As a drone enthusiast and proud owner of both the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3S, I’ve spent countless hours exploring their strengths, quirks, and performance in real-world conditions. Now, with the release of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, I’m seriously considering adding it to my collection. But is the Mavic 4 Pro worth the upgrade? In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between these three powerful DJI drones, from camera capabilities and flight time to portability and price, to help fellow drone pilots and creators decide which model best fits their needs.
Target Audience & Portability
Let’s start by taking a quick look at portability, weight and release dates. It’s also important to understand drone flight restrictions and laws before purchasing any of these drones.
- Mini 4 Pro – Launched September 2023: Weighs 249 g. No license is needed in many countries, so it’s perfect for casual users and travellers wanting a hassle‑free flight. You can also fly in congested areas and closer to people, which is a benefit the others don’t have.
- Air 3S – Launched Oct 2024: Mid‑range weight at 724 g. It requires registration and a license, but remains portable for content creators. Cannot be used in congested areas (<150m) or close to people. (50m with a license)
- Mavic 4 Pro – Launched May 2025: Heavier at 1,063 g. Again, it requires a license and registration. It’s built for professional use, like filmmaking and inspections, but isn’t as travel‑friendly. Cannot be used in congested areas (<150m) or close to people. (50m with a license)
Camera & Video Capabilities
The camera capabilities play a major role in the drone’s performance and should be at the forefront of your decision-making. If you want a drone that produces the highest quality images for your work or hobbies, then consider the Mavic Pro first. But don’t be put off by the Mini 4 Pro as it still produces fantastic images for YouTube videos and smaller personal projects.
| Model | Camera(s) | Sensor | Still Resolution | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini 4 Pro | Single 24mm | 1/1.3″ CMOS | 48MP RAW, 12MP DNG | 4K @ 60fps HDR, 4K @100fps slo‑mo; vertical gimbal, DLog-M/HLG |
| Air 3S | Dual (24 mm & 70 mm) | 1″ CMOS Wide-Angle Camera & 1/1.3″ CMOS 3x Medium Tele Camera | 50MP (wide) + 48MP tele | 4K @60fps HDR, 4K @120fps slo‑mo; vertical gimbal, 14‑stop DR |
| Mavic 4 Pro | Triple (28, 70 & 168 mm) | 14/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera 1/1.3″ CMOS Medium Tele Camera 1/1.5″ CMOS Tele Camera | 100MP RAW, medium + 50MP tele | 6K @60fps (wide), 4K slo‑mo on telecraft; 10‑bit H.265, D‑Log/D‑Log M |
Key differences:
- Mavic 4 Pro leads in image quality and flexibility. Its 100 MP Hasselblad wide lens, 6K video and quick startup feature.
- Air 3S offers fast, sharp 50 MP wide shots, robust dual-cam versatility at 4K, ideal for high-end travellers. The one-inch sensor is noticeably higher quality than the Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3″
- Mini 4 Pro punches above its weight with 48 MP stills and 4K/100fps slo‑mo, vertical rotation and the 1/1.3″ sensor still produces amazing footage. Learn how the DJI Mini 4 Pro can produce amazing cinematic footage with a few tweaks here.
Flight Performance & Obstacle Avoidance
Flight times, distance and obstacle avoidance are all part of flight performance and safety. Each of these drones offers high-performing statistics in this area, but which one stands out above the rest? Let’s take a look at each model in a little more detail.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Flight Time: Realistically, you’re going to get about 25 minutes of flight time from a single battery. (DJI quote 34 minutes, not taking into account weather conditions, filming resolution and a 20% return to home safety feature)
Transmission System: Equipped with O4 (OcuSync 4.0) video transmission, offering a maximum range of up to 20 km with enhanced stability and low latency, even in interference-heavy environments.
Top Speed: The Mini 4 Pro is capable of a maximum horizontal speed of 16 meters per second (16 m/s). That’s an impressive 36 mph or 57 kph.
Obstacle Avoidance: Despite its ultra-lightweight frame (under 249g), the DJI Mini 4 Pro delivers omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a feature previously reserved for much larger drones. But it accomplishes this using a clever, weight-saving design.
Instead of using dedicated sensors for every direction, the Mini 4 Pro is equipped with six vision sensors, strategically angled to provide multi-directional coverage:
- Two front-facing fisheye sensors
- Two rear/top sensors angled diagonally
- Two downward sensors for landing assistance and terrain detection
Thanks to their slanted orientation, each sensor covers multiple directions simultaneously. For example:
- The rear/top sensors monitor both backwards and upward movement.
- The forward sensors provide both frontal and upward awareness.
- Combined with DJI’s APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) 4.5, the drone stitches together a real-time 3D map, allowing it to smoothly brake or reroute around obstacles—even in tight environments.
DJI Air 3S
Flight Time: Expect about 35 minutes of flight time, where DJI quote up to 45 minutes.
Transmission System: Uses OcuSync 4.0, offering a reliable 20 km range with smooth 1080p/60fps live video.
Top Speed: The Air 3S is capable of a maximum horizontal speed of 21 meters per second (21 m/s). That’s the equivalent of 47 mph or 75 kph.
Obstacle Avoidance: The DJI Air 3S combines six vision sensors—two front, two rear, and two downward, with a front-mounted LiDAR sensor to enhance obstacle detection and flight stability.
The wide-angle front and rear sensors deliver full horizontal obstacle coverage, detecting obstacles forward, backwards, and to the sides. The LiDAR unit, positioned at the front, provides precise depth sensing, especially useful for low-light navigation, fine-tuned hovering, and smooth automated tracking.
Paired with APAS 5.0, this system allows the Air 3S to intelligently brake or reroute during features like ActiveTrack, FocusTrack, and Waypoint Missions. While it lacks dedicated upward sensors, the Air 3S compensates with solid environmental awareness and excellent flight stability, especially in windier or more demanding environments.
While it lacks upward sensors like the Mini 4 Pro, the Air 3S offers stronger wind resistance and excellent reliability for complex flight paths.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
Flight Time: DJI quote up to a remarkable 51 minutes, making it the longest-flying drone in DJI’s current consumer/prosumer lineup. Whilst I don’t own one yet, I’d expect about 41 minutes.
Transmission System: Features O4+ (OcuSync 4.5) with a range of up to 30 km, supporting 1080p/60fps live video streaming to the RC Pro 2 controller with virtually no latency.
Top Speed: Fast still, the Mavic 4 Pro is capable of a maximum horizontal speed of 25 meters per second (25 m/s). That’s 56 mph or 90 kph.
Obstacle Avoidance: The Mavic 4 Pro has DJI’s most advanced navigation and safety system to date:
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, enhanced by a six-fisheye lens array, forward-facing LiDAR and multiple depth sensors for full environmental awareness.
- Integrated with DJI’s new vision AI processor, it predicts obstacle motion and path curvature for proactive avoidance.
- Supports 360° horizontal and vertical pathfinding, making full use of its revolutionary “Infinity” gimbal, capable of 360° yaw and roll movement.
- Obstacle detection and avoidance is operational even at high speeds and in low light conditions.
While modern drones have advanced obstacle avoidance systems, they are not always 100 percent reliable. Sudden wind gusts, sensor blind spots, or complex environments can still lead to accidents. It is a good idea to check my drone insurance comparison to find the right coverage and ensure peace of mind.
DJI Drone Battery Charging Time Comparison
Whilst battery charging times might not be on everyone’s checklist, it’s very useful information, especially if you only have one battery. Likewise, if you have the Fly More bundle with three batteries, it’s good to understand the charge times when you have a day’s filming planned.
| Drone | Charging Method | Charge Time (0–100%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini 4 Pro | 30W USB-C Charger (via aircraft) | ~70 minutes | Standard Intelligent Flight Battery |
| 30W USB-C Charger (via Charging Hub) | ~58 minutes | Faster than charging via aircraft | |
| Air 3S | 65W Portable Charger (included) | ~80 minutes | With included USB-C cable |
| 100W USB-C Adapter + Charging Hub | ~60 minutes | Fastest option for Air 3S | |
| Mavic 4 Pro | 240W Power Adapter (1 battery) | ~51 minutes | Optimal charge time (200–240V input) |
| 240W Power Adapter (3 batteries) | ~90 min (high voltage) / ~110 min (low voltage) | Charges 3 sequentially | |
| 100W USB-C Adapter (1 battery) | ~80 minutes | Slower than 240W charger | |
| 65W via Aircraft (direct charging) | ~115 minutes | Least efficient method |
Why Choose the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Over the Air 3S?
Speed, Simplicity & Pro-Level Convenience
For serious creators and commercial drone users, it’s not just about image quality or battery life; it’s also about how quickly and efficiently you can get airborne and start shooting. Here’s where the DJI Mavic 4 Pro truly shines.
1. “Get Ready Fast” Quick Deployment System
One of the standout new features of the Mavic 4 Pro is its streamlined startup process:
- As soon as you open the built-in screen on the DJI RC Pro 2, the controller powers on instantly, connecting to the drone without delay.
- At the same time, the Mavic 4 Pro automatically powers on and calibrates when the arms are unfolded, meaning you can go from case to flight in under a minute, with no need to fumble through menus or pressing and holding power buttons.
By contrast, the Air 3S, while quick to set up, still requires:
- Separate power-on sequences for the remote and drone
- A few more manual steps before flight-ready status
2. Integrated RC Pro 2 Controller
- It’s all about speed with this controller. Flip up the screen, and the two control sticks fold out along with it as it powers up. Unlike the RC 2 controller, where you need to manually screw on the sticks.
- Features a bright 1,000-nit display, HDMI out, and deep customisation for pro workflows.
- It also supports high-speed storage and advanced app integration, making it a complete mobile control station.
- While the Air 3S supports the RC 2 or smartphone-based controllers, they lack these pro features.
3. Infinity Gimbal for Unique Shots
The Infinity gimbal on the Mavic 4 Pro supports 360° yaw and roll movement, unlocking cinematic shots like barrel rolls, FPV-style twists, and ultra-smooth lateral pans, something simply not possible with the fixed 3-axis gimbals on the Air 3S or Mini 4 Pro.
4. Built for Professional Demands
- Built-in 64GB or 512GB SSD storage, AI scene detection, and multi-lens D-Log are just some of the other Mavic-exclusive features.
- Combined with the longer flight time (up to 51 min) and faster battery charging, it’s designed for high-throughput field work with minimal downtime.
Bottom line? Suppose you value rapid deployment, cinematic flexibility, and field-ready control. In that case, the Mavic 4 Pro is built for speed and serious production, making it a better long-term investment for pro users than the more generalist Air 3S.
Why Choose the DJI Air 3S Over the Mini 4 Pro?
Power, Versatility, and Dual-Camera Creativity.
🔍 1. Dual-Camera System for Creative Flexibility
- The Air 3S features two high-quality 48MP cameras:
- A wide-angle lens (24mm equivalent)
- A 3x medium telephoto lens (70mm equivalent)
- This gives you the ability to instantly switch perspectives mid-flight without moving the drone, something the Mini 4 Pro simply cannot do.
- Ideal for:
- Capturing cinematic parallax
- Framing distant subjects (like wildlife or people)
- Shooting storytelling sequences with wide-to-tight transitions
2. Bigger Battery, Longer Flight
- Up to 45 minutes of flight time, significantly more than the Mini 4 Pro’s 34 minutes.
- Fewer landings, longer missions, and better endurance in windy or high-altitude conditions.
3. Better Wind Resistance and Stability
- The Air 3S is heavier (~720g), which means it handles wind and adverse weather far better than the sub-250g Mini 4 Pro.
- If you’re flying in coastal, mountainous, or urban areas with unpredictable gusts, the Air 3S will offer steadier flight and smoother video.
4. More Stable Tracking and Navigation
- ActiveTrack 5.0 on the Air 3S is faster and more confident in challenging environments due to:
- Larger sensors
- Better edge detection
- More powerful onboard processing
- While the Mini 4 Pro features ActiveTrack 360°, the Air 3S tends to perform more consistently in moderate-to-dense environments like forests or urban settings.
5. Faster Charging Options
- The Air 3S supports the DJI 100W USB-C Charging Hub, reducing full charge time to just ~60 minutes, compared to ~70 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro using a lower-wattage charger.
- More efficient for users who fly multiple batteries per day.
Why Choose the DJI Mini 4 Pro Over the Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro?
Lightweight Freedom, Advanced Features, and Hassle-Free Flying. Read my full comparison between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the Air 3S.
1. Sub-250g Weight – No Registration in Many Regions
- At under 249 grams, the Mini 4 Pro often avoids:
- Government registration
- Licensing requirements
- Operational restrictions in built-up areas. Fly almost anywhere.
- This makes it ideal for:
- Casual flyers
- Travellers
- Hobbyists who want to avoid red tape
- Neither the Air 3S nor Mavic 4 Pro qualifies for this exemption.
2. Ultra-Portable and Travel-Friendly
- The Mini 4 Pro is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or small sling bag; perfect for hiking, backpacking, or shooting on the go.
- Compare that to:
- Air 3S (~720g): Requires a dedicated case/bag
- Mavic 4 Pro (~1,000g+): Bulky, better suited to planned shoots
- If you value mobility, spontaneity, or minimal packing, the Mini wins every time.
3. Advanced Features in a Mini Body
Despite its tiny size, the Mini 4 Pro offers many pro-grade features:
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance
- ActiveTrack 360°
- Waypoint Missions
- Cruise Control
- 10-bit D-Log M and HLG for colour grading (Learn how D-Log M can transform your footage here)
- True Vertical Shooting (great for social media content)
- Vision Assist for enhanced situational awareness
- Many of these features are only partially available — or differently implemented — on the Air 3S, and are often more complex on the Mavic 4 Pro.
4. Immersive Flight Experience Support
- Fully compatible with DJI Goggles 2 / Goggles Integra and RC Motion 2, allowing for immersive, FPV-style flying — something the Air 3S does not currently support.
- The Mavic 4 Pro does support goggles, but it’s heavier and not as agile for immersive flight use.
5. Best Value for Solo Creators
- Starting at around £689, it offers incredible tech for the price:
- 48MP RAW stills
- 4K/100fps slow motion
- Full suite of intelligent shooting modes
- Ideal for solo shooters, vloggers, and travel content creators who need performance without bulk or bureaucracy.
- The DJI Mini 4 Pro has a vast selection of accessories available.
DJI Drone UK Price Comparison
DJI Mini 4 Pro
| Package | Controller | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Drone Only | RC-N2 | £689.00 |
| Drone Only | RC 2 | £869.00 |
| Fly More Combo | RC 2 | £979.00 |
Check these links for the latest deals and discounts.
DJI Air 3S
| Package | Controller | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Drone | RC-N3 | £959.00 |
| Fly More Combo | RC-N3 | £1,239.00 |
| Fly More Combo | RC 2 | £1,439.00 |
Check these links for the latest deals and discounts.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
| Package | Controller | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Drone | RC 2 | £1,879.00 |
| Fly More Combo | RC 2 | £2,459.00 |
| Creator Combo (512GB) | RC Pro 2 | £3,209.00 |
Check these links for the latest deals and discounts.
Standalone Controller
| Controller | Price |
|---|---|
| DJI RC Pro 2 Remote Controller | £879.00 |
| DJI RC 2 Remote Controller | £323.00 |
| RC-N3 Remote Controller | £105.00 |
Summary: Which One Suits You?
- Choose Mini 4 Pro if you need a legal, ultra-portable drone with social‑media ready features and strong imaging—ideal for casual/vlog use.
- Pick Air 3S if you want mid‑tier capability with dual lenses, great 4K video, and travel‑friendly size—perfect for content creators.
- Opt for Mavic 4 Pro if you need pro-level image quality, cinematic flexibility, longest range, and don’t mind the weight and cost.
While the Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro offer more power and features, the DJI Mini 4 Pro holds a unique position in the market as the most capable ultra-light drone ever made.
Will I be Investing in a DJI Mavic 4 Pro?
Right now, I’m in no rush to add the DJI Mavic 4 Pro to my kit. As a drone enthusiast and semi-professional videographer, I find that the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S already cover everything I need.
The Mini 4 Pro gives me the freedom to fly in both urban and rural settings without the restrictions that come with heavier drones; an invaluable benefit for capturing footage in tighter or more regulated spaces. On the other hand, the Air 3S delivers the high-quality imagery I need for more demanding, high-end video projects.
To be honest, I’m not quite ready to spend £3,209 on the Mavic 4 Pro 512GB Creator Combo, especially since I’d definitely want the RC Pro 2 controller for its speed, brightness, and all-in-one convenience. While the Mavic 4 Pro certainly offers impressive capabilities, its image quality, although a step up, doesn’t feel like a necessary leap from the Air 3S for my current projects. And realistically, investing in it would likely make my Air 3S redundant.
For now, I’m more than happy with the versatility, performance, and value that the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S bring to the table.
Roundup – DJI Drone Comparison Chart
Here, I’ve produced a final roundup of what I think are the most important key specifications of each of these drones. Hopefully you can review the above along with these and make in informed decision on which is the right drone for you.
| Metric | Mini 4 Pro | Air 3S | Mavic 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take‑off Weight | < 249 g | 724 g | 1,063 g |
| Max Horizontal Speed | 16 m/s | 21 m/s | 25 m/s |
| Max Flight Time | 34 min (45 min with Plus) | 45 min | 51 min |
| Max Transmission Distance | 20 km (O4) | 20 km (O4) | 30 km (O4+) |
| Max Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s | 12 m/s | 12–14 m/s |
| Internal Storage | 2 GB | 42 GB | 64 GB / 512 GB (Creator Combo) |
| Camera Image Sensor | 1/1.3″ CMOS, 48 MP | 1″ wide & 1/1.3″ tele, 50 MP | 4/3″ Hasselblad (100 MP) + 2 tele |
| Lenses (Focal Lengths) | 24 mm wide-angle | 24 mm wide, 70 mm tele | 28 mm wide, 70 mm & 166 mm tele |
| Max Image Size | 48 MP | 50 MP | 100 MP |
| Battery Weight | 77.9 g / 121 g (Plus) | ~167 g | 332 g |
| Battery Power | 18.96 Wh / 28.4 Wh (Plus) | 62.5 Wh | 95.3 Wh |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which DJI drone is best for beginners?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice for beginners thanks to its lightweight design (under 249g), advanced obstacle avoidance, and unrestricted flight in most locations. It’s easy to fly yet powerful enough for high-quality content creation.
What are the main differences between the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro?
The key differences lie in camera quality, flight time, and size. The Mini 4 Pro is ultra-portable and regulation-friendly, the Air 3S offers higher-end imaging and stability, while the Mavic 4 Pro delivers professional-grade video, longer flight times, and advanced flight features like the “Get Ready Fast” startup.
Is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro worth the upgrade from the Air 3S?
It depends on your needs. If you’re a professional seeking the best image quality, workflow speed, and the power of the RC Pro 2 controller, the Mavic 4 Pro may be worth it. However, for many creators, the Air 3S already provides excellent value and high-end results.
Does the Mini 4 Pro have the same obstacle avoidance as the Air 3S?
Not quite. The Mini 4 Pro uses six angled sensors to achieve full obstacle coverage while keeping weight down. The Air 3S has six dedicated vision sensors and a front-facing LiDAR for enhanced precision, especially in low-light conditions.
Why choose the Air 3S over the Mavic 4 Pro?
The Air 3S offers a sweet spot of performance, portability, and price. It’s significantly cheaper than the Mavic 4 Pro but still delivers high-end video, strong wind resistance, and advanced flight features—making it a smart choice for semi-pros and enthusiasts.
Why choose the Mini 4 Pro over the Air 3S or Mavic 4 Pro?
The Mini 4 Pro’s sub-249g weight means fewer restrictions when flying in urban or sensitive areas. It’s also compact, quiet, and packed with features like Waypoint flight, Vision Assist, and immersive FPV support—making it ideal for agile creators and travellers.