DJI Air 3 VS DJI Air 3S：Which One Should You Choose?

Both the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S are great options for enthusiasts who have outgrown the capabilities of the Mini Series and are looking for more powerful photo and video features. DJI has packed several high-end features, once exclusive to the professional Mavic series, into the Air 3S. But how much of an upgrade is it really compared to the Air 3? And more importantly, should current Air 3 owners consider upgrading?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities between the Air 3 and Air 3S to help you decide which drone is the better fit for your needs.

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DJI Air 3S VS DJI Air 3: Design

From a design perspective, the DJI Air 3S and DJI Air 3 are almost identical, except for the lens, which is the only immediately noticeable difference. The two models differ by only a few millimeters and in weight by only 4 grams.

Aside from the model names printed on the front-left arm, I think there are only three real differences between them：

1. Because the Air 3S features an upgraded main sensor, its camera module is noticeably larger. I will go into more detail about this in the image-quality section.
2. On the front of the drone, the Air 3S also adds a black plastic cover that the Air 3 does not have. This houses a LiDAR sensor, which is designed to detect obstacles with greater precision. I will explain this more thoroughly in the features section.
3. The Air 3S also increases the internal storage to 42GB, compared to just 8GB on the Air 3. While you can always use a microSD card to compensate, this extra built-in storage is extremely useful for anyone who often forgets to bring a memory card. It provides an extra layer of reliability.

DJI Air 3S VS DJI Air 3: RC Transmission

Transmission System

Both the DJI Air 3 and the Air 3S use DJI O4 transmission system. Under FCC standards, O4 delivers up to 20 km of range (or 10 km under CE), along with a 1080p/60fps live video feed for smooth, low-latency monitoring.

The only small difference between the two drones is the remote controller included in the standard package.
The Air 3S ships with the newer DJI RC-N3, while the Air 3 includes the DJI RC-N2.

Remote Controller Overview

DJI RC 2

The only controller among the three that has a built-in screen, so it does not require a smartphone. The display reaches 700 nits of brightness, making it easy to see even in strong sunlight.

DJI RC-N2

This controller requires a smartphone for video transmission. Its layout is similar to the RC 2, and it uses the same O4 transmission technology.

DJI RC-N3

Like the N2, it also depends on a smartphone for the live video feed. The main difference is that DJI reduced the battery size, making the controller lighter but also shortening its battery life. It is designed specifically for the Air 3S.

DJI Air 3S VS DJI Air 3: Cameras and Image

In the dual-camera systems of both the Air 3 and Air 3S, they both feature the same camera setup, with a 24mm lens for wide-angle shots and a 70mm lens for mid to long-range compositions. Both drones support DJI's D-Log M and HLG color profiles, as well as 10-bit video recording.

First Upgrade Area

The biggest change is in the sensors. The DJI Air 3 uses 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors for both of its cameras, while the DJI Air 3S upgrades the wide-angle camera to a 1-inch CMOS sensor. Additionally, the Air 3S increases the resolution from the Air 3’s 48MP to 50MP. The larger sensor means better performance in low-light conditions. While it may not be a huge leap, for professional photographers, these details make a significant difference.

Second Upgrade Area

Both drones can record 2K/60fps video, but the Air 3S sees frame rate improvements in both 4K and FHD recording modes. The DJI Air 3 can record 4K/100fps and FHD/200fps, while the Air 3S can record 4K/120fps and FHD/240fps.

Digital Zoom and Maximum Bitrate

From a spec perspective, the DJI Air 3S falls slightly behind the Air 3 in terms of digital zoom range and maximum video bitrate. However, this doesn’t mean a step back in overall performance. In terms of product positioning and image quality, the Air 3S focuses more on optimizing the sensor and image processing to deliver better overall image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, noise control, and dynamic range. As a result, some trade-offs were made in terms of zoom capability and bitrate.

In Summary:

If you prioritize image quality, detail, and low-light performance, the upgrades in the Air 3S will be more noticeable. On the other hand, if you care more about zoom flexibility and higher video bitrate, the Air 3 still holds an advantage in these areas.

DJI Air 3S VS DJI Air 3: Features

Both drones offer strong safety features. Their omnidirectional obstacle sensing systems rely on multiple vision sensors combined with a downward infrared sensor to detect and avoid obstacles. The Air 3S goes one step further by adding a forward-facing LiDAR sensor.

Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance & RTH

The newly added front-facing LiDAR sensor significantly improves obstacle detection in low-light conditions, especially when flying forward. Compared to the Air 3, this allows the Air 3S to perform more reliably at dusk or in darker environments. As a result, its Return-to-Home (RTH) function is also more dependable, providing safer and more accurate return paths when visibility is limited.

Active Tracking

This is one of the key differences between the two drones. The Air 3 uses ActiveTrack 5.0, which can detect and track people, vehicles, and boats. The Air 3S upgrades this to ActiveTrack 360°, which analyzes the surrounding environment, automatically plans flight paths, and adjusts framing. Even when flying manually or when the subject is off-center, the drone can keep the target in focus.

Panorama Mode

Both the Air 3 and Air 3S support panorama shooting. However, the Air 3S offers a more flexible free panorama mode, allowing multiple images to be stitched together to create a customized panoramic photo.

QuickTransfer When Powered Off

The Air 3S supports QuickTransfer even when the drone is powered off. However, it can only maintain a Bluetooth connection for 12 hours, during which you can transfer files and reduce the drone's energy consumption.

In Summary:

The DJI Air 3S performs more reliably in low-light and complex environments, particularly when it comes to obstacle avoidance and Return to Home (RTH) functionality. Under normal lighting conditions, the difference between the Air 3 and Air 3S isn’t as noticeable.

Additionally, the Air 3S supports customizable panoramic photos in panorama mode, offering more flexibility compared to the Air 3.

DJI Air 3S VS DJI Air 3: In-flight performance

The DJI Air 3S and Air 3 have identical flight performance. Both drones have a maximum horizontal speed of 21 m/s (75.6 km/h) and a climb/descent speed of 10 m/s (36 km/h).

The same applies to wind resistance: both the DJI Air 3S and Air 3 can withstand gusts of up to level 6, or 12 m/s (43.2 km/h).

DJI Air 3S VS DJI Air 3: Conclusion

If you already own the DJI Air 3, my answer is simple: no, you don’t need to upgrade. The Air 3 is still more than capable of meeting most photography and videography needs, and the differences between the two drones are relatively minor in real-world use.

However, if you’re a beginner looking for your first drone, or you’re upgrading from the Mini Series, the DJI Air 3S is the better choice. Since both models are priced the same on DJI’s official website, it makes more sense to go with the newer Air 3S for its improved sensor and enhanced safety features.

That said, if you’re a drone enthusiast, collector, or budget simply isn’t a concern, choosing the Air 3S is also perfectly reasonable—sometimes having the latest model is reason enough.

FAQ

Is the DJI Air 3S good for beginners?

Yes. While it is not a budget drone, the Air 3S is very beginner-friendly thanks to its omnidirectional obstacle sensing and advanced Smart RTH system, which help reduce the risk of collisions and make flying safer and more forgiving for new pilots.

Do I need to register the DJI Air 3 or Air 3S with the FAA?

Yes. Both drones weigh more than 249g, which means FAA registration is required in the United States. Pilots must also comply with Remote ID regulations.

What is the real difference between a 1-inch sensor and a 1/1.3-inch sensor?

A 1-inch sensor is nearly twice the size of a 1/1.3-inch sensor. This allows it to capture more light, resulting in better dynamic range, cleaner low-light images, and more flexibility in post-processing.

Does the Air 3S perform better in low light than the Air 3?

Yes. Thanks to its larger main sensor and front-facing LiDAR, the Air 3S offers more reliable obstacle detection and improved image quality in low-light environments compared to the Air 3.