DJI has officially announced the travel-friendly Mini 2 SE drone, days after it was leaked – and it promises to be a solid new option for beginners who are keen to shoot videos in 2.7K rather than 4K.
The Mini 2 SE is a very minor update to the DJI Mini SE, which is currently the cheapest drone and remains on sale (for now). The main difference between the two drones is that the Mini 2 SE has a newer controller (DJI RC-N1) and a better video transmission system called OcuSync 2.0.
This means you can fly the Mini 2 SE much farther than a standard Mini SE (subject to your region’s rules). This maximum range is up to 10 km in the US or 6 km in other regions. In contrast, the range of the Mini SE is 4 km (in the US) or 2.5 km elsewhere. However, these distances apply to low-interference areas – when flying the Mini 2 SE in an urban area, the range drops to 1.5 km to 3 km.
Apart from this improved range and controller, the DJI Mini 2 SE is identical to its predecessor. This means you get a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can record 2.7K/30p video (or 1080p/60p clips) and the footage is stabilized with a three-axis gimbal. Photographers can also capture 12-megapixel photos in JPEG or raw DNG format.
Like all models in DJI’s Mini series, the Mini 2 SE weighs less than 250g, so it doesn’t require registration in some regions (although you’ll need an Operator ID in the UK). Despite its size and weight, the new drone promises a decent 31-minute flight time (slightly higher than the DJI Mini SE).
The Mini 2 SE is slightly more expensive than the Mini SE, at $369 / £339 / AU$599 or $519 / £459 / AU$799 for the Fly More Combo Bundle. It won’t be available for purchase until March 22 in the US and UK, although it appears to be on sale now in Australia. Below you can see a full breakdown of its prices compared to the rest of DJI’s Mini series.
DJI Mini 2 SE price and release date
- The DJI Mini 2 SE will cost $369 / £339 / AU$599 (including controller)
- The Fly More Combo Bundle costs $519 / £459 / AU$799
- It will be available for purchase from March 22 in the US/UK, but is now available in Australia
The Mini DJI lineup is a bit confusing at the moment, with the lineup now featuring five models. We expect one of these (the DJI Mini SE) to be discontinued, despite it currently being the cheapest option at $299 / £269 / AU$459.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is slightly more expensive at $369 / £339 / AU$599, which is a shame if understandable given the better controller and range. You’ll also be able to purchase the Fly More Combo Bundle (which includes three batteries, a two-way charging hub, carrying case and other accessories including spare props) for $519 / £459 / AU$799.
Here’s how the Mini 2 SE compares to the rest of DJI’s Mini series – we skipped the DJI Mini 3 Pro as it falls into a completely different category, costing $759 / £709 / AU$1,119 when you buy it with the same DJI RC-N1 controller.
What mini drone to buy? We haven’t tested the DJI Mini 2 SE yet, but it may be the best option if you’re happy with the 2.7K video resolution and accept poorer video quality than the DJI Mini 2.
| Row 0 – cell 0 | DJI Mini 2 SE | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini2 |
| Drone only | Not applicable | $469 / £439 / AU$699 | Not applicable |
| With DJI RC-N1 controller | $369 / £339 / AU$599 | $559 / £519 / AU$829 | $449 / £419 / AU$749 |
| With DJI RC controller | Not applicable | $699 / £669 / AU$1019 | Not applicable |
| Fly more combinations | $519 / £459 / AU$799 | $718 / £678 / AUD1118* (*Fly More Combo Plus) | $559 / £549 / AU$949 |
That said, the DJI Mini 2 probably offers a better value for most people as it can record 4K video and has a higher video bitrate (100Mbps versus the Mini 2 SE’s 40Mbps). If these factors are important to you, this might be a better choice considering it’s only $80/£80/$150 more.
However, if you want a super affordable DJI drone and don’t mind inferior flight range and video transmission then it’s still worth picking up the original DJI Mini SE while stocks last – this drone seems to have set a low price point that the DJI series will soon no longer offer Mini.