OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Drones Methodology v3.0
Drones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Drones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Drones Methodology v3.0

Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini review: 97 specs compared

Avg. price:~£80Max flight time:10 minVideo resolution:720p/30 fpsMax transmission distance:0.05 km

Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini Review: Compare 97 technical specifications, 10 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini
5.1/10

Overall score

Score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

35%

4.9

Technical score

30%

4.9

List score

25%

4.9

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▼Worse than 99% of drones
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

5.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 91%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

26%

4.0

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

3.9

Safety

16%

5.1

Connectivity

14%

6.6

Battery & Design

▼Worse than 86%
4.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models

4.9

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

7.5

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
4 reviews + 6 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 92%
4.9

List score

List score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 108 lists (1%)
▲Better than 61%
  • xiaomi-mi-drone-mini
  • xiaomi-mi-drone-mini
xiaomi-mi-drone-mini
xiaomi-mi-drone-mini
Where to buy
    N/A~ £80
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini

Based on 4 · 4

Reviewers love how stable and fun it flies, but the short battery life, weak camera and patchy connection let it down.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of drone Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

26%

4.0

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

3.9

Safety

16%

5.1

Connectivity

14%

6.6

Battery & Design

4.9
Reviews score
4.9
List score
4.9
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.5
Max flight time
10 min
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 10 min, shorter than 81% of drones and equal to 6% of drones.
Max flight distance
0.05 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.05 km, shorter-range than 87.3% of drones and equal to 6.6% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
Max flight speed
10 m/s
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 10 m/s, slower than 58.2% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
3,000 m
Market range: <120 m – >6k m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 3,000 m, lower than 51.5% of drones and equal to 6.7% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
720p/30 fps
This drone records video at 720p/30 fps, lower than 84.2% of drones and equal to 2.5% of drones.
4K camera
no
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
?
Max movie bitrate
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
no
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
no
This drone does not support Return-to-Home (RTH). 67.5% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
no
This drone does not support GPS. 65.2% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
none
This drone supports none GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 65.8% and the same as those of 34.2%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.05 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.05 km, shorter-range than 85.2% of drones and equal to 9.2% of drones.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 8.2% and the same as that used by 47.7%.
Live view quality
720p@30 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@30 fps, lower-quality than 56.8% of drones and equal to 22.9% of drones.
Remote control
no
This drone does not have a handheld remote controller. 95.5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
920 mAh
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 920 mAh, smaller than 82.9% of drones.
Battery energy
3.496 Wh
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 3.496 Wh, lower than 90.6% of drones.
Charging time
60 min
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 60 min, faster than 80% of drones and equal to 8.8% of drones.
Weight
88 g
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 88 g, lighter than 88.7% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more
What reviewers say

Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 64.2% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (88 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    88 g vs 246 g
  • 30 min shorter charging time
    This drone charges faster than the average drone (60 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    60 min vs 90 min
  • Includes propeller guards
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 184 mm shorter body length
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (91 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    91 mm vs 275 mm
  • 150 mm narrower width
    This drone is narrower than the average drone (91 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    91 mm vs 241 mm
  • 4 GB more internal storage
    This drone has more internal storage than the average drone (4 GB vs 0 GB). The average drone has 0 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 0 GB
  • 24.5 mm lower body height
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (38 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    38 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 4 GB more internal storage
    This drone has more internal storage than the average drone (4 GB vs 0 GB). The average drone has 0 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 0 GB
  • Includes propeller guards
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 64.2% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (88 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    88 g vs 246 g
  • 30 min shorter charging time
    This drone charges faster than the average drone (60 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    60 min vs 90 min
  • 184 mm shorter body length
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (91 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    91 mm vs 275 mm
  • 150 mm narrower width
    This drone is narrower than the average drone (91 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    91 mm vs 241 mm
  • 24.5 mm lower body height
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (38 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    38 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 35.5% lower list score
    List score
    4.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 108 lists (1%)
    4.9 vs 7.6
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 31.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models

    4.9

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    7.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    4 reviews + 6 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.9 vs 7.1
  • 10 min shorter flight time
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    10 min vs 20 min
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • 35.5% lower list score
    List score
    4.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 108 lists (1%)
    4.9 vs 7.6
  • 31.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models

    4.9

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    7.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    4 reviews + 6 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.9 vs 7.1
  • 14.4% worse value for money
    Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini has worse value for money than the average drone (6.54 vs 7.5).
    6.54 vs 7.48
  • 10 min shorter flight time
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    10 min vs 20 min
  • 0.95 km shorter flight distance
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    0.05 km vs 1 km
  • 5 m/s slower flight speed
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (10 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    10 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 5 years older release date
    This drone is older than the average drone (2018 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    April 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • Simpler motor design
    This drone uses coreless motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    coreless vs brushless
  • Non-foldable design
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • 500 m lower service ceiling
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (3,000 m vs 3,500 m). The average drone reaches 3,500 m.
    3,000 m vs 3,500 m
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Narrower tilt range
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (fixed ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    fixed ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • Fewer photo format options
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Lower photo resolution
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (1600x1200 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    1600x1200 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • More basic stabilization
    This drone uses None (Fixed) image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    None (Fixed) vs EIS (Digital)
  • No memory card slot
    This drone does not have a memory card slot, while the average drone does.
  • 3 x lower digital zoom
    This drone offers less digital zoom than the average drone (0 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    0 x vs 3 x
  • No 4K video
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • 128 GB lower memory card limit
    This drone supports less external storage than the average drone (0 GB vs 128 GB). The average drone supports up to 128 GB of external storage.
    0 GB vs 128 GB
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • No POI mode
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • 4 fewer flight modes
    This drone offers fewer intelligent flight modes than the average drone (0 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    0 vs 4
  • No compass
    This drone does not have a compass, while the average drone does.
  • No beginner mode
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 64.7% higher takeoff weight
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (88 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    88 g vs 249 g
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • No handheld remote
    This drone does not have a handheld remote controller, while the average drone does. 95.1% of drones offer one.
  • Lower live view quality
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 0.95 km shorter transmission range
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    0.05 km vs 1 km
  • 1,280 mAh less battery capacity
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (920 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    920 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 13.68 Wh less battery energy
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (3.5 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    3.496 Wh vs 17.18 Wh

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
MovAndroid
≈ estimated
07/02/2021
Hands-on review · flight test and app setup
Verdict
Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini is a fun, cheap toy drone for kids, though Wi-Fi and app setup need workarounds.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
all3dp.com
≈ estimated
20/06/2018
Hands-on test · Mini drone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini is a fun, durable beginner drone for playing with friends, but overheating often cuts flights from 10 minutes to about 5.
6.0
smartzone.de
≈ estimated
18/07/2018
Expert review · Indoor drone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini is a durable indoor drone for beginners, with stable GPS-free flight and a fun Battle Mode, but overheating often cuts flights to about 5 minutes.
8.0
planetenumerique.com
✓ explicit
16/06/2018
Expert review · Mini drone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini is a durable 88g beginner drone that holds altitude steadily without GPS, but overheating and shaky footage hold it back.
9.0
windowsblogitalia.com
≈ estimated
30/08/2018
Hands-on test · Beginner drone
Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini is a stable, well-built drone for kids and beginners, but it lacks video stabilization and connects poorly to Android phones.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini

  • Extremely lightweight (88g) and pocket-sized for high portability
  • Simple and responsive controls make it a great entry-level choice for beginners
  • Features fun 'Infrared Battle' mode for competitive play with other Mi Mini drones
  • Equipped with smart flight modes including palm takeoff, one-tap launch, and 360-degree flips
  • Durable integrated frame structure that resists bumps and impacts during indoor flight
  • Stable indoor hovering thanks to altitude hold and ultrasonic/optical flow sensors

What customers don't like about Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini

  • Short battery life, often lasting only 5 to 10 minutes depending on wind conditions
  • Video quality is decent at 720p but lacks stabilization, leading to shaky footage
  • Highly susceptible to drifting or being easily affected by even light outdoor wind
  • Limited control range of roughly 50 meters via Wi-Fi
  • Does not record audio during video capture
  • Reported issues with battery reliability, such as failing to charge after a few days of use

Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini is a compact, ultra-lightweight quadcopter weighing just 88g with dimensions of 91 x 91 x 38 mm, designed primarily for indoor use and beginners. It features a built-in 720p HD camera capable of 1600 x 1200 still images and uses a quad-core 1.2G processor along with five sensors for precision hovering and altitude hold. Key pros include its durable, impact-resistant frame, support for 360-degree air flips, palm takeoff, and a unique infrared battle mode for multi-drone aerial combat. However, main cons include a short flight time of approximately 8–10 minutes on a 920mAh battery, a limited control range of 50 meters via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and a lack of image stabilization which can result in shaky video footage.

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