In June, we got wind that DJI was about to release its most affordable drone yet: the $299 DJI Mini SE. It appeared to be a revamped Mavic Mini for $100 less and a full $150 more affordable than the $449 DJI Mini 2, our current fav under the $500 mark.
Differences between the $399 Mavic Mini and the new $299 Mini SE:
- It uses the DJI Mini 2’s newer chassis, with fewer exposed screws, stronger arms, and increased wind speed resistance
- It uses the DJI Mini 2’s lighter, more powerful LiPo batteries, propellers, and charging hub
- There’s a USB-C charging port on the drone, instead of micro-USB
- You don’t have to update the firmware to get 24p video or manual ISO settings
- “DJI Mini SE does not have ‘4K’ printed on the lens, and the rear aircraft status indicator is not clickable.”
DJI says a few other accessories are interchangeable between its three mini drones:
- The Mavic Mini battery charging hub cannot charge the DJI Mini SE battery, but the DJI Mini SE battery charging hub can charge the Mavic Mini battery.
- Although DJI Mini SE can use Mavic Mini’s battery, the power will decrease and the total weight will exceed 250 g, requiring registration in some countries and regions.
- The DJI Mini SE Intelligent Flight Battery, propellers, Two-Way Charging Hub, and 360° Propeller Guard are compatible with DJI Mini 2. The Mavic Mini DIY Creative Kit, Mavic Mini Snap Adapter, Mavic Mini Propeller Holder, and Mavic Mini Intelligent Flight Battery (international version) are compatible with DJI Mini SE.
