Mavic Air vs Mavic Mini – Check which drone we recommend and why!
Mavic Air and Mavic Mini are two top-notch drones, plus these are fun to use. Both share a few similarities, but Mavic Air has got some advanced functions that made it the best.
Which Features Made Mavic Air Best?
- Mavic Air provides better video quality rather than Mavic Mini. It captures video at 4K/30 fps to provide incredible shoots. Additionally, it gives UHD quality video since it works at 100 Mbps. Besides, the Mini version has 2K/30 fps while its bitrate is 40 Mbps only.
- It has forward, backward, and downwards – three sides of the obstacle sensing feature with obstacle avoidance. In contrast, Mavic Mini is built with one side obstacle sense and it doesn’t have obstacle avoidance that’s why it cannot change its way itself.
- The Air version can give you crystal clear 32 mp sphere panoramas within eight seconds, but the Mini version does not build with this feature.
- This device comes with a carrying case where you can put your drone to everything related to this. Unfortunately, the Mavic Mini does not come with any carrying case, so you’ve to purchase one separately.
These were the reasons we mentioned it as the best compared to the Mavic Mini. If you want to take the aerial shots to the next level, this should be your best choice.
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Similarities Between Mavic Air and Mavic Mini
Let’s read on the major similar features these drones carry –
- Both drones come with a 12MP resolution camera which helps you to capture high-resolution shots.
- They have a 3-axis motorized gimbal that provides superior camera stability and ensures clear Ultra-smooth footage.
- You can operate them from your mobile device, with remote control, or with gestures.
- The sensor size of these devices is 1/2.3″ CMOS. So, you will be able to shoot standard-quality images or videos.
- Mavic Air and Mini come with a one-year warranty.
You can pick any of these drones if you are satisfied with these similar functions. Otherwise, you have to go with Mavic Air to enjoy the best performance with some improved facilities.
Quick Comparison
| Specifications | Mavic Air | Mavic Mini |
| Editor’s Rating | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Dimension | 6.5 x 1.57 x 3.24 inches | 11.4 x 7.1 x 9.45 inches |
| Weight | 0.95 pounds | 1.64 pounds |
| Max Speed | 28.8 kph (Wi-Fi mode) 28.8 kph (P – mode) 68.4 kph (S – mode) | 29 mph (S-mode) |
| Video Resolution | 4K Ultra HD; 2.7K | 2.7K, FHD |
| Max Video Bitrate | 100Mbps | 40Mbps |
| Obstacle sensing | Forward, Backwards, Downward | One side |
| Storage | Micro SD, and 8 GB internal storage | Micro SD |
| Max Flight Time | 21 minutes | 30 min |
| Max Image Transmission | 2.5 miles | 4.3 miles |
| Max Flight Distance | 10 km | 13 km |
| Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Lens | FOV: 85° 35 mm | FOV 78.8° 26 mm |
| Design | Foldable | Foldable |
| Photo Format | JPEG, DNG | JPEG, DNG |
| Video Format | MP4/MOV | MP4/MOV |
| App | DJI GO 4 | DJI Fly App |
| Control modes | Gestures, mobile device, remote controller | Gestures, mobile device, remote controller |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3” CMOS | 1/2.3” CMOS |
| Max Hovering Time | 20 Minutes | 24 Minutes |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.2 |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Differences and Similarities Between Mavic Air and Mini
Picture Quality
Both Mavic drones will capture a great quality picture with their 12 MP camera. But the Mavic Air is slightly better compared to the other one. They have a 3-axis mechanical gimbal that helps create steadier shots.
And the HDR algorithms let you obtain the right exposure settings intelligently as per the lighting conditions. At the same time, the DSP acceleration gives more efficient shooting.
However, you can take panoramas on the Mavic Air, but the Mini cannot do it for you. It will take only eight seconds to stitch 25 photos in a crystal clear 32 MP sphere.
Video Quality
In terms of video quality, Mavic Air performs better. It shoots videos at 4K/30 fps, and the video bitrate is 100 MBPS which offers every second in UHD quality. Moreover, you can create slow-motion videos on this device. It records video at 1080p/120 fps to captures all your epic adventures.
Mavic Mini, on the other side, captures videos at 2.7K HD at 30 fps. And its max video bitrate is 40 MBPS. And it cannot make slow-motion videos.
Hence, Mavic Air would be an ideal choice for you since it is better than its competitor.
Easy to Operate
Operating these devices is very straightforward because they let you control from the remote controller, mobile device, or with a gesture.
The remote controller is foldable, comes in ergonomic design, and is low-profile. It can hold your smartphone as well for maximum convenience. Moreover, you can store the control sticks are inside the remote controller as they are detachable.
They feature DJI apps so that you can operate them from your smartphone as well. The app includes a photo editor, and you can share your clicks instantly on social media with just a few taps.
Max Flight time
Mavic Air can fly 21 minutes, whereas the Mavic Mini has 30 minutes flight time. So the Mini version has more flight time than the upgraded one. But still, the Mavic Air would be a great choice because it will take stunning photos than the Mini.
However, if the battery life is draining on the drones, they will alert you through the app. Or they will come back themselves. You don’t need to worry about the battery, which is very convenient.
Design
These two drone devices come in a foldable design. Both of them are just like smartphones when you fold them, which makes them an ultraportable drone.
You can take them wherever your adventure takes you. Talking about the size and weight of them. Compared to the Mavic Mini, the Air is compact plus lightweight.
The Air is 6.5 x 1.57 x 3.24 inches and weighs 0.95 pounds. Besides, the Mavic Mini is 11.4 x 7.1 x 9.45 inches, and the device is 1.64 pounds.
Therefore, taking the Air on the go is more straightforward than its little brother.
Obstacle Sensing
Mavic Air has forward, backward, and downward three sides of obstacle sensing feature. Whereas the Mavic Mini has only a forward sensing function.
The Air also includes obstacle avoidance, whenever it senses anything on its way, the device can change its way instantly. Unfortunately, the Mini doesn’t contain any obstacle avoidance feature.
Furthermore, Mavic Air includes five vision sensors to ensure your drone is flying safely in the sky.
Warranty
These devices give a one-year limited warranty that works against any manufacturer defects. You can claim the service if your drone has any defects, you can also replace it with a new one within this period. But if you damage anything, the guarantee will be void. In this case, you won’t get any free service for the damage.
Conclusion
If you are seeking a top-quality drone that will give you a great picture, the Mavic Air should be your choice. It can shoot 4k videos, which is not possible on the Mavic Mini. And we highly suggest the Mavic Mini for you.
But if you have tight money, then Mavic Mini would be an ideal buy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mavic Air and Mavic Mini
| Can I use GPS to locate if my Mavic Air goes down? Yes, you can find your device by using the GPS location. What is the max flight time of these devices? Mavic Air can fly for 21 minutes, whereas the Mavic Mini can fly for 30 minutes. Will I get an alert if the battery is low? Yes, you will get alerts if the battery is low or the drone will come back itself. Which one comes with a case? Mavic Air will provide you a carrying case, but you won’t get a case with the Mini version. What is the warranty of these drones? They provide a one-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects. |
Read more drone device comparisons here.