DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: The Ultimate 2024 Comparison Guide

In case you are considering purchasing a pocket-sized but efficient drone in the year 2024, You’re probably trying to decide between buying the DJI Mini 3 Pro or its latest version DJI Mini 4 Pro. Both these drones are good in their ways, but there are a few essential differences that may suit one more than the other. In this easy guide, we’ll break down the mini 3 pro vs mini 4 pro 2024 debate that encloses everything from specs and prices to battery and camera features. Whether you’ve just come in or you’re well into it already, you’ll know which one is meant for you by the end of the reading.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro Which is best

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has become an attractive option among many who want to enjoy flying without breaking the bank or taking an unmanageable amount of equipment on their trips. However, with the emergence of the advanced DJI Mini 4 Pro, several people are getting the itch to know whether it is a worthy upgrade. Armed with high-quality cameras and smart flying modes, both drones are also light in weight and easy to transport. However, the Mini 4 Pro comes with new upgrades such as enhanced obstacle detection and easiness of flying.

In this discussion, we are going to explore the specifications of the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro and see which one works better under specific conditions. This will help you in selecting between the two that best suit your requirements.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Before we proceed to the details of the Mavic Mini 3 Pro versus Mini 4 Pro comparisons, there are a few aspects that should be looked into first.

  1. Budget: What is the highest amount of cash you can be ready to outspend? We shall explore the price contrast of DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro.
  2. Camera Quality: Do you care about shooting amazing videos and taking clear pictures? We will review the differences in camera specs between the Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 4 Pro.
  3. Flight Time: Are your projects requiring a long possible flight time? In this section, we will evaluate the maximum battery durations for the two drones.
  4. Obstacle Avoidance: Are you going to operate in the presence of many trees, buildings, and other obstructions? Better obstacle avoidance sensors are found on Mini 4 Pro.
  5. Smart Home Integration: Are you a fan of devices for smart homes? This means that a 3D Pro can work with smart home systems, which the 3D Pro Mini cannot.

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro Specs

FeatureDJI Mini 3 ProDJI Mini 4 ProDJI Mini 3 
Weight249g249g249g
Camera Sensor1/1.3-inch CMOS1/1.3-inch CMOS1/1.3 inch CMOS
Max Video Resolution4K at 60fps4K at 100fps4K/30fps 
Max Photo Resolution48MP48MP48MP
Battery Life34 minutes (standard battery)34 minutes (standard battery)38 minutes (standard battery)
Obstacle AvoidanceTri-directional360-degreeN/A
Max Transmission Distance12 km20 km10 km
Smart FeaturesFocusTrack, MasterShotsFocusTrack, MasterShots, Waypoints, Night ModeN/A
Price$759 (Standard)$759 (Standard)$469 (or $379 with no RC)

Camera Comparison: Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro Camera

The DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro advanced agri-racers come equipped with similar 1/1.3 inched camera sensors which can take pictures of 48MP and shoot 4K motion photographic. However, there are a few distinguishing factors that might apply to you the most, particularly if you are fond of shooting videos or pictures.

  1. Recording Resolution: Mini 3 Pro’s maximum recording resolution is 4K/60fps, which is reasonable for capturing undistorted moving images. Mini 4 Pro does deliver more as the resolution permits recording 4k videos at 100 frames per second, which also, allows for more fluid footage when it comes to slow-motion cinematography. This is awesome when filming moving objects or sports activities.
  2. Low Light Performance: One of the most remarkable advancements in the Mini 4 Pro is its Night Mode. This allows for the easier and clearer capture of pictures and videos even in low-light situations, such as during dusk or night. This the Mini 3 Pro lacks so it has a poor performance in low-light imaging.
  3. Intelligent Shooting Functions: There are additional capabilities such as FocusTrack, MasterShots, and QuickShots in both drones for ease of capturing impressive shots. Mini 4 Pro, however, includes Waypoints where one can set the flight path before taking off in addition to these features. This is a great add-on for making real estate pictures and videos or in situations requiring similar shots to be taken repeatedly.

Battery performance of DJI Mini 3 Pro as compared to Mini 4 Pro

When it comes to drones, battery life remains a critical aspect for its users. The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and the Mini 4 Pro model both offer a maximum flight time of thirty-four minutes with the standard battery respectively. If that is not enough, there is an option to upgrade to a larger battery giving a flight time of roughly 47 minutes.

In terms of theory, both Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 have the same battery life, but the former’s newer design offers a slight improvement in efficiency leading to a longer flying time (within reason), especially if using the obstacle avoidance feature.

Obstacle Avoidance: Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro Obstacle Avoidance

The two drones differ greatly in their systems preventing their collisions with obstacles. The Mini 3 Pro is fitted with sensors that sense the presence of an object in three positions only, namely the front, back, and downward. This works fairly well in almost all flying conditions. The Mini 4 Pro, on the other hand, has all-around 360-degree obstacle detection which means that the drones can detect an object within the drone’s radius from all angles.

In this way, even when flying indoors or in a plethora of trees or buildings, the Mini 4 Pro is less risky since it makes flying less stressful in such areas. For beginners or those who fly in complicated conditions, the Mini 4 Pro is the preferred option.

Smart Home Features: DJI Mini 4 Pro’s New Integration

One of the prominent features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its compatibility with smart home devices, including Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. You merely need to speak your commands for your drone to take off, land, or change direction among other basic operations Sometimes this can be quite useful and enjoyable to those with a pre-existing smart home system.

Mini 3 Pro does not have this feature, therefore if smart home integration is of importance to you, the Mini 4 Pro will win hands down.

Price Comparison: DJI Mini 3 Pro price against DJI Mini 4 Pro Price

Price is one of the significant factors for the majority of buyers. Here is the comparison of these two drones regarding price:

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Set at $759 for the normal kit that consists of the drone and an ordinary controller.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: Priced at $799, which is only $40 extra than the Mini 3 Pro but has new features such as advanced obstacle avoidance and better performance in dark environments.

When such optimization features are introduced to the Mini 4 Pro at a small price difference, it’s probably worth going for the latest technology.

Opinion: Advantages and Disadvantages: DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro

DJI Mini 3 Pro Pros

  • High-quality camera for a fair price
  • Very lightweight and small (249 grams).
  • 34 minutes of flight time.
  • Intelligent shooting modes, such as FocusTrack and Master’s Shots.
  • Cheap for a drone, compared to the Mini 4 Pro.

Disadvantages of DJI Mini 3 Pro:

  • Lacks a 360-degree obstacle avoidance sensing feature
  • No Night shooting mode for shooting in the dark
  • Struggles with smart home integration
  • The transmission range is limited in comparison to the Mini 4 Pro

DJI Mini 4 Pro Advantages:

  • Has the capacity to shoot videos of 100fps at 4k resolution for clearer videography
  • Inbuilt 360-degree obstacle detection for enhanced security
  • Decreased light performance Enhanced functionality with the help of Night Vision
  • Introduction of Waypoints for sequentially programmed operations
  • Compatible with voice-controlled home assistants – Alexa and Google
  • Enhanced linear distance coverage (up to 20 kilometers)
  • Disadvantages of DJI Mini 4 Pro:
  • A bit costlier
  • Designed for the same weight and dimension as the Mini 3 Pro, so no significant external transformations

Conclusion: Which Drone Should You Buy?

The DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro drones are superior in their way. The choice, however, will depend on the individual’s needs. For example, 360-degree obstacle avoidance, Night Mode, or Smart Features Integration are some of the features that are seen in the Mini 4 Pro, making this a great upgrade, especially given the slight price increase. 

For instance, in case you need a more advanced drone, but preferably at a lower price, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a good option that is not too expensive and for what it is, very advanced.

The situation is different though as regards the technology investment in the future and present enjoyment of the available technology, thus the Mini 4 Pro will be the better option to go for in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In what aspect do the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro differ significantly?

The Mini 4 Pro provides 360-degree obstacle sensing and night functioning mode, and can be linked to smart home systems features lacking in the Mini 3 Pro.

Should one go for the Mini 4 Pro upgrade from Mini 3 Pro?

More efficient obstacle avoidance, enhanced shooting in dark conditions, and smart features are of importance to you.

Luke, what are the prices of DJI MInI 3 pro and mini 4 pro?

The Mini 3 Pro costs around $759 while the price for the Mini 4 Pro starts at $799.

How the battery life is for both of the drones?

Both drones provide flight duration reaching 34 minutes when the standard battery is used, and this can be made to 47 minutes by using an enhanced battery.

What is the best drone in terms of obstacle avoidance capabilities?

Data indicates that the Mini 4 Pro has a 360-degree obstacle detection capability which is better than that of the tri-dimension configuration of the Mini 3 Pro.

Are there smart home devices that I can use in the operation of the Mini 4 Pro drone?

Definitely! The Mini 4 Pro can also be used with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

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Muhammad explores the latest advancements, practical uses, and technical insights related to drones. My goal is to help readers understand the diverse applications of drones, from recreational flying to professional use in photography, agriculture, and beyond.

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