In this test report we present the FIMI X8 SE 2020 version. The new 4K drone is an improved version of the already known FIMI X8 SE drone. The new version has a larger FOV (Field of View) and is slightly lighter than the old X8 SE.
In addition, the 2020 version can fly two minutes longer and has a range that is three kilometres longer.
Specifications and innovations
The specifications of the Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE 2020 version
- 204 x 106 x 72.6mm
- 372mm diagonal (with rotors)
- Foldable design
- 4KUHD/30FPS, 12MP
- 100 Mbit/s video bitrate
- JPEG/RAW-DNG, MP4 file format
- Maximum 256 Gb internal memory
- GLONASS/GPS and BIDOU
- 65 Km/h maximum speed
Here are the most important changes at a glance:
| Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2018 | Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximale Flugzeit | 33 Minuten | 35 Minuten |
| Reichweite | Maximal 5.000 Meter Reichweite | Maximal 8.000 Meter Reichweite |
| Kamera | Auflösung 4K 30 Fps 1/2,3" CMOS Sensor | 4K 30 Fps 1/2,6" CMOS Sensor |
| Positionierung | GPS/GLONASS | GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU |
| Preis | 460,-€ | 420,-€ |
The dimensions remain the same, nor has the maximum speed of the drone changed and remains at around 65 km/h or 18 metres per second. Nevertheless, it is still one of the fastest models on the market.
The handling, agility and speed ensure that even experienced pilots get their money’s worth.
In addition to the GPS and GLONASS positioning system, the X8 SE 2020 can also work with the Chinese positioning system BEIDOU. This can be very practical if you are on the road a lot. Not everywhere the reception of GPS or GLONASS is sufficient for a proper positioning.
In addition, the drone remains naturally foldable. Similar to DJI models, the drone can be easily and comfortably carried in a large trouser pocket or simply put it in a backpack.
With the camera, however, something has already happened. So the 2020 version now has a 1/ 2.6″ CMOS sensor and will take clearer pictures in low light conditions. The three axis gimbal will of course also remain on board.
Scope of delivery of the drone
Just like the previous version of the FIMI X8 SE, the 2020 version will be delivered as “RTF”, i.e. Ready to Fly. Xiaomi delivers the drone in the typical white cardboard box. The scope of delivery includes a 4.500mA/h battery together with the X8 SE drone and its remote control.
Of course, all necessary adapters and a charging cable are also included. USB to USB-C, USB to Micro-USB and USB to Apple’s Lightning interface. Thus all current Smartphone models can be connected to the remote control.
The only disadvantage is that the remote control is charged via USB type C. Of course, you can also charge the remote control with the included USB to USB-C cable, but this cable is intended for the connection between smartphone and remote control and is therefore quite short.
The remote control of the drone feels high-quality and is basically the same as that of the Fimi X8 Se.
Technology of the Fimi X8 SE 2020
The 4K camera achieves a maximum of 30 frames per second. Photos are still shot in 12 megapixels and can be saved in JPEG format as well as in RAW-DNG format. Videos are saved in the classic way as MP4 files.
The lens is, as already mentioned, a 1/2.6″ CMOS sensor, which offers a better image quality especially in low light conditions, as more light can fall into the larger sensor. The ISO range has not changed, as has the shutter speed of 8 ~ 1/8000S.
In the menu there is also the possibility to reduce the resolution. This allows you to shoot videos in the following settings.
- 3840 x 2160 / 30, 25, 24 FPS
- 2.7K (2560 x 1440) / 60, 50, 30, 25 or 24 FPS
- 1920 x 1080 /100, 60, 50, 30, 25, 24 FPS
- 1280 x 720 / 120 FPS
The maximum bitrate is 100Mbit/s. The camera is largely the same model, with a larger CMOS sensor. Xiaomi has further improved the camera and has responded to customer criticism. We like that very much.
Flight stabilization and sensor technology of the drone
Xiaomi has further improved the already high flight stability of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE. Even small errors in the software, which could lead to dangerous situations, have been corrected. Overall, the drone stands very well in the air.
Take-off and landing are also clean and safe, provided GPS reception is good.
Nevertheless, inexperienced pilots should not overstretch the bow and at best let off steam on a windless day in a field or in another place without obstacles. Especially for beginners it can be very difficult to handle the increased speed.
Flight modes
There are still the flight modes Orbit, Course Lock, Follow-Me and Spiral.
Beginners can easily get used to flying a drone in headless mode. The headless mode ensures that the drone moves independently of the head orientation. If you move the right-hand control stick forward, the drone will move forward. It doesn’t matter if the head of the drone is positioned sideways or diagonally to you.
In this video we present the flight modes of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE. Although this is the 2018 version, nothing has (unfortunately) changed in this point.
Battery, flight time and range of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020
As before, the drone’s greatest strength lies in its long flight time. Thanks to the more energy-efficient technology and lower weight, the flight time has even been increased from 33 minutes to 35 minutes. In the practical test, we were then even at 35 minutes and 40 seconds before we really had to land.
Please note that the flight time is a guideline for moderate to good conditions. With a lot of wind or at consistently high speeds, it is quite possible that the landing is over after 20 to 25 minutes.
Xiaomi has increased the transmission power and thus increased the range from 5,000 meters to 8,000 meters. However, since we are bound by the German drone ordinance, this is not very interesting for drone pilots who plan to fly in Germany.
A badge and liability insurance are also mandatory for this model, due to its weight of 765 grams.
If you are looking for a drone without liability and insurance, we can warmly recommend the DJI Mavic Mini. This drone weighs only 249 grams and is exempt from the sticker and liability insurance obligation.
Conclusion on the X8 SE 2020
The Fimi X8 SE is and remains an all-rounder. The drone is suitable for the most diverse requirements and applications. However, it cannot be compared with a Mavic 2 Pro or other top models.
In the price segment of less than 1,000 euros, however, it can compete very well and represents a good alternative to the established models. Thus, the drone is perfectly suited for holidays thanks to various positioning systems (GPS,GLONASS, BIDOU). However, it is just as well suited for shots from the home garden:
As well as from a vantage point close by:
With a price of a good 400,- USD the price/performance ratio is simply top.
Xiaomi has definitely earned his place next to DJI, Hubsan or Parrot and convinces with high-quality processed technology in the drone sector.
The biggest strength of the X8 SE remains the persistent battery and the good camera. The disadvantages are not worth mentioning in this price range. Because of course you can’t expect 4K with 60FPS for 400,-.
The only thing that bothered us is the susceptibility to wind. The drone is very stable in the air, even in wind. But this is at the expense of the battery life. Which is why, on windy days, it is quite possible that the drone is not in the air for half an hour, but only for twenty minutes or 25 minutes, depending on the flying style.
Otherwise, one gets here an enormously good performance for a moderate price. Definitely worth a look!
You didn’t like the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020? Then take a look at our other test reports:
