Autel vs. DJI is a battle as previous as David and Goliath. Okay, possibly not that previous, however should you’ve been within the drone recreation lengthy sufficient, it might probably definitely really feel prefer it!
That’s why I made a decision what higher strategy to resolve which comes out on high than to place them head-to-head?
The Autel EVO Lite+ and DJI Mini 3 are two flagship light-weight drones designed for excellence in dealing with and – better of all – being light-weight and transportable.
I’ve at all times liked the DJI Mini line, so when the three got here out, it shortly grew to become mine. Autel intrigued me with its EVO Lite+, a drone I’ve liked simply as a lot and used almost as steadily.
Nevertheless, there could be just one!
This information will put the EVO Lite+ and Mini 3 in a heated competitors, evaluating them, figuring out their variations, and presenting their strengths and weaknesses. I’ll additionally share my private expertise flying these drones and why the Mini 3 soars increased than the EVO Lite+.
Though gentle drones are sometimes inexpensive than their heavier counterparts, you continue to don’t wish to waste a cent of your hard-earned cash. I get it!
This information is designed that will help you make a drone resolution you’re feeling nice about.
With out one other second’s delay, let’s get going!
Temporary overview
Autel EVO Lite+
Debuting in January 2022, the Autel EVO Lite+ got here out as a revised model of the EVO Lite (its sensor shrunk) and an improved version of the EVO Nano.
It’s one of many smaller drones within the Autel arsenal, but it’s nonetheless foldable for wonderful portability. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at a few of its different superior options:
- A one-inch CMOS sensor that shoots in main 6K video at 30 frames per second and 20 MP picture high quality.
- An impressively lengthy 40-minute flight time for longer pleasure rides and finishing extra skilled duties in a single go.
- SkyLink transmission of over seven miles in 2.7K high quality at 30 fps for HD-quality livestreams to your social media viewers when on the go.
- An ultra-wide impediment avoidance system. The included sensors enable the drone to understand 150 levels in entrance of it for fewer blind spots and collisions.
- A implausible assortment of good modes, together with cinematic choices like Rocket and Fade Away, topic monitoring with Dynamic Monitor 2.1, and computerized selfies with SkyPortrait.
- Three enjoyable colours to pick out from, so you possibly can select a vibrant neon orange if you’d like your EVO Lite+ to face out or choose extra commonplace hues like white or grey.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite+ Assessment
DJI Mini 3
The DJI Mini line has developed so quick that generally it’s arduous to maintain up with, so enable me to get you on top of things.
The Mini 3 is the predecessor of the Mini 2 SE and was launched in 2022. It was adopted inside that very same yr by the Mini 3 Professional, then the Mini 4 Professional in late 2023.
The Mini 3 barely had an opportunity to be the brand new child on the block earlier than the follow-up launch of the Mini 3 Professional, however this DJI drone nonetheless holds its personal remarkably properly.
Take a gander at these options:
- Light-weight sufficient that you just don’t should register it with the FAA for leisure use, saving you a step between getting on the market and flying (you will need to register your drone for business functions no matter its weight).
- A number one 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that shoots in crystal-clear 4K HDR video high quality and 48 MP picture high quality. You could be on the chopping fringe of drone expertise with out having to spend an arm and leg on a brand new mannequin.
- Surprisingly good wind resistance for its measurement (Degree 5), so you possibly can fly your drone in circumstances that would go away you grounded with one other mannequin.
- DJI’s suite of Clever Flight Modes, together with Vertical and Horizontal Taking pictures and QuickShots for dependable footage each time.
- A battery lifetime of 38 minutes with the default and over 51 minutes by upgrading to the Clever Flight Battery Plus for longer flights.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 App (Learn This Earlier than Downloading)
Fast Verdict
We solely prioritize the very best right here at Droneblog, and I chosen the Mini 3 after many hours of testing it and the EVO Lite+.
We’ve concluded that the DJI Mini 3 is the higher possibility over the Autel EVO Lite+. This drone has distinctive portability, a light-weight profile, nice aerodynamics, staunch wind resistance, and wonderful picture high quality. It’s designed to facilitate enhancing on the go along with the inclusion of the LightCut app.
I’ve had the Mini 3 because it got here out, having fun with it for leisure flights with out having to fret about registering it.
The EVO Lite+ later caught my eye, and whereas I really like its options, it doesn’t fairly stay as much as the Mini 3.
It’s not even that the EVO Lite+ is costlier (though it’s).
The Mini 3 is only a higher worth, with its Clever Flight Options, a comparable battery to the EVO Lite+ out of the gate (with the choice to make the battery final even longer should you don’t thoughts paying extra), sturdy wind resistance, and the superior digital camera high quality.
Now, please don’t get me incorrect. I don’t have blinders on.
The shortage of any kind of impediment avoidance is a big deterrent within the Mini 3, particularly contemplating how modern and high-tech the impediment avoidance system included with the EVO Lite+ is.
The Mini 3 additionally has poorer picture high quality, though it’s not by such an extended shot that it is a obvious difficulty. Its greatest detriment is that it has zero impediment avoidance, so it’s not as beginner-friendly.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite Plus vs DJI Avata (Which One Is Higher?)
What are the principle variations?
The EVO Lite+ is Autel’s reply to DJI’s Mini sequence, however these two drones are disparate in some ways. This data can push you towards a buying resolution, so don’t miss it.
Listed below are the variations between the Mini 3 and EVO Lite+.
- Picture and video high quality: These drone producers proceed to push the envelope for what’s doable in at this time’s drone tech. Their video and picture high quality aren’t similar, with every mannequin excelling in numerous areas. The Mini 3 wins within the images division, whereas the EVO Lite+ has higher-quality video.
- Colour choice: Tailoring your drone your approach doesn’t require slapping a pores and skin on it when you should purchase an Autel drone. The EVO Lite+ is accessible in three colours, together with an incredibly vibrant orange. By comparability, you possibly can solely select one shade for the Mini 3, and that’s not even actually a selection. The drone is available in gentle grey, and that’s that.
- Impediment avoidance: After all, shade doesn’t matter a lot within the grand scheme of issues. What’s the greatest distinction between these two drones is the shortage of impediment avoidance. That was a function DJI added once they launched the Mini 3 Professional not a lot later, however if in case you have the Mini 3, you’re left within the lurch. The EVO Lite+’s impediment avoidance is great by itself, however any impediment avoidance would have been higher than none.
- Weight: Regardless of that the EVO Lite+ is known as, properly, the Lite, it’s not precisely that. It weighs 835 grams, over twice the load of the Mini 3. You would need to register the EVO Lite+ even when utilizing it recreationally, shelling out for the $5 registration price. Bummer.
- Social media-friendliness: The Mini 3 has so many incorporates a social media celebrity wants to face out, similar to Vertical Taking pictures, autonomous flight modes, and the included LightCut app for enhancing video and pictures from wherever.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite+ vs. DJI Air 2S
Autel EVO Lite+
The EVO Lite+ is the second entry within the Lite sequence, launched after the OG EVO Lite. It’s an awesome drone for the intense photographer, videographer, or skilled pilot.
This successor received the whole lot proper that customers liked in regards to the first model, similar to a extra inexpensive value, the return of its CDAF and PDAF autofocus, a minimum of 40 minutes of marketed flight time, and a large sensor.
The EVO Lite+ shrunk the sensor measurement from the OG Lite, as that had a 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor versus the one-inch EVO Lite+ sensor.
It additionally diminished picture high quality from 50 MP to twenty MP however elevated the video footage to 6K.
And though the EVO Lite+ doesn’t have a four-axis gimbal, that’s high quality. A four-axis gimbal remains to be a rarity, and a three-axis gimbal will get the job achieved simply high quality.
Its wonderful digital camera, foldability, transmission vary, and good options make the EVO Lite+ similar to any DJI drone. Pound for pound, this unhealthy boy holds its personal.
It has greater than sufficient superior options for photographers to extend their abilities, together with aperture settings and HDR mode.
With one flick of a swap, the EVO Lite+ will take a sequence of pictures, then generate one composite picture constructed from the picture’s greatest traits, together with an optimum diploma of highlights and shadows.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite+ Video Assessment (VIDEO)
It’s the form of function designed to save lots of you time in post-processing, because the EVO Lite+ virtually edits on the go for you.
This Autel drone has the model’s esteemed Moonlight Algorithm for element after darkish (and fewer noise), Defog Mode for vibrant images in pure environments, and pure shade restoration for feeling like a professional.
It’s also possible to launch single-click cinematographic modes, like Flick, Fade Away, Orbit, and Rocket, and the drone’s monitoring is enjoyable and practical.
I had a blast exploring these options. And my post-processing time? The EVO Lite+ halved it.
Autel EVO Lite Plus
Premium Bundle, NEWEST 1-Inch CMOS Drone with 6K HDR Digicam, F2.8 – F11 Aperture, 6K/30fps Video, 40 Minutes Flight Time, 3-Method 360° Impediment Avoidance, 12Km (7.4 Miles)
We earn a fee should you make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
11/06/2023 05:42 am GMT
DJI Mini 3
That brings us to the DJI Mini 3, which is form of awkwardly sandwiched between the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional.
Even supposing it has so many successors, it’s nonetheless a brand new DJI drone by many requirements, having solely been launched in 2022.
But DJI drone expertise comes quick, so the Mini 3 got here out amidst a flurry of others.
It’s definitely a step up from the Mini 2 SE, and though it doesn’t have fairly as many options because the Mini 3 Professional, the Mini 3 is a stable little drone all throughout the board.
It wins factors for its light-weight high quality. For a drone that calls itself the Lite, the EVO Lite+ is hardly that.
The Mini 3, alternatively, lives as much as its popularity, weighing beneath 250 grams.
It’s a traveler’s greatest pal, weighing so little which you could carry it with you wherever and all over the place with out worrying about house limitations.
The Mini 3 has wonderful video and digital camera capabilities for its measurement and age, and its 48 MP picture high quality is among the many greatest yow will discover in a DJI shopper drone.
You’ll admire how clearly you possibly can shoot with out having to make the most of a Hasselblad digital camera. And if you could zoom, this digital camera has 4x capability.
Zooming is at all times a useful function to have. You possibly can keep away from harmful areas but seize pictures that make you appear like you’re standing proper there. YouTubers particularly ought to discover that function useful.
» MORE: How you can Join DJI Mini 3/ Mini 3 Professional to Wi-Fi (Step-by-Step Information)
The sensor is the stuff of surprise, and though you possibly can’t set the aperture, the four-in-one pixels of the sensor hold your pictures clear and crisp.
The gimbal – an odd three-axis, thanks very a lot – can swap seamlessly from vertical to horizontal videography and images.
You gained’t should spend valuable time orienting your footage for Instagram tales or Twitter when the Mini 3 does it for you proper out of the gate.
That’s removed from the one approach the Mini 3 saves you time when enhancing. Its included LightCut app invitations you to discover photograph and video templates in vertical and horizontal orientations.
Single-tap enhancing permits you to get your social media footage out quicker, so that you’re at all times high of thoughts to your viewers.
DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC)
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Digicam Drone with 4K HDR Video, 38-min Flight Time, True Vertical Taking pictures, and Clever Options.
We earn a fee should you make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
11/07/2023 01:36 pm GMT
Head-to-head comparability
Digicam system
Winner: DJI Mini 3
Whether or not you’re a technical drone photographer or somebody simply studying the ropes, the Mini 3 is the suitable drone for you.
I do know, I do know, the EVO Lite+ has an adjustable aperture, the Moonlight Algorithm, and its HDR function. I really like these inclusions, and the HDR is one among my favourite options in any drone, interval. I take advantage of it on a regular basis.
The EVO Lite+ additionally wins within the video high quality class, however not by an enormous margin. It’s not such as you’re lacking out or settling for the Mini 3’s 4K HD video.
That’s greater than satisfactory, and solely a stickler would cut up hairs over the Mini 3’s video in comparison with the 6K high quality the EVO Lite+ can obtain.
The Mini 3 has the higher picture high quality, and that is a lot much less of a small comparability. The EVO Lite+ solely shoots in 20 MP versus the 48 MP for the Mini 3.
Certain, it’s not fairly that good high quality should you zoom, and timed and single-shot modes produce 12 MP stills, however the 48 MP is head and shoulders above the EVO Lite+.
The gimbal additionally permits you to swap from vertical to horizontal videography and images within the Mini 3, a function through which the EVO Lite+ has no comparable various.
» MORE: Digicam Expertise in Drones (Defined)
Flight efficiency
Winner: DJI Mini 3
Now it is a biggie, as a poor flight expertise will restrict the whole lot else you are able to do together with your drone.
That mentioned, I needed to give this class to the Mini 3 for a number of causes.
For one, it’s a light-weight drone, a real light-weight. The EVO Lite+ has a reputation that belies its precise measurement.
Now, being light-weight helps in areas of efficiency, as a lighter drone is faster and extra conscious of deal with.
Nevertheless, the Mini 3 isn’t as wind-resistant because the EVO Lite+, which I’m certain you just about anticipated, given the Autel drone’s weight.
The Mini 3 has Degree 5 wind resistance, making it able to withstanding gusts of about 24 miles per hour. The EVO Lite+ boasts Degree 7 wind resistance.
Now, right here’s the factor about wind resistance in drones. It’s an estimate, identical to battery life and lots of different elements.
I’ve flown the Mini 3 in 35-mph winds, and it did simply high quality. It did greater than high quality, actually. It carried out remarkably.
I additionally love its number of automated Clever Flight Modes. I do know, the EVO Lite+ has its personal comparable good modes, however DJI is the pioneer on this space.
I really like how you need to use modes like Rocket or Dronie and get good video footage each time. Though neither of those are newbie drones, this is among the Mini 3’s most beginner-friendly options.
It’s particularly superior for social media posters with an enormous presence who possibly aren’t so nice at flying drones but however wish to appear like they’re.
» MORE: Autel EVO 2 Professional vs. DJI Mini 3 (Right here’s My Selection)
Portability
Winner: DJI Mini 3
This one ought to have come as no shock.
The Mini 3 and EVO Lite+ are each transportable in their very own methods, in that they’re foldable and stowable in a drone bag or backpack.
Nevertheless, the 2x extra weight the EVO Lite+ carries will make it a much bigger ache to hold round…actually.
It can even be harder to retailer it in a carry-on or checked baggage that meets your airline’s necessities.
The Mini 3 has no such points in that enviornment. It’s small and lightweight sufficient to suit into any piece of baggage, and it’s prepared for flights inside your nation or internationally.
» MORE: Does the DJI Mini 3 Must Be Registered? (Defined for Newcomers)
RC compatibility and long-range flights
Winner: DJI Mini 3
The Mini 3 makes use of the DJI RC, a basic controller within the DJI lineup suitable with extra drones than you possibly can shake a stick at. I imply it!
You should use this distant with the Air 2S, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Basic, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Professional. What a laundry record!
I’m form of obsessive about this controller, and rightfully so. It’s gentle just like the Mini 3, ergonomic, and transportable. Its battery is 4 hours, and the HD display screen is a really massive 5.5 inches.
With a display screen that large and with that a lot readability, you possibly can go away your smartphone and pill at house.
The DJI RC has a good diploma of video transmission utilizing the O3+ system, transmitting 1080p footage at 60 fps.
The EVO Lite+ makes use of the EVO Nano & Lite Collection distant controller, which provides me Xbox 360 vibes. It’s a big controller that’s form of cumbersome however nonetheless ergonomic.
It has a transmission vary of seven.4 miles and is suitable with Autel’s Sky App.
The one drawback? It doesn’t have a display screen, which suggests conserving your smartphone useful to trace your drone’s actions. This distant controller can be suitable with fewer drones.
What in regards to the video transmission fee of the drones themselves? It’s 7.4 miles for the EVO Lite+ and 6.2 miles for the Mini 3. The Autel drone technically wins right here, however solely by a hair.
Battery life
Winner: Autel EVO Lite+
Talking of classes the place Autel wins, I’ve to present the battery life battle to the EVO Lite+. In any case, its base battery can theoretically maintain flight for 40 minutes, an impeccable feat.
The Mini 3’s base Clever Flight Battery can fly for 37 minutes, which I acknowledge is a couple of minutes shorter.
You’ve got the choice to increase the flight time to 50+ minutes should you’re keen to spend on the Clever Flight Battery Plus.
At that time, the DJI battery would beat the Autel battery, however since it’s a must to purchase the Clever Flight Battery Plus individually, that flight time doesn’t really feel like a good comparability.
When you examine the 37-minute flight time of the Mini 3 and the 40-minute flight time of the EVO Nano+, these drones really feel extra neck-and-neck within the battery life class.
Neither drone will fly for precisely that lengthy, anyway.
It was extra like round 33 or 34 minutes of flight for the DJI drone and a little bit over 35 for the Autel once I examined them, and let me inform you, I used to be thorough and in depth.
It’s not that these producers misled you. No drone ever flies precisely so long as marketed.
Bearing that in thoughts, I’m holding regular on my selection to choose the EVO Lite+ right here.
Conclusion
The Autel EVO Lite+ and DJI Mini 3 are two outstanding small drones.
Neither is the latest anymore, but they each function cutting-edge options that make them price discussing in 2023.
The Mini 3 rises to the event in each approach. It’s actually light-weight, doesn’t require hobbyist registration, has a outstanding digital camera, boasts Clever Flight Modes, and has a battery life on par with what Autel presents.
Nevertheless, should you select the Mini 3 as your drone, take into account it has no impediment avoidance.
That’s its greatest fault, which was corrected within the Mini 3 Professional, so maybe it would be best to discover that as an alternative.
And the intuitive distant management with its massive display screen will aid you fly safely with the Mini 3!
