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

Do you own a Mini 3 Pro and hesitate to replace it with the latest Mini 4 Pro? Or perhaps you don’t yet have a Mini and are wondering which one to choose? In this DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro comparison, we’ll highlight all the differences between the two drones to help you make your choice. Here we go!

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: slight design evolution

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Weight	Less than 249 g	Less than 249 g
Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	148 x 94 x 64 mm	145 x 90 x 62 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, with propellers) (L x W x H)	298 x 373 x 101 mm	251 x 362 x 70 mm

Let’s start with their measurements. Although the two drones occupy roughly the same space, the dimensions of the DJI Mini 4 Pro are actually slightly greater in length (298 mm vs. 251, i.e. 4.7 centimetres more) and height (101 mm vs. 70, i.e. 3.1 centimetres more).

The weight remains unchanged at under 250 grams, with the same “less than 249g” indication. However, the load is distributed differently: the Mini 4 Pro without battery is heavier by precisely 2.6 grams, which DJI has saved on the battery, which is just a tad lighter than that of the Mini 3 Pro.

Visually, here are the main differences between the two models:

• two feet are added under the front arms of the Mini 4 Pro. These feet give it extra height and stability when placed on the floor.
• the shape of the eyes integrating the obstacle sensors on the front of the drone is rounder on the Mini 3 Pro.
• the upper fuselage of the Mini 4 Pro houses two additional obstacle sensors.
• the lower fuselage also incorporates two new obstacle sensors and an auxiliary light for night flights.
• the two LED lights change arms: they move to the rear arms of the Mini 4 Pro, whereas they are on the front arms of the Mini 3 Pro.

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

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Compatible radio controls	DJI RC-N2 DJ RC 2	DJI RC-N1 DJI RC DJI RC Pro DJI RC Motion 2
Video transmission system	O4	O3
Operating frequencies	2.4 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.8 GHz	2.4 GHz 5.8 GHz
Max. transmission distance	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km	FCC : 12 km CE : 8 km

For communication between UAVs and their (respective) radio controls, the two Minis use different transmission protocols. While the DJI Mini 3 Pro uses the DJI Ocysunc 3.0, or DJI O3, protocol, the Mini 4 Pro relies on DJI O4.

What’s the difference? Both are extremely reliable. But as the DJI O4 has the advantage of being the most recent, it benefits from the manufacturer’s latest advances in the field, with additional antennas for an even more reliable connection, a range extended to 20 km FCC and 10 km CE (compared with 12 and 8 respectively previously), and an additional frequency in Europe in addition to the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz: the 5.1 GHz frequency.

For radio controls, the Mini 4 Pro is only compatible with with the new O4 protocol remote controls . There are currently two, unveiled with the DJI Air 3: the DJI RC-N2, the “replacement” for the RC-N1, to which you connect your smartphone, and the DJI RC 2, the new version of the DJI RC with its 700 nits touchscreen and two new folding antennas.

The Mini 3 Pro, meanwhile, can be controlled with all O3-compatible remote controls, i.e. the DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC-N1 , but also with DJI’s other remote control with display, released at the same time as the Mavic 3 and even a step ahead of it: the DJI RC Pro.

The Mini 3 Pro’s compatibility with DJI O3 means that it can now also be used with the DJI RC Motion 2 joystick-style remote control for the company’s FPV drones, the DJI FPV and Avata, as well as with the DJI Goggles 2 and Goggles Integra goggles for image feedback directly in front of the eyes and ultra-immersive flying.

A feature that the Mini 4 Pro lacks, at least for the time being. It’s not impossible that DJI is already preparing DJI O4 versions of its FPV cameras.

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

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Batteries	2590 mAh	2453 mAh
Battery weight	77,9 g	80,5 g
Max. flight time	34 minutes	34 minutes
Max. hovering time	30 minutes	30 minutes
Recharge time	30W charger: 70 minutes 30W charger + charging station: 58 minutes	30W charger: approx. 64 minutes 30W charger + charging station: approx. 56 minutes

The batteries on the DJI Mini 3 and 4 Pro are aesthetically identical. At least to the naked eye, because in reality there are a few minor differences. As we mentioned earlier, the 4 Pro’s battery is actually a few grams lighter than that of the 3 Pro. Despite this, it boasts a capacity of 2590 mAh, 137 more than the Mini 3 Pro’s 2453 mAh battery.

However, this has no impact on their respective autonomies, since DJI gives the same maximum flight time of 34 minutes for both drones, and 30 minutes in hover.

Good news for Mini 3 Pro owners: you’ll be able to use your batteries on a Mini 4 Pro. Two important details, however: as these batteries are slightly heavier, they’ll push you over the 250-gram mark, and it’s a one-way street: the Mini 4 Pro’s batteries won’t fit on your Mini 3 Pro.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: regulations (in Europe)

If both drones weigh less than 250 grams, they’re both in the same category under current regulations. In Europe and many other countries, all you need to do is register online – no exams required.

They differ on just one small point: the Mini 4 pro has a C0 rating, while the Mini 3 Pro has no rating at all. As such, the Mini 4 Pro will have to stay below 120 meters in height, compared with 500 meters for the Mini 3 Pro. A detail that may be important depending on your use.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: in flight

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Maximum speed	16 m/s	16 m/s
Max. ascent speed	5 m/s	5 m/s
Max. descent speed	5 m/s	5 m/s
Max. wind resistance	10.7 m/s	10.7 m/s
Obstacle sensors	Omnidirectional detection system + infrared sensor under the drone	Forward, rearward and lower optical system

Wind speed and resistance

In terms of in-flight behavior, there’s no difference between the two drones, and their performance is identical. 16 m/s (57.6 km/h) top speed, 5 m/s (18 km/h) uphill and downhill.

The same applies to wind resistance: both models will withstand maximum gusts of 10.7 m/s (38.5 km/h), i.e. level 5 winds.

Obstacle detection

At the time of its release, the DJI Mini 3 Pro had already marked a major evolution in terms of safety, with the integration of a detection system for the front, rear and underside of the drone. Able to detect obstacles in three directions, it added a feature never before seen on a drone in the Mini range.

But the DJI Mini 4 Pro goes even further. It has a detection system capable of detecting in all directions, 360 degrees around it. Thanks to new sensors integrated into its fuselage, it can now also detect obstacles on its sides, bringing it up to the level of drones in the higher ranges, such as the DJI Air 3 and Mavic 3.

Autonomous flight modes

The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro share a common feature: the FocusTrack subject tracking suite.

This function has 3 modes:

• Spotlight: the drone follows a moving target (car, person on foot, etc.) and keeps it in the center of the image. You can then pilot it manually in parallel, to position yourself and perform the trajectories you wish freely around the subject.
• Point of interest: the drone will circle around a fixed (tree, house, etc.) or moving target in a given direction and at a given speed.
• ActiveTrack: the drone will follow a moving subject either at a set distance and angle, or in parallel.

This last mode is a little different on the Mini 4 Pro, which incorporates its new version, ActiveTrack 360. This allows the pilot to position the drone and rotate it around the target exactly where he wishes, simply by tapping in the DJI Fly application.

And in addition to this ActiveTrack evolution, DJI has added two new autonomous flight functions to the Mini 4 Pro, hitherto reserved for the latest models in the higher ranges:

• Speed regulator: this keeps the drone in the desired direction and at the desired speed, the aim being to obtain a perfectly straight trajectory, and also to let go of the joysticks to focus on the shot.
• the Waypoint function : this lets you create flight routes by memorizing waypoints in flight or in the DJI Fly application.

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

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Sensor	1/1.3-inch 48 MP CMOS	1/1.3-inch 48 MP CMOS
Lens	24 mm equivalent, FOV 82.1°, Aperture f/1.7	24 mm equivalent, FOV 82.1°, Aperture f/1.7
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 60 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps FHD up to 120 fps
ISO range	100 to 6400 (Photo, Normal Video and Slow Motion) 100 to 12800 (Night Mode)	100 à 6400
Photo format	JPEG DNG (RAW)	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)	MP4/MOV (H.264/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 D-Cinelike
Digital Zoom	12MP photo: 1 to 2x 4K: 1 to 3x FHD: 1 to 4x	4K : 2x 2.7K : 3x FHD : 4x

Camera

Imaging is the area in which the two drones differ least.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro takes over the Mini 3 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor camera, with its 48 MP resolution, 24 mm focal length and f/1.7 aperture. It is also still mounted on a pod that can be rotated vertically, offering a true portrait format in addition to the traditional landscape format.

A small detail for owners of a Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro: although the cameras on the two drones are identical, you won’t be able to use your old filters on your new Mini 4 pro. Their bodies are slightly different, with the Mini 4 Pro being slightly larger than its predecessor.

While the exterior has remained unchanged (or changed little), DJI has upgraded the interior, improving the image frequency. While the DJI Mini 3 Pro can film in 4K at 30 fps and in Full HD at 120 fps, the Mini 4 Pro can shoot at 100 fps in 4K, and 200 fps in Full HD. Slow-motion rendering will be all the better for it.

Photo/video modes

From the Mini 3 Pro to the Mini 4 Pro, we retain the now-classic but as complete and effective array of photo and video functions to which DJI has been accustomed for some time now on all its drone ranges.

For photography, you can always choose from the single-shot, interval, burst and AEB (automatic exposure bracketing) modes, as well as from the three Panoramas: Sphere, 180° and Wide-angle.

For video, apart from the pure in-flight features we mentioned earlier, the various QuickShots Dronie, Circle, Spiral, Rocket and Boomerang modes are of course still there, as is the MasterShots function. These will enable the drone to perform a wide range of aerial tricks for original shots. This is also the case for the Timelapse and Hyperlpase accelerated modes.

All your results can be transferred wirelessly and without delay from your drone to your smartphone, thanks to the QuickTransfer function also found on both models.

One small difference to note, however: the Mini 4 Pro now features a Night mode. The latter, also present on the DJI Air 3 and Mavic 3, plays on the amplitude of the ISO range to improve the rendering of photos and videos in low light.

Image quality

While both drones have the same sensor, DJI has made sure to improve the software. In addition to increased frame rate, color profiles are updated. The Normal profile is back, of course, but the D-Cinelike profile is no longer available, making way for the flat HLG and D-Log M profiles, both in 10-bit. Those who like to retouch colors in post-production will be able to go even further.

When it comes to pure image quality, it’s hard to compare the results of the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro, as the two devices are very similar. But as various DJI Air 3 tests have shown, it seems that DJI has made an effort to improve the digital image processing: in some shots, the images appear slightly sharper.

But what’s most important is that the quality on both models is top-notch, and theimage is as beautiful as ever for such small drones. Images are detailed and sharp, and dynamic range is excellent.

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: prices

	DJI Mini 4 Pro	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Standard pack with DJI RC-N1 or RC-N2 remote control	799€ (DJI RC-N2) See on Amazon	745€ (DJI RC-N1) See on Amazon
Standard pack with DJI RC or RC 2 remote control	999€ (DJI RC 2) See on Amazon	799€ (DJI RC) See on Amazon
Fly More pack with DJI RC or RC 2 remote control	1129€ (DJI RC 2) See on Amazon	988€ (DJI RC)

DJI has lowered the price of its Mini 3 Pro to coincide with the release of the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

The standard package with standard DJI RC-N1 or DJI RC-N2 radio control (depending on the drone) is now available at €659 for the Mini 3 Pro, and €799 for the Mini 4 Pro, i.e. €140 more.

As for the standard pack with DJI RC or DJI RC 2 radio control, it is now available at a price of €799 for the Mini 3 Pro, while the Mini 4 Pro will cost €999. That’s 200 euros more.

Finally, the Fly More pack (including additional batteries and propellers, charging station and carry bag) with DJI RC 2 radio control for the DJI Mini 4 Pro is priced at €1129. The same pack does not exist for the Mini 3 Pro, but its equivalent (standard pack with DJI RC + separate Fly More Kit) will cost €988, a difference of €141.

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

As we saw in this DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro comparison, DJI uses the same camera on both the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro. As a result, image quality remains (almost) unchanged. This is also the case for autonomy, which remains unchanged.

The differences are mainly to be found inside the drone, with an increase in frame rate, and a significant addition of functions: 360-degree obstacle detection, route planning, ActiveTrack 360 subject tracking, cruise control and even Night mode.

Choose the DJI Mini 4 Pro if…

… you don’t have a Mini yet (or you own a model older than the Mini 3 Pro) and you want a complete drone (and its price fits in your budget 😁 ). On the other hand, if you already have a Mini 3 Pro, unless some of the new functions are really useful, there’s no need to renew your drone.

Choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro if…

… you don ‘t need the Mini 4 Pro’s new features . If you don’t plan flight itineraries, and don’t fly much in environments where the risk of shock is high, then the Mini 3 Pro will more than do the trick, and save you money.

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

💡 Also worth reading:
👉 Interested in another exciting match-up? Check out our DJI Mini 3 vs 4K comparison.
👉 Torn between the Mini 4 Pro and a more versatile option? Check out our comparison Mini 4 Pro or Air 3S.
👉 To complete your setup, also check out our guide to DJI Mini 4 Pro accessories.
👉 Want to discover all the differences between DJI’s two latest mini drones? Check out our comparison of the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro.