Discover our complete individual tests of the drones in this Potensic ATOM vs DJI Mini 2 SE comparison :
➡️ Potensic ATOM, full review: a real competitor for DJI Mini?
➡️ DJI Mini 2 SE: what is it worth? Our complete test