TL;DR:
- The Mavic 4 Pro is DJI’s new flagship: triple camera with 3 fixed focal lengths (28mm, 70mm, 166mm), 6K filming
- The Air 3S offers the best value: dual camera, larger sensor, improved battery life
- If you film professionally or need lens versatility, the Mavic 4 Pro is worth it
- If you’re an advanced enthusiast or want the best travel drone, the Air 3S is the smarter pick
- Prices: Mavic 4 Pro from ~€1,800 | Air 3S from ~€1,100 — the €700 gap is significant
Twice a year, DJI puts us in this spot. They release a drone that seems to be “the best ever,” and shortly after, they release another that does nearly the same for less money. In 2026, the dilemma is called Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S.
I’ve tested both. And the answer to “which should I buy?” depends less on your budget than you think and more on how you actually fly.
The big difference: camera system
Let’s get to what matters. The Mavic 4 Pro brings something genuinely new: a triple camera with three fixed focal lengths. We’re not talking digital zoom. These are three real lenses:
- 28mm — wide angle, the standard lens for landscapes and general video
- 70mm — medium telephoto, excellent for building detail shots, inspection work
- 166mm — long telephoto, for capturing detail at distance without compromising quality
The main camera records in 6K. In practice, this gives you room to crop in post-production without losing resolution — something video professionals will love.
The Air 3S, in turn, keeps the dual camera from its predecessor, but with a larger sensor and better low-light performance. The wide angle remains excellent and the 70mm telephoto covers most needs.
Camera verdict: If you need all 3 focal lengths (especially the 166mm for inspections or distance filming), the Mavic 4 Pro is the only option. If wide angle + 70mm is enough, the Air 3S won’t disappoint.
Battery life and flight
The Air 3S significantly improved battery life over the original Air 3:
- Mavic 4 Pro — up to 42 minutes of flight (ideal conditions, no wind)
- Air 3S — up to 46 minutes of flight (a new record for this range)
Yes, you read that right. The Air 3S has more battery life than the Mavic 4 Pro. The difference isn’t huge, but in fieldwork, 4 extra minutes mean fewer battery swaps and more time in the air.
Both have omnidirectional obstacle detection, advanced APAS 6.0, and reliable Return-to-Home. In terms of flight safety, they’re tied.
Weight and portability
Another factor many people underestimate:
- Mavic 4 Pro — approximately 900g
- Air 3S — approximately 720g
180 grams may not sound like much, but when you pack the drone in a backpack with extra batteries, controller, and accessories, the difference is noticeable. The Air 3S is objectively easier to carry.
For travellers and landscape photographers, this can be decisive.
Who is each drone for?
After using both for several weeks, my view is clear:
Buy the Mavic 4 Pro if:
- You film professionally (weddings, real estate, documentaries)
- You do inspections that benefit from the 166mm telephoto
- You need 6K for crop margin in post-production
- Budget isn’t the deciding factor
Buy the Air 3S if:
- You want the best drone money can buy without entering the premium segment
- You travel frequently and value portability
- You’re an advanced enthusiast who wants professional results without the professional price
- You value battery life (46 min vs 42 min)
What about the price?
Let’s address the elephant in the room:
- Mavic 4 Pro — from ~€1,800 (Fly More Combo ~€2,300)
- Air 3S — from ~€1,100 (Fly More Combo ~€1,500)
The difference is €700 for the base model and €800 for the Fly More Combo. That’s money for extra batteries, ND filters, or even a trip to fly somewhere new.
If you’re a professional who’ll pay off the investment with work, the Mavic 4 Pro makes sense. If you’re spending your own money for personal use, the Air 3S delivers 90% of the experience for 60% of the price.
My recommendation
If I had to buy a single drone in 2026 and didn’t know exactly what I’d use it for? I’d buy the Air 3S. The versatility, battery life, and value are simply unbeatable.
If I knew I’d use the 166mm telephoto regularly — for inspections, sports filming, or editorial work — then yes, the Mavic 4 Pro is worth every cent.
There’s no wrong answer here. Both are exceptional drones. The question is simply how much that third lens is worth to you.
FAQ
Is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro worth €700 more than the Air 3S?
Depends on use. For professionals who regularly use all 3 focal lengths, yes. For advanced enthusiasts, the Air 3S offers better value.
Which has better image quality?
The Mavic 4 Pro wins on versatility (3 lenses, 6K). In raw wide-angle quality, the difference is marginal.
Which is easier to carry?
The Air 3S — 180g lighter and more compact when folded.
Which has more battery life?
The Air 3S, with up to 46 minutes vs 42 minutes for the Mavic 4 Pro.
