DJI Mini

DJI
Industry	Drone manufacturing, technology
Headquarters	Shenzhen, China
Products	DJI Mini series (Mavic Mini, Mini SE, Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 4, Mini 5)

The DJI Mini, originally introduced as the DJI Mavic Mini, represents a lineup of compact quadcopter drones operated remotely, developed by the Chinese tech company DJI. Designed primarily for both recreational and professional aerial photography and videography, these Mini drones are engineered to weigh less than , thereby circumventing drone registration mandates in many regions. Additionally, a licensed variant named the Specta Mini is manufactured in Malaysia by Cogito Tech.

Design and development

Unveiled on 30 October 2019, DJI’s Mavic Mini succeeded the DJI Spark and targeted novice users of camera drones, with commercial availability commencing on 11 November. Originating from the DJI Mavic series, it was specifically crafted to meet registration exemptions by keeping the "general version" weight at . The drone is equipped with a 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor capable of capturing 2.7K video at 30 frames per second, powered by a 2400 mAh battery that enables flights lasting up to 30 minutes. To minimize weight, obstacle avoidance sensors were excluded; however, features such as geofencing and AeroScope Remote ID are incorporated. For compliance with Japanese regulations—which require registration for drones exceeding —a Japan-exclusive "JP version" utilizes a lighter 1100 mAh battery, resulting in a total weight of and a flight duration of approximately 18 minutes.

The Mavic Mini employs an Enhanced Wi-Fi transmission system that supports connectivity over .

In mid-2021, DJI introduced the Mini SE, removing the "Mavic" designation. This model merges the foundational attributes of the original Mavic Mini with the chassis design of the Mini 2. The Mini SE boasts enhanced wind resistance and a slightly reduced battery capacity of 2250 mAh while maintaining the same maximum flight duration of 30 minutes, identical camera specifications, and the Enhanced Wi-Fi communication technology.

Mini 2 series

Released in November 2020 as the successor to the Mavic Mini, the Mini 2 also dropped the Mavic prefix. Despite having a smaller battery capacity of 2250 mAh compared to its predecessor, it achieves a marginally longer flight time of up to 31 minutes. The camera system was upgraded to support 4K video recording, and wind resistance improved from 18 mph to . The communication system transitioned from Enhanced Wi-Fi to OcuSync 2.0, extending control range up to 10 km.

In February 2023, DJI launched the Mini 2 SE as an update to the Mini SE model. This version supports video recording at a maximum resolution of 2.7K and weighs slightly less at . Initially missing Remote ID functionality, this feature was added via a firmware update in June 2024 to comply with evolving regulatory standards in multiple countries.

Announced in April 2024, the Mini 4K shares many characteristics with the Mini 2 SE but reintroduces a native 4K camera sensor, catering to users who require superior video quality within a compact drone platform.

Mini 3 series

The DJI Mini 3 Pro debuted on 10 May 2022, marking the first instance in the Mini lineup to incorporate a comprehensive three-axis obstacle avoidance system. It features a high-resolution 48MP 1/1.3" CMOS sensor capable of shooting 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and utilizes the O3 transmission protocol for real-time video streaming at Full HD (1080p) with 30 FPS. The standard Intelligent Flight Battery provides up to 34 minutes of airborne time; an optional larger Flight Battery Plus with a capacity of 3850 mAh extends this endurance to approximately 47 minutes but pushes the drone’s weight beyond the unregistered threshold of 250g.

On 9 December 2022, DJI introduced the Mini 3 as a budget-friendly alternative to the Mini 3 Pro. This version omits obstacle avoidance sensors, reduces available intelligent camera modes, and downgrades its communication system back to OcuSync 2.0. The Mini 3 weighs slightly less at 248g including battery and offers increased flight durations—38 minutes with its standard battery or up to 51 minutes when equipped with the Flight Battery Plus option.

Mini 4 series

The Mini 4 Pro was launched on 25 September 2023, introducing the Omnidirectional Vision Sensing system for collision avoidance. This technology incorporates four fisheye lenses, a pair of downward-facing binocular vision sensors, and a time-of-flight sensor. Equipped with the O4 transmission system, it can stream 1080p video up to a distance of 20 km. The camera represents an advancement over the Mini 3 Pro, supporting slow-motion 4K recording at 100 frames per second and featuring a gimbal capable of rotating 90 degrees for vertical filming.

Mini 5 series

Released on 17 September 2025 but not available in the U.S., the Mini 5 Pro is outfitted with Model 6028F propellers and boasts a groundbreaking 50MP 1-inch camera sensor—the first of its kind in compact camera drones. It delivers a flight duration of 36 minutes using the standard Intelligent Flight Battery, extendable to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. With the standard battery installed, the drone weighs roughly 249.9 g ±4 g, meaning some units may exceed the 250 g limit that requires registration in many regions. DJI recommends pilots verify their drone’s weight before flying without registration due to this variance.

Licensed version

The Hong Kong-based company Cogito Tech manufactures a licensed variant of the Mini 2 SE called the Specta Mini. Although Cogito denies any affiliation with DJI, The Hill has noted that both the Specta Mini and Specta Air (Cogito’s adaptation of DJI Air 3) closely resemble their Chinese originals in terms of performance and software, likely utilizing DJI’s proprietary OcuSync video transmission technology. Despite these parallels, the Specta Mini distinguishes itself by featuring a 4K camera instead of the Mini 2 SE’s standard camera.

Mavic Mini

Mavic Mini: Referred to internally as Model MT1SS5, this compact Mavic model includes a 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, improved Wi-Fi transmission capabilities, and a 2400 mAh battery that supports up to 30 minutes of flight time. It was introduced in November 2019.
Mavic Mini (JP version): A version tailored for the Japanese market with a smaller 1100 mAh battery, reducing flight time to approximately 18 minutes and lowering overall weight.
Mini SE: Identified by Model MT2SS5, this budget-friendly option combines internal components from the Mavic Mini within a Mini 2 exterior. It offers enhanced wind resistance and uses a 2250 mAh battery enabling around 30 minutes of flight. Released mid-2021.

Mini 2

Mini 2: Known as Model MT2WD, this is an upgraded iteration of the Mavic Mini featuring a 4K camera, improved resistance to wind, OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology, and a 2250 mAh battery providing up to 31 minutes airborne. Debuted in November 2020.
Mini 2 SE: Designated Model MT2SD, this cost-effective variant offers a 2.7K camera and slightly reduced weight compared to others. Released in February 2023.
Mini 4K: Tagged as Model MT2PD, it resembles the Mini 2 SE but is equipped with a full 4K camera. Launched in April 2024.
Specta Mini: Known internally as Model TQFDUB1, this Malaysian-built licensed derivative by Cogito Tech is based on the Mini 2 SE platform but includes a higher-resolution 4K camera.

Mini 3

Mini 3 Pro: Carrying designations Model MT3M3VD, MT3M3VDB, and MT3M3VZ, this enhanced version of the Mini 2 integrates a high-resolution 48MP 1/1.3" CMOS sensor, O3 transmission system, three-axis obstacle avoidance sensors, and a robust 2453 mAh battery delivering up to 34 minutes of flight time. An optional larger battery of 3850 mAh extends flight duration to approximately 47 minutes but increases weight by about . Released in May 2022, these three models are functionally identical aside from certification and sales distinctions; production ceased in 2023 without C0 certification support.
Mini 3: With company code Model MT3PD, this is a simplified version of the Mini 3 Pro lacking obstacle avoidance sensors and utilizing OcuSync 2.0 transmission. It achieves up to 38 minutes flight time on the standard battery or as much as 51 minutes with the optional larger battery. Introduced in December 2022.

Mini 4

Mini 4 Pro: Referred to by the company as Model MT4MFVD, this model is an enhanced version of the Mini 3 Pro. It incorporates Omnidirectional Vision Sensing for collision avoidance, utilizes the O4 transmission technology, supports 4K slow-motion video capture, and is powered by a 2590 mAh battery delivering up to 34 minutes of flight duration. An optional 3850 mAh battery is available, extending flight time to 45 minutes with a corresponding increase in weight. This model was launched in September 2023.

Mini 5

Mini 5 Pro: Known internally as Model MT5MFND, this upgraded variant features a 50MP sensor with a 1-inch size, employs the O4+ transmission system, and includes Model 6028F propellers. It has a marginally higher weight compared to its predecessor. The standard battery allows for up to 36 minutes of flight time, while the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus can extend this to 52 minutes. This model was introduced in September 2025.

Accidents and incidents

On January 9, 2025, a DJI Mini 3 drone collided with a Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft amid the January 2025 Southern California wildfires. The impact created a hole in the left wing of the CL-415, rendering it grounded for necessary repairs. At the time, the drone was flying within a temporary flight restriction zone established to safeguard firefighting operations. In response to this event, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced plans to implement "aerial armor" technology aimed at preventing unauthorized drones from entering restricted airspace.

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