DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: which drone to choose?

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is DJI’s new high-end consumer drone, designed for demanding pilots and ambitious content creators. Opposite it, the DJI Air 3S shines for its versatility, making it an excellent choice in the mid-range. So, should we aim for the top of the range, or stick with a more versatile and accessible model? Is the price difference justified? Which one will best suit your profile? If you’re hesitating between the two, our DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S comparison is here to help you make the right choice!

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: What you need to know

👉 For those who don’t have the time (or courage) to read it all, here are the key points to remember at a glance.

– Image quality: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro features a 100 MP Hasselblad 4/3 camera, well above the 1-inch sensor of the Air 3S. The latter remains excellent in many situations, including low light, but the Mavic 4 Pro captures more detail in shadows and highlights. It can also shoot up to 6K, which leaves more room for lossless cropping.

– On-board cameras: The Mavic 4 Pro offers three cameras, compared with two for the Air 3S. It’s the only one to offer a long telephoto focal length of 168 mm, ideal for getting up close to your subject without loss of quality and creating a nice depth of field.

– Rotating gondola: Another advantage of the Mavic 4 Pro is its ultra-flexible 360° rotating gondola, enabling true vertical shots without cropping, as well as more creative movements (such as more pronounced low-angle shots).

– Autonomy: Both drones offer comfortable autonomy, with a slight advantage for the Mavic 4 Pro (up to 51 min vs. 45 min in theory). In real-life conditions, the gap remains similar. A good point for those who make frequent flights with several batteries.

– Flying performance: the Mavic 4 Pro is slightly faster in a straight line (up to 90 km/h vs. 75 km/h). On the other hand, wind resistance is identical: 12 m/s for both, and remarkable stability, even in windy conditions.

– Intelligent functions: Many functions are common (subject tracking, QuickShots, MasterShots, obstacle detection…). The Mavic 4 Pro goes a step further with a longer detection range, bird recognition and an exclusive QuickShot.

– Worth knowing: The Mavic 4 Pro stands out in almost every respect… but the price gap between the two drones starts at around €1,000, and can climb even higher depending on the packages chosen.

💡 In short: the Mavic 4 Pro is for those who want the ultimate in video and in-flight control. The Air 3S, on the other hand, remains an excellent all-round choice, already offering a great deal.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: Design

	DJI Mavic 4 Pro	DJI Air 3S
Weight	1063 g	724 g
Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	257.6 × 124.8 × 103.4 mm	214.19 x 100.63 x 89.17 mm
Dimensions (unfolded) (L x W x H)	328.7 × 390.5 × 135.2 mm (with propellers)	266.11 x 325.47 x 106.00 mm (without propellers)
Internal storage	64 GB / 512 GB (Creator)	42 GB

Two very different sizes

The Mavic 4 Pro is considerably heavier: 1063 g on the scales, compared with 724 g for theAir 3S. This difference of more than 300 g is also reflected in the overall dimensions.
When unfolded, the Mavic measures 328.7 × 390.5 × 135.2 mm, whereas the Air 3S makes do with 266.11 × 325.47 × 106.00 mm. In folded mode, the difference is just as obvious: the Mavic is over 25 cm long, compared with just 21 cm for the Air 3S.

Like all recent DJI drones, these two models feature a folding-arm design, designed for easy transport. But the real visual difference lies elsewhere: in the nacelle.

• TheAir 3S adopts a nacelle suspended classically below the axis of the body, in line with previous generations.
• The Mavic 4 Pro, on the other hand, introduces a spherical pod in the central axis, capable of pivoting 360° on itself – a technical feat that opens up new creative perspectives. (We’ll come back to this in the camera section).

In terms of storage, the Mavic 4 Pro offers 64 GB of internal memory (or 512 GB in the Creator pack), compared with 42 GB for the Air 3S.

Different flight rules: C1 vs C2 class

The two drones do not belong to the same European class, which has a direct impact on the flight distances authorized in sensitive areas.

• Air 3S (class C1): authorized to fly up to 30 meters from residential, industrial or commercial areas.
• Mavic 4 Pro (class C2): requires a minimum distance of 150 meters from these zones, unless you are flying in a specific category with prior authorization.

👉 This is a crucial regulatory point to bear in mind, especially if you often film in towns or populated areas.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: Transmission and radio controls

	DJI Mavic 4 Pro	DJI Air 3S
Compatible radio controls	DJI RC 2 DJI RC Pro 2	DJI RC-N3 DJI RC 2
Video transmission system	O4+	O4
Max. transmission distance	FCC: 30 km CE: 15 km	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km

Video transmission : O4 vs O4+ 📡

The DJI Air 3S is based on O4, the fourth generation of DJI’s video transmission system, which is already highly efficient. The Mavic 4 Pro, on the other hand, goes one step further with O4+, an improved version that offers a greater theoretical range(up to 30 km in FCC, compared with 20 km for the Air 3S) and, above all, greater stability in complex conditions.

➡️ In an unobstructed environment, both UAVs have more than enough range for all common uses. But above all, these figures illustrate the reliability of the signal, and this is where the Mavic 4 Pro retains the advantage: it is more resistant to interference and obstacles (forests, buildings, etc.), an invaluable asset for urban flights or demanding filming.

Compatible radio controls 🎮

Both drones are compatible with the DJI RC 2, the radio remote control with integrated display that is highly appreciated for its compactness and readability. This is the most practical option for most pilots, especially when traveling.

But there are some notable differences:

• DJI Air 3S: delivered by default with the DJI RC-N3, a classic remote control without screen. You need to connect your smartphone to access video feedback.
• DJI Mavic 4 Pro: delivered directly with the DJI RC 2, and compatible with the new DJI RC Pro 2, DJI’s top-of-the-range radio control for the general public.

This latest model takes everything that made the DJI RC Pro such a success (ultra-bright screen, built-in Android, customizable buttons) and goes even further, with a 7-inch swivel screen, built-in microphone, DJI Mic compatibility, 4-hour battery life, internal storage, and even a built-in DJI flight simulator.

💡 For those who want the ultimate flying experience, the Mavic 4 Pro + RC Pro 2 combo is clearly the top of the range.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: Autonomy and recharging

	DJI Mavic 4 Pro	DJI Air 3S
Battery	6654 mAh	4276 mAh
Autonomy	51 minutes	45 minutes
Charging time	240 W AC adapter: 51 minutes (3 batteries in 90 minutes) 100 W USB-C AC adapter: 80 minutesVia device: 115 minutes	65W charger: approx. 80 minutes 100W USB-C power adapter + charging station: approx. 60 minutes

Comfortable battery life, with a slight advantage for the Mavic 4 Pro

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro boasts a 6654 mAh battery, compared with 4276 mAh for theAir 3S. The result: up to 51 minutes of autonomy for the Mavic, versus 45 minutes for the Air 3S.

➡️ In real-world conditions, published tests report around 35 to 40 minutes of flight time for the Mavic 4 Pro, and 30 to 35 minutes for the Air 3S.

In both cases, we enjoy very comfortable flight times, far superior to those offered by previous generations. The Mavic 4 Pro keeps a slight head start, which can make all the difference for those who do a lot of filming with several batteries – the minutes saved add up quickly.

Recharging: an advantage for Mavic… if you invest

Here again, the Mavic 4 Pro is a step ahead – provided you have the right charger.

• Mavic 4 Pro: compatible with a 240 W AC adapter sold separately, capable of charging 1 battery in 51 minutes, or 3 in 90 minutes via the DJI hub. USB-C 100 W takes 80 minutes, or 115 minutes via the drone itself.
• Air 3S: with a 100 W charger + hub, a full battery is reached in 60 minutes. With a 65 W charger, it takes 80 to 90 minutes.

💡 In short: the Mavic 4 Pro offers longer battery life and faster recharging… if you’re prepared to invest in a 240 W charger. Otherwise, charging times are pretty much the same.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: In-flight performance

	DJI Mavic 4 Pro	DJI Air 3S
Maximum speed	25 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	12 m/s

On paper, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is slightly faster than the more compact Air 3S, especially in Sport mode. It can reach speeds of 25 m/s ( 90 km/h), compared with 21 m/s (approx. 75 km/h) for the Air 3S. On the other hand, both drones boast identical climb and descent speeds: up to 10 m/s, enough to climb or descend quickly when the situation calls for it.

📌 This performance is more than sufficient for most applications, including dynamic shots, vehicle tracking and mountain flying.

Both drones boast a maximum wind resistance of 12 m/s, or around 43 km/h. Based on published tests and available real-world comparisons, no significant difference is observed: both the Mavic 4 Pro and the Air 3S remain remarkably stable in flight, even in windy conditions. Impressive stability, true to DJI know-how.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S : Features

	DJI Mavic 4 Pro	DJI Air 3S
Photo modes	Single shot, Auto exposure bracketing (AEB), Burst, Interval, Panoramas	Single shot, Auto exposure bracketing (AEB), Burst, Interval, Panoramas
Video modes	Normal video, Slow motion, Hyperlapse, QuickShots, MasterShots	Normal video, Slow motion, Hyperlapse, QuickShots, MasterShots
Intelligent modes	Subject tracking, Waypoint	Subject tracking, Waypoint
Obstacle detection	Omnidirectional binocular optical system + infrared sensor under drone + forward-facing LiDAR	Omnidirectional binocular optical system + infrared sensor under drone + forward-facing LiDAR

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro and Air 3S offer a virtually identical range of functions. Only a few points distinguish them.

Photo & video: an exclusive option on the Mavic 4 Pro

Both drones offer a full range of modes: exposure bracketing, burst, panoramas, slow motion, Hyperlapse, MasterShots, QuickShots…
But the Mavic 4 Pro offers an additional QuickShot thanks to its rotating gondola: the Vertical Orbit mode, designed for filming dynamic shots in portrait format.

Subject tracking: greater range and precision for the Mavic 4 Pro

Subject detection is more advanced on the Mavic 4 Pro, which can track :

• 👤 One person up to 50 m (compared with 25 m on Air 3S)
• 🚗 A car up to 200 m (compared with 100 m)
• 🐦 And even birds in flight, which Air 3S can’t do.

Obstacle detection: perfect equality

Both models feature an omnidirectional detection system, combining binocular cameras, an infrared sensor under the chassis, and front-facing LiDAR, capable of perceiving in the dark. A highly reliable configuration, even in dense or complex environments.

Practical features: GPS-free RTH and fast transfer

Another thing in common:

• 🛰️ Return to starting point even without GPS signal, based on memory of initial trajectory
• 📤 QuickTransfer even when the drone is switched off, for quick video transfer to your smartphone without switching on the drone

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: Photo and video

	DJI Mavic 4 Pro	DJI Air 3S
Sensors	– Hasselblad camera: CMOS 4/3 – Medium telecamera: CMOS 1/1.3 inch – Long telecamera: CMOS 1/1.5 inch	– Main camera: 1-inch CMOS – Medium remote camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS
Objective	– Hasselblad camera: Equivalent to 28 mm, Aperture: f/2.0 to f/11, FOV 72° – Medium telecamera: Equivalent to 70 mm, Aperture: f/2.8, FOV 35° – Long telecamera: Equivalent to 168 mm, Aperture: f/2.8, FOV 15	– Main camera: Equivalent to 24 mm, Aperture: f/1.8, FOV 84° – Medium telecamera: Equivalent to 70 mm, Aperture: f/2.8, FOV 35°.
Max. photo resolution	– Hasselblad camera: 100 MP – Medium telecamera: 48 MP – Long telecamera: 50 MP	– Hasselblad camera: 50 MP – Medium telecamera: 48 MP
Max. video resolution	– Hasselblad camera: up to 6K at 120 fps and 4K at 120 fps – Medium telecamera: up to 4K at 120 fps – Long telecamera: up to 4K at 100 fps	– Hasselblad camera: up to 4K at 120 fps – Medium format telecamera: up to 4K at 120 fps
ISO range	100 à 12800	100 à 12800
Max. bit rate	– H.264 Standard Bitrate: 90 Mb/s – H.265 Standard Bitrate: 180 Mb/s – H.264 ALL-I Bitrate: 1200 Mb/s	130 Mb/s
Digital zoom	– Hasselblad camera: 1x to 2.5x – Medium telecamera: 2.5x to 6x – Long telecamera: 6x to 24x	– Wide-angle camera: 1 to 2.9x – Medium-angle telecamera: 3 to 9x
Photo format	JPEG DNG (RAW)	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4 (H.264 ALL-I/H.264 Standard/H.265 Standard)	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)
Color profile	Normal HLG D-Log M D-Log	Normal HLG D-Log M

A unique rotating gondola for creative shots

The special feature of the Mavic 4 Pro is its gondola, which can rotate 360° around its axis. This exceptional range of rotation (from -90° to +450°) enables creative shots impossible to achieve with the fixed camera of the DJI Air 3S. For example, it’s possible to rotate the horizon in the image, or parallelize a movement, whereas the Air 3S remains fixed on its axis.

Another striking difference is the vertical tilt. The Mavic 4 Pro can tilt its camera up to +70°, compared with +60° for the Air 3S. This enables more pronounced low-angle filming, which is very useful for following a subject at height or capturing fluid upward movements.

Finally, the Mavic can produce true vertical videos thanks to its rotating gondola. The Air 3S, like the Mavic’s secondary cameras, is limited to a vertical mode based on cropping (resolution reduced to 2.7K).

Three cameras versus two: a clear advantage for the Mavic 4 Pro

This is one of the points that immediately distinguishes the two drones: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro packs three cameras, compared with just two for the DJI Air 3S.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro :

• 📸 100 MP Hasselblad wide-angle 4/3 camera (28 mm equivalent, f/2.0 to f/11 aperture)
• 🔭 70 mm medium-format telecamera (1/1.3″ sensor, 48 MP)
• 🔎 168 mm long telecamera (1/1.5″ sensor, 50 MP)

DJI Air 3S :

• 📸 1″ 50 MP main camera (24 mm equivalent, f/1.8 aperture)
• 🔭 70 mm medium-format telecamera (1/1.3″ sensor, 48 MP)

➡️ The Mavic 4 Pro is the only camera to offer a long optical focal length of 168 mm, ideal for capturing close-ups without digital zoom, with optimum image quality and increased depth of field.

Video resolutions: clear advantage for the Mavic 4 Pro

On the main camera, the DJI Air 3S goes up to 4K at 120 fps, while the Mavic 4 Pro can go up to 6K at 120 fps and also 4K at 120 fps. This enables the latter to crop more easily in post-production, while maintaining excellent image quality.

On the medium-format telecamera (70 mm), the two drones are a perfect match: both offer 4K resolution at 120 fps, with the same 1/1.3-inch, 48 MP sensor and f/2.8 aperture.

Finally, only the Mavic 4 Pro offers a 168 mm long telecamera, capable of filming up to 4K at 100 fps. This is a real added strength for those who want to alternate angles and vary shot types without compromising on quality.

⚠️ Please note: 6K files from the Mavic 4 Pro are particularly heavy and require a powerful machine for editing, but they offer remarkable flexibility in post-production.

Better light management on the Mavic 4 Pro

In daylight, the two drones deliver a very fine image, with a faithful, sharp and well-exposed rendering.

But as soon as the light fades, the Mavic 4 Pro gains the upper hand:

• Larger sensor = better light capture
• Superior dynamic range: up to 16 stops vs. 14 stops for Air 3S
• More detail in shadows and better management of highlights

Both drones can shoot in HDR at their maximum resolution, with Normal, HLG and D-Log M color profiles. The Mavic 4 Pro adds a classic D-Log profile, which offers an even flatter image, ideal for demanding post-production colorists.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: Prices and packages

DJI Mavic 4 Pro	Price		DJI Air 3S	Price
Standard Pack (with DJI RC 2)	2099 €	See on Amazon	Standard Pack (with DJI RC-N3)	1099 €	See on Amazon
Fly More Pack (with DJI RC 2)	2699 €	See on Amazon	Fly More Pack (with DJI RC-N3)	1399 €	See on Amazon
512 GB Creator Bundle (with DJI RC Pro 2)	3539 €	See on Amazon	Fly More Pack (with DJI RC 2)	1599 €	See on Amazon

The DJI Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro are both available in a range of configurations, with significant differences in price… but also in functionality.

📦 DJI Mavic 4 Pro packs

• Standard Pack – €2099
  This pack includes the essentials: the drone, DJI RC 2 remote control with integrated display, battery, 100W charger, spare propellers and carrying case.
• Fly More Pack – €2699
  Adds two extra batteries, a parallel charging station, a carry bag and a total of three sets of propellers, all for the DJI RC 2. A combo for long flight sessions.
• 512 GB Creator Pack – €3539
  The most complete bundle, with the contents of the Fly More, a DJI RC Pro 2 remote control, a 512 GB internal disk built into the drone for heavy video files in ALL-I 4:2:2 format, and an ultra-fast 240 W charger.

📦 DJI Air 3S Packs

• Standard Pack – €1099
  The most affordable option, with the classic DJI RC-N3 remote control (without screen), battery, spare propellers, pod cover and cables.
• Fly More Pack (RC-N3) – €1,399
  Includes two batteries, a charging station, a set of ND filters(ND8/ND32/ND128), a bag and two additional pairs of propellers.
• Fly More Pack (RC 2) – €1,599
  Same contents as the classic Fly More, but with the DJI RC 2 remote control, much more practical thanks to its integrated display.

💡 On a comparable configuration basis, the difference is clear: the Mavic 4 Pro is around €1,000 more expensive than the Air 3S. For example, a Fly More pack with the DJI RC 2 costs €2,699 for the Mavic versus €1,599 for the Air 3S.

Conclusion DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S: Which to choose?

At the end of this comparison, one thing is clear: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is superior to the Air 3S in every respect… but the gap is never huge. On the contrary, we find two very solid, well-built drones that are, above all, very similar in terms of functionality.

The Mavic 4 Pro stands out above the rest:

• by its Hasselblad 100 MP 4/3 main sensor, which offers far superior image quality in low light,
• by the presence of a third telephoto sensor (168 mm), ideal for close-ups and depth of field,
• and its ultra-flexible rotating gondola, capable not only of filming vertically without cropping, but also of exploring unique angles of composition, particularly in low-angle shots.

💡 If you’re a demanding designer or a professional who films regularly, the Mavic 4 Pro is the ultimate choice. It’s a drone designed for those who fly every day, with extended possibilities, greater comfort and a wider creative range.

But the DJI Air 3S remains a safe bet, much more affordable and extremely versatile. It offers comfortable battery life, almost identical intelligent modes, excellent image quality and even two useful sensors (wide angle + medium telephoto) – all in a more compact, lighter format.

💡 Choose the Mavic 4 Pro if…

– You’re looking for the ultimate in functionality and image quality
– You need native vertical shooting, with no loss of quality
– You use your drone on a daily basis or for professional services
– You want to benefit from the 168 mm long-focal zoom
– You regularly fly in low light and need better dynamic range

👌 Choose the Air 3S if…

– Your budget is tighter, but you still want a high-performance drone
– You don’t need 360° roll or a third TV sensor
– You’re looking for a versatile drone that’s easy to transport and fly
– You’re an amateur or semi-pro videographer, and theessentials are more than enough for you

🔎 Find out more in our full tests of the two protagonists in this DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S comparison:
👉 Full DJI Mavic 4 Pro test
👉 Full DJI Air 3S test

💡 Also worth reading:
➡️ Check out our comparison DJI Air 3S vs Mini 4 Pro to choose between power and portability.

🛠️ For maintenance and repairs, you can find all compatible spare parts:
* DJI Mavic 4 Pro Spare Parts
* DJI Air 3S Spare Parts