Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: which drone to choose?

The Autel EVO Nano+ shook up the drone market, providing the competition DJI needed to push the envelope, not least by being the first to offer certain features on a drone weighing less than 250g. DJI responded swiftly with the release of the Mini 3 Pro, taking the DJI Mini range to a whole new level. What are the advantages of each? Which is better? Discover all the answers in this comparison: Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro!

Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: design

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Weight	249g	< 249 g
Dimensions (folded, with propellers)	142 × 94 × 55 mm	145 x 90 x 62 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, with propellers)	260 × 325 × 55 mm	251 x 362 x 70 mm

The Autel EVO Nano+ and DJI Mini 3 Pro are two very similar drones: they both fall into the sub-250g category – weighing in at 249g each – and share a foldable design, with their four arms folding away for simplified storage and transport.

Despite these similarities, there are a few notable differences. The Mini 3 Pro is slightly larger, and has much larger propellers than the Nano+. The Nano+’s arms are fitted with small legs, while the Mini 3 Pro stands on tiny feet at the front and rear of its chassis.

Both are equipped with obstacle sensors, but in different positions. On the Nano+, the front and rear sensors are positioned in the classic way, at the front and rear respectively. On the Mini 3 Pro, the rear sensors are positioned in protuberances just behind the front sensors, pointing slightly upwards and becoming horizontal when the drone moves backwards.

As for the battery, both drones have one that slides directly into the body of the device. The advantage of the Nano+ lies in its integrated charge indicator, enabling you to check the battery level even when it’s not inserted in the drone. With the Mini 3 Pro, on the other hand, you have to insert the battery into the device to check its charge level.

The Nano+ is also distinguished by its variety of colors: classic orange, space gray, fiery red and arctic white, while the Mini 3 Pro is only available in light gray. Despite these design differences, both drones give an impression of quality and robustness.

🥇 Autel EVO Nano+ advantage in color selection

Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: transmission and radio controls

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Video transmission system	SkyLink altar	DJI O3
Maximum transmission distance	10 km (FCC) 5 km (CE)	12 km (FCC) 6 km (CE)
Real-time transmission quality	2.7K at 30 fps (less than 1 km) 1080P at 30 fps (more than 1 km)	1080p at 30 fps

Video transmission

Each drone uses its manufacturer’s own video transmission system: SkyLink for Autel and O3 (OcuSync 3) for DJI. On the DJI side, the range is slightly greater, with a transmission distance of 12 km for FCC-compliant countries (vs. 10 km for Autel), and 6 km for CE-compliant countries (vs. 5 km). This difference is not really significant, as the range offered is already more than sufficient for most uses.

A small advantage for the Nano+, which can broadcast in 2.7K quality up to a distance of 1 kilometer before switching to 1080p. By comparison, the Mini 3 Pro maintains 1080p return quality at 30 fps, whatever the flight distance. The difference isn’t glaring, however, and the DJI’s image even appears brighter. In any case, both technologies offer a stable and reliable connection, with no notable disconnections according to available feedback.

🥇Avantage DJI Mini 3 Pro for slightly longer range

Radio controls

As far as controllers are concerned, Autel offers a single remote control for its Nano+. It resembles an Xbox controller with its elongated handles, lightweight and very pleasant to hold. As with DJI, it incorporates a cell phone holder on the top, which folds upwards.

DJI offers two options:

1. DJI RC-N1 standard remote control: Larger than the Nano+, it has a similar cell phone holder on the top edge.
2. DJI RC remote control: Unveiled at the same time as the Mini 3 Pro, this remote control features a large 5.5-inch touchscreen with 700 nits of brightness.

While the Nano+’s remote control is light and pleasant in the hand, it doesn ‘t allow you to store the joysticks or the smartphone connection cable . By contrast, the DJI RC and RC-N1 have slots for joysticks, and the cable can be stored in the RC-N1’s mobile holder when folded. What’s more, both DJI joysticks feature a handy slider for changing the flight mode, a feature absent from the Autel joystick.

Despite these minor differences, all these controllers work very well and offer excellent, fluid and responsive control. With its integrated screen, the DJI RC is undoubtedly the best of the three, even if you’ll have to pay a bit more for it.

🥇 DJI Mini 3 Pro advantage when it comes to radio controllers (including the superb DJI RC)

Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: in flight

Flight performance

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Maximum speed	15 m/s (Ludicrous) 10 m/s (Standard) 5 m/s (Smooth)	16 m/s (Sport) 10 m/s (Normal) 6 m/s (Cine)
Maximum ascent speed	5 m/s (Ludicrous) 4 m/s (Standard) 3 m/s (Smooth)	5 m/s (Sport) 3 m/s (Normal) 2 m/s (Cine)
Maximum descent speed	4 m/s (Ludicrous) 3 m/s (Standard) 2 m/s (Smooth)	5 m/s (Sport) 3 m/s (Normal) 1.5 m/s (Cine)
Maximum wind resistance	10 m/s	10.7 m/s

Each drone offers three flight modes, although the names differ:

• Smooth (Autel) or Cine (DJI) mode: The slowest mode, ideal for ultra-fluid, cinematic videos.
• Standard (Autel) or Normal (DJI) mode: The versatile mode you’ll use most of the time.
• Ludicrous (Autel) or Sport (DJI) mode: The fastest mode, where collision avoidance is disabled.

Although their flying speeds are similar, the Mini 3 Pro is slightly faster horizontally, particularly in the slowest and fastest modes. Its maximum speed is 16 m/s (approx. 58 km/h), compared with 15 m/s (54 km/h) for the Nano+. This slight superiority enables the Mini 3 Pro to cover an area more quickly. However, the Nano+’s more moderate speed in the preferred shooting mode gives it an extra smoothness for truly fluid shots.

In terms of wind resistance, the two drones are theoretically equal, capable of withstanding level 5 winds. In practice, the Mini 3 Pro has the edge. According to available feedback, the Mini 3 Pro appears generally more comfortable in gusty conditions, with fewer unwanted movements and better stability.

In any case, both drones demonstrate impressive stability in flight, and their respective nacelles excel at maintaining a stable image. Both are responsive, easy and pleasant to fly.

🥇 DJI Mini 3 Pro advantage for better wind resistance

Obstacle detection

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Obstacle detection system	Forward Backward Downward	Forward Backward Downward

The Autel EVO Nano+ and its little brother the Nano (for short) were the first drones weighing less than 250 grams to incorporate obstacle detection. But it wasn’t long before the Mini 3 Pro landed with similar capabilities.

The Nano+ features a three-way obstacle detection system, using binocular vision sensors on the front, rear and underside of the drone. Highly sensitive (even more so than DJI’s), this system first slows the drone down if an obstacle is detected, giving you time to manually fly around it, before bringing the drone to a complete stop. However, it does not offer an automatic obstacle avoidance function.

The Mini 3 Pro uses a tri-directional obstacle detection system with wide-angle sensors at the front, rear and bottom. Coupled with the Advanced Pilot Assist System (APAS), it can, depending on settings, brake or stop the drone, as well as automatically avoid detected obstacles. DJI’s system is particularly effective for flying in complex environments, such as forests, where automatic avoidance can make all the difference.

🥇 DJI Mini 3 Pro advantage for automatic obstacle avoidance

Battery and autonomy

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Batteries	2250 mAh	2453 mAh
Autonomy	28 minutes	34 minutes
Charging time	90 minutes	30W charger: 64 minutes 30W charger + charging station: 56 minutes

The Autel EVO Nano+ uses a battery with a capacity of 2250 mAh, offering, according to the manufacturer, a flight time of 28 minutes. This is measured under optimal flight conditions; in real-life conditions, this autonomy is generally between 20 and 25 minutes.

For its part, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is equipped with a 2453 mAh battery, capable of providing a flight time of 34 minutes, according to DJI. Again, in practice, this is often reduced to 22-25 minutes, depending on flight conditions.

Flight times vary widely, so it’s hard to tell the difference between the two drones on this point. But generally speaking, the Mini 3 Pro tends to offer flights closer to 25 minutes, flying on average a few minutes longer than the Nano+.

A notable advantage of the Nano+’s batteries is their integrated charge level indicator lights, enabling you to check the battery’s condition even when it’s out of the drone. Unlike the Mini 3 Pro, where you need to reinsert the battery to check its charge level.

However, the Mini 3 Pro regains the advantage with a faster charge time: 64 minutes, or even 56 minutes with the dedicated charging station, compared with 90 minutes for the Nano+.

🥇AvantageAutel EVO Nano+ for battery-integrated charge indicators
🥇AvantageDJI Mini 3 Pro for slightly longer autonomy and faster charging time

Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: photos and video

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Sensor	1/1.28-inch 50 MP CMOS	1/1.3-inch 48 MP CMOS
Lens	Equivalent format 23mm Aperture f/1.9 FOV 85° (in mm)	24 mm equivalent format Aperture f/1.7 FOV 82.1
Photo resolution	12 and 50 MP	12 and 48 MP
Maximum video resolution	4K up to 30 fps 2.7K up to 30 fps 1080p up to 60 fps	4K up to 60 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps FHD up to 60 fps (120 fps in slow-motion mode)
ISO range	100 à 6400	100 à 6400
Maximum bit rate	100 Mbps	150 Mbps
Digital Zoom	Up to 16 times	4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x
Photo format	JPG(8-bit) DNG(10-bit) JPG+DNG	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4/MOV	MP4/MOV (H.264/H.265)
Color profile	Standard D-Log	Normal D-Cinelike

Nacelle, sensor and resolution

The Autel EVO Nano+ is equipped with a 1/1.28-inch, 50 MP sensor, slightly larger than the 1/1.3-inch, 48 MP sensor of the DJI Mini 3 Pro. However, the Mini 3 Pro compensates with a wider aperture of f/1.7 versus f/1.9 for the Nano+, enabling it to capture more light.

Both cameras can shoot at 12 MP and very high resolutions: 50 MP for the Nano+ and 48 MP for the Mini 3 Pro. However, only the Mini 3 Pro can capture photos at maximum resolution in raw format (RAW), an asset for those who like to retouch colorimetry in post-production.

When it comes to video, both drones shoot in 4K, but the Mini 3 Pro stands out with higher frame rates at all resolutions: 4K up to 60 fps, 2.7K up to 60 fps, and 1080p up to 120 fps in slow-motion mode. By comparison, the Nano+ stops at 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K at 30 fps and 1080p at 60 fps. Slow-motion enthusiasts will be delighted with the Mini 3 Pro, which also offers a video bit rate of 150 Mbps, compared with 100 Mbps for the Nano+.

🚨 The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s innovative pod
While both drones feature a three-axis stabilized pod, the Mini 3 Pro’s has a major advantage: it can rotate the camera 90˚ in portrait mode. This enables the Mini 3 Pro to capture images in true vertical format, ideal for social networks like TikTok and Instagram stories. The Nano+, on the other hand, has to crop horizontal images, losing definition in the process.

🥇 DJI Mini 3 Pro rotating pod advantage

Image quality

In both photography and video, the Autel EVO Nano+ and the DJI Mini 3 Pro both produce beautiful images. However, their manufacturers adopt different approaches to image processing, resulting in a number of visual differences.

TheAutel EVO Nano+ offers a higher-contrast , slightly darker image than its counterpart. Its images are also more detailed and sharper. If you enlarge the image, you’ll notice that the Autel applies more aggressive software processing, accentuating the sharpness of contours and attenuating digital noise. This makes the Nano+’s images particularly sharp at normal size, although this processing can seem a little artificial when cropped tightly.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro, meanwhile, produces images that are a little brighter and more saturated, with greens (like grass and trees) and blues (like the sky) standing out more. DJI seems to leave more raw information, which translates into softer edges and a little more noise. This gives a more natural impression, even if it may seem less sharp at first glance.

In the final analysis, both models offer flattering images, and it’s hard to decide between them objectively. The choice between the two will depend mainly on your personal preferences.

🤝 No winner here, it’s all a matter of taste

Photo and video features

When it comes to settings, both drones offer a manual mode that lets you adjust exposure, white balance and more, to get images that perfectly match your vision. They also offer flat color profiles, with D-Cinelike for DJI and D-Log for Autel, for post-production color management like a pro.

Both drones feature a digital zoom, but the Nano+’s is vastly superior, zooming in at up to 16x, compared with up to 4x (in Full HD) for the Mini 3 Pro. Bear in mind, however, that image quality degrades significantly at higher zoom levels, making this zoom more useful for spotting than for usable images.

In terms of photo modes, the Nano+ and Mini 3 Pro offer similar features, including photo bracketing, interval shots and panoramas.

In terms of video, both drones share several exciting modes, such as Hyperlapse (accelerated video in motion), QuickShots (automatic flight paths while capturing video) and subject tracking. However, the DJI Mini 3 Pro stands out with 6 QuickShots versus 4 for the Nano+, and offers more options and parameters for subject tracking.

Each drone also has its own unique features. The Nano+ features MovieMaster, a mode with preset templates for easily editing personalized video clips and posting them instantly. In the same style, the Mini 3 Pro offers MasterShots mode, which creates a music-based montage from various QuickShots, instantly shareable on social networks. But the Nano+ also stands out with SkyPortrait, which takes group photos by blurring the background, and SoundRecord, which records the sound of your smartphone while you film.

Last but not least, both drones also feature a function for rapid transfer of captured footage to a smartphone: SuperDownload from Autel and Quicktransfer from DJI.

🥇 Autel EVO Nano+ advantage for its unique features (SkyPortrait, SoundRecord)
🥇 DJI Mini 3 Pro advantage for its more advanced features, including subject tracking and QuickShots

Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: prices

	Autel EVO Nano+	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Drone without radio control	–	589€ See on Amazon
Standard Pack	$679 (official website) / 569€ (Amazon) See on Amazon	659€ (DJI RC-N1 remote control) See on Amazon 799€ (DJI RC remote control) See on Amazon
Premium Pack	$799 (official website) See on Amazon	Standard pack + €189

Both the Autel EVO Nano+ and DJI Mini 3 Pro are available in standard packs that include the drone, radio control system, battery, spare propellers, protective cover for the nacelle, and various charging and data transfer cables.

The standard Nano+ package is priced at 679 US dollars on Autel’s online store. You can also find it on other stores, such as Amazon, where it is being sold for €569 at the time of writing.

For the Mini 3 Pro, you can choose between two remote control options: the standard remote control (DJI RC-N1) for €659 from the DJI online store, or the remote control with integrated screen (DJI RC) for €799.

The Nano+ is also available in a Premium pack, which includes additional accessories: three batteries instead of one, twelve spare propellers, a carry bag, a charging station and a propeller attachment. This pack is priced at $799 on Autel’s official online store.

The Mini 3 Pro has no equivalent Premium pack, but DJI offers a Fly More kit, sold separately, which includes two batteries, two pairs of propellers, a charging station and a shoulder bag for €189.

One advantage of the Mini 3 Pro is that it’s also available to buy without remote control or accessories, ideal if you already have a DJI radio control or need to replace just the drone. The Mini 3 Pro alone is available for €589.

🥇 Autel EVO Nano+ advantage for its lower price
🥇 DJI Mini 3 Pro advantage for the possibility of buying the drone on its own

Conclusion Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: which to choose?

The Autel EVO Nano+ and DJI Mini 3 Pro are very similar in terms of features, performance and image quality. On this point, the Nano+ has nothing to envy the Mini 3 Pro in terms of photo and video quality, making the choice largely a matter of personal taste.

Released more recently, the Mini 3 Pro boasts several notable advantages . Its rotating camera enables true vertical shots, ideal for social networking. It also offers more advanced features, such as obstacle detection, photo/video modes (subject tracking, QuickShots), better wind resistance and slightly longer battery life. What’s more, compatibility with the DJI RC, the remote control with integrated screen, greatly enhances the flying experience.

The Nano+, on the other hand, stands out for its more affordable price (at least now, as this wasn’t the case at its launch, when it was much more expensive). It also offers unique features such as SkyPortrait, for group photos with a blurred background, and SoundRecord, which records the sound of your smartphone as you shoot.

Overall, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is slightly better. However, we mustn’t forget that the Nano+ pioneered some unique innovations for a drone in this category. It remains an excellent choice that can still hold its own against its rival, and provides the necessary competition for DJI to continue outdoing itself.

Choose the Autel EVO Nano+ if…

… you pay attention to your budget. The Nano+ is now more affordable than the Mini 3 Pro, while offering almost equivalent performance, notably with a camera that easily rivals that of the Mini 3 Pro.

Choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro if…

… you want the best-performing drone. The Mini 3 Pro’s features are more advanced, with major advantages such as its rotating camera for vertical shots and the ability to pilot it with the DJI RC for a superior flying experience.

See also our individual tests of the two drones in this comparison Autel EVO Nano+ vs DJI Mini 3 Pro:
➡️ Autel EVO Nano+: full test
➡️ DJI Mini 3 Pro: our full test