DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mini 3 Pro (Here’s My Choice)

Most of us have heard the expression “comparing apples to apples or apples to oranges”.

When it comes to the matchup between the Mavic 3 Pro and the Mini 3 Pro, we’re entering apples-to-oranges territory.

While some might prefer apples and others oranges, they are both great fruits.

The same goes for the Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro. Both are great drones and perform spot-on, for their intended purposes.

• If you’re either an enthusiast or a commercial pilot looking to do professional work, while utilizing a tri-camera system, the Mavic 3 Pro is the obvious choice.
• If you are a hobbyist or new to drones and looking for a sub-250g drone, perfect for travel and social media content, the Mini 3 Pro is a great fit.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the various features of both the Mavic 3 Pro and the Mini 3 Pro.

I’ll give my opinion of what my choice of drone is, as well as discuss which drone might be right for your particular interest.

Pricing & Combo Options

DJI has continued to keep its customers in mind, offering multiple combos and packages for each of its available drones, making it easier for those on a particular budget to decide what options they need, over their wants.

The Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro also benefit from multiple package options.

Below are the various available packages and combo options for the Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro.

Mavic 3 Pro

As has been seen over the years, the Mavic Pro series has been synonymous with professional-level drones, and subsequently, has had a higher price tag associated with it.

The Mavic 3 Pro is no exception.

Starting at close to $2000 and topping off at nearly $5000, the Mavic 3 Pro is quite the investment.

When you look at the tri-camera system and specs therein, it is no wonder the price tag is on the higher end of the spectrum.

Thankfully, there are quite a few tiers to consider when purchasing the Mavic 3 Pro.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Review

Mavic 3 Pro Standard (DJI RC)

Includes:

• DJI Mavic 3 Pro
• DJI RC Remote Controller
• 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery
• USB-C Cable
• Sensor and Camera Harness
• 2 Spare Props
• 65W Charger
• Spare Control Sticks

Mavic 3 Pro DJI RC Fly More Combo

Includes:

• DJI Mavic 3 Pro
• DJI RC Remote Controller
• 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
• 3-Battery Charging Hub
• Shoulder Bag
• 2 x USB-C Cables
• Sensor and Camera Harness
• 8 Spare Props
• 100w Charger
• Spare Control Sticks
• ND Filter Set (ND8/16/32/34)

Mavic 3 Pro RC Pro Fly More Combo

Includes:

• DJI Mavic 3 Pro
• DJI RC Pro Remote Controller
• 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
• 3-Battery Charging Hub
• Shoulder Bag
• 2 x USB-C Cables
• Sensor and Camera Harness
• 8 Spare Props
• 100w Charger
• Spare Control Sticks
• ND Filter Set (ND8/16/32/34)

Mavic 3 Pro RC Pro Cine Premium Fly More Combo

Includes:

• DJI Mavic 3 Pro
• DJI RC Pro Remote Controller
• 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
• 1TB Internal Storage
• Apple ProRes Support
• 3-Battery Charging Hub
• Shoulder Bag
• 2 x USB-C Cables
• 10Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable
• Sensor and Camera Harness
• 8 Spare Props
• 100w Charger
• Spare Control Sticks
• ND Filter Set (ND8/16/32/34)

Mini 3 Pro

When the Mini 3 Pro was released, it proved to indeed be a Pro-level Mini drone.

Thankfully, like the Mavic 3 Pro, it likewise has combos to satisfy a variety of needs and wants, as well as budgets.

One of the more memorable package options is the inclusion of the highly praised DJI RC.

• DJI Mini 3 Pro Review
• DJI Mini 3 Pro: One-Year Review (Video)

Mini 3 Pro RC-N1 Combo

Includes:

• DJI Mini 3 Pro
• DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller
• 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery
• USB-C Cable
• 1 Screw Driver
• 6 Screws
• 4 Spare Props
• Gimbal Guard
• Connection Cables

Mini 3 Pro DJI Combo

Includes:

• DJI Mini 3 Pro
• DJI RC Remote Controller
• 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery
• USB-C Cable
• 1 Screw Driver
• 6 Screws
• 4 Spare Props
• Gimbal Guard
• Connection Cables

Different from the Air 3 and Air 2S, the DJI Mini 3 Pro sells with separate Fly More Combos, the standard battery version, and the battery Plus version.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Pro Long-Term Review (Worth Buying?)

Mini 3 Pro Standard Battery Fly More Combo

Includes:

• 2 x Standard Intelligent Battery
• 3-Battery Charging Hub
• USB-C Cable
• 12 screws
• 8 Spare props
• Shoulder Bag

Mini 3 Pro Plus Battery Fly More Combo

Includes:

• 2 x Plus Intelligent Battery
• 3-Battery Charging Hub
• USB-C Cable
• 12 screws
• 8 Spare props
• Shoulder Bag

Design & Portability

The Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro follow the tried, true, and tested design of the original DJI Mavic Pro released back in 2016.

Like the original, both are foldable drones with four propellers and 3-axis gimbal cameras.

The Mavic 3 Pro adds a tri-camera system, whereas the Mini 3 Pro adds a camera that can physically rotate vertically, like the original Mavic Pro.

Mavic 3 Pro

Weight: Mavic 3 Pro: 958 g; Mavic 3 Pro Cine: 963 g
Dimensions:
Folded (without propellers): 231.1×98×95.4 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×290.8×107.7 mm (L×W×H)

The Mavic 3 Pro is the newest in the Mavic 3 line falling in after the Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3 Enterprise, and Mavic 3 Thermal.

Like those Mavics before it, the Mavic 3 Pro pretty much stays along the same design queues, with the added benefit of a new third camera.

The design of the Mavic 3 Pro is just as quietly aggressive as the other Mavic 3s and performs admirably.

I think back to the first time I took the Mavic 3 Pro up for a quick test run to adjust the flight settings and I was thoroughly pleased with how it flew.

The Mavic 3 Pro is a very large foldable drone.

Currently, compared to the other non-enterprise level DJI drones – DJI FPV, DJI Avata, Mini 2, Mini 4, Air 2S, and Air 3, it is the largest supported drone in DJI’s current lineup.

Because the Mavic 3 Pro is so large (and weighty), it is not necessarily ideal for travel, as it takes up quite a fair bit of space, even though it does fold down to a manageable size.

When taking the Mavic 3 Pro with me for shooting, I generally do so in a photographer’s backpack, with a DJI Air 3 or Mini 4 Pro, or solo in an Aperture large DuraDiamond® Drone Case.

We’ll actually be reviewing Aperture’s drone case solutions in the near future.

The absolute stand-out feature of the Mavic 3 Pro has to be the newly designed camera.

Like an iPhone 12pro-15pro, the Mavic 3 Pro has three cameras, with varying focal lengths: 24mm, 70mm, and 166mm.

Although there are indeed 3 cameras, the gimbal, and housing were designed in a way that the cameras do not seem to be overbearing.

Functionally, they work great.

If there are those who have never worked with these three cameras, they are in for a pleasant surprise. The cameras are very good.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. Mavic 3 Classic: Which Drone Should You Buy?

Mini 3 Pro

Weight: Under 249 g
Dimensions:
Folded (without propellers): 145×90×62 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 171×245×62 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (with propellers): 251×362×70 mm (L×W×H)

When looking at the size and weight of the Mini 3 Pro, it deservedly is considered one of the best sub-250g drones on the market (the Mini 4 Pro has just released, so we’ll see).

With the camera, battery life, and obstacle avoidance system, the Mini 3 Pro punches well above its “weight”, into the advanced segment of DJI’s drone lines.

Speaking of obstacle avoidance, with the inclusion of front sensors, the Mini 3 Pro has a slightly happy frog-face appearance.

Initially, this may have elicited chuckles from some within the community, but now it is as normal as any other design feature of DJI drones.

Looking at the front of the Mini 3 Pro, there is a 1/1.3” CMOS camera that takes pictures and videos in landscape orientation and also vertically.

The new Air 3 also has 1/1.3″ cameras and shoots vertically, though the camera does not actually change physical orientation like the Mini 3 Pro does.

If you are a person that posts mainly to social media, shooting vertically is now a must-have feature, when trying to shoot and post immediately, with minimal hassle.

A design change I personally agree with on the Mini 3 Pro is the omission of the vertical landing gear on the front arms.

With the removal of the vertical legs, there are no longer limitations regarding the sequence used for folding and unfolding the arms and legs.

But the biggest draw and reason so many are still drawn to the Mini 3 Pro is its weight and size.

The weight of the Mini 3 Pro is important, as coming in at sub-250g the Mini 3 Pro does not need to be registered in the United States, unless it is being used for commercial purposes (the furtherance of business).

Not only does the Mini 3 Pro weigh under 250g, but it is also tiny.

Because of its small and compact size, the Mini 3 Pro is the perfect drone when it comes to travel.

When traveling, the Mini 3 Pro can be stored in a purse, shoulder bag, photography bag, or backpack. I’ve personally carried my Mini 3 Pro and DJI RC in the side pockets on a pair of cargo shorts.

Add to the Mini 3 Pro an aftermarket gimbal and propeller guards and you can take the Mini 3 Pro almost anywhere.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. Air 2S (All You Need to Know)

Flight Performance

Like with the Design & Portability section, the flight performance of the Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro, while different, are very good for each drones specific purpose(s).

As expected, the Mavic 3 Pro performed above the bar for most conditions it encountered, while the Mini 3 Pro did a great job in similar conditions, especially considering its light weight and small size.

» MORE: Best Professional Drones for Commercial Use (Consider These Things)

Mavic 3 Pro

Maximum Speed: 47mph
Ascent/Descent Speed: 17.9mph/13.4mph
Wind Resistance: 26.8mph

A main advantage to the Mavic 3 Pro being one of the larger DJI-manufactured drones is that with that size comes more powerful motors to propel it.

When in either Normal or Sport mode, the Mavic 3 Pro moves very quickly. When in Normal mode, although moving quite fast, the Mavic 3 Pro is still able to retain control making it easy to pick up and fly with, even if still a novice.

In Sport mode, however, the Mavic 3 Pro can fly close to 50mph.

This is perfect when getting from one flying location to the next quickly, to frame up shots, or even track a fast-moving subject.

When in Sport mode, like any DJI drone, the obstacle avoidance sensors are turned off, making it critical to be comfortable on the sticks at such speed.

Aside from being able to fly close to 50mph, the Mavic 3 Pro being a large drone means it is also heavier. With the added weight, the Mavic 3 Pro is very stable in windy conditions.

The Mavic 3 Pro is rated for 26mph winds, and I have flown in conditions close to that, nearing 23mph gusts when flying a few Florida Gulf beaches.

There were no extreme effects on the drone, whatsoever.

While the Mavic 3 Pro moved around some, it didn’t move very noticeably when hovering.

I purposely took the Mavic 3 Pro into headwinds and it flew readily and smoothly, without effort. I never once felt like I would lose the drone when flying in windy conditions.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro – How to Turn ON/OFF (Step-by-Step Guide & Video)

Mini 3 Pro

Maximum Speed: 35.7mph
Ascent/Descent Speed: 11mph/7.8mph
Wind Resistance: 23.9mph

Between the Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro, the Mini is obviously the smaller of the two. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t do the job of flying well.

To some, the Mini 3 Pro might feel cheap and plastically. Upon taking it out to fly, any misgivings about the build quality are quickly forgotten.

Though made of lightweight and thin materials, these do not impede the Mini 3 Pros handling and performance at all.

What makes the Mini 3 Pro so endearing is that it is easy enough to pick up and fly for drone newcomers, and is equally as fun to fly for those who have been doing so for quite a while

As has been the case for most, if not all of DJI’s recent drones running the DJI Fly app, if the flight controls aren’t to your expectations, the in-app EXP settings can be changed, enabling you to easily tailor the controls to the way you fly.

Although the Mini 3 Pro has fairly small motors and propellers, it is able to zip along at a speedy 35/36mph when in sport mode.

Perfect for quickly traveling from one place to the next to get the shot.

Something I was pleasantly surprised with is how well the Mini 3 Pro handles the wind.

It is rated for 23mph winds and when in high wind gusts it does a good (though not an exceptional) job at staying in place when filming.

One has to remember that the drone is under 250g, so it will be affected by the wind.

In higher gusts, it is advisable to avoid flying out too far, as with the lower power of the motors, there may be some difficulty returning home before the batteries run out.

With the excellent camera gimbal, footage taken during high winds and gusts is less affected by the wind, as the footage is well stabilized.

» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro: Which One is Right for You?

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