Pilots shopping for an entry-level drone from DJI are likely to target the Mini 3 and the Flip. Both make the regulatory 249g weight requirement so they don’t need to be registered for recreational use, and are marketed to beginners, drone hobbyists, and content creators. So how do they compare? We’ve tested both, so let’s take a close look at how they stack up across 10 key categories, including battery life, obstacle avoidance, and video quality.
Size
The Mini 3 and the Flip are both folding drones, but they fold very differently. Like most small drones, the Mini 3’s propeller arms fold into its sides, so it’s longer than it is wide or tall when closed down for storage. The Flip’s propellers have integrated guards, so they fold under the airframe for a flatter device when closed down. Is either better? Not really, and both drones weigh 249g, so we’ll call this one a draw.
DJI Flip, folded (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Winner: Tie
Battery Life
The Mini 3 runs for up to 38 minutes with its standard battery and a staggering 51 minutes with its optional extended power pack. The Flip lags behind at 31 minutes and does not have an extended battery option. One note: Using the 51-minute battery pushes the Mini 3’s weight above 249g, so you’ll have to register the drone in that case.
Winner: Mini 3
Registration and Regulatory Compliance
Both drones weigh 249g in their standard configurations, which means that recreational pilots will not have to register with the FAA. Of course, you’ll still need to pass the free Trust test and follow the rules.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Licensed pilots who fly drones for profit must register every drone and use an aircraft that broadcasts its location using Remote ID protocols. The Flip does not support Remote ID, but the Mini 3 does as long as you use the 51-minute battery. This makes the Mini 3 a little more versatile, as it can be flown under either recreational or commercial rules.
Winner: Mini 3
Automatic and Follow Modes
The Mini 3 and the Flip support the same automated camera movements—circular and corkscrew orbits, pull-back and straight-up reveal shots, and similar automated paths are available via the flight app.
The Flip goes further with a button right on the drone itself that lets you start several of these automated flight paths. It also supports follow-me subject tracking, a feature not included on the Mini 3. The Flip has the edge here.
Winner: Flip
Obstacle Avoidance
The Flip wins easily here because it has forward and downward obstacle sensors, plus integrated propeller guards. The Mini 3 has only downward-facing position sensors.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Winner: Flip
Wind Resistance
Both the Flip and the Mini 3 are rated for Level 5 (19 to 24mph) winds, which is in line with what we see from most consumer drones. However, for steady flight in stronger (Level 6) winds, you’ll need to step up to a larger drone like the Air 3 or the Mavic 3 Pro.
Winner: Tie
Camera
This is where it gets interesting. The Mini 3 and the Flip use the same camera lens, a 24mm F1.7 equivalent, but back it with a different image processor and put it on a different type of gimbal.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The Mini 3 is a strong option for creators who want the best quality vertical video, as its camera gimbal twists 90 degrees to switch between widescreen and vertical recording in 4K. The Flip has a 9:16 recording mode, too, but it’s taken from a central crop of its 4:3 aspect image sensor. Because of this, its resolution is limited to 2.7K and its angle of view isn’t as wide as the Mini 3 in vertical mode. So, the Mini 3 takes an early lead here.
The Flip comes roaring back with better recording options overall. It records 4K60 HDR video with 10-bit color, while the Mini 3 tops out at 4K30 with 8-bit color. The Flip also beats the Mini 3 for stills. The Flip supports 48MP or 12MP resolution in both Raw DNG or JPG, while the Mini 3 is restricted to 12MP Raw DNG or JPG.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The Mini 3’s better vertical video isn’t enough to trump an overall better camera, so the Flip wins.
Winner: Flip
Storage
The Mini 3 doesn’t include any internal storage, just a slot for a microSD card. The Flip has a microSD slot and 1.9GB of space, so you’d think it’d win a point here. Not so fast, because 1.9GB is basically useless, so you’re going to need to buy a memory card for either drone. We’re calling this a draw.
Winner: Tie
Remote Control
In their basic configurations, the Mini 3 and the Flip are bundled with the same RC-N1 remote control. The remote includes analog control sticks and a USB connector for attaching a smartphone, which runs the DJI Fly app for camera view and control.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Both are also available in a bundle with the upgraded RC 2 remote, which has the same analog control sticks but uses a built-in touch-screen tablet to run the DJI Fly app, with no smartphone required.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The Flip wins out here because it can also be controlled using buttons on the drone itself or directly from a smartphone app, with no remote required. You’ve got more choices as to how you control the Flip.
Winner: Flip
Price
The DJI Mini 3 costs $419 with the RC-N1 remote or $549 with the RC 2. The Flip is $439 with the RC-N1 or $639 with the RC 2. The Mini wins on price, even more so if you get it with the RC 2.
Winner: Mini 3
And The Winner Is…
The DJI Flip ekes out a win in this showdown, topping four categories to the Mini 3’s three, with another three ending in a tie. Its superior camera and obstacle avoidance system make up for its slightly higher cost and shorter battery life. We’ll carve out a small exception, as licensed pilots need to get a drone with Remote ID. Hence, the Mini 3 is the better choice for real estate photographers, commercial videographers, and other licensed pilots.
