DJI Air 3 vs DJI Mini 4 Pro — Which Drone Should You Choose in 2025? 🚁✨

DJI Air 3 vs DJI Mini 4 Pro — Which Drone Should You Choose in 2025? 🚁✨

I’ve flown both of these drones in all kinds of conditions — calm skies, windy lakefronts, golden-hour shoots, and early-morning fog — and I’ll tell you this: it’s hard to go wrong with either. But they do serve different kinds of creators. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is all about freedom and portability, while the DJI Air 3 is about power, endurance, and control. When I’m packing light for travel, I grab the Mini 4 Pro; when I’m filming serious projects or aerial b-roll, I reach for the Air 3.

Let’s dig into how these two stack up and where each one shines from a real creator’s point of view.

✈️ Portability & Weight

For portability, there’s no contest — the Mini 4 Pro wins. Weighing under 249 grams, it’s so light that I’ve carried it in a jacket pocket and barely noticed. It doesn’t just travel well; it avoids certain drone regulations too, which keeps flying simple. I’ve even pulled it out spontaneously during a walk when the light hit just right.

The Air 3, at 720 grams, is no featherweight, but that’s not a bad thing. I’ve flown it in gusty Manitoba winds where the Mini would’ve struggled, and it held its line like a pro. The extra weight gives it a sense of confidence in the air — something I really appreciate when I’m pushing for cinematic shots.

🎥 Camera Performance

This is where things get interesting. The Mini 4 Pro uses a single 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that punches well above its size. Its 4K/100 fps slow-motion and HDR capture are great for compact shooting, especially if you’re filming cityscapes or quick travel moments. I’ve been impressed by how well it handles sunset light — crisp detail with minimal noise.

But the Air 3 raises the bar. With dual 1/1.3-inch sensors — one wide, one 3× telephoto — it gives me flexibility that feels cinematic. I’ve used the tele lens for parallax shots around buildings and vehicles, and it completely changes the storytelling dynamic. The footage feels layered, almost like you’re directing a mini film instead of just recording a flight.

🔋 Flight Time & Range

When I’m filming a full-day shoot, battery life matters. The Mini 4 Pro gets around 34 minutes (or 45 with the Plus Battery), which is solid, but the Air 3 stretches that to about 46 minutes per pack — and that difference adds up on location. Both offer a 20 km transmission range, which is more than enough for creators, but I’ve found the Air 3’s video feed slightly more stable at distance.

🌬️ Stability & Wind Resistance

This is where the Air 3 earns its keep. I’ve had it out over lakes and coastal trails, and it feels like it’s glued to the sky. The Mini 4 Pro, being so light, can wobble a bit in rougher conditions — still usable, but it takes finesse. For calm days and travel, the Mini 4 Pro is perfect; for unpredictable weather or pro gigs, the Air 3 is the safer bet.

🧠 Intelligent Flight Modes

Both drones have DJI’s best software tricks — ActiveTrack 360, Waypoint Flight, MasterShots, and QuickShots — but the Air 3’s telephoto lens gives these modes more creative range. I’ve used ActiveTrack 360 to orbit moving cars with that 3× zoom engaged, and it looks unreal. The Mini 4 Pro keeps things simpler but still nails most of what creators need for social or travel content.

💵 Price & Value

The Mini 4 Pro starts around $759 USD, while the Air 3 sits closer to $1,099 USD. To me, the Mini feels like a personal-project drone — easy, reliable, and light. The Air 3 feels like a production tool — heavier, steadier, and ready for professional use. If I could only own one, I’d stretch for the Air 3 because it covers every scenario, but the Mini 4 Pro is still one of the best all-around travel drones ever made.

DJI Air 3 vs DJI Mini 4 Pro — Which Drone Should You Choose in 2025? 🚁✨

Buy on Amazon USA

📷 DJI Air 3

📷 DJI Mini 4 Pro

🌄 Final Thoughts

Flying both of these drones has reminded me how far DJI has come. The Mini 4 Pro represents freedom — that “grab and go” spontaneity that lets creators capture magic in seconds. It’s the kind of drone that makes you want to explore again, because it never feels like a hassle.

The Air 3, on the other hand, gives me a sense of control that’s hard to beat. It’s like the difference between a point-and-shoot camera and a full-frame mirrorless. Every flight feels deliberate, every movement cinematic. When I’m flying it, I feel like I’m painting with motion.

If you’re just starting out, go with the Mini 4 Pro and fall in love with the process. But if you’ve been creating for a while and want something that matches your ambition, the DJI Air 3 will reward every ounce of creativity you put into it. Both drones are incredible — it’s just a matter of how far you want to fly. 🚁✨

Buy on Amazon Canada

📷 DJI Air 3

📷 DJI Mini 4 Pro