Need some help deciding which drone

[Rog67]

Hello good people!
I am close to buying my first drone.
The decision at the moment is between a new Mini or a used Mavic pro.
They can be bought for approx. the same money in Sweden at the moment.
I've searched Youtube for comparison clips but almost all of them are about the Mavic Pro 2.
Some input in the matter please..
Does the Mini have any advantage over the Mavic Pro if we ignore the weight, size and warranty if bought new?

// Roger

 

[THE CYBORG]

I would say that if you exclude size weight & warranty then the Mavic Pro is far superior to the Mini.

 

[lannes]

Technically the MP is much superior to the MM on specification, the MP is well sorted out after being around a while

Drones Archives

dronerush.com

It has obstacle avoidance (even in RTH), greater range, a better signal transmission protocol (Occusync) resulting in a stronger signal less prone to interference, 4k video, the ability to handle stronger wind conditions as it's more powerful and faster, it has active track to name a few advantages.

Also the problems have been sorted out with DJI Go 4 and the MP, while the MM and DJI Fly is still having a few problems lately we have seen unexplained altitude drops and performance issues.

The main issue with buying secondhand is crash damage, swelling batteries and battery degradation.

I'd check the following if possible with the second hand MP

• Do the hover and yaw test, does the AC return to a stable hover without too much drift, does it respond to all yaw commands
• Take some video and photos to make sure the camera/ sensor is OK, view the photos and videos directly off the SD card to assess
• Obviously check for crash damage, cracks in arm and body connection points and for prop strikes, check all sensor covers for damage
• Check Obstacle avoidance sensors, by having a look at the OA radars on the DJI Go4 screen to see that the sensors are measuring correctly in relation to obstacles. They should change based on the distance to the obstacle
• Makes sure it acquires a home point and check it's accuracy on the map, this shows GPS chip is working (do this outside as inside the house the GPS signal may be blocked)
• Check for battery swelling and any corrosion on the connectors (battery and AC)
• Charge the batteries up and check the capacity/number of cycles and voltage stats in DJI Go4, any material in-balance in cell voltages could result in a battery failure, which you wouldn't want when flying
• Check recharged batteries the next day to see if they have held the charge over night, automatic self discharge starts after the default 4 days, so they should still be near a full charge.
• Have a look at the IMU and compass sensors to check if all 4 are online and working (this is in the DJI Go 4 app)
• Have a look at the gimbal on start up to see that it is free moving and not restricted in any way and that the gimbal is not tilted or not centered and moves fluidly when pitching up and down (gimbal control on RC)
• Restart the RC and AC several times to see if any error messages pop up

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Hi Roger,

I'd love a mini for travel and convenience, but it's still giving loads of weird flight issues for many.
This is not counting the problem with very poor performance in mind, some of which are caused by the general issues like battery performance and prop pitch problems when it's needed.

Some recent posts about buying a larger Mavic vs the mini, might give you some more to think about.

Mavic pro or mavic mini?

Hi folks. Sold my mavic air late last year, but because I'd bought it on a black Friday deal the year before, I only lost about 100 quid for one years use. I found I didn't use it as much as I wanted, it was always too windy where I live and never got chance to get further afield. I find myself...

mavicpilots.com

New...Traveling...Which one?

Hi pilots out there, I live in Palm Beach county, Florida. My buddy has the commercial license and turned me on to look at that as well one day. Though, I’m new to the drone world and haven’t bought yet, but about to. Looking at the Mavic Mini Fly More Combo but have concerns after reading here...

mavicpilots.com

I would certainly go for the M1P if everything is in A1 condition.

 

[Rog67]

Thanks for the fast replies(including links), very much appreciated.

 

[Starz]

Mavic pro #1
Mavic mini #2(at best)

 

[msinger]

Does the Mini have any advantage over the Mavic Pro if we ignore the weight, size and warranty if bought new?

Size and weight are its only advantages. Unless those are of great concern, I'd go with the Mavic Pro.

Did you consider the Mavic Air?

 

[Rog67]

Size and weight are its only advantages. Unless those are of great concern, I'd go with the Mavic Pro.

Did you consider the Mavic Air?

No, havent't really considered the Air. Would you say I should?
Pros/cons?

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

The Air is a very good alternative.
Cost wise, it's probably between the 2 you were considering.

A little smaller than the M1P, but a lot more stable and 'settled' in than the Mini.
I can't recall any issues with the Air like the Mini has since release (and still not resolved).

My brother in law has an Air, it flies great, we both fly similar conditions, sometimes together, me with my M1P.
About the only thing really worse on the Air is it's a lot noisier (pitch is more noticable / annoying) than either the Pro or Mini.
I'd say if you get the Air, invest in the MAS (Master Airscrew) props for it, it will quieten it down somewhat.
A couple of sets so you have a set spare if needed, and keep the originals as further back ups.

 

[pelagic_one]

I have flown my Mini for over a month now. I have enjoyed flying it so much, and learning simple post-production, that I have a new M2P arriving today.

This past Saturday, I flew my Mini at a local drone group meet-up in a local flying field/park. The predominant airframe was the Mavic Pro and Pro Platinum, with a good mix of men and women flyers. There was a M2P, an Inspire 2, a few FPV drones, and the Mini was well-represented. Everyone loves their drone, and were not talking about upgrading to a Mavic 2. [There was a huge laugh when someone brought up the Autel Evo 2.]

I spent a week of online price comparison lately, and have seen brand new Mavic Pro Fly More bundles for just a few hundred dollars more than a new Mini Fly More bundle. Iannes‘ very helpful list of second hand pointers should be an eye-opener, and hopefully steer you towards buying a new Mavic.

Have fun, and welcome to the forum! We‘ll look forward to seeing some of your pics and videos.

 

[Flycaster]

I would go with a gently used Mavic Gen I or a new Mavic 2.

 

[hiflyer201]

I would take into consideration the cost of new batteries because I'm thinking the batteries on the used drone could be on their last legs and the Mini will come with a new and cheaper battery. That being said the Pro is far and away a better and more forgiving drone. I think the mini is a very sophisticated useful little drone but..it could prove to be a costly learning lesson.
which would I buy? I'd probably stretch my budget a buy an AIR.

 

[bonmot]

I was in the same shoe deciding what to get. Spent about 2 months researching and learning.
You know what? It’s pretty much (80%) depend on how much money you are allowed/willing to spend. 20% is about the pros and cons. So your budget is the key.

 

[bobec231]

Check out skydio2 it will be worth the waiting.

 

[Dakarenduro]

I would go for the M1Pro over the Mini. With the Mini you will be sidelined if it is windy where the M1P should be able to handle much more wind. There are a lot of reports of weird Mini problems that have not been resolved. The M1P is rock solid from what I understand. You wouldn't be looking to upgrade your drone as quickly (or ever) if you start with the M1P over the MM...

 

[Rog67]

Thanks again everyone, I have now decided to look for a used M1pro in good shape.

// Roger

 

[CactusJackSlade]

I would take into consideration the cost of new batteries because I'm thinking the batteries on the used drone could be on their last legs and the Mini will come with a new and cheaper battery. That being said the Pro is far and away a better and more forgiving drone. I think the mini is a very sophisticated useful little drone but..it could prove to be a costly learning lesson.
which would I buy? I'd probably stretch my budget a buy an AIR.

I've had Mavic Pro batteries for over 2 years and I'd say they are all still at 90% efficiency at least. As long as they have been stored properly the batteries should have a reasonable lifetime. I have had (other brand) batteries last over 6 years, just FYI.

 

[BamaBomber]

Between those 2, I’d go with the Mavic Pro all day long. The only advantage the mini has is size and weight, and even that is a disadvantage in windy weather.

 

[Thomas B]

Advantage ≠ difference necessarily.