DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 4K – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

DJI Mini 4K & DJI Mini 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the DJI Mini 4K rather than the DJI Mini 2.

Why Do I Recommend The DJI Mini 4K?

  • The DJI Mini 4K features a USB-C charging port for faster, more convenient charging and broader cable compatibility compared to the DJI Mini 2’s outdated microUSB.
  • DJI Mini 4K includes an updated controller design that improves hand comfort and grip during extended flight sessions, compared to the original DJI Mini 2 controller.
  • It has optimized electronic speed controllers (ESCs) that enhance power efficiency and smooth motor operation for more stable flight compared to the DJI Mini 2.
  • The DJI Mini 4K features slightly quieter propellers that reduce flight noise, making it more discreet and less intrusive in quiet environments compared to the DJI Mini 2.
  • DJI Mini 4K includes an improved user interface in the DJI Fly app that simplifies flight controls and tutorials to fly more confidently than with the DJI Mini 2.
  • The DJI Mini 4K comes with affordable price that makes it more accessible for beginners and budget-conscious users compared to the higher-priced DJI Mini 2.
  • DJI Mini 4K features faster GPS lock-on using an updated GNSS chip that reduces pre-flight wait times compared to the slower GPS acquisition on the DJI Mini 2.

Maybe the DJI Mini 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the DJI Mini 4K. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureDJI Mini 4KDJI Mini 2
Charging PortUSB-CmicroUSB
Photo FormatJPEG onlyJPEG + RAW
App InterfaceLatest DJI Fly version with beginner UI tweaksDJI Fly
Aircraft NoiseSlightly quieter propeller designStandard propeller noise
Takeoff Power EfficiencyOptimized ESCsOlder ESC configuration
Firmware FeaturesStreamlined and minimalSlightly more advanced feature set
Video ProfilesStandard profile onlyStandard + Cinelike
Internal CodecsH.264 onlyH.264 + limited H.265
Camera TuningUpdated image processingOlder tuning profile
Accessory CompatibilitySlight revisions to battery/prop compatibilityOriginal Mini 2 accessories
GPS Lock SpeedFaster lock-on with newer GNSS chipSlightly slower lock-on
Weight with BatteryApprox. 245gApprox. 242g
Battery Charger PlugNew layout includedOlder layout
PriceCheck Mini 4K PriceCheck Mini 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Camera Sensor Size: Both drones use a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, allowing decent low-light performance and good detail for hobbyist-level aerial photography.
  • Effective Megapixels: Each captures 12-megapixel still images, which is suitable for social media, general content creation, and casual landscape photography.
  • Max Video Resolution: Both can record video in 4K at 30 frames per second, making them capable of high-resolution footage that meets modern viewing standards.
  • Digital Zoom: Both support up to 2x zoom at 4K and 4x zoom at 1080p, useful for filming at a distance without physically flying closer.
  • Max Video Bitrate: Both have a maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps, ensuring comparable video clarity and compression efficiency.
  • Gimbal Stabilization: A 3-axis mechanical gimbal in each model delivers smooth video and steady photos, even in breezy conditions or while flying.
  • Max Flight Time: Both are rated for up to 31 minutes of flight per charge under ideal conditions, providing substantial airtime for content capture.
  • Wind Resistance: Level 5 wind resistance on both allows them to fly in moderate breezes (~38 kph), which is excellent for lightweight drones.
  • Transmission Technology: OcuSync 2.0 in both models provides a reliable and low-latency HD video transmission feed with stronger signal stability compared to Wi-Fi-based systems.
  • Max Transmission Range: Up to 10 km (under FCC standards), giving extended range for exploration and filming far from the pilot.
  • Satellite Positioning: Both use GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems for precise location tracking, RTH (Return to Home), and stable hovering.
  • Takeoff Weight: Each weighs just under 249g, keeping them under registration thresholds in many regions, making them ideal for casual users.
  • App Compatibility: Both are fully compatible with the DJI Fly app, which provides access to camera controls, flight settings, firmware updates, and flight tutorials.
  • Storage: Each model requires a microSD card to store images and videos, supporting similar high-speed UHS-I cards.
  • Remote Controller: Both use the RC-N1 controller, which is simple, ergonomic, and compatible with many DJI drones via interchangeable cables.
  • Obstacle Avoidance: Neither drone has obstacle avoidance sensors, meaning both rely entirely on pilot input and visual navigation.
  • QuickShots Support: Both drones support QuickShots (pre-programmed cinematic flight paths), such as Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Circle, for quick and stylish content.

Common Features

FeatureDJI Mini 4KDJI Mini 2
Camera Sensor Size1/2.3″ CMOS1/2.3″ CMOS
Effective Megapixels12 MP12 MP
Max Video Resolution4K @ 30fps4K @ 30fps
Digital Zoom4x (1080p), 2x (4K)4x (1080p), 2x (4K)
Max Video Bitrate100 Mbps100 Mbps
Gimbal3-axis mechanical stabilization3-axis mechanical stabilization
Max Flight Time31 minutes31 minutes
Wind ResistanceLevel 5Level 5
Transmission TechnologyOcuSync 2.0OcuSync 2.0
Max Transmission Range (FCC)10 km10 km
Satellite PositioningGPS + GLONASS + GalileoGPS + GLONASS + Galileo
Takeoff WeightApprox. 249gApprox. 249g
App CompatibilityDJI FlyDJI Fly
StoragemicroSD cardmicroSD card
Remote ControllerRC-N1RC-N1
Obstacle AvoidanceNoneNone
QuickShots SupportYesYes
Price Check Mini 4K Price Check Mini 2 Price

FAQ

Do both drones support 4K video recording?
Yes, both the DJI Mini 4K and DJI Mini 2 are capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, delivering high-quality footage.

Which drone has better photo capabilities?
The DJI Mini 2 has better photo capabilities due to its support for RAW (DNG) format, allowing for more flexibility in editing, whereas the DJI Mini 4K only supports JPEG.

Is there a difference in the controller used by both drones?
Both drones use the DJI RC-N1 controller, but the Mini 4K version may come with slight ergonomic or material updates as part of its newer hardware revision.

Do both drones weigh under 250 grams?
Yes, both the DJI Mini 4K and DJI Mini 2 weigh approximately 249 grams, making them lightweight and exempt from registration in many countries.

Is the flight time the same on both models?
Yes, both drones are rated for a maximum flight time of 31 minutes under ideal conditions using the standard Intelligent Flight Battery.

What type of image sensor is used in both drones?
Both drones use a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 12-megapixel still images.

Can I use the same DJI Fly app for both drones?
Yes, the DJI Fly app is compatible with both the Mini 4K and Mini 2, providing access to camera controls, tutorials, firmware updates, and flight settings.

Do either of the drones have obstacle avoidance sensors?
No, neither the DJI Mini 4K nor the DJI Mini 2 have obstacle avoidance sensors. Pilots must manually navigate and avoid obstacles.

What is the maximum video transmission range of both drones?
Both drones use DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 technology, supporting a maximum transmission range of up to 10 kilometers under FCC compliance.

Do both drones support digital zoom?
Yes, both models feature 2x zoom at 4K resolution and up to 4x zoom at 1080p, which is useful for framing shots without getting physically closer.

Is there a difference in wind resistance between the two?
Both drones are rated for Level 5 wind resistance, capable of handling wind speeds around 38 kilometers per hour.

Which drone is better for beginners?
The DJI Mini 4K is generally better suited for beginners due to its lower price, simplified feature set, and newer user-friendly interface enhancements in the DJI Fly app.

Can both drones shoot in HDR?
Neither drone has dedicated HDR video recording, but both benefit from DJI’s image tuning and dynamic range optimization through post-processing in the app.

Do both drones require a microSD card for storage?
Yes, both the DJI Mini 4K and DJI Mini 2 rely on a microSD card for storing photos and videos, as neither has built-in internal storage.

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