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

With the Mini 4 Pro, DJI raises the level of its Mini range even further, integrating features usually reserved for its more advanced drones. At the same time, the DJI Air 3’s recent price cut makes it an increasingly attractive alternative. This new price dynamic naturally raises questions about the choice between these two drones. What are the key differences between them? Which is the best choice for you? In this DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3 comparison, we’ll go point-by-point to guide you in your decision.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: design

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Weight	Less than 249 g	720g
Dimensions (folded) (L x W x H)	148 x 94 x 64 mm	207 x 100.5 x 91.1 mm
Dimensions (unfolded) (L x W x H)	298 x 373 x 101 mm (with propellers)	258.8 x 326 x 105.8 mm (without propellers)

Placing the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 side by side, one major difference is immediately obvious. Both feature folding arms for maximum portability and easy storage. However, they are not in the same league.

Weighing in at less than 250 grams, the Mini 4 Pro is a real featherweight, perfect for travelers who count every gram. Weighing just 249g, it slips easily into any bag without making itself felt. In contrast, the Air 3 weighs almost triple that, at 720g, making it less ideal for those who prefer to travel light.

So, for adventurers or content creators on the move, who need a drone without it weighing down their bag, the Mini 4 Pro emerges as the obvious choice. Its compact size and light weight make it the ideal travel companion, especially where every gram counts.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: regulations

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Class (Europe)	C0	C1

Regulations are an important criterion when it comes to choosing one model of drone over another. With their radically different sizes and, above all, weights, the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 belong to two different categories and are therefore not subject to the same constraints.

The Mini 4 Pro, with its featherweight of less than 250 grams, is classified in category C0. This means that, in most European countries, no certification is required beyond simple online registration. This drone offers the freedom to fly over residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, and even over isolated people-all without red tape.

The Air 3, on the other hand, is rated C1: not only will you have to register your drone online, but you’ll also have to pass a short test. You can fly over residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, but it’s forbidden to fly over people, unless you do so involuntarily and briefly.

The Mini 4 Pro’s light weight is therefore doubly advantageous: not only does it minimize the space you need in your bag, it also makes it easier to use, whether you’re staying at home or traveling internationally. If you’re thinking of getting flight clearance, the road will certainly be smoother with the Mini 4 Pro.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: transmission and radio controls

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Compatible radio controls	DJI RC-N2 DJ RC 2	DJI RC-N2 DJ RC 2
Video transmission system	O4	O4
Operating frequencies	2.4 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.8 GHz	2.4 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.8 GHz
Max. transmission distance	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km

When it comes to piloting, the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 are on an equal footing: they use the same video transmission system and are compatible with the same radio controls.

Both drones use DJI’s state-of-the-art transmission technology, the DJI O4 system. This latest incarnation of the OcuSync system offers a more stable connection, increased range – 10 km according to CE standards and 20 km for the FCC standard – and, new for Europe, an additional 5.1 GHz frequency to complement the existing 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.

Based on available feedback and observed demonstrations, DJI O4 delivers a very stable transmission, with no notable interruptions. Whether using the Mini 4 Pro or the Air 3, video transmission quality is impeccable and identical between the two models, ensuring a smooth, worry-free flying experience.

As far as controllers are concerned, both drones are compatible only with DJI radio controllers incorporating the O4 system. Two options are available:

1. the DJI RC-N2 remote control: an improved version of the RC-N1, this screenless remote control features a fold-out stand that can be pulled up to hold your smartphone.
2. DJI RC 2 remote control: an evolution of the DJI RC, this remote control incorporates a screen and was originally designed for the Mini 3 Pro. This latest version features two additional folding antennas for even better transmission.

🚨 Ready for FPV flight
Beyond conventional flying, the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 elevate the experience with the ability to fly in FPV (first-person view). Thanks to their compatibility with the latest Goggles 3 and the DJI RC Motion 3 remote control, these drones offer total immersion. Imagine controlling your drone as if you were flying a plane, with this one-handed joystick. The image from the drone’s camera is transmitted directly to your eyes, and you pilot by simply adjusting the movements of the handle. For those who dream of flying like a bird, the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 make this thrilling sensation accessible.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: battery and autonomy

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Batteries	2590 mAh	4241 mAh
Battery weight	77,9 g	267 g
Max. flight time	34 minutes	46 minutes
Max. hovering time	30 minutes	42 minutes
Recharge time	30W charger: 70 minutes 30W charger + charging station: 58 minutes	65W charger: approx. 80 minutes Charging station + 100W adapter: approx. 60 minutes

While the Mini 4 Pro is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry, the Air 3 stands out for its ability to carry a more robust 4241 mAh battery, compared with the Mini 4 Pro‘s 2590 mAh.

This translates into a notable difference in terms of autonomy: the Mini 4 Pro offers a very respectable flight time of 34 minutes according to the manufacturer’s specifications, but the Air 3 can reach up to 46 minutes in flight, putting it well ahead.

However, it is important to note that these times are calculated under ideal flight conditions-without wind and at a constant speed. In practice, it’s wise to subtract 5 to 10 minutes from these figures to reflect a more realistic flight time, taking into account speed variations, camera use and other environmental factors. Despite these adjustments, both models offer impressive range performance, with the Air 3 in particularly good shape.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: in flight

Flight performance

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Maximum speed	16 m/s	21 m/s (limited to 19 m/s in Europe)
Max. ascent speed	5 m/s	10 m/s
Max. descent speed	5 m/s	10 m/s
Max. wind resistance	10.7 m/s	12 m/s (level 6)

The DJI Air 3, with its more imposing stature, is equipped with more powerful motors and larger propellers than the Mini 4 Pro, which naturally give it greater speed. In figures, this translates into 21 m/s (75.6 km/h) horizontally for the Air 3, versus 16 m/s (57.6 km/h) for the Mini 4 Pro, and 10 m/s (36 km/h) uphill and downhill versus 5 m/s (18 km/h).

However, in Europe, the maximum horizontal speed of Air 3 is regulated at 19 m/s to comply with local legislation. This increased speed remains a major asset when it comes to covering large areas quickly, or tracking fast-moving subjects such as vehicles.

What’s more, thanks to its increased wingspan and power, the Air 3 is better able to cope with gusty winds. While the Mini 4 Pro withstands winds of up to level 5 (10.7 m/s), the Air 3 can brave winds of level 6 (up to 12 m/s). This robustness proves particularly useful in windy environments such as coastlines or urban canyons, where the Air 3 will maintain impressive stability, reducing unwanted movement.

Even though the Mini 4 Pro’s 3-axis nacelle compensates admirably for image stabilization, the slight jerkiness that can sometimes occur is nothing compared to the constant fluidity of the image produced by the Air 3.

In conclusion, if your photographic adventures often take you to windy places, the Air 3 is undoubtedly the wisest choice for stable, quality shots.

In-flight features

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Automated modes	Advanced RTH ActiveTrack 360° cruise control Waypoint	Advanced RTH ActiveTrack 360° cruise control Waypoint
Obstacle sensors	Omnidirectional detection system + infrared sensor under the drone	Omnidirectional detection system + infrared sensor under the drone

One of the Mini 4 Pro’s great strengths lies in its flight functions, which have nothing to envy those of the Air 3, even though it comes from a higher range.

Let’s start with the automatic flight modes. The Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 offer exactly the same options:

• RTH (Return to Home) mode: automatic return to take-off point.
• Cruise control: keeps the drone at a set speed and direction, ideal for stable shots.
• Subject tracking (ActiveTrack 360°): this mode tracks a target at a predefined angle and distance.
• Route planning (Waypoint): you can define points on a map, and the drone will follow the route you set.

In terms of flight safety, both models feature an omnidirectional obstacle detection system. This device creates a veritable 360-degree protective bubble, detecting any obstacle in your path in any direction. Coupled with the APAS system, it enables the drone to automatically correct its trajectory to avoid collisions.

In short, in terms of flight and safety features, the Mini 4 Pro is on a par with the Air 3. The modes are not “lite” versions on the Mini 4 Pro; they work just as well as on the Air 3. Whether you choose one or the other, you’ll enjoy the same peak performance in flight.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: photos and video

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Sensor	CMOS 1/1.3 inch 48 MP 24 mm equivalent, FOV 82.1°, Aperture f/1.7	Main lens: CMOS 1/1.3 inch 48 MP Equivalent 24 mm, FOV 82°, Aperture f/1.7 Secondary lens: CMOS 1/1.3 inch 48 MP Equivalent 70 mm, FOV 35°, Aperture f/2.8
Max. image size	8064 x 6048	8064 x 6048
Photo resolution	12 and 48 MP	12 and 48 MP
Max. video resolution	4K up to 100 fps FHD up to 200 fps	4K up to 100 fps FHD up to 200 fps 2.7K vertical pickup up to 60 fps FHD vertical pickup up to 60 fps
ISO range	100 to 6400 (Photo, Normal Video and Slow Motion) 100 to 12800 (Night Mode)	100 to 6400 (Photo, Normal Video and Slow Motion) 100 to 12800 (Night Mode)
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)
Max. bit rate	150 Mb/s	150 Mb/s
Color profile	Normal (8 bits) HLG (10 bits) D-log M (10 bits)	Normal (8 bits) HLG (10 bits) D-log M (10 bits)
Digital Zoom	12MP photo: 1 to 2x 4K: 1 to 3x FHD: 1 to 4x	Primary lens: 1x to 3x Secondary lens: 3x to 9x

Sensors and image quality

The DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 are both equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, offering equivalent image quality thanks to a 24mm f/1.7 aperture lens. On the sensor front, therefore, they stand on equal footing: whatever your choice, image quality and performance will remain identical.

Resolution-wise, the two drones are similarly equipped, capturing 12 and 48 MP photos and recording videos in 4K at up to 100 fps, or in Full HD at up to 200 fps for breathtaking slow-motion shots.

However, the DJI Air 3 is distinguished by a second sensor of the same size, but with a 70mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture, enriching the creative possibilities. This second lens lets you play with parallax and perspective compression, and offers an impressive zoom of up to 9x-ideal for capturing details at a distance without having to get physically close, practical for crowds or areas where overflight is prohibited.

Not to be outdone, the Mini 4 Pro offers a unique feature: its camera can rotate to shoot in vertical format, providing vertical 4K video perfect for content creators on platforms like TikTok. By comparison, the Air 3 has to crop its 4K image to obtain a vertical orientation, which limits the maximum resolution to 2.7K in this format.

In short, with its second 70mm lens, the Air 3 offers greater photographic flexibility, while the Mini 4 Pro shines with its ability to produce vertical format content in full 4K resolution. The choice between these two will therefore depend on your specific shooting needs .

Photo/video modes

When it comes to photo and video modes, the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 stand shoulder to shoulder, offering a wide range of identical functions.

For photography, both drones feature the classic modes popular with DJI users:

• Single shot: capture precise moments.
• Interval: ideal for time-lapses.
• Burst: perfect for capturing fast-moving action.
• AEB (Automatic Exposure Bracketing): useful for HDR shots.
• Panorama: with options for wide-angle, 180° and spherical captures.

On the video side, both models feature the popular QuickShots modes, including Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Spiral, Boomerang, and Asteroid, making it easy to create dynamic, engaging videos. The MasterShots function goes even further, combining several QuickShots with background music to generate a short video ready to share on your favorite social networks.

The drones are also equipped with a Night mode that increases the ISO range up to 12800 to improve shooting in low-light conditions, guaranteeing clear images even at dusk.

Finally, both models offer identical color profiles, including 10-bit HLG and D-log M, which will appeal to those who like to fine-tune the colorimetry of their footage in post-production, offering maximum flexibility for professional rendering.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: price

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Air 3
Standard pack with DJI RC-N2 remote control	799€ See on Amazon	879€ See on Amazon
Standard pack with DJI RC 2 remote control	999€ See on Amazon	–
Fly More pack with DJI RC-N2 remote control	–	1079€ See on Amazon
Fly More pack with DJI RC 2 remote control	1129€ See on Amazon	1239€ See on Amazon

The DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 are available in three different configurations in the manufacturer’s store, to suit different needs and budgets.

The two standard DJI Mini 4 Pro packages include essential accessories and offer a choice of two types of remote control: the standard DJI RC-N2 without screen and the more advanced DJI RC 2 with integrated screen. The third pack, the Fly More, comes with additional accessories such as extra batteries, a charging station and a carry bag, including the DJI RC 2 remote control.

For the DJI Air 3, the standard pack is only available with the DJI RC-N2 remote control. Two versions of the Fly More pack are available: one with the DJI RC-N2 remote control at €1079 and the other with the DJI RC 2 at €1239.

Thanks to the recent price cut for the DJI Air 3, the cost difference between the two drones’ standard packages with DJI RC-N2 has become minimal:

• The standard package with DJI RC-N2 remote control is priced at €799 for the Mini 4 Pro and €879 for the Air 3.
• 999€

For Fly More packs:

• The Fly More pack for the Mini 4 Pro is priced at €1,129.
• The Fly More pack for the DJI Air 3 with the DJI RC-N2 remote control is priced at €1079.
• The Fly More pack for the DJI Air 3 with the DJI RC 2 remote control is priced at €1239.

For those tempted by the immersive experience of FPV flight, the DJI Goggles 3 headset can be purchased separately for €659, and the DJI RC Motion 3 joystick-style radio control for €89.

Conclusion: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3 , which one to choose?

With the substantial improvements made by DJI to the latest model in its Mini range, the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3 share many similarities. Both models offer the same flight modes and use the same main camera, with equivalent image resolutions.

To distinguish between the two drones, let’s look at the specific advantages of each model:

• The Mini 4 Pro is lightweight and compact, making it the ideal travel companion, especially with more flexible regulations. Its unique camera, capable of swiveling for vertical 4K shots, makes it perfect for content creators who prioritize formats suitable for social media.
• the Air 3, meanwhile, is equipped with a second sensor that opens the door to even greater photographic creativity. It also boasts improved range and flight performance, with increased speed and better wind resistance.

With prices now more or less the same, ranging from 80 to 160 euros depending on the package, choosing between the Mini 4 Pro and the Air 3 becomes a real decision. The final decision will depend not on which drone is absolutely the best, but rather on which one best meets your needs.

Choose the DJI Mini 4 Pro if…

… You’re a traveler who likes to pack light. With its featherweight and compact size, the Mini 4 Pro slips easily into your backpack or suitcase, making transport incredibly convenient.

… You mainly create content for social networks in vertical format. Thanks to its pivoting pod, the Mini 4 Pro is the ideal tool for creators active on TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. Its flexibility for vertical shooting makes it an invaluable asset for capturing dynamic, attractive videos suitable for these platforms.

Choose the DJI Air 3 if…

… You want to maximize your creative possibilities. With a second lens offering a format equivalent to 70mm, the Air 3 opens up a world of creativity unattainable by the Mini 4 Pro. Whether you’re capturing detailed shots or virtually “approaching” distant subjects without moving, this drone significantly enriches your artistic palette.

… You often drive in windy conditions. The Air 3 is designed for ruggedness, with a longer wingspan, greater weight, more powerful engines and larger propellers. These features give it superior stability and manoeuvrability in windy environments, where the Mini 4 Pro could find itself struggling.

To find out more, check out our tests of the two drones in this DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3 comparison:
➡️ DJI Mini 4 Pro, the perfect mini drone? Full test
➡️ DJI Air 3: our full review

💡 Also worth reading:
➡️ Wondering how the Air 3’s successor performs? Take a look at our DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3S comparison.