Snap's Pixy is a fun and friendly ultra-portable drone but is it a better choice than the DJI Mini SE, a drone from an established company?
Snap's Pixy Drone is a super-cute and ultra-portable flying camera from the makers of Snapchat but it faces some tough competition from DJI's low-cost Mini SE, another tiny drone with video capabilities. Both drones are lightweight enough to avoid the need to register them before use, making it quick, easy, and fun to get started with this unique way of capturing photos and videos. With similar pricing, it's worth comparing the features carefully to decide which drone is the better choice.
DJI's Mini SE was released in July 2021, a lower-cost option to the lightweight DJI Mini 2. DJI has been the leading manufacturer of drones and action cameras in the music, television, and movie industries for the last several years. The company was founded in 2006 and has been a driving force in the growth of consumer quadcopter drones as well as those used by businesses, organizations, and governments. With that much history and experience, it will be hard for Snap to compete with the quality of DJI's drone.
Related: Snapchat's Pixy Drone Is Small, Adorable, And Available Now For $229
With only $49 separating the two, Snap's Pixy drone is meant to provide an effortless way to capture footage from a distance for exciting results. For anyone interested in a more versatile solution, it should come as no surprise that DJI's Mini SE is a stronger and more stable drone. Where Snap’s Pixy stands out is its ability to follow the user. Its enclosed propellers make it easier to use without concern when flown near people and animals. It’s even safe enough to land on a person's hand. In every other way, DJI has a much better solution. Flight time is much longer, providing the possibility of flying higher and further away. While Pixy offers up to eight flights of 10 to 20 seconds, the Mini SE lasts for up to half an hour in the air. The experience with the DJI Mini SE is far superior overall, except for the lack of a follow feature. The good news is that this is possible with a third-party app.
Snap's Pixy is fun, friendly, and super lightweight but it's really more of a toy than an actual drone. For $230, it makes more sense to spend a little bit more on the powerful and customizable DJI Mini SE, which starts at $279. If there’s any concern about the exposed propellers, which are plastic, guards can be purchased separately for the DJI Mini SE, adding just $20 to the cost.
While DJI's cheapest drone lacks a built-in follow feature, there are third-party apps that provide a similar capability, such as the well-rated $20 Litchi app. With these add-ons, the DJI Mini SE price climbs to $319, $89 more than the $230 Snap Pixy. DJI is an expert drone maker, while Snap is best known as the developer of Snapchat. This makes the much more powerful and still remarkably small, 9-ounce DJI Mini SE, a better deal than Snap's Pixy Drone.
Next: Why The DJI Mavic 3 Is The Best Choice For Your First Drone
Source: Snap, DJI, App Store
Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.