When looking for the best budget drones, the Mavic Air 2 and Min 2 are likely to be the potential options. While the two drones are similar in several ways, their difference makes it imperative for a potential buyer to have a close look at both of them before making the final decisions. So, between the Mavic Air 2 and the Mini 2: Which DJI drone should you get?
The Mavic Air 2 may be more expensive than the Mavic Mini 2, but it is the best to get. It brings high-end features in a compact form at an affordable price. With the Mavic Air 2, professional filmmakers and photographers are guaranteed safer and smarter flights to take their games up a notch.
However, this does not mean that you quickly dismiss the Mavic Mini 2 drones. Remember that the two drones are pretty similar in shape and design, and the price difference is about $500. In addition, the Mavic Mini 2 may be better in some features.
Is Mavic Air 2 better than Mavic Mini 2?
When investing your money in a quality drone that can provide you with compelling videos and photos, you need to be confident with your choice. There is nothing as bad as purchasing a drone, only to feel that you may have made the wrong choices.
After comprehensive research and comparing different parameters, we can confidently demonstrate that Mavic Air 2 is better than Mavic Mini 2. Here is a comprehensive comparison of the two drones that should help shape your decisions.
Mavic Air 2 VS Mini 2: Weight and Size
Regardless of the purpose of your drone, one of the essential considerations you should make is the size and the weight. While all Mavic Models are eminently portable, there are some minor differences to consider. For instance, smaller and compact drones tend to be more favorable because of their portability.
The Mavic Air 2, when folded, is 18×9.7×8.4cm while the Mavic Mini 2 is 14×8.2×5.7cm, and by default, the Mavic Air 2 is heavier. A smaller and compact drone has several advantages, including portability and the unlikeliness to attract attention since it is small and hard for people to see. Therefore, if you want a drone for hiking or do not want to attract attention, the Mavic Mini 2 will be the best bet.
Mavic Air 2 VS Mini 2: Features and Design
Apart from the Mavic Air 2 being larger and heavier than the Mini 2, the two drones look similar. That is not surprising because they all originate from the Mavic family.
The main difference is that Mavic Air 2 drones boast obstacle avoidance sensors, while the Mini 2 does not have any technology to assist in obstacle avoidance. For many pilots, the obstacle avoidance feature is critical as it helps to minimize crashing. Aside from the difference, it is imperative to note that both drones have a similar hand controller comprising a center switch for Tripod, spring-loaded phone cradle, sport and regular buttons for 'return home' feature, and a gimbal pitch control. Based on this comparison, the Mavic Air 2 wins.
Related post: DJI Mini 2: Most Accessible Drone
Mavic Air 2 VS Mini 2: Flight Performance
Since the Mavic Air 2 is heavier, one would quickly think that it should offer incredible performance, especially in windy situations. However, with the improvement done on the Mavic Mini 2, the two drones now play in the same league.
Both drones come with DJI's OcuSync 2.0, which aids in ensuring perfect video transmission. However, it is crucial to mention that the Mavic Air 2 is 42.5 mph faster than the Mini 2. Since each has unique features and uses, it is correct to say that the performance of both drones is incredible.
Mavic Air 2 VS Mini 2: Camera Performance
Another essential feature that drone enthusiasts would always pay attention to is the quality of the camera. It is hard to get compelling pictures and videos if the quality of the camera is not top-notch. The Mavic Air 2 has a great camera fitted with a half-inch CMOS sensor and 12MP and 48MP for JPEG and RAW files. This means it can perfectly work in low light conditions and produce quality images. The video resolution ranges between 4K and 2.7K. By contrast, the Mini 2 has a much smaller camera. If the quality of the photos and videos is the priority, then it will be a brilliant idea to settle for Mavic Air 2.
Mavic Air 2 VS Mavic Mini 2: Autonomous Modes
If you are looking for a video that can shoot video autonomously, then both models will work fine. Both Mavic Air 2 and Mini 2 are equipped with dronie, rocket, helix, and boomerang. Additionally, both models can shoot hyper-lapse and panorama video stills.
However, the Mavic Air 2 is equipped with Active Track to follow the user while filming. Although both models have autonomous modes, the Mavic Air is ahead of the Mavic Mini 2.
Additional reading: DJI Pocket 3
What is the difference between the Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2?
While it is clear that both of these drones are excellent in every imaginable way, looking at the differences between the Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2 may help you decide.
The main difference between the Mini 2 and the Mavic Air 2 is that the Mavic Air 2 boasts obstacle avoidance sensors. At the same time, the Mini 2 does not have any obstacle avoidance other than the ground sensors for landing.
In addition to obstacle avoidance, there are several other differences between the two drones. First, the Mavic Air 2 is more expensive, selling at $1079, which is double the price of the Mavic Mini 2. Other differences are denoted in the following table.
| Mavic Mini 2 | Mavic Air 2 | |
| Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 Px | 8000 x 6000 px |
| Horizontal speed | 16 m/s | 19 m/s |
| Diagonal span | 213mm | 302mm |
| Ascent speed | 5 m/s | 4 m/s |
| Live View quality | 8 Mbps/720p | 12 Mbps/1080p |
| ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 |
| Sensor Size | ½.3 inch | ½ inch |
| Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| Video Resolution | 4K @ 30 fps / 2.7K @ 30fps / 1080P @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps / 4K HDR 30fps 1080P @ 240fps |
Mavic Air 2 VS Mavic Mini 2 Additional Aspects to Consider
Understanding the difference and the similarities between the Mavic Air 2 and Mavic Mini 2 may still not be enough to help you make the right choice. If you still feel undecided up to this point, you may want to consider the following factors.
Your Expertise
If it is your first time getting into the drone world, then it means that you do not have much expertise in drones. In such a situation, you want to go for a cheaper drone to avoid feeling a considerable loss if something happens to your drone. Beginners may want to consider pocket-friendly drones.
Your Budget
While some drones are incredible when it comes to performance; you do not have to empty your savings to get a great started drone. Moreover, budget drones can still perform the same role as the highly-priced ones. It is also important to remember that soon you may be out hunting for spare parts, and you do not want that to make your life more complicated. In other words, it is a good idea to stick to your budget.
Learn More: DJI Mini 3 – Release Date, Rumors, Specs, & Price!
The Purpose
Lastly, you should be clear on the purpose of your drone before you set out to decide between the Mavic Air 2 and Mavic Mini 2. For instance, if the primary purpose of buying your drone is filming, you need to make sure that the camera capabilities of your selection are superb.
Conclusion
By considering factors such as speed, GPS, Cameras, First Person View, flight time, and other differences evident in this post, you would agree that the Mavic Air 2 is the best DJI drone to get for your use. Although it might be more costly than its counterpart, the reality is that it never disappoints when it comes to performance. Besides, in some situations, the performance far outweighs the cost.
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Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.