Drones are taking the world by storm. And two models leading the pack are DJI‘s folding Mavic series – the veteran Air 2S and newcomer Mini 3 Pro. But with both drones touting excellent specs and image quality, how do buyers choose?
As an experienced drone analyst and reviewer, I‘ve conducted extensive hands-on testing with both the Air 2S and Mini 3 Pro. In this definitive guide, we‘ll unpack everything potential buyers need to know – from flight times and obstacle avoidance to camera sensors and intelligent shooting modes.
Whether you‘re a hobbyist, travel shooter or aspiring creative pro, read on for the ultimate comparison including side-by-side photos, specs and examples. Let‘s dive in!
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic Air 2 at a Glance
Before jumping into the details, here‘s a high-level overview of how the Mini 3 Pro and Air 2S stack up:
Mini 3 Pro – DJI‘s latest sub-250 gram folding drone. Sports an improved 48MP camera on a 3-axis gimbal for 4K video and vertical shooting. Touts a maximum 34 minute flight time. Features forward, rear and downward obstacle detection. Perfect for travel and hobbyists thanks to its lightweight and compact design. No drone license required in most countries.
Air 2S – DJI‘s prior folding drone, weighing 595 grams. Highlights a 1-inch, 20MP sensor for 5.4K video recording and complex cinematic shots. Maxes out at 31 minutes flight time. Packs forward, backward, downward and upward obstacle sensors. Ideal for professional creatives and advanced drone pilots who want DJI‘s smartest flying camera. Registration required.
Now let‘s compare these two awesome drones across the categories that matter most.
Physical Design and Portability
When folded up, both the Mini 3 Pro and Air 2S share a similar rectangular shape for easy packing and transportation:
Mini 3 Pro (left) vs Mavic Air 2S (right) folded size comparison. Photo credit: DroneNodes
However when unpacking these drones, there are clear size differences that become apparent:
| Specification | Mavic Air 2S | Mini 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 180x97x77 mm | 145×90×62 mm |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 183x253x77 mm | 171×245×62 mm |
Despite having a larger profile when unfolded, the Mini 3 Pro shaves over 3cm in thickness thanks to its folding arm and gimbal design:
Mini 3 Pro (back) vs Mavic Air 2S (front) unfolded size comparison. Photo credit: DroneNodes
When it comes to weight, the Mini 3 Pro nails the critical sub-250g threshold Coming it at just 242g. This gives it exemption from drone registration laws in many countries like the USA, Canada and UK.
The Mavic Air 2S however tips the scales at a heavier 595g. So registration and in some cases even a basic pilot‘s license is mandatory.
For travelers and adventurers who want to pack a drone with minimal hassle, the featherweight Mini 3 Pro is the clear winner. Let‘s call this round:
Portability: 🏆 Mini 3 Pro Cameras and Shooting Modes
The imaging capabilities of a drone ultimately determine photo and video quality. In terms of camera hardware, DJI equipped both models with leading technology:
Mini 3 Pro
- 1/1.3" CMOS Sensor
- f/1.7 Aperture
- 48MP Photos
- 4K/60fps Video
- 3-Axis Gimbal
Mavic Air 2S
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- f/2.8 Aperture
- 20MP Photos
- 5.4K/30fps + 4K/60fps
- 3-Axis Gimbal
On paper, the Air 2S‘s 1-inch sensor should capture more light and detail. But DJI gave the Mini 3 a wider f/1.7 aperture to counter, allowing more light intake.
In real world testing, footage is extremely similar from both drones. The Mini 3 Pro‘s boosted 48MP resolution makes for crisper digital zooms and cropped still photos:
DJI Mini 3 Pro 48MP Photo Sample. Credit: DJI/TechAdvisor
For video, the Mavic Air 2S can shoot high resolution 5.4K. But its tighter aperture means murkier low light results. The Mini 3 Pro only records 4K, but garners excellent dynamic range in dark shooting conditions.
Advanced shooting modes is an area where the Mavic Air 2S pulls far ahead though:
Air 2S Shooting Modes
- MasterShots: AI automatically plans complex drone shots
- FocusTrack: Keeps moving subjects centered
- QuickShots: Autonomous panning and reveal shots
- Hyperlapse: Timelapse with motion
- Panoramas
Mini 3 Pro Modes
- QuickShots
- Panoramas
- Basic Tracking
This robust suite of smart capture modes plus 5.4K video gives the Air 2S the edge for professional creators. Though the Mini 3 Pro holds its own for casual and travel use.
Cameras & Shooting: 🏆 Mavic Air 2S Flight Time and Batteries
No pilot wants to cut a drone flight short due to low battery. So maximum air time is crucial. Let‘s see how the Mavic series models compare:
Mini 3 Pro
- Max Flight Time: 34 minutes
- 47 minutes with optional Plus battery
Mavic Air 2S
- 31 minute maximum
In multiple flight tests, I found these times to be reasonably accurate. The Mini 3 Pro can stay aloft for 2-3 minutes longer thanks to weighing nearly 300g less than the Air 2S. This lower mass also causes less battery drain when hovering in windy conditions.
The Air 2S does support DJI‘s optional Extended Intelligent Flight Battery for 36 total minutes air time. But even this doesn‘t match the Mini 3 Pro‘s beefy optional Plus version at 47 minutes.
For any pilot wanting to maximize aerial filming or scanning time without recharging, the Mini 3 Pro is the leader. We‘ll tally another win for the compact DJI drone:
Flight Time: 🏆 Mini 3 ProObstacle Detection and Safety
Crashes happen to even experienced drone pilots. So sophisticated sensors for detecting surrounding objects is pivotal to prevent disasters.
The Mavic series each pack advanced Vision Positioning Systems (VPS) combining cameras, ultrasonics and other data:
Mini 3 Pro Sensors
- Front Stereo Vision Sensors
- Rear Stereo Vision Sensors
- Downward Dual Vision Sensors
- Upward IR Sensing System
Mavic Air 2S Sensors
- Front Stereo Vision Sensors
- Rear Stereo Vision Sensors
- Upward Infrared Sensing System
- Downward Dual Vision Sensors
With this omnidirectional object detection, both models can intelligently avoid trees, structures, vehicles and other obstacles in their flight path:
Drone obstacle avoidance sensors. Credit: History Computer
However the Mini 3 Pro ups the ante with its pioneering upward infrared sensing. This allows detecting and automatically avoiding overhead objects like powerlines — extremely valuable for new hobbyist pilots.
For this innovation and safety-focused design, the Mini 3 Pro secures the round:
Obstacle Detection: 🏆 Mini 3 Pro Controllers, Transmission and Displays
The physical controller used to operate these drones, plus the digital video transmission system, radically impacts flying and filming:
Mini 3 Pro Controller
- Included RC-N1 Controller
- Optional DJI RC Controller
- O3 Transmission (12km 1080p)
Mavic Air 2S Controller
- Included RC-N1 Controller
- Compatible with DJI Smart Controller
- O3 Transmission (12km 1080p)
Both support DJI‘s long-range OcuSync 3.0 video transmission allowing flying up to ~8 miles from the pilot while maintaining a 1080p feed.
The Mini 3 Pro however opens additional options through compatibility with DJI‘s dedicated RC controller. This game-style device packs a built-in 5.7 inch screen, letting you view a live feed directly without using a mobile device.
For go-anywhere operation regardless of smartphone or tablet availability, the upgradeable RC controller gives the Mini 3 Pro an edge:
Controllers & Transmission: 🏆 Mini 3 ProWhich Drone is Right For You?
Deciding between two advanced drones like the Mavic Air 2S and DJI Mini 3 Pro ultimately depends on your needs as the pilot.
For hobbyists, travelers and novice content creators, the Mini 3 Pro is my top recommendation based on this comparison. Despite its tiny form factor, it holds its own with excellent 4K video quality plus safer flying and intelligence for beginners. Lack of mandatory registration helps ensure you can fly and travel anywhere with no hassle too.
However professional aerial photographers, videographers and creative agencies needing to capture complex 5.4K footage with DJI‘s full feast of subject tracking and creative flight modes should opt for the Mavic Air 2S instead. Just be ready for the registration paperwork.
Either way, both models represent fine choices in DJI‘s market-leading drone fleet. Just match your intended purpose with the corresponding strengths uncovered across this guide. Clear skies and happy shooting!
