The drone market for professional ultra-light aircraft is heating up, with the Autel Evo Nano+ and DJI Mini 3 Pro leading the charge. Both offer impressive features in a compact, sub-250g form factor, making them ideal for hobbyists and professionals alike. But which drone comes out on top when comparing the Autel Evo Nano+ Vs Dji Mini 3 Pro Specs? This detailed comparison will delve into the critical specifications of each, helping you determine the best fit for your needs.
Design and Build
Both the Autel Evo Nano+ and DJI Mini 3 Pro boast foldable designs for easy portability. They share the same 249g take-off weight, falling under many countries’ weight restrictions for drone registration. While both are remarkably compact, the Mini 3 Pro’s dimensions (folded: 145 x 90 x 62mm, unfolded: 171 x 245 x 62mm) are slightly smaller than the Nano+’s (folded: 142 x 94 x 55mm, unfolded: 170 x 215 x 55mm).
Both drones feature front, back, and downward collision sensors for obstacle avoidance. However, the physical placement of these sensors differs, influencing the overall aesthetic. The Nano+ integrates its sensors more seamlessly into the body, while the Mini 3 Pro’s sensors protrude slightly. Autel provides a propeller guard and gimbal cover, while DJI only includes a gimbal cover. Autel batteries also feature built-in charge level indicators, a convenient feature lacking in the DJI batteries.
(Image: Physical comparison of the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel Evo Nano+)
Performance: Speed and Maneuverability
Performance-wise, both drones are neck and neck. They both have a maximum speed of around 35 mph and are rated to fly in winds up to Force 5 on the Beaufort scale. The Mini 3 Pro exhibited slightly better stability in our wind tests. While both offer three speed modes (Cine/Smooth, Normal/Standard, and Sport/Ludicrous), the DJI Mini 3 Pro features a convenient physical switch on the controller for toggling between modes.
(Image: Both drones offer comparable speed and maneuverability)
Battery Life
The standard batteries for both drones provide a practical flight time of around 24 minutes. DJI offers an optional “Intelligent Flight Battery Plus” for the Mini 3 Pro, extending flight time to approximately 47 minutes. However, this larger battery increases the drone’s weight above the 249g threshold.
Gimbal and Camera
The most significant difference lies in the gimbal and camera capabilities. Both utilize 3-axis gimbals, but the Mini 3 Pro’s gimbal offers a greater range of motion and the crucial ability to rotate 90 degrees for portrait orientation, a significant advantage for social media content creators.
(Image: The Mini 3 Pro’s gimbal allows for portrait orientation)
While the Nano+ boasts a slightly higher resolution 50MP sensor compared to the Mini 3 Pro’s 48MP sensor, the Mini 3 Pro benefits from a wider f/1.7 aperture, resulting in better low-light performance. The Mini 3 Pro also offers superior video capabilities, with the ability to record 4K footage at 60fps, compared to the Nano+’s 30fps limit.
Controller and Range
Both drones offer impressive transmission ranges, exceeding legal limits in most regions. The Autel Evo Nano+ boasts a higher quality 2.7K live view feed compared to the Mini 3 Pro’s 1080p feed. DJI offers two controller options: the standard RC-N1 and the new DJI RC with a built-in screen. The DJI RC provides a more convenient flying experience, albeit at an additional cost.
(Image: Comparing the controllers for both drones)
Software and Intelligent Features
Both drones are packed with intelligent flight modes and features, including subject tracking and pre-programmed QuickShots. DJI’s software generally feels more refined and offers a wider array of options, such as Point of Interest orbiting and more sophisticated tracking algorithms.
(Image: DJI’s software offers advanced features like Point of Interest)
Verdict
The DJI Mini 3 Pro emerges as the slightly superior drone in this comparison. Its more versatile gimbal, superior video capabilities, refined software, and controller options give it a slight edge. However, the Autel Evo Nano+ remains a compelling option, particularly for those prioritizing a higher resolution still camera and a more seamless design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
(Image: Both drones are excellent options in the ultra-light category)
