DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: which drone to choose?

Day of battle at the Maison Du Drone Arena! In the left corner, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, weighing in at 249g, the king of the mini drone category. In the right corner, the DJI Air 2S, 595g on the scale, the boss of the mid-range drone category with its unbeatable price-quality ratio. So, DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S, who will win and more importantly, which one should you choose? The answer in our comparison.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: design, size and weight

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Dimensions folded (L×W×H)	145 × 90 × 62 mm	180 × 97 × 77 mm
Dimensions unfolded (L×W×H)	171 x 245 x 62 mm	183 x 253 x 77 mm
Weight	< 249g	595g

While the Mini 3 Pro and Air 2S both feature a foldable design, that’s about as far as they go. Indeed, the two drones do not play in the same category: the first, small and light, in the range of mini drones, the second, heavier and larger, in that of medium-sized drones.

Portability is the big advantage of the DJI Mini 3 Pro. Folded, it fits in your pocket and its weight of 250g makes it not only easy to take everywhere, but you won’t need to register it in most countries.

The DJI Air 2S is therefore heavier and bulkier, but what is a disadvantage in terms of portability is transformed into an advantage in flight, offering better stability and wind resistance.

However, it is important to note on this point that the DJI Mini 3 has some new design features that allow it to fly more like the Air 2S than the Mini 2, with its new arms giving it better stability in flight than its predecessor.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: remote control and range

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Range	12km	18.5km

In their basic package, both drones come with the same remote control: the DJI RC-N1. So on this point, no winner. Moreover, if you already have the Air 2S, you can use this remote control with the Mini 3 Pro, which DJI offers in a pack with the drone alone. And there you have it, a small but significant saving.

But both drones have a second option when it comes to the controller. They both have the possibility to be used with a remote control with integrated screen.

The Mini 3 Pro can be purchased with the brand new remote control specially designed for it, the DJI RC, with its integrated high brightness screen that will save you from having to use your smartphone. As for the Air 2S, it is compatible with the DJI Smart Controller, which is also equipped with an ultra bright screen.

Concerning their maximum range in flight, the Air 2s wins on this point with a distance of 18.5km against 12km for the Mini 3 Pro. But we will agree that 12km of range is already more than enough.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: the camera

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Sensor	1/1.3″ CMOS	1″ CMOS
Photo resolution	48 MP	20 MP
Video resolution	4K up to 60 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 120 fps	5.4K up to 30 fps 4K up to 60 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 120 fps
Opening	f/1.7	f/2.8
ISO Photo	100 – 6400 (Auto) 100 – 6400 (Manual)	100 – 3200 (Auto) 100 – 12800 (Manual)
ISO Video	100 – 6400 (Auto) 100 – 6400 (Manual)	100 – 3200 (Auto) 100 – 3200 (Manual) 10-Bit Dlog-M Video: 100 – 800 (Auto) 100 – 1600 (Manual)
Maximum bit rate	150 Mbps	150 Mbps
Digital Zoom	4K : 2x 2.7K : 3x 1080p: 4x	4K / 30 fps : 4x 2.7K / 60 fps : 3x 2.7K / 30 fps : 6x 1080p / 60 fps : 6x 1080p / 30 fps : 8x
Photo formats	JPEG / DNG	JPEG / DNG
Video formats	MP4/MOV (H.264/H.265)	MP4/MOV (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC)
Color profile	Normal D-Cinelike	Normal 10-bit Dlog-M 10-bit HLG

The camera is a point on which the fight between the two drones promises to be exciting. Both models have excellent cameras.

Let’s start with the Mini 3 Pro. DJI’s latest baby has something the Air 2S doesn’t: a camera that can rotate vertically, offering a wider field of view for portraits. If you’re a content creator on networks like TikTok and Instagram, chances are you’ll enjoy this feature.

Another advantage of the Mini 3 over the Air 2S: a better photo resolution. Its sensor is capable of taking photos with a resolution of 48 megapixels, against 20 megapixels for the Air 2S.

But the DJI Air 2S has not said its last word. First of all, it is capable of recording videos not in 4K like the Mini 3, but up to 5.4K at 30fps. It also offers a wider shutter speed (8-1/8000s vs. 2-1/8000s), better digital zoom (up to 4x in 4K vs. 2x for the mini drone), and a more diverse color profile, which is actually one of the main reasons why those who have the Air 2S like it so much.

In conclusion, on the camera front, the advantage clearly goes to the DJI Air 2S, thanks to its larger sensor and video resolution and its advanced zoom functions.

However, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has nothing to be ashamed of and even does quite well against its opponent. In reality, the differences in performance between the two are not as huge as one might imagine, and in some situations, the Mini 3 does an excellent job of preserving detail in the shadows and highlights due to its dual-native ISO and wider aperture. And if you prefer photos to video, the Mini 3 wins with its 48 MP resolution.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: battery and flight time

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Type	Li-ion	Li-Po 3S
Weight	Standard: 2453 mAh Plus: 3850 mAh	3750 mAh
Capacity	Standard: 80.5 g Plus: 121 g	198 g
Flying time	Standard: 34min More: 47min	31min
Hovering time	Standard: 30min More: 40min	30min

If we compare the Mini 3 Pro and the Air 2S supplied with their standard battery, the two drones are almost identical, we can consider them equal on this point. On paper, the Mini 3’s standard battery offers a flight time of 34 minutes compared to 31 minutes for the Air 2S, but in hovering flight, both models have a range of 30 minutes.

But the Mini 3 has a secret weapon: a second option called Battery Plus. This battery (optional) allows the mini drone to fly up to 47 minutes (40 minutes in hover). On the subject of autonomy, the point goes to the Mini 3 Pro, but you’ll have to spend a few more euros to enjoy it.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: obstacle detection

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Obstacle detection	To front To the rear Downwards	To front To the rear Downward To the top
ADS-B	No	Yes

Let’s not beat around the bush, the DJI Air 2S wins on this point. Precisely because it goes four ways, or rather in four directions, thanks to its obstacle avoidance sensors forward, backward, downward, and upward, one more than the Mini 3 Pro, which does not have an obstacle sensor directed upward. The Air 2S has the advantage of having an omnidirectional obstacle detection system.

Another advantage for the Air 2S is that it is equipped withADS-B, an air traffic control monitoring system. This is a very useful feature that allows the drone to be alerted to nearby aircraft, thus helping it to stay in one piece.

Victory, therefore, for the DJI Air 2S on the subject of safety. However, the Mini 3 Pro is only one sensor short of matching its opponent of the day, and remember, obstacle detection is one of the major improvements that the Mini 3 has received from DJI over its predecessors, the Mavic Mini, Mini 2 and Mini SE.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: flight performance

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Maximum speed	57.6 km/h	68.4 km/h

On this point, the Mini 3 Pro has not much to envy to its elder brother. DJI’s latest addition has made great strides over its predecessors and does wonderfully well for a drone in its class.

When it comes to smart flying, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has pretty much the same features as the DJI Air 2S, such as QuickShots, Hyperlapse, MaterShots or the FocusTrack suite. The two drones will allow you to automatically make stunning aerial videos.

As for the pure flight performanceThe DJI Air 2S has a higher maximum speed, and will fare better in extreme conditions thanks to its larger and heavier size. But then again, the Mini 3 also does wonderfully well.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S: the price

	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Air 2S
Drone alone	589€	–
Drone + RC-N1 remote control	659€	799€
Drone + DJI RC remote control	799€	–
Fly More Pack	+ 189€	1039€

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has the advantage of being available without radio control at a price of €589 from the DJI store. If you already own an RC-N1 remote control, you can use it with your Mini 3 Pro and save a cool €70.

You can also get the Mini 3 Pro with the RC-N1 radio control for €829, or with the DJI RC remote control and integrated display for €999. And by adding 189€ to one of these three packs, you’ll get a bunch of useful accessories as a bonus, including 2 smart batteries, a charging station, propellers or a nice shoulder bag.

For its part, the DJI Air 2S has seen its price cut with the arrival of the Air 3. It is offered in two different packs: the standard pack with RC-N1 remote control now available at €799 (instead of the original €999), and the Fly More pack with its set of additional accessories at €1039 (instead of €1299).

In short, if we compare drones with equivalent packs :

• the standard Air 2S package (with DJI RC-N1) is €30 cheaper
• the Fly More pack for the Air 2S is €21 cheaper than the equivalent Mini 3 Pro pack

It’s hard to decide between the two drones on this point, as the price difference is clearly not enough to tip the balance one way or the other.

Conclusion: DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S, which one to choose?

Our verdict? In our opinion, the DJI Air 2S wins this duel with the DJI Mini 3 Pro, thanks in particular to its superior camera and obstacle detection system.

However, not everyone has the same expectations of a drone or the same needs for aerial photography, and at their core, the two drones do not play in the same category. The Mini 3 Pro was always intended to remain in the category of lightweight, portable mini drones, and its opposition to the Air 2S is justified more by their proximity in price than anything else. But the Mini 3 is clearly impressive for a drone of its caliber and has a bright future ahead.

Buy the DJI Mini 3 Pro if…

… you need the most portable drone possible. Small and lightweight, the Mini 3 Pro is the perfect solution if you want a drone that’s easy to take anywhere, and you won’t be disappointed with its imaging, functionality, and flight performance. Similarly, if you’re creating content for Instagram or TikTok, its vertically swiveling camera could be a key advantage. To go further, we invite you to discover our complete test of the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

Buy the DJI Air 2S if…

… you need the best camera (and you don’t have the budget for a Mavic 3). With its higher video resolution, better digital zoom and more color profiles, it will delight filmmakers and video enthusiasts. Also, its more complete obstacle detection system makes it a safer drone. Want to know more? Discover our complete test of the DJI Air 2S.