DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: is it worth the upgrade?

The DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S are two impressive mid-tier drones, but the Air 3S is ever-so-slightly better. So between the DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S, should you upgrade from the standard model to the newer “S” version?

Since both models come in at the same price point (typically $1,099), there’s little reason why the DJI Air 3S shouldn’t be the go-to choice for new buyers seeking a high-quality, powerful camera drone that won’t bust your budget the way something like the $2,149 DJI Mavic 3 Pro easily could.

If you’re seeking the best photography drone for the money, the DJI Air 3S easily beats out the DJI Air 3. For new buyers wondering if they should buy the DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S, the answer is simple: DJI Air 3S.

The only reasons why the DJI Air 3 might make sense over the DJI Air 3S is:

• You’re able to get a great deal on buying a used drone. There are some risks of buying used drones, but if you have a reputable reseller and can get a DJI Air 3 at lower than its retail price.
• You’re in the midst of customs issues. Since its launch, the DJI Air 3S has been plagued by customs issues tied to a law called the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been scrutinizing DJI’s compliance with the UFLPA, which in turn has led to some orders (which are shipped from China) unable to be delivered. If you’re struggling with the delivery and don’t want to wait a few weeks longer, then the DJI Air 3 is an okay consolation.

The real question is: if you already have a DJI drone, say the DJI Air 3, is it worth upgrading?

The Air 3S, which launched in October 2024, offers an impressive upgrade to the the DJI Air 3, which debuted in July 2023. Its obstacle sensing is superior (particularly at night), it’s got a new Panorama mode, and its internal storage is seriously useful.

Here’s a look at the DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S, and whether current DJI pilots should consider upgrading to the latest model in the DJI Air line.

DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: two great camera drones, side-by-side

Most people considering the DJI Air 3S are likely those who already have (or at least have heavily considered) the DJI Air 3, which is the predecessor. Here’s how the two drones compare on some key features:

Key upgrades in the DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Air 3

So what do all those features and specs mean in practice? Here are 4 key upgrades in the DJI Air 3S that you won’t get with just the DJI Air 3.

1. Better omnidirectional obstacle sensing, even at night

Sure, the Air 3 boasts omnidirectional obstacle sensing, but the Air 3S has upgraded sensing technology that makes it even safer and easier to fly. It all comes down to forward-facing LiDAR technology. Normally considered high-end technology for mapping methods like photogrammetry, DJI has implemented such previously top-tier tech into what’s essentially a consumer drone. For pilots today, that means the DJI Air 3S can better detect obstacles and navigate safely, even in low-light conditions. 

2. New Panorama mode

The Air 3S also includes a new, free Panorama mode that allows for photographers to better generate those ultra-wide-angle shots with minimal effort. Up until now, the steps to make a panoramic photo with your drone were a bit complicated. Many photographers resort to third-party panorama software like PanoVolo to stitch photos together for them to make panoramas.

And sure, PanoVolo is still easy to use, but having the mode within the drone is much easier. No separate lens, third-party software nor extensive post-editing to get those wide-angle views.

Expanded internal storage

Once you upgrade to the DJI air 3S, you likely won’t need SD cards (or in the case of drones, microSD cards) at all. The Air 3S bumps up its internal storage from a modest 8GB to a spacious 42GB.

Typically a 4K video with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels takes up about 15–30 GB of space per hour. That means you could take easily an hour worth of high resolution footage on this drone, and that’s a conservative estimate. It’s very likely more. That’s a massive upgrade, allowing you to capture far more footage without the constant worry of running out of space or fiddling with external cards.

Slightly improved camera specs

While the Air 3 already had an impressive 48 MP camera, the Air 3S edges it out with a slight improvement to 50 MP. This bump may not seem huge, but it does deliver a bit more clarity and detail, especially in shots where resolution really counts.

Where the DJI Air 3 actually beats the DJI Air 3S

There are a few (minor) drawbacks with the Air 3S, though they’re unlikely to be deal-breakers:

• Weight: The Air 3S is 4 grams heavier than the Air 3 (coming in at 724 versus 720 grams). While 4 grams is barely noticeable for most users, ultra-light packers may feel the impact, especially if every gram matters.
• Flight Time: The Air 3S has a one-minute reduction in maximum flight time. With the new model, it’s 45 minutes compared to the Air 3’s 46 minutes. While one minute won’t make a big difference on a 45-minute flight, it’s worth noting, especially in the context of ultra-lightweight drones with far shorter flight times (the Neo’s 18 minutes, the Mini 4K’s 31). That said, the difference is marginal and likely won’t impact most users.

DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: how to choose

Since the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S retail at the same price, if you’re in the market for a new drone, the choice is clear: the DJI Air 3S is the better deal. With the upgraded obstacle sensing, additional storage, and minor camera improvements, it’s a more robust option at no extra cost. That said, availability could be a challenge due to customs and inventory issues, so it’s worth checking if the Air 3S is even an option in your area.

Is it worth upgrading the DJI Air 3 to the DJI Air 3S?

While the DJI Air 3S offers some attractive upgrades, they don’t quite justify an upgrade for current Air 3 owners. The enhancements—omnidirectional obstacle sensing, slightly improved camera, and added internal storage—are all nice-to-haves, but likely not game-changers for most users.

Unless you truly lose memory cards like pennies in your couch — or unless you’re doing complicated flights in the dark where improved obstacle avoidance is necessary, skip it. Of course, if those things DO apply to you, then selling your current DJI Air 3 and putting the funds to an Air 3S may make sense.

But for most folks who already own an Air 3, then waiting for the next big leap in drone technology (like the rumored DJI Mavic 4) may be the wiser move.

After all, DJI is known for releasing products at a quick pace, and a truly groundbreaking update may not be far off. The DJI Air 3 already has solid specs, and unless you’re in desperate need of more storage or a slight edge in obstacle avoidance, the Air 3 should continue to meet most of your needs for some time.