Mavic Mini Batteries: MT1SD25 vs MT1SS5

In the UK and many other countries around the world, you can fly a drone that weighs less than 250g without the need to acquire a license. This has been the biggest selling point for the DJI Mavic Mini till date because it weighs 249g. All that is about to change for the UK market because the new drone laws in 2020 means that you will need a license to fly the DJI Mavic Mini because it has a camera.

Japanese laws on the other hand permits you to fly a drone without a license if your drone weighs 200g or less. DJI wanted the Mavic Mini to be sold in Japan, so they created a customised version; reducing the weight of the drone  to 199g. How have they done it? They released a battery that weighs half the size of the original but only available to the Japanese market. Sure, this means you can only get 18 minutes flight time, which is 12 minutes less than the European version; however it means you do not require a license to fly the Mavic Mini in the Japan.

Mavic Mini Battery Comparison

As mentioned above, there are two versions of batteries for the DJI Mavic Mini; 2,400 mAh and 1100 mAh. The 2400 mAh has 30 minutes flight time and is the version sold in many countries including UK, whereas the 1100 mAh is only sold for the Japanese market.

DJI is yet to release an official statement whether the batteries are interchangeable within region! One of the reasons why DJI might have  refrained from confirming this is because of warranty. You might be able to get your hands on the Japanese version but this might breach your standard one year warranty that comes with the drone. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy one unless DJI releases one for the European market. Should you use a different capacity battery to the one that was provided by your drone's region, there is a risk that you may not qualify for your warranty; even if you have a refresh card. See below for a comparison between the 2400 mAh and 1100 mAh batteries:

Difference between 2400 mAh and 1100 mAh DJI Mavic Mini Batteries

Summary

Dronescend have received several queries from our customers about the impact of the new drone law on the Mavic Mini. Will DJI release a new battery for the European market? Will they compensate and allow part exchange with your existing batteries? These are some of the questions being asked by owners of the Mavic Mini. We doubt this will happen because the new drone law will require you to register the Mavic Mini because it has a camera. DJI is yet to release an official statement!

We understand the scepticism about the new drone regulations that may require you to register drones over 250g but at Dronescend it is something that we welcome because it enables drone pilots to fly more easily, especially if you want to make money using your drone.