Looking for a mini drone? Either for travel, as a first drone, or as an addition to your current drone arsenal. If so, you should have come across two of his drones, the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel Nano Plus.
Being in the same price range, the features of both drones make it difficult to choose one over the other.
So which is better, DJI Mini 3 Pro or Autel Evo Nano Plus?
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is slightly better, thanks to better camera capabilities, subject tracking, obstacle avoidance, better flight times, and better flight performance.
The Nano+ comes close to second place with its sharp images, 10km flight range, above average flight performance and obstacle detection.
Read on to find out which of these two drones I would choose and why.
DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC)
4K/60fps video, 48MP photos, 34 min flight time, 3-way obstacle sensing, lightweight, foldable camera drone ideal for aerial photography and social media
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November 5, 2022 12:05 AM GMT
Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ Premium Bundle
At less than 249 grams, the Autel EVO Nano+ is the smallest of all Autel drones, lighter than a smartphone and fits almost anywhere.
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Comparison of DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel Evo Nano Plus
Below is a detailed analysis and comparison of what each drone offers based on the main features you are looking for.
camera and quality
Cameras are probably the most useful part of a drone and the reason everyone wants one in the first place.
Currently the DJI Mini 3 Pro has a 1/1.3 sensor and the Nano+ has a 1/1.28 sensor. Since there is no big difference in sensor size like this, there may not be a big difference in image quality.
But when it comes to video, the Mini 3 Pro wins because it can shoot in 4K at 60fps, while the Nano+ can only shoot at 30fps.
Mini 3 Pro’s bitrate is up to 150MB/s, while Nano+ is up to 100MB/s.
The Mini 3 Pro can shoot 1920p at 120fps, which makes for better slow motion clips, while the Nano+ can only shoot 1080p at 60fps.
However, when it comes to image resolution, the Nano+ has a slightly higher resolution (50 MP) compared to the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s 48 MP.
The colors produced by both cameras on these drones are also slightly different. Both drones can shoot in D-Cinelike color profile.
Both drones work well in low light.
Both drones also have intelligent flight modes that can capture cinematic footage. But despite all these differences and similarities, the output isn’t all that different, especially if you know how to use editing software.
We can debate our preferences when choosing a camera for these drones, but all else being equal, we’d go with the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
What’s more, the Mini 3 Pro has a vertical gimbal position that makes it easy to shoot portraits and post directly to social media. This is a feature the Nano+ does not have.
Flight time
As far as flight times go, DJI is the clear winner when it comes to mini drones. The DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with his 34 minutes of flight time, with the option to get an even more powerful battery that extends this flight time up to 40 minutes or more.
The Autel Evo Nano+, on the other hand, achieves a flight time of 28 minutes. But anyone who’s ever flown a drone knows that in both cases it’s just the advertised flight time.
Due to conditions such as weather, atmospheric pressure and environmental conditions, the Mini 3 Pro is expected to achieve 30 minutes of flight time, while the Nano+ barely reaches 25 minutes of flight time in optimal conditions.
2453mAh battery capacity and better aerodynamics is one of the reasons why the Mini 3 Pro outperforms the Nano+ with its 2250mAh capacity battery.
app
DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI Fly app) and Autel Evo Nano+ (Autel Sky app) come with easy-to-use apps that help you control your drone, adjust settings, and view live footage from your drone.
However, the Autel Sky app can be compromised by connectivity issues or sudden outages.
I have used it for a while and have seen the same complaints from other users. His camera is set to shoot in 4K, but when he edits the photos and videos on his laptop, it’s either 720p or 1080p, not 4K.
This is very inconvenient, especially if you have to travel very long distances to photograph an object.
Another issue that can occur is that the Autel Sky app does not save some settings from one flight to the next.
For example, you can set the histogram to ON, but you will have to turn this setting back on every time you switch the drone off and on.
Overall, the DJI Fly app offers a better experience than the Autel Sky app.
design
Both of these drones are under 250g drones. So if you come from a region exempt from registration for drones weighing less than 250 grams, both are perfect for that purpose.
Qualitatively, both feel as expected. You wouldn’t expect a drone like this to be rugged, but once you get your hands on it, you’ll realize that it’s built tough enough to withstand outdoor conditions, yet light and small enough to fit in your pocket.
performance
These drones have three modes. Normal Mode, Manual Mode, and Sport (Nano+ Ludicrous).
In Sport or Ludicrous mode, the DJI Mini 3 Pro can reach speeds of up to 35 MPH, while the Nano+ is rated at 33 MPH, a staggering speed for a mini drone.
But thanks to its higher speed and the aforementioned better aerodynamics, the Mini 3 Pro performs better in Level 5 winds.
Obstacle avoidance and avoidance
When Autel first released its Nano+ drones in 2021, they were among the first sub-250-gram drones to sense obstacles.
DJI has always used the excuse of omitting obstacle avoidance sensors on the Minis series in order to keep the drone under 250 grams.
But the DJI Mini 3 Pro balances the scale by having 3-way obstacle sensing, which may not be as advanced as other DJI drones, but it works just as well as the Nano+ and even better. increase.
How? For Nano+, just set obstacle avoidance on and off. When turned on, it will stop when it senses an obstacle.
However, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has 3 settings.
- bypass – Where to turn to avoid obstacles
- break – Where the drone will stop
- off – Where to turn off the sensor.
active track
This is another feature that DJI left out in its first mini drone. Thankfully, though, the DJI Mini 3 Pro features an advanced version of ActiveTrack, perfect for anyone looking to capture themselves while hiking, running, or participating in other activities.
Unfortunately, the Nano+ doesn’t have the ActiveTrack feature, but Autel promises to roll it out in a future firmware update.
transmission and controller
Both drones use state-of-the-art transmission and can travel up to 12km (Mini 3 Pro) and 10km (Nano+) from the controller.
Also, most local regulations require drones to be flown within line of sight, so mini drones are not flying several kilometers away.
But long-haul connections show that short-haul connections are even stronger.
However, the Nano+ is better than the Mini 3 Pro as it transmits live video at 2.7K, which currently can only achieve 1080p transmission resolution.
However, DJI compensates for this via the controller. The Nano+ controller feels like an Xbox 1 gamepad. This, despite being lightweight, has limited controls and can get boring quickly.
DJI, on the other hand, offers two controllers, the RC-N1 found on drones such as the Air 2S, and the DJI RC controller with a built-in screen.
The RC-N1 is heavier, but more comfortable, has a few more controls, and is convenient to remove and store the joystick.
And for an extra fee, you can get an RC with a built-in screen, no need to use your smartphone.
price
These drones cost about the same price with all the accessories included.
Nano+ comes at a flat rate of $899, and you get just the drone, one battery, and a few essential accessories.
The premium bundle is $1099 and consists of the drone, 3 batteries, shoulder bag, cables, extra propellers, screwdrivers, and other accessories.
Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ Premium Bundle
At less than 249 grams, the Autel EVO Nano+ is the smallest of all Autel drones, lighter than a smartphone and fits almost anywhere.
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November 5, 2022 10:08 AM GMT
Meanwhile, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is available without controller for $669, with RC-N1 controller for $759, and with DJI-RC controller for $909.
DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC)
4K/60fps video, 48MP photos, 34 min flight time, 3-way obstacle sensing, lightweight, foldable camera drone ideal for aerial photography and social media
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November 5, 2022 12:05 AM GMT
Add the Fly More Kit, which includes two batteries, a charging hub, extra propellers, and a bag, and you’re paying around $1149.
I think the DJI Mini 3 Pro offers more value and more options for saving money.
Mini 3 Pro accessories
Bundle 7 in 1 Accessory Kit Waterproof Case, Glass, Filter, Propeller Holder, Propeller Guard, Lanyard Neck Strap, Landing Gear for DJI Mini 3 Pro Accessories
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November 5, 2022 1:05 AM GMT
For example, if you already have a Mini 2, Air 2S, or drone that uses the RC-N1 controller, you can use the same controller with the Mini 3 Pro.
And if you’re willing to spend $1000+, a DJI-RC controller with a built-in screen is better than a Nano+ controller.
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. Autel Evo Nano+ – Summary
Below is a table highlighting the main differences between these two drones.
| feature | DJI Mini 3 Pro | Autel EVO Nano+ |
| weight | 249 grams | 249 grams |
| sensor | 1/1.3″ 48 MP | 1/1.28 50MP |
| image resolution | 4k at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps 2720p at 1530p at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps 1820 at 1080p at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120 | 4k at 24/25/30 fps 2720p at 1530p at 24/25/30 fps 1920 at 1080p at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps |
| bit rate | 150MB/s | 100MB/s |
| Maximum diameter | f/1.7 | f/1.9 |
| Flight time | 34 minutes | 28 minutes |
| photo mode | Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB), Interval, Single Shot | Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB), Burst Shooting, Interval, Single Shot |
| obstacle avoidance | 3-way obstacle detection | Three-way obstacle detection |
| Subject tracking | Includes ActiveTrack and Spotlight modes | No subject tracking |
verdict
Both drones are a bargain. They offer very similar features and, all things considered, are about the same price.
However, I prefer the DJI Mini 3 Pro for several reasons.
- First, the camera and video resolution are excellent. The Nano+’s images look sharper and have higher still image resolution, but the DJI Mini 3 Pro has more options.
- Second, the Mini 3 Pro has a longer flight time.
- Third, the Mini 3 Pro has object tracking and obstacle avoidance.
- Finally, if you choose to forgo the DJI RC, you can get the Mini 3 Pro for a lower price.
Nano+ isn’t far behind, and with the leaps and bounds they’ve made in drone technology, we can expect an even better drone from Autel soon.
