In case you’re available in the market for a travel-friendly drone that is a bit extra inexpensive than the DJI Mini Three Professional, you may quickly be in luck – a brand new sub-250g mannequin known as the DJI Mini 2 SE has simply leaked.

Images of the incoming drone, which can possible succeed DJI’s present entry-level Mini SE, have simply shared on Twitter by the dependable @DealsDrone (opens in new tab) and @JasperEllens (opens in new tab). The pictures present an virtually an identical drone to the Mini SE, bar one essential addition – compatibility with the newer DJI RC-N1 controller.

The latter is necessary, as a result of it helps OcuSync 2.Zero transmission, which is vastly superior to the Mini SE’s present ‘Enhanced Wi-Fi’ connectivity. Based on a leaked picture of the drone’s field (beneath), it will give the DJI Mini 2 SE a a lot better vary of 10km (moderately than 4km of the Mini SE) within the US. 

Primarily based on the present DJI Mini 2, this vary might be extra like 6km in areas exterior the US, although that is nonetheless greater than sufficient inside present drone flying rules. Ocusync 2.Zero connectivity must also present a extra secure, dependable sign between the Mini 2 SE and your controller.

Hiding in plain sight. Once more the rumors have been true and the #mini2se will turn out to be DJI’s new entrance degree drone.@DronefriendlyB @DroneXL1 @DroneDJ @IshveenaSingh @TheDroneGeekPA @techdronemedia @DronewatchNL pic.twitter.com/gDehaSNnlUFebruary 6, 2023

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This connectivity and compatibility with the newer RC-N1 controller look like the one actual variations from the present Mini SE. Regardless of the Mini 2 SE’s identify, it appears to be like extra like a tweaked model of the Mini SE than the Mini 2, with its digital camera topping out at 2.7K video decision (moderately than 4K on the Mini 2).

On the plus facet, this implies its price ticket may very well be near that of the present Mini SE, which is offered for $299 / £269 / AU$459. If the Mini 2 SE has an identical tag, it might effectively high our rankings of the very best newbie drones. A leaked occasion poster (opens in new tab) suggests we might see the drone introduced on February 9.

Evaluation: a small improve, however a excessive flier for learners

Prior to now couple of years, we have seen the arrival of a number of spectacular rivals to DJI’s drones, largely notably from Autel and Skydio. However the competitors for DJI’s entry-level Mini drones is not fairly as scorching – and the leaked Mini 2 SE will possible be the most suitable choice round for newbie fliers.

The present Mini SE landed in mid-2021 as a extra inexpensive model of the DJI Mini 2, and stays DJI’s least expensive ever drone. Regardless of the arrival of the DJI Mini Three Professional and DJI Mini 3, the DJI Mini 2 has by no means formally dropped in value – and that is possible as a result of DJI is planning to maintain its Mini SE line going beneath it.

As you possibly can see within the desk beneath, DJI’s Mini sequence aren’t precisely low-cost – so the arrival of the Mini 2 SE definitely is smart. 

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Present DJI Mini sequence pricing

Row 0 – Cell 0	DJI Mini 3	DJI Mini Three Professional	DJI Mini 2
Drone solely	$469 / £439 / AU$699	$669 / £639 / AU$989	N/A
With DJI RC-N1 controller	$559 / £519 / AU$829	$759 / £709 / AU$1,119	$449 / £419 / AU$749
With DJI RC controller	$699 / £669 / AU$1,019	$909 / £859 / AU$1,299	N/A

Whereas extra superior DJI pilots might be pining for a DJI Air 3, which can also be anticipated to land later this 12 months, with an improved 1-inch sensor, the Mini 2 SE is smart as an inexpensive choice for many who do not want 4K video taking pictures or superior impediment detection.

Based on the leaked specs to this point, the 249g Mini 2 SE could have 31-minute flight time, 2.7K video taking pictures and a 10km vary, with video transmission in 1080p moderately than 720p. That will all be greater than sufficient for a newbie flier on the lookout for their first drone, notably if it does have an identical price ticket to the present Mini SE.

With a leaked occasion poster suggesting the Mini 2 SE might be introduced on February 9, we would not have to attend lengthy to seek out out.