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Autel Evo Nano vs Nano + vs DJI Mini 2
Should you buy the Autel Evo Nano, the Autel Evo Nano+ or the DJI Mini 2? They share a very similar space in the market for lightweight drones you can fly without registration. But which drone is the best bang for your buck?
The Top Specs
To begin to answer that question the top specs are as follows…
|
Autel Evo Nano |
Autel Evo Nano + |
DJI Mini 2 |
|
|
Video Quality |
4K/30fps |
4K/30fps |
4K/30fps |
|
Image Quality |
48MP |
50MP |
12MP |
|
Image Format |
JPG+DNG |
JPG+DNG |
JPEG+RAW |
|
Weight |
249g |
249g |
249g |
|
Stabilisation |
3-axis Gimbal |
3-axis Gimbal |
3-axis Gimbal |
|
Transmission Range |
6.2 miles |
6.2 miles |
6.2 miles |
|
Battery Life |
28 minutes |
28 minutes |
31 minutes |
|
Obstacle Avoidance |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
App |
Autel Sky App |
Autel Sky App |
DJI Fly App |
On the surface, these three drones look virtually identical, which makes it very difficult to decide which drone to buy. They share the same video quality, stabilisation and transmission range with one another – three key specs that you want to look at when buying a drone.
Taking a deeper dive into the rest of the spec-sheets however, may reveal a clear winner.
Video Quality
In both drone systems, you are getting excellent 4K30fps that will capture stunning video as you take the drone on wild adventures. The point that tips the scales however is the addition of Active Tracking in the Evo Nano. Because it’s what you do with the 4K video that makes it spectacular, if you can’t hold focus on your subject then you risk a ruined shot.
Who wins? Assuming that 4K30fps is a universal quality, the Autel Evo Nano / + takes this one for its active tracking.
Stills Quality
One of the most remarkable differences between these drones is the image quality. Here the Autel Evo Nano, both plus and regular, blow the Mini 2 out of the water. The 50MP image resolution of the Nano Plus is over quadruple the resolution of the DJI Mini 2’s 12MP sensor. The other difference here is that Autel has opted for DNG file formats over RAW which is something to consider depending on your chosen editing software.
Who wins? Based on those 50MPs alone the Evo Nano+ is the drone for you. Plus DNG files can be edited in almost any software which opens up your options.
Drone Shots
Both drones come with their own variations on dynamic pull away shots, which, let's be honest, are the reason we all want a drone. Who doesn’t want to stand on the edge of a cliff and be the centre of their very own adventure movie?
DJI Mini 2: Drone, Helix, Rocket, Circle & Boomerang
Autel Evo Nano / +: Rocket, Fade Away, Orbit & Flick
Who wins? Based on numbers alone, the DJI snaps this one due to their higher number of exciting moves to play with.
Obstacle Avoidance
Obstacle avoidance can be a touchy subject in the drone community, with some saying that if you are a good enough pilot then it shouldn’t be an issue whether it’s there or not.
However, for those who want to keep their drone crash-free for long enough to get a grip on the controls, the Autel Evo Nano is the only drone of its weight category to include obstacle avoidance. The Nano uses front, rear and down sensors to auto-brake when it senses an obstacle, saving you potential heart-brake (and drone-brake) in the future.
Who wins? Autel Evo Nano range, it’s a no brainer.
Low Light
For night shots, sunsets and shady forests the aperture of the lens is an important factor to consider. While the f2.8 aperture on the Nano and Mini 2 is decent, the Nano+ beats both with its impressive f1.9. Throwing the aperture open so wide will let in a substantial amount of extra light and improve low light performance.
Who wins? Autel Evo Nano + hands down.
Transmission range
When it comes to the strongest image transmission system it's an even split with a range of 6.2 miles. This long-range, coupled with the roughly half an hour flight time really opens up the scope for proper exploration and experimentation of shots.
Who wins? Its even-stevens.
Flight Time
Speaking of flight time, there is literally minutes in this one. The Evo system can last approximately 28 minutes, but the DJI Mini 2 tips it just past the half-hour mark to 31 minutes. It is good to bear in mind that these are the maximum flight times, and factors like the wind will reduce how long the battery will last.
Who wins? DJI Mini 2 – by 3 minutes!
Smart Features
Both drones feature their own array of smart features, including Smart Return Home (DJI) and One-Key Return (Autel) that brings the drones back to safety at the touch of a button.
Other features of the DJI Mini 2: wide, 180º and sphere panorama shots, auto-editing, precise hovering and automatic take off.
Additional features of the Autel Evo Nano: HDR shots, Skyportrait and dynamic tracking.
Who wins? If you are looking for a feature-filled drone then the DJI Mini 2 is the one for you.
Flight Apps
Both drones come with their own native app: DJI Fly App & Autel Sky App. Whichever drone you opt for you are going to be able to easily download (at 20MB/s) and share your photos and videos from the palm of your hand. They both have their own form of post-production editing too that provide templates and suggestions on how to create epic viral content.
Who wins? We’ll call this a tie.
Price
Although prices are subject to change the DJI Mini is the cheaper option by about £200 compared to the Autel Evo Nano, and by £300 compared to the Autel Evo Nano+.
Both DJI and Autel have their own premium bundle deals for those looking to get the full kit too. The DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo Kit and the Autel Evo Nano Drone Premium Bundles both have additional accessories to prolong flight time, spare propellers, and other goodies to make flying as fun as possible.
Who wins? Overall, the best drone for you is the drone that you can afford.
|
Autel Evo Nano |
Autel Evo Nano + |
DJI Mini 2 |
|
|
Video Quality |
4K/30fps |
4K/30fps |
4K/30fps |
|
Image Quality |
48MP |
50MP |
12MP |
|
Image Format |
JPG+DNG |
JPG+DNG |
JPEG+RAW |
|
Weight |
249g |
249g |
249g |
|
Stabilisation |
3-axis Gimbal |
3-axis Gimbal |
3-axis Gimbal |
|
Transmission Range |
6.2 miles |
6.2 miles |
6.2 miles |
|
Battery Life |
28 minutes |
28 minutes |
31 minutes |
|
Obstacle Avoidance |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
App |
Autel Sky App |
Autel Sky App |
DJI Fly App |
|
Active Tracking |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Drone Shots |
Rocket, Fade Away, Orbit, Flick |
Drone, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang |
|
|
Obstacle Avoidance |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Aperture |
f2.8 |
f1.9 |
f2.8 |
|
Return Home |
One-Key Return |
One-Key Return |
Smart Return Home |
|
Price Comparison |
£££ |
£££+ |
££ |
So, which one are you choosing?
After all, the choice is up to you...
Autel Evo Nano | Autel Evo Nano+ | DJI Mini 2
Plus view the DJI Mini 2 SE here >
Looking to protect your DJI on the move?
The B&W Type 200 Outdoor Case protects your DJI Mini 2. The case has been constructed from super-stable polypropylene (PP) which makes it rugged, dustproof, waterproof, temperature-stable and stackable.
Read next
- DJI Mavic vs FPV for Content Creators
- Flying FPV Drones in the UK
- 10 things to consider when buying a drone
Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog, we really do hope they help you out and answer some of your questions. If you still have some unanswered, then please feel free to get in touch with our team of experts.
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- By Beatrice Debney
- 23 Dec 2021
