DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Avata (A Complete Comparison)

While the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Avata are designed for different experiences, they have significant similarities. This can cause a dilemma on which drone to choose. So which drone is better?

If you’re after a budget-friendly camera drone that offers an exceptional cinematic experience, the DJI Mini 3 is an ideal option. The DJI Avata is the best drone for an exhilarating FPV experience, as it’s designed to enjoy excellent clarity as you steer through the sky.

As for me, I would rather own both because they are excellent for different flying experiences. That said, I recognize that most of you will have to choose only one drone.

Stay with me to the end for more on how these two drones compare.

DJI Mini 3 vs. Avata – An overview #

To make a meaningful comparison of the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Avata, one must first have a complete overview of each drone. Let’s dive in to understand what each drone has to offer.

DJI Avata review #

The DJI Avata is designed to give the user an incredible FPV flying experience. If you want to inject the FPV aspect into your video, you can never go wrong with the Avata.

The selling points for the Avata are the immersive flight experience, compact size, built-in propeller guard, intuitive motion controller, and 4K stabilized video.

Immersive flight experience #

With the gimbaled 4K camera for captivating aerial video, you will surely enjoy every second you’ll spend flying the drone.

The Avata provides a thrilling immersion experience for both beginners and experienced fliers alike, thanks to the FPV goggles and motion controller.

» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI Air 2S (Here’s my Choice)

Compact design #

In addition to its FPV capabilities, the Avata is an excellent lightweight and compact drone, making it nimble in tight spaces.

Every aspect of the drone’s design is meant to make the drone more useful to the user.

For instance, if you love locating ideal places to fly your drone, the Avata’s compact body renders it highly portable.

Moreover, it features a built-in propeller guard that helps reduce the chances of the drone getting damaged in case of collisions.

If the Avata comes into contact with objects, it can easily bounce back and stay in the air.

Quality camera #

If you’re looking for epic footage for your social media platforms, the Avata is an excellent drone for such endeavors.

The 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor and 4K ultra-wide-angle recording, coupled with high imaging performance, ensure you achieve exceptional visuals that will keep your guests entertained.

RockSteady 2.0 #

The RockSteady feature in the Avata drone lets you execute smooth shooting by keeping your footage stable.

Its technology is designed to open cinematic possibilities by minimizing camera shakes and providing smooth ultra-HD video.

D-Cinelike color mode #

Another incredible capability of the Avata is the D-Cinelike color mode that makes your work easier in the editing room. With this feature, you can quickly turn your content into a masterpiece.

Downward obstacle sensing system #

Flight safety is the modus operandi of many pilots. Besides, no one wants to crush their drones now and then, as that would mean repair or replacement expenses.

The DJI Avata is equipped with a downward obstacle sensing system and ToF-infrared sensing for enhanced safety.

The system detects the obstacle below to make it easy for the drone to execute indoor or low-altitude flights.

With the built-in propellers, downward obstacle sensing system, motion controller’s emergency brake, and the RTH, you can fly with less anxiety.

» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI Mavic 3 (Here’s my Choice)

Excellent transmission #

The Avata features 2T2R omnidirectional antennas that make transmission dependable.

DJI Mini 3 review #

The DJI Mini 3 is a spendy, compact, and ultra-weight drone designed to make adventures for drone enthusiasts easy and enjoyable.

With the foldable design and the fact that it weighs less than 250 grams, you will find it easy to take your drone wherever you want to take the excitement.

Numerous other features make the Mini 3 one of the best drones on the modern market. Some of the features and advantages that the Mini 3 has to offer to include the following.

Longer flights #

The DJI Mini 3 offers long flights thanks to its upgraded battery life.

You can either go for the Standard Intelligent Flight Battery, which provides a 38-minute flight time, or the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which offers 51 minutes.

The extended flight time lets users capture more quality content with uninterrupted flight.

Furthermore, when you know you have enough time, the low-battery anxiety that can lead to mistakes is no longer a concern.

Quality and versatile camera #

The Mini 3’s camera is perfect for turning imaginations into images. With a dazzling 4k HDR, 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, and exceptional 4x zoom, you can comfortably take incredible photos for your audience.

Excellent control and safety #

With a maximum wind resistance of 10.7 m/s, 10km max transmission range, DJI 02, digital video transmission, and strong anti-interference capability, the DJI Mini 3 is designed to handle a variety of flight environments.

It provides excellent control even in strong winds.

DJI Mini 3 vs Avata – A detailed comparison #

After comprehensively assessing each of the two drones, you’ll want to know more about how they compare. An exhaustive comparison will make it easy to decide on the best drone to get.

The design #

One of the distinguishing factors between the DJI Mini 3 and Avata is the design.

The Mini 3 is a compact drone with a foldable design and weighs less than 249 grams, making it easy to transport.

The DJI Avata also comes in a compact design but weighs 410 grams.

Again, instead of foldable arms, it has smaller built-in guards so that in case you come into contact with objects, the drone can easily bounce back and stay in the air.

The Avata is nimble in tight spaces.

Another notable design difference between the two drones in relation to the body structure is the gimbal design.

The Mini 3 has an innovative gimbal design that lets the camera attain large camera tilts, which is convenient for a wide range of content production.

With the Mini’s 3-gimbal capability, you can quickly switch to vertical shooting whenever appropriate.

The DJI Avata’s single gimbal can be difficult to use in challenging environments.

Still, in terms of design and body structure, the Avata wins thanks to its outer structure, which makes it more durable.

The propeller guards make the Avata even better since it can easily continue flying even after colliding with an object.

When the Mini 3 collides with objects, the propellers are among the first structures to get damaged, meaning that the chances of it bouncing back after a collision are minimal.

» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI FPV (Here’s My Choice)

Intelligent Flight Modes #

Whether flying for fun or professional purposes, drone enthusiasts want to concentrate more on producing captivating content than flying the drone. That’s where Intelligent Flight Modes prove significant.

The Avata will not outrank the Mini 3 in Intelligent Flight Modes as it only supports Normal, Manual, and Sport Modes.

Nonetheless, its sturdy body structure makes it safe and durable.

The Mini 3, on the other hand, combines powerful imaging capabilities with intelligent features to make it easy for both beginners and expert drone enthusiasts to create impressive cinematic footage with lots of ease.

With dual native ISO, a 1/1.3-inch sensor, and chip-level HDR technology, you will enjoy your time creating transformative content with a Mini 3 drone.

When comparing the two drones in Intelligent Flight Modes, the Mini 3 is the definitive winner.

Lightweight airframe for free registration #

The Mini 3 features a lightweight airframe and a takeoff weight of 249 grams.

In the US, you can fly a drone weighing less than 250 grams without registering it with the FAA if you’re not flying it for commercial purposes.

The lightweight nature of the Mini 3 makes it less demanding to meet legal requirements. Furthermore, it is quite small. You’ll always have ample time to move to wherever you want.

Although the Avata is quite agile with compact body size, it’s heavier, so you must register it with the FAA before you can start flying it outdoors.

Regarding safety and ethical concerns, the Mini 3 wins as it will likely attract less attention from the bodies responsible for governing drones.

The camera #

A quality camera is paramount if you’re getting into the world of drones to create captivating content for your audience.

The Mini 3 is one of the best drones with top-notch cameras.

With a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and chip-level HDR technology, the Mini 3’s camera is there to impress.

Furthermore, the DJI mini camera features clip-on ND filters to give you the flexibility you need to handle shutter angles.

Further, the Mini 3’s three-axis stabilization provides an ultra-smooth experience when taking footage from different angles.

Additionally, you can use the DJI Mini’s camera to record vertical footage for your social media platforms.

On the other hand, the Avata is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, and it supports 4K ultra-wide-angle, enough to provide you with high-grade imaging capabilities to keep your audience excited.

With the combination of 155 degrees super-wide FOV, 1/1.7-inch, 4k/60fps, D-Cinelike, HorizonSteady, and RockSteady 2.0, you are sure to create impactful and hyper-immersive visuals to keep your audience grounded.

In the battle of camera quality, I will give it to the DJI Avata thanks to its wide range of capabilities.

Obstacle avoidance #

Obstacle avoidance is one of the most essential safety features for a perfect drone as it not only helps to protect the drone but also ensures that a pilot has ample time to create content.

Besides the built-in propeller, the DJI Avata features a downward obstacle-sensing system that helps the drone detect obstacles below it.

Further, the Avata boasts motion controller emergency brake buttons that let you bring the drone to an immediate stop whenever you find it necessary.

The RTH provides an extra layer of protection when the signal drops out or the battery gets low.

While the DJI Mini 3 lacks obstacle avoidance sensors, it has a lightweight 360-degree propeller that protects it from collisions.

This feature makes it easy to fly in tight spaces without the anxiety of knocking your drone against an obstacle.

Like the Avata, the Mini 3 also features an RTH that instructs the drone to automatically return home in situations such as a low battery or dropped signal.

Nonetheless, when it comes to obstacle avoidance and safety, the DJI Avata is better than the DJI Mini 3.

Flight time #

If you’re looking for a drone with a long flight time, you will fall for the DJI Mini 3, which is capable of up to 51 minutes of flight.

The upgraded battery life of the Mini 3 comprises an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus that can provide 51 minutes of flight time.

The DJI Avata claims to provide an 18-minute flight time but falls slightly below that.

When comparing the two drones in terms of battery life and flight time, the Mini 3 is a clear winner.

Controllers and light experience #

The DJI Mini 3 and Avata offer different controllers and flight experiences.

The Mini 3 is a camera drone with either a DJI RC Smart controller or a DJI RC-N1 controller with gimbal dials and basic joysticks to control the drone’s camera.

You can also connect the drone to your smartphone to see live footage.

The Avata is an FPV drone equipped with a motion controller, so you can only view the footage through the DJI Goggles 2.

Since you can see the footage as if you were in the drone’s cockpit, flying the DJI Avata is full of fun and excitement.

Further, the Avata’s goggles can achieve 1080p resolution, support Wi-Fi transmission, and feature diopter adjustment dials.

You can also use your head movement to control the drone when Head Tracking Mode is active.

In areas of flight control and experience, most people agree that flying the Avata is more intriguing.

The Range #

The DJI Mini 3 is equipped with the DJI 02 digital, 10km max transmission range, and robust anti-interference capability to capture impactful content with easy and excellent clarity.

The DJI Avata also features 2T2R omnidirectional antennas and the DJI’s flagship 03+ video transmissions for excellent stability even in environments with lots of interference.

The Avata and the Mini 3 are both excellent regarding range, considering pilots should always fly within their line of sight.

DJI Mini 3 vs. Avata – Which one should I get? #

The DJI Mini 3 and DJI Avata are great drones for different purposes. You can also compare the DJI Mini 3 with Mavic 3 here. .

The Avata is best for FPV enthusiasts while the Mini 3 is excellent for professional photographers. Deciding which drone to get depends on your objectives.

Who should get the DJI Mini 3? #

The DJI Mini 3 is a modern entry-level drone that is pocket-friendly and efficiently produces impactful footage.

So, who should get the DJI Mini 3? The drone is a perfect option for anyone looking for a contemporary sub-350-gram drone capable of decent footage.

The Mini 3 is a relatively cheap drone but has everything necessary to take one’s cinematography capability to the next level.

It will serve you right if you’re on a tight budget but need a decent drone for cinematography.

Who should get the DJI Avata? #

The DJI Avata is more expensive than the Mini 3.

If you’re into the immersive FPV flying experience, then going for the DJI Avata will be a great decision.

Features such as the 1080p live-stream resolution, head tracking, motion controller, and the option to fly it as an FPV or normally make the DJI Avata worth the price.

However, it is important to note that flying as an FPV pilot is more demanding and regulated than standard flying.

For instance, you may need to get a license, register your drone, and get a spotter, among other requirements.