Today 10 May, DJI officially revealed their most versatile drone under 250grams. In this article, we will compare the MINI 3 against the older and bigger Air 2S. While these two drones are from different weight classes, they share somehow similar capabilities.
Every model in the Mavic series is similarly designed adopting foldable arms that allow you to fold the drone down to a compact and portable size when not in use. The MINI 3 weighs just 249 grams and does not require special registration in most countries including the US. By comparison, its bigger brother, the Air 2S weighing 595 grams is more than two times heavier.
DJI Mini 3 versus DJI Air 2S (Complete comparison)
In the table below I will try to compare the most important specs of these two consumer DJI drones. I highlighted with red where the newly released MINI 3 excels and blue where the bigger Air 2S is better.
| MINI 3 | Air 2S | |
| Size | Folded: 145×90×62 mm Unfolded: 171×245×62 mm |
Folded: 180x97x77mm Unfolded: 183x253x77mm |
| Weight | 249 grams | 595 grams |
| Camera | 4K@60fps | 5.4K@30fps |
| Sensor | 1/1.3″ – 48MP | 1” – 20MP |
| Max bit rate | 150Mbps | 150Mbps |
| Photo mode | RAW + JPG | RAW + JPG |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Digital Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| FPV | 1080P | 1080P |
| Communication | OcuSync 3.0 | OcuSync 3.0 |
| Range | 12KM for FCC | 12KM for FCC |
| Wind resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Intelligent flight modes | QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) | Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid |
| Active tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes, 3D | Yes, 4D |
| Optical flow sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Geofence | Yes | Yes |
| Remote controller | RC-N1 and RC Pro | RC-N1 |
| Battery | 2s/2453mAh | 3s/3500 mAh |
| Flight time | 34/47 minutes | 31 minutes |
| FAA registration | No | Yes |
| Release date | May 2022 | Apri 2021 |
| Price at DJI | $759 order from DJI | $999 order from DJI |
Camera
While the DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with a 4K@60fps camera, the Mavic Air 2S with a 5.4K@30fps camera. In terms of image sensor size, there is also a big difference. The MINI 3 has a 1/3″ 48MP sensor and the Air 2S a 1″ 20MP sensor. Usually, a larger sensor can take in much more light, which is great for low-light videos and photos and a considerable improvement in noise at dusk, or even night shots.
The MINI 3’s innovative 3-axis gimbal is optimized for vertical shooting, which is great for TikTokers.
Battery life
Thanks to the 3s/3500 battery, the Air 2s has 31 minutes of flight time. By comparison, the MINI 3 Pro with a 2453mAh pack promise 34 minutes of battery life. Furthermore, with the high-capacity ‘Pro’ battery, it has an outstanding 47minutes of flight time.
Range
Both Mini 3 and Air 2S feature third-generation OcuSync transmission that provides a range of up to 12KM in optimal conditions. Also, both provide 1080@30fps real-time image transmission for the best user experience.
Obstacle avoidance sensor
While the little MINI 3 has sensors only in three directions, the Air 2 S has four-direction obstacle sensing for better protection. The extra pair of sensors on top will prevent collisions when you take off under a tree, for example.
Both drones feature Advanced Pilot Assistance Program (APAS) which allows autonomously avoiding obstacles while continuing flying to record smooth footage the entire time.
Price
Both drones are available in a standard package with the Air 2S retailing for $999 and the Mavic 3 for USD $759 or in a ‘Fly more Combo’ kit costing $1,299 and $948 respectively, this gives you a couple of extra batteries, more spare propellers, and accessories to help you get more air time and better results. Additionally, the MINI 3 Pro is available in a combo pack with the new RC Pro remote controller for $909 (+ $249 for Fly More Kit Plus).
Conclusions
Because the MINI 3 weighs less than 250 grams, it falls underneath the weight limit set by most drone regulations in most countries. This means that you can pilot the Mini 3 without a license or registration. If you are a beginner pilot looking for something simple to get started with, probably the Mini 3 fits more for you.
On the other hand, if you’re in need of something with a more advanced camera to shoot professional-looking videos, then the Air 2S may be more up your alley. It has just a slightly higher price, but the bigger 1″ CMOS sensor can make a huge difference in image quality and low-light performance.
Great comparison! I already have the Mavic 3 Pro, but I’m looking for something more powerful and with a longer flight time. I think the Air 2S is the drone I’m looking for.
Thanks
George Orwell
The Air2s is more stable in high winds and has a better camera too. The Mini 3 Pro is for traveling.
The video quality of the Mini 3 is very low compared to the Air 2S. What do you guys think about it?
Don’t waste your money on the MINI3. The AIR 2S is a much capable drone
Just returned the Mini 3 Pro because the thing felt really cheap and like a toy compared to my DJI AIR2S!
Both have their purpose! Mini3pro for regulation friendliness and Air2s flexibility
I planning to visit Greece this month. Does anyone know about their drone regulation? I have to decide to bring my Air 2S or the Mini 3.
Hello Filip and welcome to FirstQuadcopter!
In Greece are mainly applied the general rules of the European Union Flying a drone. I recommend you to check Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) website for legal details.
Just got the Air 2S four days ago, and the Mini 3 Pro yesterday. Both are amazing, but the Mini3 will be in my backpack daily. Air 2s goes back to DJI…
The quality of the foto and video is better on the air 2s
The Mini 3 a very impressive little machine.. But the air2s is a lot more!
Thank you for your effort making this comparison. I will be deciding soon what will work best for me here in the Germany. I think the MINI 3 Pro’ regulation friendliness puts a lot on the scale!
Love the vertical shooting option for social media. Actually, I sold my Air 2 and bought the Mini 3 Pro just for this feature!
After watching a couple of Mini 3 Pro vs Air 2S reviews, they seem to be very close! Both have pros and cons…
I’ve had the original Mavic Air 2 and now currently own the Air 2S. I recommend the new Mini 3 pro because its weight. Being under 250grams you don’t need to register it.
Currently I only have the Air 2 (non S) and love it. The Mini 3 will be a nice addition for traveling
The Mini 3 Pro has a 1/1.3″ sensor (not 1/3″ as listed here). The sensor size is within spitting distance of the Air 2S.
Sorry for my mistake.
These two are different animals! You can truly compare the Mini3 against the Air 2S
If both uses OcuSync 3.0, you can interchange the controller? I already own a Air 2S and I’m thinking to buy the MINI 3 Pro in BNF package (no remote included) for its portability.