DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Autel EVO Nano (Complete comparison guide)

DJI MINI 3 vs Autel EVO Nano

Features an obstacle avoidance system the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel EVO Nano Plus, are currently the safest sub 250g drones. While they are in the same weight and price class, they have much in common but also some key differences. Which is the best lightweight drone for you? Let’s take a closer look!

There are plenty of reasons to go for a drone under 250 grams, not least because they’re much easier to carry around, but also because they’re much more restriction-friendly. For example in the US, FAA allows flying drones that weigh less than 0.55 lbs for recreational purposes without special registration.

Before we start I should mention that I’m a big fan of DJI products. DJI drones pack the newest tehnology and are exceedingly well built and superbly designed. The Autel EVO Nano Plus was the company’s first drone that I reviewed and to be honest I was impressed by it.

DJI Mini 3 Pro versus DJI Mini 2

The table below will try to compare the most important specs of these two compact drones. I highlighted with red where the upcoming MINI 3 excels and green where the older EVO Nano is still better.

Features/Specs DJI MINI 3 Pro Autel EVO Nano+
Size 145×90×62 mm 142×94×55mm
Weight 249 grams 249 grams
Camera 4K@60fps 4k@30fps
Sensor 1/1.3″ – 48MP 1/1.28″ – 50MP
Aperture f/1.7 f/1.9
Max bit rate 150Mbps 100Mbps
Photo mode RAW + JPG RAW + JPG
Gimbal 3-axis 3-axis
True vertical shooting Yes No
Digital Zoom Yes Yes
FPV 1080P 1080P
Communication OcuSync 3.0 SkyLink
Range 12KM for FCC 10KM for FCC
Wind resistance Level 5 Level 5
Intelligent flight modes QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) Rocket, Fade Away, Orbit, Flick
Obstacle avoidance Yes, 3D – APAS 4.0 Yes, 3D
Active tracking Yes, ActiveTrack 4.0 Yes, Not working
Optical flow sensor Yes Yes
Geofence Yes No
Remote controller RC-N1 and RC Pro Standard
Battery 2s/2453mAh 2s/2250mAh
Flight time 34/47 minutes 28 minutes
FAA registration No No
Colour options White White, Gray, Orange, or Red
Release year 2022 2021
Price $759 $949

Camera: 4K@60fps vs 4K@30fps

While the new DJI MINI 3 Pro features a 4K@60fps camera with a 48MP (1/1.3″) sensor, the Autel Nano Plus has a 4K@30fps camera with a 12MP (1/2.8″) one. Usually, a larger sensor means better low-light capabilities, so you can expect from the Nano+ a superior video performance during night flights compared to the MINI 3.

Autel EVO Nano Plus camera

Both drones are equipped with a 3-axis gimbal for mechanical image stabilization. The Mini 3 Pro’s gimbal provides vertical shooting mode, opening up endless creative possibilities for TikTokers. Both our contenders feature 4x digital zoom.

Range and video transmission: Both have 12KM in FCC mode

While the MINI 3 Pro features DJI’s latest long-range transmission system the OcuSync 3.0, the EVO Nano comes with Autel’s SkyLink communication. In FCC mode (US region) the OS3 provides 12KM and the SL 10KM in optimal conditions. Both drones support 1080p live-video transmitter which offers an outstanding view on your phone.

Battery life: The MINI 3 Pro has a huge edge

The MINI Pro 3 is offered with two types of batteries. While the “Standard” 2s/2453mAh pack offers 34 minutes of flight time, the “Pro” 2s/3850 mAh battery promises an impressive 47min of flight time. By comparison, the Autel Nano is powered by a 2S/2250mAh pack that allows about 28 minutes of battery life.

Collision avoidance system: 3 direction obstacle sensors

Many risks come with flying quadcopters, and obstacles are one of those major sources of risk. Both DJI MINI 3 Pro and Autel EVO NANO feature a three-direction obstacle avoidance system. They have two vision sensors in each direction (front, forward, and downwards).

This safety feature continuously scans the nearby environment and detects obstacles in real-time avoiding collision with objects, such as buildings, trees, and electricity poles.

Final Thoughts

The Mini 3 Pro is undoubtedly the superior drone in this matchup and it has an even better price tag. It features vertical shooting, active tracking, and almost double flight time with the Pro battery.

On the other hand, the Autel Nano does not have a geofence system allowing you the freedom to fly in much more areas.

14 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve owned every DJI drone made aside from the Mavic 3, and none of them can match the Evo II Pro’s camera. Can’t wait for the Evo 3.

  2. The RYYB of the Autel Nano+ is a real game changer in the sub250g market. This probably the biggest advantage over the MINI 3 Pro

  3. Super impressed with the 4K@60fps in vertical. Perfect 9:16 for social media! I think I will sell my Autel Mini and keep only the Mini 3

  4. DJI claims their Mini 3 is the only 4k drone capable of Vertical Shooting mode for TikTokers. The Autel Lite has Vertical Shooting mode. Even more, the rotating lens allows Vortex mode!

  5. The Autel has far better shadow detail and it’s superior in low light. I can’t agree that the DJI has a “Huge edge” over the Autel re flight times. The Autel will hover for around 25 minutes in still conditions while the DJI will give you about 30. Is 5 minutes such a big deal?
    Also, if you want to gain more air time with DJI’s larger capacity battery, it will take you over the 250g limit. Worth it or not? How often do you want or need to fly continuously until you have to return home? For most people, about ten minutes at a time is enough to get the shots they want. If you need to fly longer than 30 minutes at a time then buy the bigger battery and go over 250gms. You take your choice and pay your money. I’m waiting until Autel’s software catches up to DJI’s, it has a long way to go yet. Put the Autel camera with it’s RYYB filter in the DJI and you’ll have just about the best drone out there…

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