DJI drones are among the top choices for aerial photography and videography, catering to both hobbyists and professionals. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning cinematic footage or need a drone for commercial applications like surveying, inspections, and safety operations, DJI offers a range of options designed to suit different needs.
However, choosing the right DJI drone can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m sharing my first-hand experience with two of the most popular models, the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the DJI Air 3S.
I actually purchased both drones and in this guide, I’ll explain why. If you’re debating between the Mini 4 Pro vs. Air 3S, keep reading to discover key differences, license requirements, flight restrictions, and similarities to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Weight and Flight Restrictions
One of the most significant distinctions between these two drones is their weight, which directly impacts flying regulations.
- The DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs under 250g, making it ideal for unrestricted flying in most areas. This lightweight classification allows it to be flown in more locations without additional certifications.
- The DJI Air 3S weighs 724g, classifying it as a C1 category drone. This means it must be flown at least 150m away from congested areas and kept at least 50m from uninvolved people, which can sometimes be restrictive. To fly this drone, it is mandatory to obtain a Flyer ID license. However, obtaining an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 C of C) allows you to reduce these distance restrictions, providing greater flexibility when flying. Even with the A2 C of C you still cannot fly directly over uninvolved people which you can with the Mini 4 Pro.
Both drones must be registered with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) to obtain an Operator ID, which must be attached to the drone. The Operator ID is essentially a drone’s number plate.
Visit https://dronesafetymap.com/ for flight restriction zones.
Image Quality
Both drones offer exceptional camera capabilities, but the Air 3S holds the edge for professional-level photography and videography.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Features a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, which delivers 4K HDR video at 60fps and 48MP stills. The 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor translates to 9.65 × 4.24 mm. It produces high-quality images but falls slightly behind the Air 3S in dynamic range and low-light performance.
Here’s an example image taken on the Mini 4 Pro
DJI Air 3S
Equipped with a dual-camera system, including a 1″ CMOS 24mm wide-angle lens and a 1/1.3″ CMOS 70mm medium telephoto sensor, enabling up to 4K/120fps video and 50MP stills. The 1″ CMOS sensor translates to 12.80 x 9.60 mm. The Air 3S provides superior detail, better low-light performance, and greater versatility in focal lengths.
An example on a winters day from the Air 3S
Camera Specs Comparison
Flight Time
Battery life is another critical consideration, particularly for those who need extended flight sessions.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: Offers up to 34 minutes of flight time. In my experience, I’ve only ever seen about 25-30 minutes of flight time. This is due to the drone using more power whilst flying around, especially in sport mode. If the drone was just hovering then I’d expect to see a flight time closer to 34 minutes.
- DJI Air 3S: Provides an impressive 46 minutes of flight time per battery, making it the better choice for extended aerial shoots. Again, I have only managed to get about 35 minutes out of a single battery.
I strongly recommend buying extra batteries for these drones or investing in the Fly More Combo kits. The intelligent flight batteries for the Mini 4 Pro cost around £59 each, and the intelligent flight batteries for the Air 3S cost around £129 each.
Speed and Safety
How fast can each fly in sports mode?
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: Can reach speeds of 16 m/s (Sport mode), making it agile and easy to manoeuvre. This equates to about 36mph and 58kph.
- DJI Air 3S: Hits speeds of 21 m/s (Sport mode), making it significantly faster and more stable in high-wind conditions. This equates to about 47mph and 75kph.
When it comes to safety both drones have obstacle avoidance, however, the Air 3S has a few more tricks up its sleeve.
Obstacle Avoidance: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. DJI Air 3S
Both the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3S feature advanced obstacle avoidance systems, which help you navigate obstacles and avoid crashing your drone. However, the Air 3S introduces additional technology that provides even greater situational awareness, especially in challenging environments.
DJI Mini 4 Pro:
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing—The Mini 4 Pro offers 360-degree obstacle detection, with multiple sensors covering all directions.
- This ensures safer flights and enables intelligent flight features like ActiveTrack 360°, which makes it ideal for navigating tight spaces and complex environments.
DJI Air 3S:
- Advanced Obstacle Avoidance with Forward-Facing LiDAR – The Air 3S integrates LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and map surroundings in real-time.
- Low-Light Navigation – Unlike traditional vision sensors, LiDAR works effectively in low-light conditions, allowing the Air 3S to detect obstacles like high-rise buildings and automatically adjust its flight path upwards to avoid them. This ensures safer return-to-home (RTH) operations at night.
- Enhanced Vision Assist – The Vision Assist system provides a downward view in addition to front, back, left, and right views, giving pilots a more comprehensive understanding of their surroundings.
More Quick Comparisons
Another quick important note is the internal storage which is vastly different between the two drones. Whilst you will need to buy a mini SD card for your drone this internal storage will be beneficial for storing flight log data and as an alternative when you SD card becomes full.
Recommended Accessories
When buying either drone, I highly recommend purchasing extra batteries or investing in the Fly More Combo, which provides additional batteries, a charging hub, carry cases, and more at a discounted rate.
You’ll also benefit from spare propellers for your drone. They can get damaged and do wear over time so it’s always handy having a spare set or two to hand.
What you get with the Fly More Combo Kits:
Air 3S
Mini 4 Pro
Which Controller Should You Buy? RC2 vs. RC-N2
When choosing between the DJI RC2 and RC-N2, I opted for the RC2 for both my Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S. The biggest advantage? No phone required. This means no interruptions from calls or notifications, no draining my phone’s battery, and a larger built-in screen that’s bright and ready to go.
Other drone pilots echo this sentiment, praising the convenience and portability of the RC2. You don’t have to fumble with cables, and it’s much easier to pack away—perfect for travelling, hiking, or spontaneous flights.
However, some pilots prefer the RC-N2, especially if they want to use their own phone or tablet with a larger display. The RC-N2 also allows for third-party apps like Litchi (when supported), offering more customisation.
If you want plug-and-play convenience, the RC2 is the way to go. But if you prefer a more flexible setup with your own device, the RC-N2 is a solid choice. For me, the RC2 wins hands down.
What I Love About Both Drones
I purchased both drones to get the best of both worlds. The Mini 4 Pro gives me the freedom to fly in most locations and I can fly over uninvolved people. However, when I want to capture the best quality footage and I’m not limited by flight restrictions, I’ll always take my DJI Air 3S.
DJI Mini 4 Pro:
- Its portability is unbeatable – I take it on holiday, and it fits easily into my suitcase.
- The fact that it weighs under 249g means I can fly almost anywhere.
- It’s much quieter compared to the Air 3S, making it great for discreet flying.
DJI Air 3S:
- The camera quality is mind-blowing. The 1′ CMOS sensor makes a noticeable difference. I prefer filming with this drone whenever possible.
- The flight time of up to 46 minutes is a game-changer, especially for professional work.
- However, it can’t be flown near congested areas, which limits its flexibility.
Here is a quick film I made using both the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S. The footage from summer time was taken with the Mini 4 Pro and the winter footage was taken with the Air 3S.
Which Drone Would I Buy if I Could Only Choose One?
If I had to pick just one, I would have to go with the DJI Mini 4 Pro. While the Air 3S has slightly better camera quality, the Mini 4 Pro still delivers fantastic image and video quality, making it more than capable for my YouTube videos and personal photography. Here’s an example of a panoramic image taken on the Mini 4 Pro.
One of the biggest advantages is its unrestricted flying—being able to fly in congested areas and over uninvolved people is a game-changer for my videos. This added freedom allows for more creative shots and fewer location restrictions compared to the Air 3S.
Additionally, purchasing the Fly More Combo provides two extra batteries, extending total flight time to around 90 minutes, which is a huge plus for longer shooting sessions. The combination of portability, flexibility, and great camera quality makes the Mini 4 Pro my top choice.
Which Drone is Best for Beginners?
I started with the DJI Mini 4 Pro because it’s widely recommended as the best drone for beginners. It’s easy to fly, making it perfect for learning the basics, while still offering advanced features for growth. The automated flight modes and intuitive controls helped me quickly build confidence, while the Pro settings allowed me to experiment with more advanced photography and videography techniques.
Even as I transitioned to the Air 3S, I found that the Mini 4 Pro still shares many of the same high-end features, making it a drone that grows with you. You can start with automatic settings and gradually switch to manual controls as you gain experience, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and aspiring professionals.
Do I Need a License for A Drone? License Requirements
Before flying, it’s essential to understand the requirements and obtain the necessary license and training you’ll require for each drone:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: Requires only an Operator ID to fly legally. I do however recommend obtaining a Flyer ID which is free of charge on the CAA website.
- DJI Air 3S: Requires both an Operator ID and a Flyer ID to fly legally. Additionally, obtaining an A2 C of C (around £100) provides greater freedom when flying in more restricted areas.
An Operator ID costs ~£11 per year and must be renewed every year.
A Flyer ID is free but you must complete the course and answer 30 questions with multiple choice answers. You can take the test as many times as you like until you pass. this will allow you to fly your drone in the A1 & A3 Open Category. (Must renew every 5 years)
To fly in the A2 Open Category you must pass your A2 C of C which costs ~£100 and you must sit an exam with 30 questions (multiple choice answers) and must get 75% correct to pass. You must pay to retake the exam if failed. (Must renew every 5 years). this will allow you to fly closer to congested areas and uninvolved people with your Air 3S.
I strongly advise reading the Drone and Model Aircraft Code for a full list of restrictions and laws surrounding the flight of these two models.
Conclusion
Choosing between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the DJI Air 3S ultimately comes down to your specific needs and flying conditions. Both drones offer impressive capabilities, but each excels in different areas.
If you prioritize portability, flexibility, and the ability to fly in more locations with fewer restrictions, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the better choice. Its lightweight design (under 250g) allows for greater freedom in congested areas and over uninvolved people. Despite its smaller sensor, it still delivers fantastic 4K HDR video and 48MP still images, making it an excellent option for content creators, travelers, and hobbyists who want a hassle-free flying experience.
On the other hand, if superior camera quality, longer battery life, and enhanced obstacle avoidance are your top priorities, the DJI Air 3S is the way to go. Its 1″ CMOS sensor, dual-camera system, and 46-minute flight time provide significant advantages for professionals who require higher image quality and better low-light performance. However, the added weight and C1 classification introduce stricter flying restrictions, which may limit where you can fly.
Personally, if I could only choose one, I would go with the DJI Mini 4 Pro due to its ease of use and flexibility. However, owning both allows me to balance convenience with quality, ensuring I have the right drone for every scenario.
No matter which drone you choose, investing in extra batteries, the Fly More Combo, and the right controller can significantly enhance your flying experience. Additionally, ensuring you understand license requirements, flight restrictions, and the importance of drone insurance in the UK will help you stay compliant and make the most of your drone.
Whether you’re an aspiring aerial photographer, a content creator, or a professional looking for the best tool for the job, both the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S offer exceptional performance—it all comes down to what matters most to you. For a deeper comparison of how these models stack up against DJI’s latest release, check out our ultimate drone showdown: Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mini 4 Pro.
Update 17th September 2025 – The New DJI Mini 5 Pro — Another Consideration
If you thought the Mini 4 Pro vs. Air 3S was a tough decision, there’s a new option on the block: the DJI Mini 5 Pro. It brings several meaningful upgrades (1″ sensor, improved wind resistance and speed, much larger internal storage, etc.) that make it worth thinking about.
If you’re curious how the Mini 5 Pro stacks up against both your Mini 4 Pro and the Air 3S, whether it might replace one or even both, check out my full comparison here:
Will I be Upgrading to the DJI Mini 5 Pro? Can it Replace my Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S?
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