DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. Autel Evo Lite+: Which One Should You Buy?

When it comes to compact drones with powerful features, the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel Evo Lite+ are two top contenders in 2024. While both are designed for aerial photography enthusiasts and content creators, they cater to slightly different needs. Let’s compare these two drones side by side to help you decide which one suits you best. 1. Design and Portability DJI Mini 3 Pro: Weighs less than 249 grams (no registration required in most countries). Foldable and ultra-compact for easy transport. Designed for maximum portability without compromising features. Autel Evo Lite+: Slightly heavier at 835 grams but still compact and foldable. More robust build quality, making it feel premium and durable. Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro for portability; Autel Evo Lite+ for durability. 2. Camera and Image Quality DJI Mini 3 Pro: 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. Shoots 4K video at 60fps and 48MP photos. f/1.7 aperture for better low-light performance. Vertical shooting mode for social media content. Autel Evo Lite+: 1-inch CMOS sensor. Shoots 6K video at 30fps and 20MP photos. Adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture for greater control in varying lighting. Superior low-light performance thanks to its larger sensor. Winner: Autel Evo Lite+ for professional-grade photography and low-light performance. 3. Flight Time DJI Mini 3 Pro: Maximum flight time: 34 minutes (47 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus). Autel Evo Lite+: Maximum flight time: 40 minutes. Winner: Autel Evo Lite+ for longer flights. 4. Intelligent Features DJI Mini 3 Pro: Obstacle sensing in three directions. Advanced features like FocusTrack, MasterShots, and Hyperlapse. DJI’s signature stability and precision controls. Autel Evo Lite+: Obstacle avoidance in four directions (better coverage). Features like SkyPortrait (automatic aerial selfies) and Defog Mode. Cinematic flight modes for smoother shots. Winner: Tie – DJI Mini 3 Pro for creative features; Autel Evo Lite+ for safety and versatility. 5. Price DJI Mini 3 Pro: Starting at $759 (with the RC-N1 controller). Autel Evo Lite+: Starting at $1,249. Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro for budget-conscious buyers. 6. Who Should Buy Which Drone? DJI Mini 3 Pro: Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and social media creators. Ideal for those prioritizing portability and affordability. Autel Evo Lite+: Better for professionals needing top-notch image quality. Suited for users who value advanced low-light performance and longer flight times. Comparison Table Feature DJI Mini 3 Pro Autel Evo Lite+ Weight < 249g 835g Camera Sensor 1/1.3-inch CMOS 1-inch CMOS Video Resolution 4K at 60fps 6K at 30fps Photo Resolution 48MP 20MP Flight Time 34-47 minutes 40 minutes Price $759 $1,249 Conclusion Choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro if you want an affordable, ultra-portable drone with impressive features for casual and creative use. Opt for the Autel Evo Lite+ if you’re a professional looking for superior camera quality, adjustable aperture, and longer flight times. Both drones excel in their categories, so your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.