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

Although the DJI Mini 2 SE and Autel EVO Nano are drones manufactured by different companies, they are alike in many ways and brilliant choices for beginners.

Which one is better? The DJI Mini 2 SE or the Autel EVO Nano? 

The Mini 2 SE is one of the cheapest drones by DJI for pilots who want to spend less on their first drone. The Autel EVO Nano does better photography and filming and has subject-tracking characteristics.

As the drone market has evolved significantly in the past few years, drones are now more affordable and easier to maneuver than ever, even for first-time pilots. 

In this article, we’ll compare these two fantastic beginner drones to help you select which is right for you.

**Note: **Do not confuse the Autel Evo Nano with the Nano PLUS. The Plus version has improved camera quality but the same characteristics as the Autel EVO Nano.

DJI Mini 2 SE overview #

The Mini 2 SE is one of the latest DJI drones and also one of the most affordable. This drone is the upgraded DJI Mini 2 version but also doesn’t differ much from the Mini 3.

Great Starter Drone

SPECSDJI Mini 2 SESize138×81×58 mm folded without propellersWeight246 gFlight Time31 minsFlight Range15.7 km or 9.75 miMax Takeoff Altitude4,000 meters or 13,123 ftMax Flight Speed16 m/sObstacle AvoidanceNoneWind Resistance10.7 m/sGimbalThree-axis mechanical gimbalCamera1/2.3-inch CMOS12 MP photo resolution2.7k at 30fps max video resolutionRC CompatibilityCompatible with DJI RC-N1 only

✅ Pros #

• Cheapest DJI drone
• Released in 2023, it packs newer drone technologies
• Can fly for a long time despite its price
• This drone can also fly long-range without issues
• It may not require registration
• It has a three-axis mechanical gimbal, which is fantastic for stabilized footage
• Good wind resistance
• Easy to fly, beginner-friendly

❌ Cons #

• The camera sensor is relatively small and has low photo and video resolutions
• It doesn’t come with any anti-collision sensors
• Lacks ActiveTrack or follow-me features

Released in March 2023, the Mini 2 SE is a beginner drone that is inadequate for professional use.

DJI is a reputable drone manufacturer, one of the most known in the drone world, creating fantastic drones for personal and professional use. The Mini 2 SE is incredible regarding quality and performance.

It’s available as a standalone drone, with the DJI RC-N1, or as part of the Fly More Pack. Prices may vary.

» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Right for You? (Here’s Why It Is)

Autel EVO Nano overview #

The Autel EVO Nano (standard version) is a beginner-friendly drone with fantastic features and intelligent flight modes in a bundle.

SPECSAutel EVO NanoSize142×94×55mm foldedWeight249 gFlight Time28 minsFlight Range16.8 km or 10.4 miMax Takeoff Altitude3-way anti-collision sensors: Forward, backward, and downwardMax Flight Speed15 m/sObstacle AvoidanceThree-way anti-collision sensors: Forward, backward, and downwardWind Resistance10 m/sGimbalThree-axis mechanical gimbalCamera– 1/2-inch CMOS sensor– 48 MP photo resolution– 4k 30 frames per second max video resolutionRC CompatibilityStandard Autel RC with Autel SkyLink Transmission System

✅ Pros #

• It comes in a bundle with many accessories and three batteries
• Good photo and video resolutions and a decent camera sensor
• It has three-way anti-collision sensors
• This drone packs a follow-me feature and subject tracking with dynamic track 2.1
• It’s a sub-250-gram drone, benefiting from relaxed drone laws in some territories worldwide, including in the United States
• It has a three-axis mechanical gimbal for stabilized footage, even in high wind
• This drone is capable of flying in higher winds
• A good beginner-friendly drone
• The orange color makes the drone visible at longer distances, increasing the visual line of sight (VLOS) to fly it legally
• No geofencing system

❌ Cons #

• The price is much higher than the DJI Mini 2 SE
• There’s not much price difference between the Standard and Plus versions

If you love drones that come in a bundle with everything you need to fly immediately, the Autel EVO Nano is a fantastic choice.

The 2023 version is an upgraded nano drone with newer and better technologies.

Autel is another reputable drone manufacturer producing budget and professional drones.

» MORE: Autel Evo Lite+ Video Review (VIDEO)

DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Autel EVO Nano #

Both drones are fantastic, so they generally offer good value for the money.

But one drone is designed more for beginners, while the other is for amateurs who want to capture basic photography and videos. Here’s more information.

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

Pricing and availability #

Summary: The DJI Mini 2 SE is much cheaper than the Autel EVO Nano.

Both drones are in production and can be found on most marketplaces worldwide.

The prices will differ by a large margin.

For instance, the DJI Mini 2 SE is available in standard mode (drone + RC) for about $340, whereas the Fly More Combo with three batteries can go up to $500.

The Autel EVO Nano costs as little as $550 for the basic package.

The bundle is a good bang for your buck if you want extra batteries and accessories. This may cost about $759, including the drone, three batteries, 20 propellers, a 64GB SD Card, a remote controller, a carrying bag, a charger, and extra accessories.

» MORE: Best Affordable Drones for Beginners (2023)

Photography and video recording #

Summary: The Autel EVO Nano is superior to the DJI Mini 2 SE in photography and videography.

People buy drones mainly to capture astonishing aerial photography or film, whether on a family trip or for commercial purposes.

The DJI Mini 2 SE has a tiny camera sensor by today’s standards. It doesn’t mean that you can’t capture some stunning shots, it just means that it falls below in terms of quality, dynamic range, and a few other aspects.

For instance, the maximum image resolution is 12 MP. In today’s world, 12 MP is a bit low, to be honest.

Sharing your photos for social media or capturing videos at 2.7k resolution for your vlogs would be okay.

But suppose you want to capture a sunset, low light, or night photographs or videos. You must look elsewhere because the camera sensor cannot deliver. 

Also, the idea that the Mini 2 SE doesn’t film in 4k may push some people toward the Mini 3, which is not too far off in terms of price. 

However, you probably won’t need 4k unless you specifically create content or video projects based on 4k resolution. 

The Autel EVO Nano has a slightly larger sensor, can photograph in up to 48 MP, and can record in 4k at 30 frames per second.

If you intend to get the EVO Nano specifically for photography and filming, the EVO Nano Plus, with a much larger image sensor, offers exceptional photography and videography far beyond the EVO Nano Standard Version.

The DJI Mini 2 SE and Autel EVO Nano have a three-axis mechanical gimbal, stabilizing the videos and images, even in high wind conditions.

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Flight features and performance #

Summary: The Autel EVO Nano has more features, such as subject tracking, follow-me mode, and anti-collision sensors. The DJI Mini 2 SE lacks these characteristics.

The DJI Mini 2 SE is a good drone. Like all DJI drones, the Mini 2 SE can deliver high-performance, stable flights without issue. 

It lacks ActiveTrack, follow-me mode, and any obstacle avoidance sensors, so you should be extra careful when you fly your drone in denser areas.

The drone doesn’t vibrate; it can hover accurately based on the downward vision sensors and GPS positioning. It has several QuickShots features and, like all DJI drones, can return to the takeoff point.

That means if you push a button (the RTH button), or the drone is on low battery or out of range, the Mini 2 SE will attempt to return back to home without issue.

This is a safety feature across all DJI drones and rarely fails. 

The Autel EVO Nano also shares the same return-to-home feature. The Dynamic Track 2.1 is an advanced tracking system developed by Autel Robotics and is part of this drone. It can track and follow a subject seamlessly without issues.

Moreover, this drone has three anti-collision sensors: frontal, backward, and downward.

Most drones that don’t have an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system have sensors covering these areas to ensure safer flights, whether by the pilot or autonomously.

Like the Mini 2 SE, the Autel EVO Nano has several intelligent flight functions to create unique videos, such as rocket, fade away, orbit, and flick. 

» MORE: Best Drones with Obstacle Avoidance

Aircraft and controller #

Summary: Both drones are small and compatible with a single controller.

The Autel EVO Nano drone is capable of transmitting the image back to the pilot in a 2.7k resolution at 30 frames per second, displayed on the mobile phone connected to the controller.

The DJI Mini 2 SE live view quality is only 720p at 30 frames per second. 

This means the live transmission quality and resolution for the EVO Nano are many times higher and better than the Mini 2 SE.

In fact, the live image quality of the EVO Nano is better than most DJI drones, including the high-end professional ones.

For instance, the newest DJI drone with the best transmission system, the Air 3, has a live transmission video of 1080p at 30 or 60 fps, which is still lower than what Autel offers.

If you connect your EVO Nano to a tablet instead of a mobile phone for a larger screen, you should see crisp quality live video and have an immersive experience over what you see through the eyes of the Mini 2 SE.

Both EVO Nano and Mini 2 SE controllers are modern and stylish and can be easily transported. 

One significant distinction is that Autel drones are primarily orange. You will be able to spot the drone from afar without issue.

It’s easier to maintain a visual line of sight with the Autel EVO than with the Mini 2 SE.

You’d have to cover the Mini 2 SE in a highly reflective skin, but beware that the drone is only slightly below the 250-gram mark, and even a cover may bring your drone above this mark.

The Mini 2 SE keeps its appearance similar to many DJI Mini drones. It has excellent aerodynamics and can easily be folded for transportation (like the Autel EVO Nano). 

Both drones are so small and lightweight that you won’t even feel their presence if you travel with a backpack.

• DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Need to Know)
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Flight time #

Summary: These two drones have little difference in flight time. However, the Autel EVO Nano comes with three batteries if purchased with the bundle.

The difference between the two drones’ flight times is insignificant.

The DJI Mini 2 SE can fly for up to 31 minutes. In reality, if you want to land with a 20 or 25 percent battery, just to be safe, expect to fly this drone for 20 to 23 minutes.

Conversely, the Autel EVO Nano can fly up to 28 minutes, four minutes less than the Mini 2 SE. When landing with 20 to 25 percent battery, you can effortlessly get 19 to 22 minutes of flight time.

If you went with the Autel EVO Nano pack with three batteries, you could easily keep this drone in the air for up to an hour. 

The same goes for the Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo.

Note: Remember that the flight time can be affected by multiple factors, such as temperature, wind speed, pilot flying style, flying mode, etc.

» MORE: When Drone Flights Go Wrong (What Not to Do)

Range #

Summary: Both these drones can fly long-range. The Autel EVO Nano can fly slightly farther than the DJI Mini 2 SE.

Surprisingly, both these drones are capable of long-range flights.

If we look at other similar or slightly lower-priced drones compared to the Mini 2 SE, such as the Holy Stone HS720E or the Potensic ATOM SE, these can fly as far as a fraction of what the Mini 2 SE can do.

That’s why, for the price, the Mini 2 SE is the best long-range drone.

On the other hand, the transmission system from the Autel EVO Nano, the Autel SkyLink, doesn’t only offer a high-resolution live image but an impressive flight range, even higher than the one found in Mini 2 SE.

While the Mini 2 SE was manufactured with the older OcySync 2.0, version 4.0 with the DJI Air 3 was released this year, a drone that can fly farther than anything from these two leading drone companies.

» MORE: Long Range Drones: Ultimate Guide

Why choose the DJI Mini 2 SE over the Autel EVO Nano? #

I would love to choose the DJI Mini 2 SE for many reasons, but mainly, I will do it because of the price.

Not the Fly More Combo or anything extra fancy, but the standard version, just to know I could finally get into the drone hobby with an inexpensive but fantastic drone. 

The other reason I would love the Mini 2 SE, but not over the Autel EVO Nano, is because of how long and far it can fly, and I can benefit from relaxed drone laws.

» MORE: Is the DJI Mini 2 SE Worth It?

Why choose the Autel EVO Nano over the DJI Mini 2 SE? #

If I want a drone capable of adequate photography and filming, with obstacle avoidance sensors and even an advanced follow-me mode, then definitely the Autel EVO Nano is the one to choose over the DJI Mini 2 SE.

Like the Mini 2 SE, I would like this drone because it is lightweight, portable, can benefit from relaxed drone laws, and can fly long and far without issues.

Moreover, I will choose the bundle version, as you will have more than just the drone. A lot more.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. Autel Evo Nano (All You Need to Know)

Autel EVO Nano and DJI Mini 2 SE for commercial work – Which is better? #

Summary: The Autel EVO Nano will do better in real-world commercial applications due to a more satisfactory camera and transmission image than the Mini 2 SE

The Mini 2 SE has a below-average camera sensor, and the photo and video resolution is kind of low for most commercial activities, especially professional filming or photography.

The drone will do just fine for basic services, such as real-estate photography or close-up inspections.

If you’re looking to use the Mini 2 SE for mapping, you will have difficulty doing so.

On the other side, the Autel EVO Nano will do better.

It can be used for mapping because of the high photo resolution. This drone can capture semi-professional photos and videos (definitely good enough for stock websites) and will excel in real estate.

With a commercial-grade tablet, you can do live inspections with this drone like a professional drone.

» MORE: Best Commercial Drones for Land Surveying

Autel EVO Nano vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for activities #

Both these drones can be used for different activities.

Still, overall, I have to give the award to the Autel EVO Nano because it has obstacle avoidance sensors, an advanced follow-me mode, and a much better camera.

But let’s see how these drones perform for individual activities.

» MORE: 21 Best Ways to Make Money with a Drone

Travel and hiking #

The DJI Mini 2 SE and Autel EVO Nano are tiny, lightweight drones that occupy almost no space.

They have decent flight times to keep them in the air longer and capture the fantastic trail you’re taking into the mountains.

Moreover, you can enjoy up to an hour of video footage with extra batteries before recharging.

The Autel EVO Nano has a follow-me mode, which can be beneficial for taking videos. The Mini 2 SE lacks this mode.

With the anti-collision sensors, the drone can follow you in closer proximity and even on forest trails.

Also, the Autel EVO Nano has a better camera, which could be a good choice for image and video quality. 

Moreover, the travel bag you get from Autel with the bundle is excellent for keeping your drone separate without investing in another bag.

» MORE: Best Drones for Backpacking and Camping

Extreme sports #

These drones can reach similar max speeds, with the Mini 2 SE edging out the Autel EVO Nano with 1 m/s in optimal conditions.

If we’re performing extreme sports, we must consider the follow-me feature mandatory.

That’s why I recommend the Autel EVO Nano most in this application.

» MORE: Best Drones for Extreme Sports

Vlogging #

A drone is necessary for a vlogger to capture diversified videos, whether the leading video or simply a B-roll.

To vlog and control a drone simultaneously is not always an option.

That’s why intelligent features and, especially, a follow-me feature are mandatory.

The Autel EVO Nano can perform much better than the Mini 2 SE. 

In fact, with the lack of a follow-me mode in the Mini 2 SE, I find it hard to use this drone when vlogging, other than using a few QuickShots or capturing the scenery for B-roll.

The video quality of the Autel EVO Nano is also superior to the Mini 2 SE.

» MORE: Best Drones for Vlogging

Best SD Cards for DJI Mini 2 SE #

The DJI Mini 2 SE can support up to 256 GB SD cards.

» MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Mini 2 SE

Our Pick

Our Pick

Best SD Cards for Autel EVO Nano #

The max SD card capacity supported by the Autel EVO Nano is 256 GB, but these cards will require the UHS U3 rating or higher speed for proper functionality.

Editor’s Choice