Since the first Air 2S rumors, many DJI fans decided to cancel their Mavic Air 2 order and wait for the new upgraded model. Our DJI Air 2S vs. Mavic Air 2 comparison guide includes features, specs, battery life, range, and camera performance.
The completely redesigned, second-generation Mavic Air was released on April 24, 2020, and to be honest, no one thought that DJI, after only one year (April 15, 2021), will come up with another model of the series.
The new DJI Air 2S features the same folding design as the older Mavic Air 2. The only visual difference is the extra pair of the obstacle avoidance sensor on the nose of the aircraft. Now, the propellers have orange stripes instead of silver ones.
DJI Air 2S vs Mavic Air 2: In-depth comparison guide
In the table below, I compared the most important specs of both mid-range DJI drones. I highlighted red where the new DJI Air 2S excels and with green where the older Mavic Air 2 still shines.
| DJI AIR 2S | Mavic Air 2 | |
| Size | Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Folded: 180 × 97 × 74 mm Unfolded: 183 × 253 × 77 mm |
| Weight | 595 grams | 570 grams |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Image sensor size | 1″ | 1/2″ |
| Megapixel | 20MP | 48MP |
| Max Video resolution | 5.4k@30fps, 4K@60fps or 1080p@120fps | 4K@60fps or 1080p@240fps |
| Max bit rate | 150Mbps | 120Mbps |
| Photo mode | RAW + JPG | RAW + JPG |
| HDR | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Zoom | 2-4x | 2-4x |
| FPV | 1080P | 720P and 1080P |
| Communication | OcuSync 3.0 | OcuSync 2.0 |
| Range | 12KM for FCC and 8K for CE | 10KM for FCC and 6K for CE |
| DJI FPV Goggles v2 compatibility | No | No |
| Wind resistance | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) |
| QuickShot modes | Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid | Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid |
| MasterShots | Yes (Portrait, Proximity, and Landscape) | No |
| Hyperlapse | Yes | Yes |
| Active tracking | Yes, ActiveTrack 4.0 | Yes, ActiveTrack 3.0 |
| Point of interest | Yes, Point of interest 3.0 | Yes, Point of interest 3.0 |
| Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes, 4-directions | Yes, 3-directions |
| Optical flow sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi file transfer | No | No |
| Internal Memory | 8GB | 8GB |
| Battery | 3s/3500 mAh | 3s/3500 mAh |
| Flight time | 31 minutes | 34 minutes |
| FAA registration | Yes | Yes |
| Release date | April 15, 2021 | April 24, 2020 |
| Regular price (Standard/Combo) | $999/$1,299 | $799/$988 |
Battery life
Many will be disappointed for sure that the Air 2S has 3 minutes less flight time than its older brother. The difference comes probably from the fact that the Air 2S weighs 30 grams more. While the DJI Air2S is advertised with 31 minutes of flight time, the Mavic Air2 with 34 minutes of battery life. Apparently, both are powered by the same type of 3s/3500 mAh LIPO pack.
Flight range
The new DJI Air 2S comes with the latest OcuSync 3.0 communication that provides up to 12KM range in the US (FCC) and 8KM in Europe (CE). By comparison, the Mavic Air 2 adopting OcuSync 2.0 has 10KM-FCC and 6KM-FCC range. Thanks to the new transmission system everyone hopped that the Air 2S will compatible with the DJI FPV Goggles V2 and DJI Motion Controller. Regretfully, is not for the moment!
Camera performance
The biggest difference between the DJI AIR 2S and the Mavic Air 2, is the camera. In comparison, the 2021 Air drone is equipped with a 20MP/5.4k 1″ sensor camera, the 2020 Air with a 48MP/4K 1/2″ sensor camera. The size of a sensor affects photo/video quality. Larger sensors usually mean better image quality. By comparison, a 108MP phone with a tiny sensor will never provide the same quality as a 20MP full-frame DLSR camera. A larger sensor also provides better low-light performance and the ability to take wider angle images. Max video bitrate was increased from 120 Mbps to 150 Mbps.
Not all the specs of the Air 2S camera have been improved compared to its predecessor. The older Mavic Air 2 has better slow-motion capabilities at FULL HD resolution (1080p@240fps vs 1080p@120fps).
Other Features
While Air 2 has a 3-direction obstacle avoidance system, the new upgraded Air 2S has 4-direction collision avoidance sensors. The extra sensors will ensure safer autonomous flights such as RTH and ActiveTrack.
Both, feature the same set of QuickShot modes (Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid), so no improvements on this aspect.
Bottom line
If money counts, you should consider that for the price of the DJI Air 2S, you can buy the older Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo with 3 flight batteries and lots of extra accessories.
On the other hand, if you want to fly for longer distances and to capture higher quality footage, the DJI Air 2S an excellent alternative to the more expensive Mavic 2 Pro.
For the extra $200 you will get better camera performance (1″ vs 1/2″ CMOS Sensor), lots more intelligent features, an improved obstacle sensing system (4-directions vs 3-directions), and a transmission system (12KM vs 10KM).
FYI, the DJI Air 2S is no longer sold in Europe, due to the new regulations that become active in January 2024.
I recently upgraded to the Air2S from the original Air2 and absolutely love that 10-bit color. It makes a huge difference in image quality!
DJI discontinued the original AIR 2, so only the new AIR 2S remains. The old one will not receive firmware upgrades and they will stop also offering spare parts…
My wife just bought me a mavic air2s. I decided to sell me well used air2. The S is superior in many things over the original air2.
Happy New Year, Happy Flying!
I have had the Mavic Air 2 and now the DJI Air 2S. They are both amazing quads with superb video and photo quality that would meet the requirements of most pro users. The new 2S had some extra sensors and a larger CMOS image sensor that produces slightly better images in low light. The Air 2S is a bit more expensive also! Happy Flying!
Do the old Mavic air 2 batteries work and fit the new Mavic air 2s? Thanks
Yes, they use the same type of batteries. Firmware updates may be required.
The Mavic Air2 is a great drone. The extra money for the better camera in the Air 2S is probably worth it.
Thank you for your work. I love your blog!
I just want to ask if Mavic Air 2 or Air 2S is good for beginners? Thank you!
Both are really great DJI drones. The extra collision avoidance sensors on the 2S are handy to newbie pilots
Get the Air 2s. Is newer and better than the Mavic Air 2, and the Mini 2 doesn’t exist when it comes to windy days…
Both are excellent drones with a common issue. It seems like the Air 2/2S has a weak spot in the frame right where the most stress occurs where lift is applied to the fuselage.
I only had my Air 2 for 3 weeks. Returning it to Best Buy and ordered A2S. Best decision!
Any anyone have an Evo 2? How it is compared to the Air2S?
Honest opinion. Should I upgrade to the Air 2S from A2?
I have both Air2 and Air2S. Both are currently the best ever DJI drones for their price!
Can you live stream to Facebook with Mavic Air 2S or the older 2? For me, it would make a huge difference!
Hi, which would be a better option for a beginner to buy a new Air 2S on DJI or a used AIR 2 for $550 ???
I have both DJI drones and haven’t flown the Air 2 since getting the 2s. It is truly amazing with the new obstacle avoidance system.
Is the Air2S worth me selling my MA2?
Thanks
MA2 vs A2S. Is in short: Small Camera Sensor vs Large Camera Sensor + additional OA Sensor!
I have the original Mavic Air (generation I) and I’m thinking that’s time for an upgrade. Can anyone comment on the noise of the Air 2S? The Air 1 is damn noisy…
Can everyone post comparison pictures taken with the Mavic Air and Air 2s?
After playing for two weeks with the new Air 2S, I definitely don’t regret selling my Mavic Air 2!
Thanks to Best Buy’s 365 Return, I’m sending back the Air 2 and get the AIR 2S.
For anyone with a DJI Air2S, what’s the real flight time? I am wondering about selling my Mavic Air 2 and buying this new edition. The 1-inch sensor makes a huge difference!
I took out my new DJI Air 2s today and well, it was Amazing!! It is fast on up/down movements. I also noticed a better rang. Glad I bought the 2s and looking to sell my Mavic air 2 now.
Great comparison! Thanks for sharing.
If you have the money, the answer is: YES! It is worth the upgrade!
There is only one thing holding me away from moving from Air 2 to S-edition. Those propellers visible on the screen are pretty annoying. At least 5 of 10 test videos on Air 2S have this issue…
Unfortunately, this effect is somehow normal. The Air 2S has a twice bigger sensor, hence a wider field of view.
I read somewhere that the ‘S’ is from ‘Sport’. Is the Air 2S faster or much agile than the Air 2?
Both have a top speed of 19 m/s (68.4kph) in S mode.
Is the new Air 2S better than my Mavic 2 Pro? It would be best if you also made this comparison.
Referring to Air 2S’s compatibility with FPV Goggles V2 and DJI Motion Controller, DJI will include this possibility in future firmware updates.
Air 2S has O3 with four antennas that supports two frequency bands at the same time. It delivers full-HD (1080P) video transmission feeds from more than 7 miles away!
Totally agree with you. A bigger CMOS sensor is better than having bigger MEGAPIXELS.
Any one can confirm if 2S can do any Hyperlapse like the old Air 2?
Air 2S doesn’t support 8K hyperlapse and Focus Track, but Air 2 supports 8K hyperlapse and Focus Track!
Unlike Air 2s 20MP camera, the Mavic Air 2 48MP camera makes 8K Hyperlapse footage possible. In hyper-lapse mode, the quad takes a series of photos using the full 48MP sensor and automatically merges them together to produce the final 8K video.
Madi
Is it a nice upgrade, but is it truly worth a 25% higher price over the older Mavic Air 2??
Yes! I’m also curious about how much difference can an inch sensor make??
Apparently the Air 2 and Air 2S are using the same remote controller and flight battery.
can be the transmitter swapped between Air 2 and Air 2S?
DJI confirms (in their FAQ section) that the Air 2S is compatible with the Mavic Air 2 remote controller.