The DJI Air 3, Air 2S, and Mini 3 Pro all have something in common, aside from being manufactured by DJI. They are all classified as “Advanced” drones by the drone manufacturing market leader.
As advanced drones, sporting advanced safety features and capable of delivering professional-level content, all three of these offerings by DJI have something for everyone.
- If you’re looking for the newest in drone technology, while doing professional work, the Air 3 might be for you.
- If you’re looking to save a little money, while being able to shoot 20 MP photos, and take 5.2k videos on a 1″ sensor camera, the Air 2S fits the bill.
- Alternately, if you’re 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 will be taking an in-depth look at the features of the DJI Air 3, Air 2S, and Mini 3 Pro to help you decide which drone is best for you.
To help, we’ve identified and reviewed the best drone courses for beginners and professionals.
Pricing & Combo Options
What’s nice about these three drones is that DJI has continued to offer various packages, making their lines of drones accessible to many.
Below are the various available packages and combo options for each of the drones.
DJI Air 3
Air 3 Standard RC-N2 Combo
- Tele & Wide-Angle Dual Primary Cameras
- 46-Min Max Flight Time
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
- 48MP Photos, 4K/60fps HDR, up to 20Km Video Transmission
Includes:
- DJI Air 3
- DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller
- 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery
- USB-C Cable
- Front Sensor and Gimbal guard
- 2 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
Air 3 RC-N2 Fly More Combo
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller, Drone with Camera for Adults 4K HDR, Medium Tele & Wide-Angle Dual Primary Cameras, 46-Min Max Flight Time, 48MP, Two Extra Batteries
Includes:
- DJI Air 3
- DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller
- 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
- 3-Battery Charging Hub
- Shoulder Bag
- USB-C Cable
- Front Sensor and Gimbal guard
- 8 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
Air 3 DJI RC2 Fly More Combo
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 (screen remote controller), Drone with Medium Tele & Wide-Angle Dual Primary Cameras for Adults 4K HDR, 46-Min Max Flight Time, 48MP, Two Extra Batteries.
Includes:
- DJI Air 3
- DJI RC2 Remote Controller
- 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
- 3-Battery Charging Hub
- Shoulder Bag
- USB-C Cable
- Front Sensor and Gimbal guard
- 8 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
DJI Air 2S
Air 2S Standard RC-N1 Combo
Includes:
- DJI Air 2S
- DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller
- 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery
- Charging brick and cable
- 1 Pair extra thumbsticks
- Gimbal Guard
- 6 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
DJI Air 2S has the ability to perceive its environment in four directions: up, down, forward, and backward, allowing it to actively avoid obstacles, even in complex scenarios and at high speeds.
Air 2S Fly More Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Directions of Obstacle Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Gray
Includes:
- DJI Air 2S
- DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller
- 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
- Shoulder Bag
- ND Filter Set (ND4, 8, 16, 32)
- Charging brick and cable
- 3-Battery charging hub
- Dual-USB Charging attachment
- 1 Pair extra thumbsticks
- Gimbal Guard
- 8 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Mini 3 Pro RC-N1 Combo
Includes DJI RC-N1 allowing you to pack light and enjoy the creative experience.
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
Lightweight and Foldable Camera Drone
- 4K/60fps Video
- 48MP Photo
- 34-min Flight Time
- Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing, Integrated RC and screen
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.
Mini 3 Pro Standard Battery Fly More Combo
Includes Two Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-Way Charging Hub, Data Cable, Shoulder Bag, Spare propellers, and Screws
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 Two Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus, a Two-Way Charging Hub, Data Cable, Shoulder Bag, Spare propellers, and Screws, Black
Includes:
- 2 x Plus Intelligent Battery
- 3-Battery Charging Hub
- USB-C Cable
- 12 screws
- 8 Spare props
- Shoulder Bag
Design & Portability
The Air 3, Air 2S, and Mini 3 Pro follow similar design queues taken from the original DJI Mavic Pro. They are all foldable drones with four (quad) propellers and 3-axis gimbal camera systems.
However, there have been a ton of advancements in the foldable quadcopter market since the release of the Mavic Pro back in October 2016, as can be seen by all three of these drones.
Air 3
Weight: 720 g
Dimensions:
Folded (without propellers): 207×100.5×91.1 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 258.8×326×105.8 mm (L×W×H)
The Air 3 is the immediate successor to the ever-popular Air 2S drone. In addition to being an upgraded model, the Air 3 has a completely modernized and sleek new look.
Looking quickly at the Air 3, there are definite design queues taken from the flagship Mavic 3 series.
The Air 3 has a more aggressive stance while retaining the same folding arm and leg sequence as the Air 2S.
Those upgrading to the Air 3 from the Air 2S will appreciate that their muscle memory while folding and unfolding the Air 3 will remain intact.
New to the Air 3 is a redesigned rear end.
Where the Air 2S previously had two rear-facing sensors, the Air 3 has a rubber-covered port that houses a multi-use USB-C port and an SD card slot.
Additionally, the Air 3’s battery is inserted here, unlike the top-loading battery of the Air 2S.
This redesign is quite beneficial because it is no longer required to partially unfold the arms and legs of the drone in an effort to access the SD card.
Likewise, having a USB-C multi-use port, like the Mini 3 Pro, means you can charge the battery already inserted in the rear battery compartment, without owning a DJI charging hub (if you have not purchased the Fly More combo).
For comparative purposes, the Air 3 is not only heavier than the Air 2S but taller and longer as well.
For previous Air 2S owners, the added weight and size might make it slightly more cumbersome to pack and travel with, although not impossible in the least.
For those who own the Mavic 3 series, the Air 3 is a welcomed, smaller addition for travel and outdoor use.
Another design change, that might be overlooked, but is welcomed, is the new gimbal guard. Many complained about the gimbal guard on the Air 2S, as it was slightly difficult to attach.
The gimbal guard on the Air 3 is easier to put on and it covers not only the camera but also the front sensors.
This is similar to the gimbal guards aftermarket and 3rd-party manufacturers developed for the Air 2S.
Air 2S
Weight: 595 g
Dimensions:
Folded (without propellers): 180×97×77 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 183×253×77 mm (L×W×H)
The Air 2S was released back in April of 2021 and is still a fine-looking drone with many of the modern options and safety features we see on its successors.
When the Air 2S was released, it was lauded due to its manageable and relatively small size while housing a true 1″ CMOS Camera (more on this later).
Coming in behind the Mavic 2 Pro, the Air 2S was a refreshing option for professional and commercial drone operators who needed a reliable and powerful drone that was physically smaller than the Mavic 2 Pro.
Although a couple of inches longer and double the weight of the Mini 3 Pro, the Air 2S is still a reasonably sized drone that can be tucked away in a travel or shoulder bag and brought almost anywhere the adventurous drone pilot would want to go.
Sadly, everything was not all perfect with the Air 2S. There are two things that have and continue to irritate many Air 2S owners.
The first is the fact that the SD card slot is housed on the side of the drone, which puts it behind the arms and legs on the right-hand side, making it slightly time-consuming to access the slot, when the Air 2S is folded.
For those comfortable with the Phantom and Inspire lines, this took a little getting used to.
The second irritation is the gimbal guard. In theory, it was a good idea, much better designed than any gimbal guards on prior Mavic lines.
In practice, it was an exercise in patience and frustration. Thankfully there are still aftermarket gimbal guards that cover the camera as well as the front sensors, eliminating this problem.
Although the Air 2S is indeed 2 years old, as of the writing of this article, it is still an excellent drone for travel and professional drone work.
» MORE: 6 Most-Common Problems with Mavic Air 2s (Must-Read)
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)
The Mini 3 Pro is the undisputed king of the DJI line of Advanced drones when speaking of size and weight.
Prior to the Mini 3 Pro, there was not a Mini-sized DJI drone that could hold its own with the more expensive prosumer drones.
One of the major additions to the Mini 3 Pro, which changed its look from the previous Mini 2 line, is the addition of the front and rear obstacle avoidance sensors.
These sensors give the Mini 3 Pro a slightly frog-face appearance.
Still focusing on the front of the Mini 3 Pro, there is a 1/1.3” CMOS camera that not only takes pictures and videos in landscape orientation but also vertically.
This is something content creators and those who frequently post on Social Media greatly appreciate.
Looking even closer at the Mini 3 Pro, there is a feature that may be overlooked by some but is a slight timesaver.
This is the omission of the vertical landing gear on the front arms. In the Air 3 and Air 2S, the front landing gear houses the antennas.
That same landing gear also dictates a certain sequence for folding and unfolding the drone.
The Mini 3 Pro has no such limitations when it comes to folding and folding the drone.
You are able to use whatever sequence you’d like to get the drone unfolded and deployed, as there is no front landing gear standing in the way.
Of course, the biggest draw of the Mini 3 Pro is its weight and size.
Coming in at sub-250g, the Mini 3 Pro does not need to be registered in the United States, as long as it is not being used for commercial (paid) purposes.
» MORE: Become a Commercial Drone Pilot in 6 Easy Steps (Beginners Guide)
Complimenting the weight of the Mini 3 Pro is its tiny size. Because of its small and compact size, the Mini 3 Pro is ideal for travel.
It can easily be slipped into a purse, shoulder or photography bag, and even a side pocket on a pair of cargo pants or cargo shorts.
With the proper gimbal and propeller guards, the Mini 3 Pro can be taken pretty much anywhere.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Pro: One-Year Review (Video)
Propellers
With three different-sized and powered drones come three different sizes of propellers, all with varying pitches and sounds.
Which of the three drones have the least annoying pitch, and least amount of sound volume? That would be the Mini 3 Pro, with the Air 3 closing in on it.
» MORE: When to Change Drone Props? (Explained for Beginners)
Air 3
With each new model of drone released, there appears to be work done on DJI’s drone propellers. The Air 3 is no exception.
The Air 3 has a lower and softer pitch than the Air 2S. This is extremely evident when launching. While in the air, the Air 3 can barely be heard above 50 feet. Considering the size of the Air 3, this is impressive.
While flying the Air 3 in a fairly busy downtown park, the Air 3 barely garnered any attention and when it did, it was from individuals in the vicinity who saw it being removed from the photography bag that it was housed in and being set up.
While in the air, no attention was given.
At 4 feet away and a height of 5 feet, the Air 3 registers 65/66db.