DJI is considered the best consumer drone brand in the world with over 70% market share. Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi released the Fimi X8 Mini in 2021. This drone is set to rival the DJI Mini 2. While the DJI Mini 2 is hard to beat, the Fimi X8 Mini is a contender that can stand its ground. Here is a complete comparison of the DJI Mini 2 vs Xiaomi’s Fimi X8 Mini.
Specifications Comparison
| DJI Mini 2 | Fimi X8 Mini |
| Release: November 2020 | Release: September 2021 |
| Weight: 249g | Weight: 250g |
| Flight time: 31 mins | Flight time: 30 mins |
| Sensor: 12MP 1/2.3” CMOS | Sensor: 12MP 1/2.6” CMOS |
| Max Video Resolution: 4K @ 30fps | Max Video Resolution: 4K @ 30fps |
| Lens: FOV – 83° | Aperture: f/2.8 | Lens: FOV – 80° | Aperture: f/2.0 |
| Price: $449 | Price: $329 |
Both the drones fall under the nano category. That means you can fly either of the drones without a drone pilot’s license or registration. However, there is a significant difference in the pricing and camera performance. Let’s take a look at their performance in detail.
Flight Time & Range
The DJI Mini 2 and Fimi X8 Mini claim a flight time of around 30 minutes, the only difference is in battery capacity. Fimi’s battery capacity is 2400mAh while the Mini 2 has a battery of 2250mAh. Under real-world circumstances, both the drones give around 26-27 minutes of flight time. Despite Mini 2’s smaller battery, it delivers a 31 minute flight time. Thus, the X8 Mini falls short on battery optimization. DJI has successfully managed to keep the Mini 2 below the 250g mark while the X8 Mini ranks higher by just a gram.
When it comes to transmission range, DJI pulls ahead. The Mini 2 has a maximum FCC transmission range of 10km. The X8 Mini on the other hand is limited by an 8km transmission range. DJI’s flagship OcuSync 2.0 transmission does a great job here. Additionally, the X8 Mini lacks front-facing obstacle avoidance sensors.
Flight Time Winner: Tie
Range Winner: Mini 2
Camera Performance
The most notable difference that sets the Mini 2 apart from the X8 is the camera performance. The DJI Mini 2 has a larger image sensor which translates to better low-light performance and a high dynamic range. However, the X8 Mini does a fair job in capturing the crisp details at 4K 30fps. It can also shoot at 90fps at 1080p unlike the Mini 2.
The option for F-log color profile and support for HEVC/H.265 encoding is a big deal for videographers. The X8 Mini supports both these modes. Thus, you get a lot of freedom to modify and color grade the footage in post-production. Its 3-axis gimbal keeps shots rock steady and smooth. However, when it comes to photography the images captured by the X8 Mini are underwhelming right out of the box. This is mainly due to poor processing by the drone. While this can be corrected in post-production, it may not look as good as the ones produced by the Mini 2.
Winner: Mini 2
Verdict
Depending upon your budget, you can decide which drone is worth your money. The DJI Mini 2 costs $120 more than the X8 Mini. However, Mini 2 is the best sub-250 drone on the market. The X8 Mini is not bad in the camera department but just second to the Mini 2. Both drones are packed with features such as tracking, wind resistance, one-tap shots, etc. So, if you want the cheapest available 4K non-DJI drone that delivers decent performance, you should get the X8 Mini. If you’re looking for more non-DJI options, you should check out the newly launched Autel Nano series.
