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Our favorite! DJI Mini 4 Pro
Autonomy: 34 minutes |
Good opinions! DJI Mini 3 Pro
Autonomy: 34 minutes |
More and more people use drones, both in the professional environment and for pure pleasure. This means that the variety of models coming to the market is increasing, and, for this reason, we wanted to compare two of the ones that users are most in demand on Amazon. Specifically, we are talking about the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 Pro camera drones. Generally speaking, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an improved version of the Mini 3 Pro, with some innovations and many similarities.
One of the most important differences is that the DJI Mini 4 Pro has an omnidirectional obstacle detection system, more complete than the tridirectional system of the Mini 3 Pro. On the other hand, it has a wider range in the maximum transmission distance without interference, which is 8 kilometers more on the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
When it comes to image quality, the two drones are pretty even, except for a small improvement introduced by the DJI Mini 4 Pro: the update to the color profile. Go from the D-Cinelike profile of the Mini 3 Pro to the HLG and D-Log M profiles, with a higher bit depth. This translates into a wider variety of colors when editing videos.
But, as we have told you, the best way to know which of the two drones to choose is to analyze them in detail. Let’s go there!
DJI Mini 4 Pro vs 3 Pro – Comparison Table
Do you want to buy a drone but don’t know which one to choose? In this table, we show you the main specifications of two of the best sellers on Amazon so you can compare them:
DJI Mini 4 Pro
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DJI Mini 3 Pro
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| Dimensions | Folded (without propellers): 148 × 94 × 64 mm Unfolded (with propellers): 298 × 373 × 101 mm |
Folded (without propellers): 145 × 90 × 62 mm Unfolded (with propellers): 251 × 362 × 70 mm |
| Weight | 249 g | 249 g |
| Maximum flight time | 34 min | 34 min |
| Maximum ascent speed | 5 m/s | 5 m/s |
| Maximum descent speed | 5 m/s | 5 m/s |
| Horizontal speed | 16 m/s | 16 m/s |
| Maximum altitude | 4000 m | 4000 m |
| Maximum distance | 18 km | 18 km |
| Wind resistance | 10.7 m/s | 10.7 m/s |
| Inclination angle | 35º | 40º |
| Temperature range | From −10 to 40 °C | From −10 to 40 °C |
| Battery capacity | 2590 mAh | 2453 mAh |
| Loading time | 58-70 minutes | 56-64 minutes |
| Image sensor | CMOS 1/1.3″, 48 MP | CMOS 1/1.3″, 48 MP |
| Focal aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.7 |
| Resolution | HDR 4K/60 fps 4K/100 fps |
HDR 4K/30 fps 4K/60 fps |
| Field of vision | 82.1º | 82.1º |
| Maximum image size | 8064 × 6048 pixels | 8064 × 6048 pixels |
| Color profile | HLG/D-Log M | D-Cinelike |
| Stabilization | 3 axes | 3 axes |
| Transmission system | DJI O4 in 1080p/60 fps at 20 km | DJI O3 in 1080p/30 fps at 12 km |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Mobile app | DJI Fly | DJI Fly |
| Obstacle detection | Omnidirectional complemented by a 3D infrared sensor on the bottom of the aircraft | Three-way (front, rear and bottom) |
At first glance, it is the same drone
Or that’s what anyone might think as soon as they see them. The design has hardly changed, since the two drones have the same weight, the same line of sight and, almost, the same dimensions. We have to say that it does not surprise us, since the design of the DJI Mini 3 Pro worked very well thanks to its lightness, agility and quality of materials. Therefore, it is logical that the brand did not want to take risks, and has maintained the same tone in the Mini 4 Pro.
Flight capabilities, very similar
We now compare some of the specifications that tell us if there is one of the two drones that has clearer flight capabilities compared to the other. And, as with the design, we see a pretty clear tie. The two DJI drones can fly for up to 34 minutes, ascend and descend at about 5 meters per second, and the horizontal speed rises to 16 meters per second.
In addition, they reach a maximum altitude of 4 kilometers, and can travel a maximum distance of 18 kilometers. And, if it is windy, both have the same resistance. The only thing in which we see a slight difference is the tilt angle, which is 35º in the DJI Mini 4 Pro and 40º in the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
The sensor to detect obstacles, the main difference
This is what, for us, is the most notable difference between the two models in the Mini series. The DJI Mini 3 Pro features a three-directional sensor to detect obstacles, with front, rear and bottom views. The DJI Mini 4 Pro advances in this sense and incorporates an omnidirectional sensor reinforced with a 3D infrared sensor. This increases the protection of the drone when flying, because it is capable of identifying more obstacles in a panoramic area. Likewise, it has an advanced pilot assistance system that favors braking, further increasing safety.
Higher video transmission
We continue talking about the differences between the two DJI camera drones, and we now look at the transmission system, which is also updated. The Mini 3 Pro uses the DJI O3 system, while the Mini 4 Pro upgrades it to the DJI O4. There are two main differences. On the one hand, the maximum transmission distance without interference occurring increases from 12 to 20 kilometers. And, on the other hand, the transmission speed on the Mini 4 Pro is 1080p at 60 fps, while on the Mini 3 Pro it is 1080p at 30 fps.
Does it improve the battery of the drone and remote control?
As we have advanced, the two drones can fly for approximately 34 minutes. However, the battery of the DJI Mini 4 Pro has a slightly higher capacity than the Mini 3 Pro. This makes it take a little longer to charge, although we are talking about a difference of just a few minutes. On the other hand, the battery life of the remote control is very similar, and can be up to 6 hours if you do not charge a mobile device. Speaking of the remote control, it should be noted that the DJI Mini 4 Pro has renewed its design, and we find it more comfortable to use.
The color profile is also updated
The quality of the images and videos we take with a drone is one of the most important aspects when we decide which drone to buy. In this case, there are several factors to take into account. One of the most noticeable differences between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 Pro in this sense has to do with tonality and chromatic realism. This is mainly due to the fact that the DJI Mini 4 Pro integrates the HLG and D-Log M color profiles, with a depth of 10 bits, improving the D-Cinelike profile that we saw in the Mini 3 Pro.
Beyond the colors, there are a series of new features and modes in the DJI Mini 4 Pro. This drone has improved three different recording modes compared to its predecessor: Spotlight, point of interest and ActiveTrack 360º. Night mode has also been improved, which on the Mini 4 Pro is capable of reducing much more image noise when recording in low light.
Is it worth upgrading to the DJI Mini 4 Pro?
Whenever we analyze and compare two successive models, the question that arises is the same: to what extent is it worth upgrading to the new model if we have the previous one? In this case, if you already have the DJI Mini 3 Pro, perhaps we would recommend waiting to renew it. Although the DJI Mini 4 Pro has improved functionalities, it seems to us that the financial investment you should make is higher than the real differences between the two drones.
On the other hand, if you don’t have either and want to buy a drone with a camera, we would recommend choosing the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which has more advanced recording modes, a more powerful sensor set, and a broader color profile. Both drones are from the same brand, so quality is guaranteed in any of them. On the other hand, the basic flight capabilities are the same, as is its design.
As you see, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an updated and renewed version of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, but there are no major structural innovations. Most of the differences show an evolution within the same direction. However, the only person who has the power to decide whether it is worth it or not to upgrade to the DJI Mini 4 Pro is you.