Autel EVO 2 Pro vs. DJI Mini 2 (Here’s My Choice)

Welcome to this in-depth comparison of two remarkable drones, the Autel EVO 2 Pro and the DJI Mini 2.

As a seasoned drone expert, I’ve explored the skies with drones of all kinds. This has given me invaluable insights into these flying marvels.

Through rigorous testing and extensive experience, I’m here to provide you with a well-informed perspective that will make choosing between the EVO 2 Pro and the Mini 2 a breeze.

In this article, I will unravel the intricacies that set the Autel EVO 2 Pro and the DJI Mini 2 apart.

From flight performance to camera quality and beyond, we’ll leave no aspect unexamined, ensuring your decision is based on the best information possible.

Brief Overview #

Autel EVO 2 Pro #

The Autel EVO 2 Pro is an absolutely stand-out model in the world of drones. It offers:

• 6K/30 fps Video Recording, setting new standards in aerial videography with unmatched quality.
• 1-Inch CMOS 20MP Image Sensor delivers impeccable image clarity, ideal for professional photography.
• Up to 40 Minutes of Flight Time, offering extended exploration and mission capabilities. Actual flight times vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions and other flight plan settings.
• 360° Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance enhances safety and precise flight control through its 12-sensor omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system.
• User-Friendly Remote Control is equipped with a 3.3” OLED built-in screen for real-time monitoring and seamless control.
• With a mid-range price tag, it seems to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. But it’s worth every penny with its range of professional-grade features that cater to the needs of experienced drone pilots and content creators for filming and videography.

» MORE: 21 Best Long-Range Drones (2023-2024)

DJI Mini 2 #

The DJI Mini 2 is a testament to portability and performance. The key features on offer are:

• 4K Video Recording for high-quality video capture, suitable for beginners, travelers, and drone enthusiasts.
• Lightweight and Portable, weighing merely 249 grams, it offers unmatched portability.
• 31 Minutes of Flight Time gives you plenty of time for your aerial journey to capture stunning video. Of course, this is subject to the prevailing weather conditions and flight plan set.
• Reliable GPS Capabilities powered by satellite correction for navigation purposes from GPS, GALILEO, and GLONASS ensure stable and precise flight control.
• Compact Design tailored for on-the-go enthusiasts.
• The DJI Mini 2 has an attractive price point much lower than that of the EVO 2 Pro. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for adventurers, travelers, and beginners who seek a reliable yet budget-friendly drone for capturing stunning aerial footage.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 Review

Quick Verdict #

Having dedicated significant hours to testing these drones, the results are crystal clear:

DJI Mini 2 is the Choice for On-the-Go Enthusiasts. If you’re an adventurer, traveler, or novice pilot seeking impressive performance and portability, the DJI Mini 2 answers your needs.

Its lightweight, compact design, augmented with 4k video recording, all work to your advantage.

Adding in the fact that it does not require FAA registration if you’re a hobbyist is the icing on the cake.

Autel EVO 2 Pro Delivers Professional Excellence. For experienced flyers and professionals demanding exceptional camera capabilities and video quality, longer flight times, longer transmission range, and intelligent features, the Autel EVO 2 Pro is the clear choice.

Between the two, it’s the go-to drone for those seeking to take their careers to greater heights.

The difference between the two drones is stark, making your selection a matter of determining your specific needs.

» MORE: 3 Most-Common Problems with Autel EVO 2 Pro (With Solutions)

What are the main differences? #

• Video Quality. The Autel EVO 2 Pro’s 6K video quality sets an unmatched standard for aerial videography, ensuring every detail is captured in stunning clarity.
• Camera Sensor Size. The EVO 2 Pro’s 1-inch CMOS 20 MP sensor provides exceptional image clarity and dynamic range, perfect for professional photographers in comparison to its counterpart’s 1 / 2.3’’ CMOS  12 MP sensor. 
• Flight Time. With up to 40 minutes of flight time, the EVO 2 Pro surpasses the Mini 2, offering 9-10 minutes of extended exploration and mission capabilities.
• Obstacle Avoidance. The EVO 2 Pro’s intelligent 360°obstacle avoidance system enhances flight safety and control, a crucial feature for navigating complex environments, which its counterpart unfortunately doesn’t have.
• User Experience. The DJI Mini 2’s remarkable portability, perfect for travelers and adventurers, complements its reliable GPS and compact design, while the Autel EVO 2 Pro targets professionals seeking more advanced drone technology.

» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro: Which One is Right for You?

Autel EVO 2 Pro #

The Autel EVO 2 Pro sets a new benchmark in aerial photography and videography. It’s designed for professional drone pilots and content creators.

If you’re passionate about capturing breathtaking landscapes or shooting professional-grade videos, the EVO 2 Pro is tailored to your aspirations.

Autel’s masterpiece boasts features like 6K video recording, 1-inch CMOS 20 MP sensor, and intelligent 360°obstacle avoidance, offering impeccable image quality and flight control.

Key features include:

Exceptional Camera Quality #

The Autel EVO 2 Pro redefines aerial photography and videography with exceptional camera quality. It boasts an impressive 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 20MP camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal.

It also has an adjustable aperture of F2.8-F11, 29 mm equivalent, which allows for 6K/30 fps video recording capability, setting new standards for aerial videography.

Additionally, its Moonlight Algorithm 2.0, which reduces noise, enables clear image and video capture even in dim light conditions.

This means you can capture breathtaking, ultra-high-definition footage, ensuring every detail is beautifully preserved in your shots at any time of the day. 

Its 12-bit DNG enables it to capture up to 68.9 billion colors, providing greater flexibility in post-production for photographers and video editors to fine-tune their images to achieve the desired final look.

If you’re a professional photographer or videographer, this feature is your ticket to achieving stunning visuals that stand out.

» MORE: Camera Technology in Drones (Explained)

Long Flight Time #

Extend your exploration and mission capabilities with the Autel EVO 2 Pro’s remarkable flight time.

With up to 40 minutes of flight time, or 35 minutes while hovering, on a single charge, you can take your drone on longer journeys without the constant need to return for recharging.

This feature is a game-changer for those who demand more time in the air to capture the perfect shot or to complete their missions effectively.

» MORE: What to Check Your Drone for Before a Flight (Read This First)

360°Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance #

The EVO 2 Pro is equipped with a 12-sensor advanced obstacle avoidance system.

Symmetrically situated at the front, rear, left, and bottom is a binocular vision sensing system that uses image data to calculate the distance between the aircraft and potential obstacles at least 30m away.

In addition, there are two ultrasonic sensors located on the bottom of the drone for precision hovering.

In the event of an emergency, or for beginners, the RTH will safely return the drone to within 5 feet horizontal accuracy from the take-off point.

This technology enhances flight safety and precise control by intelligently detecting and avoiding obstacles during flight.

Navigating through complex environments becomes a breeze, allowing you to focus on your creative pursuits of getting that crisp shot without the worry of unexpected collisions.

» MORE: Drone Safety Features (All You Need to Know)

Advanced Remote Control #

The included remote control for the Autel EVO 2 Pro is more than just a controller. It features a built-in 3.3” OLED screen that provides real-time monitoring and seamless control over your drone.

For those requiring a much bigger screen, a mobile device clamp is on top of the remote, although tablets will not fit.

This not only enhances your flight experience but also keeps you connected to your drone’s status, enabling you to capture the perfect shot or video.

» MORE: Are Autel Drones Any Good? (You Might Be Surprised)

Flight modes #

Autel EVO 2 Pro sets itself apart with its intelligent flight modes. With three different modes, Orbit mode, Follow me mode, and Waypoint mode, to choose from, the ability to capture stunning aerial footage with minimal effort lies in your grasp. 

Speed #

the Autel EVO 2 Pro can reach speeds of up to 44.7 mph, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action shots.

Enhanced Dynamic track #

Autel EVO 2 is ****equipped with an advanced object tracking mechanism that allows it to model the geographical location and speed of the target simultaneously, using the insight to predict its track while accurately avoiding obstacles during flight.

» MORE: Best Follow Me Drones (Ultimate Guide)

Professional-Grade Features #

The Autel EVO 2 Pro caters to professionals and content creators with its comprehensive set of features.

From its exceptional camera quality and long flight time to intelligent obstacle avoidance and advanced remote control, this drone offers a suite of professional-grade capabilities.

Whether you’re into professional photography, videography, or aerial exploration, this drone provides the tools you need to excel in your endeavors.

» MORE: Is Autel Evo 2 Waterproof (& Can You Fly It in the Rain)?

DJI Mini 2 #

The DJI Mini 2, a marvel of portability and performance, caters to a distinct audience. It builds on the successes of its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, while attempting to make up for its shortcomings.

If you’re an on-the-go enthusiast, an adventurer seeking aerial perspectives, or a beginner drone pilot, the DJI Mini 2 offers an ideal balance of performance and convenience.

This compact drone boasts the following key features:

Satisfactory Camera Quality #

The Mini 2 boasts a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with a 12 MP camera.

The camera has a 24mm equivalent fixed-aperture F2.8 lens with an 83° and an ISO range of 100-3200, allowing for high-resolution image capture.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2: How to Adjust Camera Settings

High-Quality 4K Video Recording #

This drone allows you to record in resolutions of up to 4K/30p, 2.7/30p, and 1080p/60p, with an ISO range of 100-3200.

Embedded with zooming prowess of 2X while shooting at 4k and 2.7k, and 4X while at 1080p resolution, it is suitable for a wide range of users, from travelers and content creators to beginners.

Ultra-Lightweight and Portable #

Weighing a mere 249 grams, it adheres to regulatory standards while ensuring unmatched portability.

Subject to your country’s regulations, this drone is the go-to drone for those who do not wish to be bothered with registration requirements, since it does not require FAA registration for hobbyist uses.

However, this does not mean you are exempted from other FAA regulations and licenses.

» MORE: Do I Need to Register My Drone? (And How to do It)

Flight Time #

According to its DJI official specifications, this drone is expected to have an extended flight time of up to 31 minutes in ideal environments.

However, practically speaking, with an RTH of 25%, it only manages to clock 24 minutes.

This is still not bad, empowering its users to explore and capture more, whether you’re a travel enthusiast or an adventurer.

» MORE: Drone Batteries (In-Depth Information)

Reliable GPS Capabilities #

Its capability of receiving satellite corrections from GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellite constellations ensures stable and precise flight control.

The Mini 2 is designed for worry-free flying.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 Return to Home (Explained)

Remote controller #

When it comes to ****controller ergonomics, the DJI Mini 2 controller is just like its predecessor the Mavic Mini, with just a few tweaks.

It’s an easy-to-hold controller with the smartphone clamp situated above the remote, which makes viewing the display screen easier.

The front of the controller contains the Return to Home button on the left and the Power on and off button on the right with a switch at the center to toggle between three flight modes: cine (which slows the drone for cinematic view), Normal, and Sport mode.

» MORE: Is the DJI Smart Controller Worth It? (Read This Before Purchasing)

Compact and User-Friendly Design #

Its compact form and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize simplicity and convenience. 

Head-to-Head Comparison #

Video Quality #

Winner: Autel EVO 2 Pro

The Autel EVO 2 Pro’s 6K video quality outshines the DJI Mini 2’s 4K capabilities, providing you with unmatched video clarity, perfect for professional-grade content creation.

Whether you’re capturing cinematic landscapes or professional projects, the EVO 2 Pro delivers excellence.

» MORE: Best Drones for Night Time Use (Photography & Video)

Camera Sensor Size #

Winner: Autel EVO 2 Pro

With a 1-inch CMOS sensor 20MP camera, the Autel EVO 2 Pro offers superior image clarity and dynamic range.

This larger sensor ensures your photos and videos stand out with exceptional detail, making it the ideal choice for photographers and videographers aiming for professional results. 

Tip: The larger the sensor, the higher the exposure to light; thus the more color ranges the drone is able to capture.

» MORE: Best Affordable Drones for Photography

Flight Time #

Winner: Autel EVO 2 Pro

The Autel EVO 2 Pro’s extended flight time of up to 40 minutes outperforms the DJI Mini 2’s 31 minutes.

This additional flight time allows you to explore and capture more, making it a valuable asset for aerial enthusiasts.

» MORE: When is the Best Time to Fly a Drone?

Obstacle Avoidance #

Winner: Autel EVO 2 Pro

The Autel EVO 2 Pro takes the lead in obstacle avoidance with its advanced system, enhancing flight safety and control.

Navigating complex environments becomes less daunting as the EVO 2 Pro intelligently detects and avoids obstacles, providing peace of mind during flights.

» MORE: Obstacle Avoidance in DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)

User Experience #

Winner: DJI Mini 2

The DJI Mini 2 is the epitome of portability and convenience. Weighing just 249 grams, it adheres to regulatory standards while offering unmatched portability.

It’s the go-to choice for travelers, adventurers, and beginners. The compact design and reliable GPS capabilities make it an excellent companion for on-the-go enthusiasts.

» MORE: How to Fly a Drone: Ultimate Beginner Guide (with Drawings)

Conclusion #

After extensive testing and a thorough comparison of the Autel EVO 2 Pro and the DJI Mini 2, the choice becomes clear:

Autel EVO 2 Pro is the better choice for drone professionals.

If you demand professional-grade camera quality, extended flight time, and intelligent features, the Autel EVO 2 Pro is your best companion in the sky.

It’s designed for those who seek excellence in aerial photography and videography.

DJI Mini 2 is the traveler’s best friend. 

If you’re an adventurer or travel enthusiast, the DJI Mini 2 offers exceptional portability and reliable performance.

It’s the ideal choice for those who prioritize lightweight, compact design, and on-the-go convenience.

In summary, the Autel EVO 2 Pro and DJI Mini 2 serves distinct needs. Your selection should align with your specific requirements and preferences for the best drone experience.

» MORE: What Are Downward Vision Sensors in Drones? (Explained for Beginners)