Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: which drone is better?

Looking for a new drone but can’t decide between the DJI Avata 2 and the Mini 4 Pro? These two DJI offerings have a similar price point, but they cater to very different flying styles. And one of these two drones might be especially-appealing for one big reason: it weights under 250 grams, thus it doesn’t need to be registered nor does it need to be Remote ID compliant.

Here’s a breakdown between two of DJI’s best — and most affordable — drones to help you pick the perfect one for your personal flying style and goals:

DJI Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: a comparison of price and specs

The DJI Avata 2 drone was built for FPV (First Person View) flying. Launched in April 2024, it shows you the world through the eyes of the drone via the included pair of goggles, called the DJI Goggles 3. Such unique eyewear gives you an immersive, in-cockpit experience. There’s an included motion controller that’s easy to learn but requires practice for precise maneuvers (though many pilots prefer the traditional RC, which comes at an extra cost.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a traditional remote control drone. It’s incredibly stable and easy to use. It’s especially great for beginners and drone pilots who want to capture smooth aerial footage on a compact drone.

So what do all these specs actually mean? Here’s a deeper dive into the DJI Avata 2 vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro drones: 

DJI Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro camera

The cameras on these two drones are comparable, but each has various pros and cons.

The DJI Avata 2 has a larger ISO range of up to 25,600. That enables higher quality images in darker conditions, where photos tend to turn out more grainy. Throw in the Avata 2’s 10-bit D-Log M mode, which preserves more detail in light and shadow. That just means even more flexibility in post-production.

But while the Avata 2 performs better in low-light, the Mini 4 Pro offers better overall image quality. Its max image size is 8064×6048 versus the Avata 2’s 4000×2256. Given the Mini 4 Pro’s 48 MP versus the Avata 2’s 12 MP, you’ll definitely want to opt for the Mini 4 Pro if your primary goal is high-quality. That includes people planning to show videos on a larger screen than your phone or computer, or people making fairly large prints)

If you’re mostly just posting to TikTok, Instagram or other social networks, the Avata 2 is okay. But photographers serious about their art should go for the Mini 4 Pro over the Avata 2. Those folks might even consider upgrading to one of DJI’s better camera drones.

The aesthetic of the visuals

The two drones also offer two different visual styles — and it’s subjective as to which one is better. The lens on the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a maximum field of view (FOV) of 82.1°. On the Avata 2, it’s 155°.

One is not necessarily better or worse, but we’ll definitely call the style on the Avata 2 more impactful.

Consider this, when the DJI Mini 4 Pro users shoot in video mode, they capture a 75° field of view. That expands with a wide-angle lens attachment, but still only to 100°. Clearly that’s still significantly less than the 155° FOV offered by DJI Avata 2, offering a more immersive type of aesthetic. Check out this wide-angle view of my own backyard, which I shot on the DJI Avata 2, to show it in practice:

A note on gimbals

Gimbals are used to stabilize the camera on traditional drones. The Mini 4 Pro has one, but the Avata 2 does not. But the footage does still stay stable on the Avata 2. How? That’s thanks to two technologies called DJI RockSteady and DJI HorizonSteady. These are both digital technologies, where an onboard computer using DJI RockSteady algorithms is smart enough to digitally eliminates overall picture shake. Meanwhile, the DJI HorizonSteady algorithms ensure your footage remains locked on the horizon — even if the drone turns sharply or sways dramatically.

Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: Comparing drone size (winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro) 

While the Avata 2 isn’t huge (naturally it’s small enough to fit within a doorframe), it’s still bigger than the DJI Mini 4 in one annoying way: it’s heavier.

The Avata 2 tips the scales at 377 grams. Meanwhile, the DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs less than half of that at under 249 grams. While 377 grams is hardly “big” in the realm of drones, it’s too big for people who want to avoid government intervention.

In many countries, drones weighing under 249 grams are exempt from numerous forms of regulation, including the need for registration. A good chunk of countries categorize drones based on their weight, with larger drones subject to more restrictions. In the U.S., drones that weigh 250 grams or more must be registered and Remote ID compliant if flying outdoors in most places.

Yes, that means if you fly Avata 2 outdoors (though it IS a totally great indoor drone), you must register it.

Besides the lack of administrative burden, the Mini 4’s compact size is also better for pilots seeking to travel with their drone while minimizing luggage space. It’s also ideal for those who are always on the move with their drone (like hikers). And it’s perfect for those who need to stow their drone in a backpack without it monopolizing space.

DJI Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: differences in the aircraft itself

The two aircraft look quite different. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is already small and light. With foldable arms, it becomes even more compact when not flying. The DJI Avata 2 is relatively small, but it stands outs out for its built-in propeller guards. Those are meant to protect the drone (and your walls) in the event of a crash. And yes, given this drone’s nature as a racing drone, it’s kind of ready for a crash.

Obstacle avoidance vision systems (winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro)

The DJI Mini 4 Pro version has an omnidirectional binocular vision system, effectively making your drone crash-proof. If you don’t want to risk crashing, order the Mini 4 Pro.

The Avata 2 has just downward and backward visual positioning — but that’s kind of the point. This is meant to be a racing or acro drone, meaning it flies flips and does acrobatic aerial tricks. If you’re afraid of crashing, this isn’t the drone for you.

Transmission (winner: tie)

This is a tie. Both drones use O4, which is DJI’s newest transmission system. This ultra-low latency, high-definition digital video transmission system, displays flight live feeds in real-time, creating an immersive flying experience.

Since both drones are compatible with the DJI Goggles 3, that feature really becomes interesting. Alas, when used with DJI Goggles 3, the latency is as low as 24 ms at 1080p/100fps live feeds.

Battery life (winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro)

The Avata 2 gets just 23 minutes. The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers 34 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery. That figure shoots up to 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. I generally like the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus given the peace of mind the longer flight times add.

However, when flying your Mini 4 Pro with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, it ends up weighing more than 249 grams. Alas, you’ll need to register it. That negates one of the primary reasons why people choose the Mini 4 Pro drone over others like the Avata 2 to begin with.

How to decide between the DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Avata 2

These drones are so different, that the decision should be relatively easy, despite their very similar price point.

Both drones are compatible with the new DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3. If you’re smitten on those two products, know that either drone will pair with them. Given that, you’ll have to choose which of these two drones you want.

Who is the DJI Mini 4 Pro best for?

Get the Mini 4 Pro if you want a great all-around drone for stunning aerial footage. And don’t skip it if you value ease of use and stability or prefer a longer flight time.

It’s smaller and lighte. Thus, it’s a better pick if you’re traveling and you want to travel light, at that.

It’s also great if you don’t want to worry about registering it or general other forms of government regulations. Many countries only regulate drones that weigh 250 grams or more. That means the DJI Mini 4 Pro would be exempt, but the DJI Avata 2 would not be. In the U.S., the Mini 4 Pro does not need to be registered if flown for recreational purposes.

Who is the DJI Avata 2 best for?

Get the Avata 2 if you crave the thrill of FPV flying. It’s the choice for adrenaline junkies who want the convenience and quality that DJI constsntly delivers.

This is the drone for you if you also prioritize maneuverability for action shots. It’s also great if you want to fly fast or do those tricks. Of course, this is only for you if you don’t mind the shorter flight time.

You also must register it if flying in the U.S.

Between the DJI Mini 4 Pro versus Avata 2 drones, which one would you rather have? Share your comment below!

Are you also considering the DJI Mini 3 Pro over a cheaper drone, like the DJI Mini 3? Check out our guide to the DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Mini 3 Pro vs. Mini 3! Or maybe you’re thinking about the Mini 4 Pro versus other camera drones. Check out our guide to the DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro.