In the realm of ultra-light drones, the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Autel Evo Nano Plus stand out as top contenders. Both boast impressive features packed into compact, sub-250g frames. But which drone comes out on top? This in-depth comparison dissects their design, performance, camera capabilities, and software features to help you make the right choice.
Design and Build: Subtle Differences, Significant Impact
Both drones adhere to the sub-250g weight limit, crucial for avoiding stringent drone regulations. While both fold down to incredibly portable sizes, the Mini 3 Pro’s redesigned arms and propellers provide a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile. The Nano Plus, available in various colors, offers a more traditional quadcopter look. Autel includes a propeller guard and gimbal cover, whereas DJI only provides a gimbal cover. A notable advantage for Autel is the built-in battery charge indicator, allowing for quick checks without needing the drone body.
Performance: Speed, Maneuverability, and Battery Life
Both drones offer comparable top speeds and wind resistance, handling up to Force 5 winds. The Mini 3 Pro boasts slightly faster ascent and descent speeds. Both offer multiple flight modes, but the DJI’s dedicated speed mode switch on the controller provides a more convenient user experience. While theoretical flight times differ, real-world usage sees both drones delivering around 24 minutes of flight time on a single charge.
Gimbal and Camera: Capturing the Perfect Shot
A key differentiator lies in the gimbal. The Mini 3 Pro’s innovative gimbal design allows for 90° rotation, enabling vertical shooting for social media content—a feature the Nano Plus lacks. The Mini 3 Pro also boasts a wider range of motion on its 3-axis gimbal, providing smoother footage and greater flexibility in framing shots.
Controller and Range: Staying Connected
Both drones offer impressive transmission ranges, exceeding legal limits in most regions. However, the Autel Nano Plus provides a higher resolution live view feed (2.7K vs. 1080p). DJI offers two controller options: the standard RC-N1 and the new DJI RC with a built-in screen. Autel’s controller is comfortable and well-designed, but DJI’s dual controller options provide greater flexibility.
Photo and Video Quality: A Matter of Style
While both drones capture stunning 4K video and high-resolution stills, their image processing styles differ. The Mini 3 Pro leans towards a more natural look with greater dynamic range, while the Nano Plus produces sharper, more vibrant images straight out of camera. The Mini 3 Pro supports 4K 60fps recording and slow-motion capture, giving it an edge in video capabilities.
Software and Intelligent Features: Automated Flight and Tracking
Both drones boast intelligent flight modes and subject tracking. However, DJI’s more mature software and advanced obstacle avoidance system give it a slight advantage. The Mini 3 Pro’s ActiveTrack 4.0 offers more reliable and versatile subject tracking than the Nano Plus’s still-in-beta Dynamic Track.
Verdict: DJI Mini 3 Pro Takes the Crown
The DJI Mini 3 Pro emerges as the victor in this close competition. Its superior gimbal, more refined flight performance, advanced software features, and broader controller options make it a more compelling package overall. While the Autel Evo Nano Plus offers excellent value and unique features like the built-in battery tester, the Mini 3 Pro’s advantages ultimately solidify its position as the top ultra-light drone.
