DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo Review

What’s the difference between the DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 2 SE?

The main difference between the Mini 2 vs Mini 2 SE (not to be confused with the Mini SE, which does not have a “2”) is the video quality. The SE reduces the video resolution from 4K on the Mini 2 to 2.7K on the Mini 2 SE. Photo capabilities are the same with the same 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with a 12MP resolution. Other than the lack of 4K video, the DJI Mini 2 SE has virtually all the same features of the original DJI Mini 2 at a reduced price tag.

What’s included in the Fly More package vs the “regular” DJI Mini 2 SE?

The Fly More package includes 2 additional batteries for over 90 minutes of flying time (the “regular” version only includes 1 battery). It also includes a charging hub, extra propellers, and a shoulder bag. However, a Micro SD card is not included which is needed to take full advantage of the camera’s quality.

Design

The DJI Mini 2 SE is meant to be smaller and more portable than some of DJI’s other models. The Mini 2 SE folds up nicely in a small “brick” formation that fits nicely in the shoulder bag included in the Fly More version. This makes it easy to travel with the drone because precious carry-on space is usually at a premium. There are also protectors included for the delicate gimbal and propellers.

Performance

Like most of DJI’s drone, the Mini 2 SE is easy to control, however it is missing the obstacle avoidance sensors on DJI’s larger drones. The app provides a nice tutorial and allows you to limit the maximum height the drone can fly. The drone also “remembers” where it takes off from and will attempt to return home if the battery gets low, or it loses signal with the controller.

The remote has no built-in screen and requires a connection to your smartphone. It took some finagling to get my iPhone 14 Pro Max (with case) to fit in the controller’s phone clamp, but it did fit with very little wiggle room. However, I find using an older, smaller phone (like the iPhone X) to be much easier to quickly pop into the phone clamp. The bundle comes with both a Lightning, Micro USB, and a USB-C cable that can be stowed away underneath the clamp when the controller is not in use.

The DJI Mini 2 SE is missing some of the photography features of the larger Mavic Air 2, such as Smart HDR photos and HDR video. However, it still offers most of the popular features most drone pilots would want: panoramic shots and “dronie” selfies (where the drone videos you as it flies backwards and upwards).

Annoyingly, the Mini 2 SE has no onboard storage and requires a Micro SD card to save your photos and videos in high resolution (and not even the Fly More package throws in the needed Micro SD card). Without a Micro SD card inserted, the drone can save lower resolution photos and videos to your smartphone via the DJI Fly app.

Although the video resolution is lower than the original Mini 2, the SE version still takes crisp photos and buttery smooth videos (thanks to the 3-axis gimbal).

Battery Life

Each battery pack gets you up to 31 minutes of flight time. There is no wall adapter included, but the batteries can be recharged with a standard wall charger from a phone or tablet using the included USB-C cable.