DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: what are the differences?

As with the DJI Mavic Air 2 in its day, the DJI Air 3 now welcomes an optimized little brother, the DJI Air 3S. What do these two drones have in common? How do they differ? Which one is right for you? And if you already own the Air 3, is upgrading to the Air 3S really worth it? Find all the answers in our full DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 comparison!

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Design

	DJI Air 3S	DJI Air 3
Weight	724 g	720 g
Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	214.19 x 100.63 x 89.17 mm	207 × 100.5 × 91.1 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	266.11 x 325.47 x 106.00 mm	258.8 × 326 × 105.8 mm
Storage	Internal memory 42 GB microSD memory card up to 1 TB	8 GB internal memory microSD memory card up to 1 TB
Batteries	4276 mAh	4241 mAh
Autonomy	45 minutes	46 minutes

In terms of design, the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S are almost twins. Just a few millimeters and only 4 grams separate the two models: the Air 3S weighs 724 g versus 720 g for the Air 3, placing both in the C1 category in Europe.

Apart from the model’s inscription on the front left arm, only two points really distinguish them:

• the Air 3S’s nacelle is larger, thanks to an improved main sensor. We’ll explore this point in the image section.
• the nose of the Air 3S features an additional black plastic piece between the front sensors, incorporating a LiDAR sensor for more precise obstacle detection. We’ll talk more about this in the features section.

Inside, the Air 3S offers a nice advantage: 42GB of internal memory, far more generous than the 8GB of the Air 3, perfect for those who sometimes forget their memory card.

On the battery side, the Air 3S boasts a slightly higher capacity (4276 mAh vs. 4241 mAh for the Air 3). However, these batteries remain compatible between the two models, with only one minute’s additional flight time for the Air 3 (46 min vs. 45 min). In real-life conditions, this difference is imperceptible, with actual flight times hovering around 35 to 40 minutes , depending on the conditions and functions used.

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Transmission and radio controls

	DJI Air 3S	DJI Air 3
Compatible radio controls	DJI RC-N3 DJI RC 2	DJI RC-N2 DJ RC 2
Video transmission system	DJI O4	DJI O4
Live preview quality	1080p up to 60 fps	1080p up to 60 fps
Max. transmission distance	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km

Control-wise, there’s no revolution between the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S: both drones use the same DJI O4 video transmission system. This system ensures a range of up to 20 km under FCC standards and 10 km under CE standards, with live 1080p feedback at up to 60 frames per second.

A subtle difference concerns the radio controls. While both models are compatible with the DJI RC 2 (equipped with an integrated screen that makes it possible to do without a smartphone), the DJI Air 3S comes with the most recent version of the standard remote control, the DJI RC-N3, while the Air 3 is supplied with the DJI RC-N2.

While at first glance the two models appear identical, the RC-N3 brings an unexpected change: it’s actually a lighter version. It features a single 2600 mAh battery, compared with two in the RC-N2, reducing its autonomy to 3h30 (vs. 6 hours for the RC-N2). On the other hand, it’s lighter, weighing 320 g instead of 375 g.

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Cameras and Image

	DJI Air 3S	DJI Air 3
Sensors	Wide-angle camera: 1 inch CMOS 50 MP Medium-angle telecamera: 1/1.3 inch CMOS 48 MP	Wide-angle camera: 1/1.3-inch 48 MP CMOS Medium-format telecamera: 1/1.3-inch 48 MP CMOS
Lens (wide-angle camera)	24 mm equivalent format F/1.8 aperture FOV 84	24-mm equivalent format F/1.7 aperture FOV 82°.
Lens (medium telecamera)	Equivalent format 70 mm Aperture f/2.8 FOV 35° (in mm)	Equivalent format 70 mm Aperture f/2.8 FOV 35° (in mm)
Max photo resolution	Wide-angle camera: 50 MP Medium telecamera: 48 MP	Wide-angle camera: 48 MP Medium telecamera: 48 MP
Max video resolution	4K up to 120 fps Full HD up to 240 fps 2.7K vertical shooting up to 60 fps	4K up to 100 fps Full HD up to 200 fps 2.7K vertical shooting up to 60 fps
ISO range	100 à 12800	100 to 6400 (Photo, Normal Video and Slow Motion) 800 to 12800 (Night Video)
Max bit rate	130 Mb/s	150 Mb/s
Digital Zoom	Wide-angle camera: 1 to 2.9x Medium-angle telecamera: 3 to 9x	Wide-angle camera: 1x to 3x Medium-angle telecamera: 3x to 9x
Photo format	JPEG DNG (RAW)	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)
Color profile	Normal (8 or 10 bits) HLG (10 bits) D-Log M (10 bits)	Normal (8 bits) HLG (10 bits) D-Log M (10 bits)

The DJI Air 3S and Air 3 are both equipped with a dual-camera setup with 24mm and 70mm focal lengths, offering new creative options. The main difference lies in the size of the main camera sensor: the Air 3S features a larger 1-inch sensor capable of capturing more light, while the Air 3 has a 1/1.3-inch sensor. The second lens remains identical on both drones, with a 1/1.3-inch sensor.

In terms of resolution, the differences are small but significant:

• For photos, the Air 3S captures up to 50 MP with the main lens and 48 MP with the secondary, while the Air 3 achieves 48 MP on both cameras.
• In video, the Air 3S films in 4K at up to 120 fps (vs. 100 fps for the Air 3) and in 1080p at up to 240 fps (vs. 200 fps), offering slightly smoother slow motion.

Surprisingly, the maximum video throughput of the Air 3S is slightly lower than that of the Air 3 (130 Mb/s vs. 150 Mb/s), but this difference is imperceptible to the naked eye.

In terms of image quality, the Air 3S’s larger main sensor enables it to excel in low-light conditions. It also benefits from improved image processing with a dynamic range extended to 14 stops, restoring more detail in dark areas and highlights. In daylight, both drones deliver excellent results, but the Air 3S stands out in low light and high-contrast scenes, where it captures colors and details better.

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Features

	DJI Air 3S	DJI Air 3
Obstacle detection	Omnidirectional binocular optical system + infrared sensor under the drone + forward-facing LiDAR	Omnidirectional detection system + infrared sensor under the drone

As mentioned in the design section, the big difference between the DJI Air 3S and Air 3 lies in in-flight safety. Both drones feature omnidirectional obstacle detection, capable of spotting hazards in all directions. However, the Air 3S goes a step further with a forward-facing LiDAR sensor, capable of mapping the environment in 3D via laser pulses, thus detecting obstacles even in low light or at night.

This LiDAR sensor also enhances the Air 3S’s RTH (return to take-off) mode, enabling it to find its way back to its destination with precision without the need for GPS support.

For the rest, Air 3S and Air 3 share the same photo modes (AEB, Rafale, Interval), video (Hyperlapse, MasterShots, QuickShots) and autonomous flight modes (cruise control, Waypoint routes, subject tracking).

However, the DJI Air 3S offers a number of specific improvements:

• Panorama mode: in addition to the wide-angle, 180° and sphere options, Air 3S now offers a free panorama, enabling you to manually select the area to be captured.
• Enhanced QuickTransfer: this mode now includes an option for transferring files even when the drone is switched off, keeping it in standby mode with minimal power consumption.

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: In-flight performance

	DJI Air 3S	DJI Air 3
Maximum speed	21 m/s	21 m/s
Max. ascent speed	10 m/s	10 m/s
Max. descent speed	10 m/s	10 m/s
Max. wind resistance	12 m/s (level 6)	12 m/s (level 6)

For the sake of completeness, it’s worth noting that there’s no difference in flight performance between the DJI Air 3S and Air 3. Both drones reach a maximum horizontal speed of 21 m/s (75.6 km/h), and can climb or descend at 10 m/s (36 km/h).

In terms of wind resistance, the same applies: both the DJI Air 3S and Air 3 can withstand gusts up to level 6, i.e. 12 m/s (43.2 km/h).

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Price

	DJI Air 3S	DJI Air 3
Standard pack (DJI RC-N3 or RC-N2 remote control)	1099€ See on Amazon	879€ See on Amazon
Fly More pack (DJI RC-N3 or RC-N2 remote control)	1399€ See on Amazon	1079€ See on Amazon
Fly More pack (DJI RC 2 remote control)	1599€ See on Amazon	1239€ See on Amazon

The DJI Air 3S is available from €1099 for the basic package, which includes the drone, the standard DJI RC-N3 remote control, a battery, a pair of spare propellers, a nacelle protector and various cables. With the arrival of the Air 3S, the price of the DJI Air 3 has been reduced, and now starts at €879 for the same standard package.

For users who want more autonomy and accessories, the DJI Air 3S and Air 3 are also available in Fly More packs. These kits add two extra batteries (three in total), a charging station, a carry bag and extra spare propellers to the basic pack. The Air 3S Fly More also includes a set of ND filters (ND8, ND32, ND128).

You can choose between the standard remote control (RC-N2 for Air 3 or RC-N3 for Air 3S) and the DJI RC 2 with integrated display.

Here are the Fly More pack prices:

• Fly More package with standard radio control (RC-N2 or RC-N3): €1,399 for the Air 3S and €1,079 for the Air 3.
• Fly More pack with DJI RC 2 remote control with integrated display: €1,599 for the Air 3S and €1,239 for the Air 3.

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Conclusion

In short, two major differences distinguish the DJI Air 3S from the DJI Air 3:

• The Air 3S’s main camera is equipped with a larger 1-inch sensor, compared with 1/1.3-inch for the Air 3, which improves low-light performance.
• The Air 3S’s omnidirectional detection system incorporates a forward-facing LiDAR sensor, capable of detecting obstacles even in low light.

DJI Air 3S vs Air 3, which one to choose?

If budget is no object, opt for the DJI Air 3S. With its larger main sensor, it offers better image quality, even in low light, and improved flight safety, particularly useful for RTH (return to starting point) and subject tracking modes.

On the other hand, if these additions aren’t essential for you, the DJI Air 3 is an excellent choice. More affordable, it offers a wide variety of photo and video modes similar to those of the Air 3S, with remarkable creative possibilities thanks to its two lenses.

I already have a DJI Air 3. Should I replace it with a DJI Air 3S?

If one of the Air 3S’s two major new features would be really useful to you – for example, the 1-inch sensor that can improve the quality of your low-light videos, or the LiDAR sensor that offers enhanced in-flight safety – then the investment in the Air 3S may be worthwhile. Otherwise, keep your Air 3: it’s still an excellent drone that’s already doing a remarkable job.

Read our full tests of the two drones in this DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 comparison:
➡️ DJI Air 3S, full test: 1-inch sensor and LiDAR technology!
➡️ DJI Air 3: our full test

💡 Also worth reading:
➡️ Thinking of going lighter instead? Don’t miss our comparison Air 3S vs Mini 4 Pro.

👉 For maintenance or repairs, you can also browse all DJI Air 3S spare parts and DJI Air 3 spare parts.