DJI Air 3 vs DJI Air 3S: Comparison
The DJI Air 3, released in 2023, with a dual-camera system, excellent flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The DJI Air 3S, released in 2025, builds on those foundations with notable improvements.
Whether you're a hobbyist pilot, aerial photographer, or someone looking to upgrade, this article breaks down the key differences between these two camera drones.
Quick Spec Comparison
Main Camera: 1/1.3" CMOS (Wide + Tele dual-camera system)
Photo Resolution: 48 MP
Video Quality: Up to 4K/100fps
Obstacle Avoidance: Omnidirectional
Max Flight Time: 46 minutes
Transmission System: O4
Weight: 720g
Price: £869
Main Camera: 1-inch CMOS (Wide) + 1/1.3" CMOS (Tele)
Photo Resolution: 48 MP (Wide), better dynamic range
Video Quality: Up to 5.1K/60fps, 4K/120fps
Obstacle Avoidance: AI-enhanced Omnidirectional
Max Flight Time: 45 minutes
Transmission System: O4+ (improved range and stability)
Weight: 730g
Price: £959
The Most Significant Upgrade? The Camera
The biggest difference between the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S lies with the camera.
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DJI Air 3: Dual 1/1.3" sensors for wide and 3x telephoto. Solid performance with good image quality and flexibility.
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DJI Air 3S: The wide-angle sensor has been upgraded to a 1-inch CMOS. This upgrade allows better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and superior image sharpness.
If you’re producing professional content or flying your drone in varied lighting conditions, the DJI Air 3S offers a clear upgrade in camera performance, especially on the wide-angle lens.
Video Capabilities
The DJI Air 3S introduces 5.1K/60fps recording. It also adds 4K/120fps slow-motion video, which is a slight upgrade compared to 4K/100fps on the DJI Air 3.
This upgrade in video recording allows for smoother cinematic footage and more flexibility in post-production editing.
With added resolution and framerate capabilities, this upgrade will suit videographers.
Flight & Obstacle Avoidance
Both the DJI Air 3 and 3S feature omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, however the DJI Air 3S uses AI-enhancements that improve real-time object detection and tracking, especially in complex environments (like dense trees or urban areas).
This is useful when using DJI auto flight features like ActiveTrack or Waypoints.
Transmission & Range
DJI Air 3S uses the O4+ transmission system, an upgrade on the DJI Air 3’s O4. This system gives the DJI Air 3S a more stable signal and slightly longer range in challenging conditions, such as urban interference.
This upgrade is helpful for professionals needing a reliable long-distance signal if using the camera drone in challenging conditions.
Battery & Flight Time
Both the DJI Air 3 and 3S camera drones have similar battery sizes, but due to the upgraded camera system, the Air 3S does draw more power. Meaning it does have slightly less flight time.
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DJI Air 3: 46 minutes
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DJI Air 3S: 45 minutes
Price
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DJI Air 3 (Inc. RC): £869
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DJI Air 3S (Inc. RC): £959
The £90 difference reflects the camera upgrade and improvements.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The DJI Air 3S is a meaningful upgrade, particularly in camera performance. The improvements bring the DJI Air series closer to the pro-tier Mavic 3 in terms of imaging and video.
If you're purchasing your first drone or looking for a well-balanced camera drone, the DJI Air 3 remains a solid choice. But if you're a serious content creator or already pushing the limits of what the Air 3 can do, the Air 3S is a worthwhile investment.
Ready to buy? You can purchase the DJI Air 3S from our site. We offer fast shipping and full warranty support.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to upgrade your existing DJI Air 3 drone, visit our range of DJI Air 3 Accessories.
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