While many people are looking at the Mavic Mini vs Mini 2 (including DJI), the better comparison is possibly the slightly older Mavic Air vs Mini 2.

True, the new DJI Mini 2 improves on the original Mavic Mini by offering 4K video and OcuSync 2.0, however with a starting price of $449 (and $600 for the fly more combo) the specs and pricing compete more directly with the 3-year-old Mavic Air.

Let’s look at the specs & features to see how they stack up.

DJI Mavic Air: The original lightweight drone

The Mavic Air was originally released in February 2017 and at the time was DJI’s smallest 4K capable drone.

With frontwards and backward-facing sensors, the Mavic Air took the best of the Mavic Pro and put it all into a more compact and affordable package.

Professionals weren’t happy with the inclusion of enhanced wifi video transmission — instead of LightBridge/OcuSync — but for a starting price of $799 the Mavic Air delivered great aerial image quality (as the video below demonstrates) for under $1000.

However, flash forward nearly 4 years later and the beginner drone landscape has changed significantly.

DJI Mini 2: Lighter than air

Despite weighing 40% less than the original Mavic Air, the DJI Mini 2 offers 4K video with the same 1/2.3” sensor type, an improved 31min flight time, and OcuSync 2.0 for an incredible 10km range.

But the upgrades don’t stop there.

In a testament to how big a difference 3-4 years is in the drone world, the Mini 2 improves on almost all of the Mavic Air’s specs while also starting at under $500.

As you can see from the table above, the only major advantage the Mavic Air still offers over the Mini 2 is that it features obstacle avoidance thanks to the two frontwards and backwards facing sensors which DJI had to cut from the Mini line in order to save weight.

Which is a better deal for beginners?

Comparing the original price of the Mavic Air with the price of the Mini 2 and it’s not even a competition.

However, because the Mavic Air is a slightly older drone, there are many deals on new/refurbished units and the used market bustling.

At the time of writing the Mavic Air fly-more-combo is selling for $600-$800 new and $400-$450 used, but it is very likely that with the Mini 2 now out we’ll soon see those prices start to drop.

Mavic Air vs Mini 2? It’s up to you

Since the Mini 2 clearly beats the Mavic Air in almost every category the real question is: at what price does the Mavic Air become a better deal than the Mini 2?

Unfortunately, it’s hard to give a concrete answer to this question as it hinges on which features you — as a beginner drone pilot — value or deem necessary.

If you’re a beginner pilot and absolutely need to have obstacle avoidance, then picking up a used Mavic Air for $450 is an absolute steal.

Sure it might not have the range or flight time of the Mini 2, but as a beginner drone it will easily meet your needs until it comes time to upgrade.

On the other hand, if you want the drone for travel and need portability, often fly in cities where the OcuSync 2.0 will perform drastically better than Enhanced Wifi, and want the crash protection of DJI care (an extra $49/year) — the DJI Mini 2 will be right for you, even if you have to pay a little more than the Mavic Air.

One important thing we have yet to see at the time of writing this is how the image quality of the new Mini 2 compares to the older Mavic Air so keep an eye out for a post or video on just that in the coming weeks.