The “new” DJI Mini SE isn’t a new drone. It is the DJI original Mavic Mini that DJI has rebranded as the Mini SE. The outer shell of the Mini SE is the same one as the Mini 2. That allows it to have the same battery as the Mini 2. It also has the orange-colored props that the Mini 2 is sporting. We suspect it is using all of the components of the Mini 2 with the exception of the processor (limiting the camera to 2.7K) and the transmission system. It might just be a better drone than the original Mavic Mini.
I take that back. The biggest difference is the price. This Mini SE will only cost $299 and is an enticing option to get people into buying a drone for the first time. However, DJI claims that this drone won’t be released in the US or Europe, but is built for emerging markets. Originally this drone wasn’t meant to be released in the US, but that has now changed. You can pick the Mini SE up from the DJI store on Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart via Adorama. We recommend getting from Amazon as their return policy is by far the best.
DJI Mini SE is the BEST beginner drone
We have flown numerous drones and the new Mini SE is by far the best bang for your buck. There isn’t anything out there that costs less than $300 that can compete. There are a handful of drones in the $250-350 that are ok but none of them can compare with the quality that DJI has put into the Mini SE. Hands down this is the best beginner drone you can buy.
DJI Mini SE
This sub-250 gram drone is a great option for any beginner. Its light weight means that you don’t have to register it with the FAA and it isn’t going to be subject to the new remote ID law. The camera on it is spectacular. Never mind that it “only” shoots 2.7K video, it is far superior to all 4K drones produced by ZLL, MJX, and the handful of rebrands you’ll find on Amazon.
The original Mavic Mini was an awesome drone and an engineering marvel and this is no different. It may not have the range of the Mini 2 but 4000 meters is roughly 2.5 miles. That is plenty for most people. The Mini SE flight time of 30 minutes is also fairly impressive.
Other Mini drone options
There are now a handful of different mini drone options out there. Xiaomi makes the Fimi Mini and Hubsan is making the Zino Mini. While the Fimi mini may look better on paper the DJI Mini SE is going to be a more reliable drone. Hubsan definitely has the edge on paper, but their attention to detail has been suspect in the past. Heck, they crashed the Zino Mini on its live stream premier. MJX is going to produce the Bugs 19 Mini and it likely will be less expensive than the Mini SE but it won’t be on par in terms of quality.
If you are looking for a beginner drone then the DJI Mini SE is a great place to start. That is unless you are looking to get into FPV, but that is a whole different animal.
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