Drones are becoming more and more popular. As more people look to capture footage from above, drones are an option many are considering.
If you’re currently shopping for a new drone, then you likely see just how many different options are available. While there are so many different drones on the market, not all of them are created equally. Much like any other piece of technology, the DJI Mini 2 SE comes with its own set of drawbacks.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the main reasons why you should avoid purchasing a DJI Mini 2 SE drone and what to consider instead.
What is the DJI Mini 2 SE?
The DJI Mini 2 SE is smaller than other drones on the market. Because of this, many people choose this drone to capture footage on the go. Its flight time of 31 minutes coupled with its small size has influenced many people to buy this drone and take it on their travels.
For every one person who loves and raves about the DJI Mini 2 SE, there are plenty of people who think it’s lacking in features and performance.
Below, you’ll find some of the top reasons why you should avoid purchasing a DJI Mini 2 SE drone at all costs. As always, it’s important to do your own research and consider your particular needs when investing in a drone.
Let’s break each one down.
- Lightweight and foldable
- QHD Video
- 10km video transmission
- 31-minute flight time
- Under 249g
- Return to Home feature
- Automatic pro shots
No Obstacle Detection
Most people with drone experience would agree that obstacle detection is necessary. Unfortunately, this model has no obstacle-detection capabilities. This means that you could easily damage your drone if there’s an unexpected barrier.
If you want a product that can detect obstacles, then this isn’t the right choice for you. You’ll be better off choosing from one of the selections available at the bottom of this page.
If you’re a beginner, then we strongly recommend choosing a drone that has obstacle detection. This is one of the best ways to be sure that you won’t accidentally damage your drone while you’re learning to fly it.
No Hyper-Lapse Feature
DJI drones are known for their hyper-lapse feature, so it’s a surprise that the DJI Mini 2 SE drone doesn’t have it. This feature wasn’t added to this drone, so it’s best to choose another option from this brand if this is something you’re looking for.
Being able to take a time-lapse with motion is an important feature for most drones, so it’s unfortunate that this drone doesn’t include this feature.

©FRYPE/Shutterstock.com
No Active Track
The DJI Mini 2 SE drone doesn’t include subject tracking. There, unfortunately, isn’t any other feature that’s like this option, so it’s one that you’ll need to go completely without if you choose this drone. However, there are many other models that do include this feature, so it’s an option if you’re still shopping around.
One Color Profile
The DJI Mini 2 SE drone only includes one color profile. This means that your footage may be negatively impacted if you’re shooting in low-light environments. Not being able to switch between various modes can hinder your video quality, so if you’re going to be shooting in a variety of situations, this might not be the right purchase for you. In this situation, it’s best to choose a model that can shoot in 4K.
No 4K Video Resolution
This drone doesn’t have the ability to shoot in 4K. This is surprising, considering the brand’s dedication to quality video capture. While 4K footage isn’t available with this drone, you will be able to shoot in 2.7K. Still, this is one of the most disappointing aspects of this drone. There are plenty of alternative options that do have 4K capabilities, so it’s a feature that you shouldn’t have to pass up.
Poor Zoom
While this drone does have a zoom feature, you’ll most likely find that the image quality is significantly reduced when it’s being used. This is very unfortunate, as using the zoom feature could ruin your footage. Just because this drone has a zoom option doesn’t mean it’s a quality one. If you’re wanting a drone that will zoom without impacting your video’s quality, this isn’t the right pick for you.

©Dmitry Kalinovsky/Shutterstock.com
DJI Mini 2 SE Alternatives
We’ve gone over all the reasons why you shouldn’t purchase a DJI Mini 2 SE, but which other options should you consider instead? Let’s dive into some of the best drones available on the market today.
ASPEXEL Mini Drone
- 4K
- GPS
- Camera
- 4-axis gimbal
- Brushless motor
- 2 batteries for 40 min flight time
- 90-degree adjustable lens
- 5G Wi-Fi transmission
- Intelligent features
The ASPEXEL Mini Drone is extremely affordable, but that doesn’t mean that it asks you to sacrifice important features.
ASPEXEL did a great job creating this model as it can withstand flying in the wind and also has an extended flight duration of up to 40 minutes.
Not only can this drone capture 4K footage, but it also provides GPS-assisted intelligent flight. This means that your drone will automatically know how to return to you if you lose signal. This feature is extremely important to note as it can reduce your chances of losing your drone.
Tucok 012S Drone
- 4K camera
- 60-minute long flight time
- GPS 5G FPV
- Quadcopter
- Optical flow positioning
- Auto return home feature
- Follow me feature
- Waypoint flight
- Brushless motor
The Tucok 012S Drone shoots in 4K and also has a shock absorber.
It’s important to note that this drone was designed for adults, so it’s not a great gift option for the kids in your life.
One great thing about this drone is that it was designed with beginners in mind. If you’re new to using drones, then this could be the perfect option as you learn how to fly and properly use them. From stellar reviews to a flight time of 60 minutes, there are so many reasons to purchase this drone.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
- 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad 4K camera takes 20MP images and 5K video
- Dual tele cameras are 1/1.3-inch CMOS and 1/2-inch CMOS
- 43-minute flight time
- Transmission distance of over 9 miles
- Rechargeable 5000 mAh battery
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
If you’re looking for one of the absolute best drones available today, consider the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
This drone may be more expensive, but its features make the price worth it. This drone can shoot in both 4K and 5.1K, plus it has omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This means that you likely won’t have any collisions when using your new drone.
This drone has a flight time of up to 43 minutes and it can transmit up to 15km. Another important feature of this model is its exceptional zoom. When you purchase this device, you won’t have to worry about the zoom impacting the quality of your footage.
EXO CINEMASTER 2-4K UHD Camera Drone
- 11MP photos and 4K UHD video
- 1080p 60fps slow motion filming
- 1/2.3in Sony sensor
- Up to 28 minutes of flight time
- Speeds of up to 27mph
The EXO CINEMASTER 2-4K UHD Camera Drone was designed to have a long flight time and be very easy to use.
If you’re a beginner, consider taking a look at this model and seeing if it could be the right choice for you. This drone is able to navigate itself back to you.
It’s important to note that this option has amazing color capabilities. Its rich color makes it a popular choice for people who are capturing a variety of different types of footage.
Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone Quadcopter UAV
- 5MP images and 720p HD videos
- Flight time of 13 minutes
- Two antennas for stable video transmission
- 17.9mph max speed
- Flight controller powered by DJI
If you’re a beginner or looking for a drone that can easily be used for a child, consider the Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone Quadcopter UAV.
This drone is extremely affordable and compact, so you’ll easily be able to take it with you on adventures. This is a lightweight option with great reviews, so it’s a drone that you should consider adding to your cart. When you purchase this drone, you’ll have the option to add accessories to your purchase.
DJI Mini 2 SE Alternatives Ranked |
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1. ASPEXEL Mini Drone |
2. Tucok 012S Drone |
3. DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
4. EXO CINEMASTER 2-4K UHD Camera Drone |
5. Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone Quadcopter UAV |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey Zhernovoy/Shutterstock.com.