But that’s all changed with the Mini 2’s new Level 5 wind resistance classification and vastly improved video transmission distance. Had this comparison been between the Mavic Air 2 and the Mini 2’s predecessor, the Air 2 would have walked it. (Image credit: DJI) DJI Mini vs DJI Mavic Air 2: flight performance This is a brilliant safety feature, especially when used manually, but it isn’t really required if common sense prevails. When controlled by the pilot, it will also refuse to fly into a wall or people even if you accidentally steer the drone in that direction. It means you can program the Mavic Air 2 to follow you through heavy foliage and other obstacle-strewn areas using the ActiveTrack ‘follow me’ mode and the drone will navigate itself around the hurdles entirely on its own. For some pilots, obstacle avoidance is a significant addition. Indeed the main difference both externally and internally is that the Mavic Air 2 is equipped with fore, aft and downward facing obstacle avoidance sensors and the Mini 2 doesn’t have any obstacle avoidance technology at all, apart from ground sensors for landing. After all, they are both from the same Mavic family (DJI may have dropped the ‘Mavic’ moniker from the Mini 2 but it’s still essentially a Mavic). ![]() Aside from the Mavic Air 2’s larger size, slightly more angular body, beefier camera and darker colour scheme, there isn’t any noteworthy difference between the two. The Mini and Mavic Air 2 look very similar in shape and design. (Image credit: DJI) DJI Mini vs DJI Mavic Air 2: design and features (Read more about the UK drone regulations or US drone rules.) Granted, it’s not what current DJI Mini pilots expected but, hey, that’s life. All they need to do is pay £9 for the registration. However, the good news is that prospective Mini pilots do not need to sit the newly-elongated online multiple-choice exam. This naturally led to an explosion in DJI Mini sales so, in predictable fashion, the CAA and FAA decided to move the goalposts and, as of 31 December 2020, all camera-carrying drones below 250g will now require registration. ![]() And guess what, the weight at which registration was required was for drones from 250g and upwards. Granted, a 321g difference is hardly the end of the world but there’s a very valid reason why the Mini 2 weighs so little and that’s because, in 2019, the UK’s CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and the USA’s FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) introduced a drone licensing system that involved taking an online test and paying a small fee for a pilot ID. At 570g, the Mavic Air 2 weighs significantly more than the Mini 2, which clocks in at just shy of 249g. ![]() Size is one thing but in this comparison it’s weight that makes the biggest difference of all. The Mini 2’s smaller size is also less likely to attract attention because, well, it’s so small hardly anyone will see it – even though they may hear it. While still considered small, the Mavic Air 2 when folded (18×9.7×8.4cm) is significantly bigger than the Mini 2 (14×8.2×5.7cm) and that’s something worth considering if you’re going on a hike or climbing a mountain.
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