DJI Mini 3 vs. Autel Nano Plus (All You Need to Know)

The Autel Nano Plus and DJI Mini 3 are similar in many ways, especially regarding features.

With both drones weighing the same, having compact body sizes, and offering similar price tags, anyone can face a dilemma in deciding which drone to purchase.

However, a close examination of the Nano Plus and Mini 3 will reveal that the Nano Plus is slightly ahead of the Mini 3 thanks to its advanced features and FAA-friendly weight.

Keep reading for a detailed comparison of the two drones so you can choose the right one for you.

Autel Nano Plus vs. DJI Mini 3: Comparison #

A comprehensive comparison between the Autel Nano Plus and DJI Mini 3 will make it easy to determine the best drone for your needs. 

In this comparison, we shall examine every critical aspect of a drone ranging from weight to advanced features such as obstacle avoidance.

Camera and image quality #

One of the essential factors to consider when shopping for a drone is the camera and the image quality.

Whether you fly for fun or professional purposes, you want a drone capable of providing quality and captivating content.

That is where the quality of the camera comes in. 

The Nano Plus has a 1/1.28 sensor, while the Mini 3 is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. Similar sensor sizes mean that the image quality will be similar.

When it comes to video, there’s still not much difference because both drones can shoot 4k at 30fps.

Therefore, deciding the winner concerning the video quality will highly depend on taste and preference.

However, if we switch to image resolution, the Nano Plus has a slightly better resolution, as it can attain a resolution of up to 50 MP.

In comparison, the Mini 3’s resolution is somewhat lower than that.

Again, the DJI Mini 3 and the Autel Nano Plus work perfectly in low-light conditions. If you love flying early in the morning or late in the evening, either the Nano Plus or the Mini 3 will work well for you.

Also, both drones are equipped with intelligent features designed to ensure you can easily fly your drone.

While the Nano Plus and the Mini 3 do not differ much regarding the camera’s quality, the drone’s purpose will significantly influence your choice.

For instance, the true vertical shooting capabilities of the Mini 3 make it ideal for social media content creation.

Weight and size #

A drone’s weight and size are also important when shopping for the best drone. All drones weighing above 250g are required to be registered with the FAA.

The Mini 3 and the Nano Plus fall in the category of under 250g.

So, besides the fact that you would not have to get permission from the FAA to fly them under certain circumstances, they are small enough to make them portable.

Flight time #

When comparing the flight time of the two drones, the Mini 3 is the clear winner.

The DJI Mini 3 has 38 minutes of flight time when using the Standard Intelligent Flight Battery. If necessary, you can go for the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for a whopping 51 minutes of flight time.

The Autel Nano Plus offers an impressive flight time of 28 minutes, enough to let you explore the skies while producing the captivating content you might need for your audience.

Weather conditions such as atmospheric pressure and environmental conditions may lower the flight times of both drones.

Thus, don’t panic if you fly your Nano Plus and discover that it only gives you a flight time of 25 minutes in some conditions.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. Mavic Air (All You Need to Know)

Design and structure #

A look at the Autel Nano Plus and the DJI Mini 3 will reveal that they’re both made up of plastic because the manufacturers want to keep the weight of the respective drones under control.

The Nano Plus features a wider and longer frame than the Mini 3, but it’s still small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Despite its small size, Autel managed to equip its drone with obstacle avoidance sensors at the bottom, front, and back of the drone without surpassing the 250g weight mark.

Further, to maintain its weight below the 250g mark, Autel eliminated heavy clips and opted for screw-in propellers.

The battery has its spot at the back. Above it, there’s a place for a memory card and an extra slot for a USB cable.

On the other hand, the DJI Mini 3 is similar to the Mini 3 Pro in stature and structure, except for the lack of obstacle avoidance sensors.

Unlike the Mini 3 Pro, which comes with forward, backward, and downward sensors, the Mini 3 only has landing sensors.

The fact that the Mini 3 lacks obstacle avoidance makes it inferior to the Nano Plus.

Noise comparison #

Noise production is another critical factor when shopping for a drone. Always consider a drone’s noise level before buying one.

The Nano Plus and the Mini 3 differ a lot when it comes to noise production. The Mini 3 takes off smoothly, producing minimal noise.

On the other hand, the Nano Plus roars with a lot of noise and aggression. The noise production when the drone takes off is not necessarily bad, but it all depends on where you’re using the drone.

For instance, a silent drone will be the most appropriate option if you’re using your drone in a setup with many people who don’t like noise disturbances.

Aggressive drones might be the best option for drone racing or similar activities.

Shooting for social media #

Regarding producing content for social media platforms, the Mini 3 is a clear winner.

The drone boasts true vertical shooting capabilities that make it ideal for capturing captivating content for social media platforms.

The Nano Plus lacks vertical shooting capabilities.

» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro (Here’s My Choice)

Speed and control #

Speed and control are critical factors that drone enthusiasts consider when investing in quality drones.

If you’re looking for a quick and aggressive drone for racing or other similar activities you find exciting, the Nano Plus is the best option for you.

The Mini 3, on the other hand, is smooth and slower than the Autel Nano Plus.

However, it’s essential to understand the speed of a drone can influence its battery consumption. In other words, the faster a drone flies, the higher the battery consumption rate.

Additionally, you must keep in mind that you can calibrate the Mini 3 and the Nano Plus to suit your desired needs. For instance, you can make the Nano Plus or Mini 3 slower.

Performance #

The Autel Nano Plus and the DJI Mini 3 are incredible drones for providing top-notch performance. However, their efficiency slightly differs.

The Nano Plus is equipped with obstacle avoidance, making it one of the safest drones to fly. Regarding safety and ease of control, the Nano Plus is a clear winner since the Mini 3 has landing sensors only.

Another aspect of performance worth looking at is the transmission and controllers. The Mini 3 and the Autel have a 10km video transmission.

However, the Nano Plus wins since it can transmit live footage at 22.k, higher than what the Mini 3 can achieve.

The only advantage of the DJI Mini 3 is that it has a longer flight time which can influence the drone’s transmission.

Price #

The price of a drone is another differentiating factor. The Autel Nano Plus comes at a flat rate of $679, while DJI Mini 3 goes for $559.

You can see that there is not much difference when comparing the two drones in terms of price.

Nonetheless, since the Nano Plus has more advanced features, such as obstacle avoidance, it provides more value and makes it easy to save money by averting potential crashes.

Autel Nano Plus vs. DJI Mini 3: Summary #

Here is a table summarizing how the Autel Nano Plus and DJI Mini 3 compare.

FeaturesAutel Nano PlusDJI Mini 3Weight249g249gFlight Time28 minutes38 & 51 minutesObstacle AvoidanceTri-directional obstacle sensingDownward vision positioningMaximum Aperturef/1.9f/1.7Image Resolution4k at 24/25/30 fps 2720p4K/30PBit-Rate100 MB/s100 Mbs/H.264Dimensions142×94×55mm145x90x62 mmCore Intelligent FunctionsAPAS 4.0 HyperlapseQuickShots

When to buy the DJI Mini 3 #

While the DJI Mini 3 and the Autel Nano Plus are great drones, each may be the most suitable in some situations than others.

Here are instances when you should consider investing in the DJI Mini 3 instead of the Autel Nano Plus.

1. When you want instantly optimized social media #

If you’re a social media enthusiast, you’ll want to create captivating content for your audience.

The DJI Mini 3 boasts true vertical shooting capabilities for capturing instantly optimized content for your social media platforms.

With the Mini 3, you would not compromise on the quality of your content for social media platforms.

2. When in need of a long flight time #

If you’re looking for a drone that can provide a long flight time, the Mini 3 will be an ideal option. The drone offers a 38-minute flight time, which is enough to let you explore your digital creativity.

Furthermore, if you find the 38-minute flight time insufficient, you can opt for the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for 51 minutes.

You’ll have plenty of time to focus on your photography/videography without the anxiety of the battery running out in the middle of the shooting.

3. The lightweight mini drone #

The DJI Mini 3 is a lightweight, compact drone weighing 249g. While its body may seem small, it supports powerful features designed to make the user more creative in content creation.

Additionally, the 249g weight means you don’t have to worry about drone registration.

When to buy the Autel Nano Plus #

The Autel Nano Plus is an amazing drone with a wide range of capabilities.

Even though it’s like the DJI Mini 3 in many ways, there are instances where you may need to consider purchasing the Nano Plus instead of the Mini 3.

1. When flying in a challenging environment #

If you intend to fly your drone in places dominated by obstacles that can easily take your drone out of the sky, then the Autel Nano Plus will be an ideal option.

The Nano Plus has tri-dimensional obstacle sensors that make it safe to fly.

2. When in need of a quality camera for photography #

The Nano Plus is an ultralight machine for videography and photography. The 1/1.28 inch CMOS is capable of 50 MP photos, which is excellent for producing high-quality footage.

Besides, features like the capability to track fast-moving subjects accurately make the Nano Plus ideal for many objectives.

The drone is also great when it comes to shooting in dark areas.

3. Excellent for racing #

The Autel Nano Plus will not disappoint if you’re into drone racing, as it’s faster than the DJI Mini 3. The advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities make it safer to fly at high speeds.

The verdict #

The DJI Mini 3 and the Autel Nano Plus are excellent drones with similar features. Because their prices are almost identical, you should feel free to purchase either.

However, it’s important to define your needs before making your decision.

For me, I would go with the Autel Nano Plus for several reasons:

1. For starters, the Nano Plus is packed with an advanced obstacle avoidance system, making it safer and ideal for beginners. Again, the Nano Plus will give you an easy and thrilling flight experience if you intend to fly your drone in areas surrounded by obstacles.
2. The Nano Plus provides sharp images with a higher resolution.
3. Lastly, the Nano Plus offers better options for flying in low-light conditions.