DJI Air 3S vs Mini 4 Pro: My In-Depth Testing Results From Alaska to the Desert

You might think the DJI Air 3S beats the Mini 4 Pro in every category, but my extensive field testing has revealed some surprising results. After purchasing both drones myself (not manufacturer samples) and testing them in extreme conditions from Alaska‘s sub-zero temperatures to desert heat, I’ve discovered some interesting advantages for both aircraft.

Dynamic Range and Image Quality Testing

One of my biggest questions going into this comparison was about dynamic range, especially given DJI’s claims about the Air 3S having some of the best dynamic range of any small consumer/prosumer drone they’ve released. I tested this in environments with extreme contrast – bright sunlight against deep shadows – to see how both drones would handle these challenging conditions.

When it comes to image quality, there isn’t a night and day difference. The Air 3S does have slightly better dynamic range and produces a cleaner image with better noise handling, but the gap isn’t as dramatic as you might expect. I ran all these tests with noise reduction at -2 and sharpening at -2, which I’ve found gives the best image quality overall. As my colleague Philip Bloom has demonstrated, you get much better results by sharpening and reducing noise in post-production.

Slow Motion Capabilities

The slow motion capabilities between these drones show some interesting differences:

Mini 4 Pro:

• 4K up to 100fps
• 1080p up to 200fps
• Outputs files in 25fps

Air 3S:

• 4K up to 120fps
• 1080p up to 240fps
• Outputs files in 30fps

While the actual slow-motion effect is similar, the Air 3S definitely produces higher quality slow-motion footage across all modes. The 30fps output of the Air 3S also makes it easier to work with in typical 24fps or 30fps timelines, unlike the Mini 4 Pro’s 25fps output which requires additional processing.

Photo Capabilities

In photo testing, the results were fascinating. The Air 3S’s 50-megapixel photos performed better than I expected, showing noticeable improvements over the Mini 4 Pro’s 48-megapixel shots. However, I still recommend the 12-megapixel stills for both drones – they consistently show better dynamic range and fewer issues with chromatic aberration.

Low Light Performance

My low light testing was methodical, progressing through various ISO settings:

• Started at ISO 100 in D-Log M
• Tested through to ISO 1,600 (Mini 4 Pro’s limit)
• Continued with Air 3S up to ISO 3,200 in D-Log M
• Switched to normal profile/night mode for higher ISOs up to 12,800

I conducted these tests with -1 sharpening and -1 noise reduction to better evaluate the results. The Air 3S showed better low-light performance overall, though the difference wasn’t as dramatic as I expected. I also ran comparison tests with various noise reduction settings on the Air 3S, from -1 to +1, which clearly showed how increased noise reduction sacrifices detail.

The 70mm Advantage

One significant advantage of the Air 3S is its 70mm (3x) camera alongside the standard 24mm lens. This dual-camera setup provides entirely different creative possibilities for shot composition and compression effects. During my mountain-top testing, I demonstrated the exact difference between these focal lengths, showing how the 70mm lens can create unique perspectives impossible with the Mini 4 Pro’s single lens.

Vertical Video Capabilities

Surprisingly, the Mini 4 Pro outperforms the Air 3S in vertical video production. The difference lies in their approach:

Mini 4 Pro:

• Physically rotates the entire gimbal
• Full 4K resolution up to 60fps/100fps
• Complete sensor readout

Air 3S:

• Fixed gimbal position
• 2.7K cropped vertical video up to 30fps/60fps

For vertical content creators, this makes the Mini 4 Pro particularly appealing, as you get higher resolution and better quality in vertical orientation.

Active Track Performance

Both drones feature impressive active tracking capabilities with the latest DJI algorithms. They both offer:

• Custom tracking paths
• Auto mode with various positioning options
• Advanced obstacle avoidance

However, there’s one significant difference: the Air 3S can track subjects at speeds over 30 mph, while the Mini 4 Pro is limited to about 25 mph. This makes the Air 3S better suited for tracking faster-moving subjects.

Obstacle Avoidance Testing

During my testing, I found that both drones’ obstacle avoidance systems, while generally excellent, struggle with thin branches even in well-lit conditions. This isn’t a fault of either drone but rather a limitation of current sensor technology that users should be aware of.

Travel and Portability

The Mini 4 Pro has distinct advantages for travel:

• Under 249g with lightweight battery
• Less regulatory restriction in most Countries
• Easier to transport due to smaller size
• Particularly advantageous in the European Union regarding licensing requirements

Wind Resistance

In my wind resistance testing, the Air 3S demonstrated significantly better stability. When filming close-up shots in windy conditions, the Mini 4 Pro noticeably struggled to maintain position, while the Air 3S remained remarkably stable. This difference becomes less noticeable at greater distances but is crucial for close-proximity filming.

Speed Testing

The speed difference between these drones is dramatic:

Air 3S:

• Top speed: 60 mph (with slight tailwind)
• Ascent/descent speed: 22 mph

Mini 4 Pro:

• Top speed: 35-36 mph
• Ascent/descent speed: 11 mph

Environmental Performance

My temperature testing revealed significant differences in environmental adaptability. Testing in desert conditions at 90°F (32°C) and then in sub-zero temperatures at -8°F (-22°C) within 24 hours showed:

Air 3S:

• Consistent performance across temperature range
• Built-in fan prevents overheating
• Reliable in extreme cold down to -20°F (-29°C)

Mini 4 Pro:

• Struggles with IMU calibration in cold
• More susceptible to temperature extremes
• No active cooling system

Battery Life

Both drones offer similar flight times with their respective batteries, though the Mini 4 Pro loses about 8 minutes of flight time with the lightweight battery that keeps it under 249g. The Air 3S shows more consistent battery performance across temperature ranges, likely due to its better thermal management.

Price Comparison

The price difference is significant:

Mini 4 Pro:

• Starting at $759
• Up to $1,100 for full packages

Air 3S:

• Starting at $1,100
• Up to $1,600 for comprehensive packages

Final Thoughts

After extensive testing in various conditions, I’ve found that choosing between these drones depends heavily on your specific needs. The Mini 4 Pro offers remarkable capabilities in a highly portable package, while the Air 3S provides professional-grade features with better environmental resilience.

For more detailed discussions about these drones, join my Wednesday live streams at 4:00 PM Alaska time (8:00 PM Eastern). If you’re concerned about getting your drone through customs in the United States, I recommend checking out Drone Works (no affiliate relationship) – they maintain U.S. stock and offer quick shipping.