DJI Mini vs Air vs Mavic: What's the Difference and Which One to Choose
February 21, 2026
At DJI the names are similar, but the purposes of the lineups are different. Mini, Air and Mavic - these are not just three models, but three levels of approach to shooting and flying. One option is chosen to learn and practice calmly. Another - when you want more quality and capabilities. The third - already for serious shooting and work.
The difference is felt not only in the specifications. Weight, wind resistance, sensors, video detail, behavior in difficult conditions - all this changes the experience. And if you choose blindly, it's easy to overpay for features that won't be needed, or conversely - quickly run into limitations.
Who actually needs Mini, Air or Mavic
DJI has three lineups, and each is designed for a different level of tasks. There is no universal option "for everyone" here. Everything depends on experience, budget and exactly what is planned to be shot - short clips for yourself or full-fledged projects.
DJI Mini - for starting and everyday shooting
This is the first drone and it's important to calmly master control without extra pressure.
A lightweight and compact format is needed for travel and everyday shooting.
Practice and learning are planned, not immediate commercial work.
You want to minimize financial risks during the first flights.
Good video quality is enough without excessive professional settings.
DJI Air - the next step after basic experience
You already have basic experience and want to move to the next level.
A more advanced camera and expanded shooting modes are important.
Better wind resistance and more confident behavior in the air are needed.
Shooting is planned for a blog, travel or small commercial tasks.
You want a universal option without moving into the most expensive segment.
DJI Mavic - for complex tasks and professional work
The drone is used as a working tool, not just for hobby.
Maximum image detail and flexibility of settings are needed.
Advanced safety sensors and intelligent features are important.
Shooting takes place in difficult conditions or on serious projects.
Stable connection, range and high level of reliability are required.
The point is not to take "the most powerful one". It is much more reasonable to choose a lineup according to real tasks - then the equipment fully reveals itself and does not sit idle.
DJI Mini - compact format for starting and regular practice
The Mini lineup is designed for those who want to start without complicated preparation and excessive settings. These are lightweight, foldable models that are convenient to take on trips or use for everyday shooting. The Mini format is more often chosen for learning, first independent flights and calm practice without serious financial risks.
At the same time, there is a difference within the lineup. Basic versions are suitable for starting and regular training, while more advanced models provide a noticeable improvement in camera and battery life, while maintaining compactness.
DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo
DJI Mini 4K - a compact drone weighing less than 250 g, focused on learning and everyday shooting. It is equipped with a 12 MP camera with 4K video support and three-axis mechanical stabilization. Control remains understandable even for a beginner, and behavior in the air is predictable in moderate wind. For the first steps, this level of capabilities is usually sufficient.
The Fly More Combo version makes usage more convenient. The kit includes three batteries and a charging hub, allowing longer practice without frequent breaks. Support for QuickShots and panorama modes simplifies creation of short clips without complicated manual settings. This is an option for those who want to learn and fly regularly without extra strain on the budget.
Key features:
Weight less than 250 g
4K video recording
Three-axis mechanical stabilization
Support for QuickShots and panorama modes
Three-battery kit in the Fly More Combo version
Specifications:
Flight time: 31 min.
Ascent speed: 28.8 km/h.
Photo resolution, pixels: None
Lens: 84°, f/2.8-f/11
Stabilization: 3-axis
Batteries: 3 pcs
DJI Mini 5 Pro
DJI Mini 5 Pro retains the compact foldable format, but at the same time offers more advanced shooting capabilities and increased flight time. The camera is built on a CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 50 MP, where the high figure is achieved through pixel binning technology, while standard shooting is done in a more balanced mode.
This model is designed for those who have already mastered basic flights and want more control over the image. Increased flight time, expanded shooting modes and stable gimbal performance make the Mini 5 Pro an intermediate option between training format and more serious solutions.
Key features:
1-inch 50 MP matrix
Support for 4K shooting with high frame rate
Three-axis mechanical gimbal
Built-in 42 GB memory
Support for GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
Specifications:
Flight time: 36-52 min
Ascent speed: 36 km/h
Photo resolution, pixels: 8192x6144
Lens: 84°, f/1.8
Stabilization: 3-axis mechanical gimbal
Batteries: 1 pc
DJI Air - balance between price and capabilities
The Air lineup occupies an intermediate position between compact Mini and heavier Mavic models. These models are already noticeably larger and more stable in the air, offer expanded camera and sensor capabilities, but at the same time remain foldable and convenient for transportation. Air is chosen when the basic level is no longer enough, while a transition to the professional segment is not yet required.
Within the series the emphasis is on versatility. Two lenses, support for intelligent modes, increased flight time and more stable signal transmission make these models a working tool for travel shooting, blogs and mid-level commercial tasks.
DJI Air 3S RC-N3
DJI Air 3S is equipped with a dual-camera system with a wide-angle module and telephoto lens. Both cameras use 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors and support 4K shooting up to 60 frames per second, as well as high-resolution photos. Switching between focal lengths allows working with different shots without quality loss. This is a convenient format for those who shoot diverse scenes and do not want to be limited to one field of view.
Flight time reaches 45 minutes, signal transmission is stable over long distances, intelligent modes FocusTrack, MasterShots and Waypoint are supported. Three-axis stabilization and obstacle avoidance system make the drone's behavior more predictable in difficult conditions. The model is suitable for advanced users who need a balance between compactness and functionality.
Key features:
Dual-camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lens
4K shooting up to 60 fps
Flight time up to 45 minutes
Support for intelligent shooting modes
APAS 5.0 obstacle avoidance system
Specifications:
Flight time: 45 min
Ascent speed: 36 km/h
Photo resolution, pixels: 8192x6144
Lens: 84°, f/1.8 / f/2.8
Stabilization: 3-axis
Batteries: 1 pc
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with RC-N2
DJI Air 3 also uses a dual-camera configuration - wide-angle lens and telephoto lens. The 1/1.3" 48 MP CMOS matrix allows shooting high-resolution photos and 4K video up to 100 frames per second. Due to the larger body compared to Mini, the model is more stable in wind and holds position better during maneuvers.
The Fly More Combo version includes three batteries and a charging hub, increasing total field operation time. Tracking modes, hyperlapse and panoramas are supported. This is an option for those who shoot regularly and want a reserve of battery life and capabilities without moving to a heavier lineup.
Key features:
Two cameras with different focal lengths
4K shooting up to 100 fps
Flight time up to 46 minutes
Support for tracking modes and panoramas
Three-battery kit in the Fly More Combo version
Specifications:
Flight time: 46 min
Ascent speed: 36 km/h
Photo resolution, pixels: 8064x6048
Lens: 82°, f/1.7
Stabilization: 3-axis
Batteries: 3 pcs
DJI Mavic - maximum capabilities and extended functionality
The Mavic lineup is focused on more complex tasks. These models are larger, heavier and more technically advanced compared to Mini and Air. Here the emphasis is on large sensors, expanded shooting modes, wind resistance and long flight time. The Mavic format is more often chosen for commercial work, difficult conditions and projects where image flexibility and air stability are important.
Within the series you can find both simplified versions with emphasis on main camera quality and models with multiple lenses for working at different focal lengths. This is no longer a format for first training, but a tool for systematic shooting.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic with RC-N1 Remote
DJI Mavic 3 Classic is built around a camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor and adjustable aperture. This format provides more control over the image and allows working in different lighting conditions without losing detail. Video is recorded in high resolution, and three-axis stabilization helps maintain a smooth picture even during active maneuvers.
Flight time reaches 46 minutes, omnidirectional obstacle detection and return to home are supported. The model is suitable for semi-professional and professional shooting where stability, setting flexibility and predictable air behavior are required.
Key features:
4/3 CMOS camera sensor
Adjustable aperture f/2.8 - f/11
High-resolution video recording
Omnidirectional obstacle detection
Flight time up to 46 minutes
Specifications:
Flight time: 46 min
Ascent speed: 28.8 km/h
Photo resolution, pixels: 5280x3956
Lens: 84°, f/2.8 - f/11
Stabilization: 3-axis
Batteries: 1 pc
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
DJI Mavic 4 Pro is equipped with a triple camera system. The main camera with a 4/3 100 MP CMOS sensor works together with additional telephoto lenses, allowing focal length changes without quality loss. Recording up to 6K at 60 frames per second is supported. This set is focused on shooting complex scenes where detail and flexibility in angles are important.
Flight time reaches 51 minutes, O4+ signal transmission system is used, expanded tracking modes and obstacle avoidance system are provided. The model is designed for regular work and projects that require a wide range of capabilities in one body.
Key features:
Triple camera with main 4/3 100 MP CMOS sensor
Support for 6K recording at 60 fps
Flight time up to 51 minutes
O4+ signal transmission system
Specifications:
Flight time: 51 min
Ascent speed: 36 km/h
Photo resolution, pixels: 12288x8192
Lens: 72°, f/2.0 - f/11
Stabilization: Yes
Batteries: 1 pc
Comparison of DJI Mini, Air and Mavic by key parameters
When the choice is between Mini, Air and Mavic, it is more convenient to look not at individual models, but at the logic of the lineup itself. The difference is felt in size, camera, stability and usage scenarios. Below is a brief comparison by main parameters.
Simply put, Mini is for starting and regular practice. Air is the balance between compactness and functionality. Mavic is a tool for tasks where detail, capability reserve and stability in difficult conditions are important.
Which DJI is more reasonable to start with - guide by tasks
The choice most often depends not on specifications, but on the usage scenario. Below is a simple way to understand which lineup will suit your specific tasks.
First drone for learning: Mini is simpler to control, lighter in weight and allows calm practice without extra pressure.
Moving to the next level after basic experience: Air provides a more advanced camera, better stability and expanded shooting modes.
Shooting as a working tool: Mavic is designed for tasks where detail, setting flexibility and stable performance in difficult conditions are important.
Irregular flights and "for myself" format: Mini looks like a reasonable start if there is no certainty about frequency of use.
Universal option without entering the most expensive segment: Air will suit those who want balance between capabilities and body size.
When the choice is built from real tasks, and not from the model name, the decision becomes clearer and calmer.
Conclusion
The difference between the lineups is not reduced only to numbers in the specifications. Mini is about easy start and regular practice without extra load. Air is about versatility and balance, when you already want more quality and stability. Mavic is a tool for tasks where detail, setting flexibility and confident performance in difficult conditions are important.
There is no point in chasing the top model if half of its capabilities will remain unused. It is much more logical to choose a drone according to your real tasks and experience level. Then the equipment will work for you, and not just lie in the backpack "just in case".