Get the Mini 4 Pro ($835) if size and simplicity matter most: at 249 g it needs no FAA registration for recreational flying, it packs into a jacket pocket, and it has omnidirectional sensing, ActiveTrack and true vertical shooting. Get the Air 3S ($1,209) if image quality and endurance come first: a 1-inch 50 MP main camera plus a 70 mm tele, forward LiDAR, 45 minutes of flight and a 12 m/s wind rating. The Air 3S must be registered with the FAA.
Specs side by side
| Mini 4 Pro | Air 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Our price (standard kit) | $835 | $1,209 |
| Fly More Combo | $1,209 | $1,759 |
| Takeoff weight | 249 g | 724 g |
| Wide camera | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, 24 mm f/1.7 | 1 in, 50 MP, 24 mm f/1.8 |
| Tele camera | None | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, 70 mm f/2.8 |
| Video | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/100 slow-mo | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow-mo |
| Vertical shooting | True vertical (gimbal rotates) | 2.7K vertical crop |
| Max flight time | 34 min (45 with Plus battery) | 45 min |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional vision | Omnidirectional vision + forward LiDAR |
| Tracking | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack |
| Max speed | 16 m/s | 21 m/s |
| Wind resistance | 10.7 m/s | 12 m/s |
| Video link (FCC) | O4, 20 km | O4, 20 km |
| Internal storage | 2 GB | 42 GB |
Prices are our current prices. Specs are DJI's published figures.
The key differences
Weight and rules. At 249 g with its standard battery, the Mini 4 Pro skips FAA registration for recreational use and Remote ID broadcast isn't required. The Air 3S weighs 724 g, so you register it ($5 for 3 years) and fly with Remote ID on. Some countries also treat drones under 250 g more lightly, which matters for travel. Part 107 work needs registration for either.
Cameras. The Air 3S's 1-inch main sensor beats the Mini 4 Pro's 1/1.3-inch in low light and high contrast. Its second camera, a 70 mm tele, gives compressed shots and lets you film from farther away. The Mini 4 Pro has one camera, but its gimbal rotates for full-resolution vertical video, which the Air 3S does only as a 2.7K crop.
Wind and range. The Air 3S's extra weight, 12 m/s wind rating and 21 m/s top speed make it far more confident on coasts, ridges and open fields. The Mini 4 Pro is rated at 10.7 m/s and 16 m/s. If you fly where it's windy, this alone can decide it. See best drone for windy conditions.
Flight time. The Air 3S flies 45 minutes, 11 more than the Mini 4 Pro's 34. The Mini's Plus battery closes the gap to 45 minutes but puts it over 250 g.
Night. The Air 3S's forward LiDAR helps it sense obstacles in the dark. The Mini 4 Pro's vision sensors need adequate light.
Who each one is for
- Mini 4 Pro: travel, hiking, first-time pilots, social video creators, and anyone who wants to fly for fun with minimal paperwork.
- Air 3S: photographers and filmmakers, real estate shooters, windy locations, and pilots who want two focal lengths.
The Mini 5 Pro option
The Mini 5 Pro costs the same $835 as the Mini 4 Pro and brings a 1-inch sensor and forward LiDAR to a sub-250 g drone, closing much of the camera gap with the Air 3S. It still lacks a tele camera and flies 36 minutes versus 45. Stock is limited.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the Mini is always the beginner's choice. In steady wind, the Air 3S is easier to control and bring home.
- Forgetting registration for the Air 3S. Register before your first flight and mark the number on the drone.
- Using the Plus battery and forgetting the rules. With it, the Mini 4 Pro needs registration too.
Quick answers
Which is better for travel? The Mini 4 Pro for size and rules. The Air 3S if image quality matters more than bag space. See traveling with a drone.
Which is better for real estate? The Air 3S, for its larger sensor and tele camera. Paid work needs Part 107 for either.
Still unsure? Ask a drone pilot.
Related guides
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