In a continuation of our look at drones (we previously analyzed the similarities and differences between the DJI Mavic Pro and the DJI Phantom 4), we’re once again looking at the DJI Mavic Pro. But instead of examining its performance against the Phantom 4, we’re going to compare it to the diminutive DJI Mavic Air.
You’d be forgiven for thinking there isn’t much difference between the Mavic Pro and Mavic Air. They both come with similar designs, have similar features, like 4K video recording, and their prices aren’t so far off. And since they’re made by the same company — China-based DJI — you’ll find that they come with many of the same software components.
But there are some important differences between the DJI Mavic Air and Mavic Pro. And if you’re in the market for a new drone, there’s a good chance that one might deliver more value than the other, depending on your needs.
So read on for our guide comparing the DJI Mavic Air and Mavic Pro and find out for yourself which of the following drones is best for you:
Design
DJI’s Mavic Air is a small and foldable drone that features four propellers. It’s a small drone that can be used just about anywhere you wish without trouble. And since it’s also a lighter drone, it won’t feel so big — and potentially breakable — in your hand. It is, however, a decidedly breakable device.
Like the Mavic Air, the Mavic Pro is a compact, travel-friendly drone that comes with a silver design. Its small size makes it a suitable option for flying both indoors and outdoors. It has four propellers.
Since it’s about half the size and substantially lighter than the Mavic Pro, if you’re looking for an easily portable drone, the Mavic Air is tops.
Winner: Mavic Air
Ease of Use
Both the Mavic Pro and the Mavic Air can be controlled from your phone, with Goggles that allow for first-person viewing, and with hand gestures. In order to use the phone controls, however, you’ll need to download the DJI app to your iPhone or Android device and insert your phone into the controller.
While that experience is similar between both devices, it’s the gesture control where the Mavic Air takes the top spot. The Mavic Air has improved sensors compared to the Mavic Pro and can more adeptly identify where to go and how. That results in overall better control from just your hands.
Winner: Mavic Air
Features
Apps
Both the Mavic Pro and the Mavic Air come ready to be used with DJI’s mobile apps. So, when you’re actually controlling the devices from your phone, the DJI Mavic Air and Mavic Pro offer the same experience.
Here, there’s no winner.
Winner: Draw
Automation Tools
Automation tools are in many ways the best reasons to buy DJI drones. And both the Mavic Pro and the Mavic Air illustrate that beautifully.
Both drones will allow you to lock onto a person and follow that person wherever they go. When you do so, you can decide at what height and distance they should follow the person.
Like other DJI drones, when you enter a No Fly Zone, the Mavic Air and Mavic Pro will automatically bring the drone down and away from possible trouble.
As discussed, the Mavic Air comes with enhanced sensors that might make for a slightly better flying experience. For instance, if you have set your Mavic Air to fly ahead and there’s an obstacle, it’ll move around it and keep going.
Winner: Mavic Air
Indoor Vs Outdoor Flying
Although flying indoors requires expertise and some insight into exactly how to fly in close quarters, either the Mavic Pro or the Mavic Air would be solid options. But since the Mavic Air is smaller and lighter, it’ll probably be a better option for flying indoors.
Outdoors, they’re about equal, though the Mavic Pro has slightly better battery life. If it’s speed you’re after, the lighter Mavic Air will be your choice.
Winner: Mavic Air
Battery Life
According to DJI, the Mavic Pro will deliver up to 27 minutes of flight time on a single charge.
The DJI Mavic Air will get you 21 minutes of flight time.
Winner: Mavic Pro
Camera Quality
Video
The Mavic Pro is capable of recording video at up to a 4K resolution and records those clips at 30 frames per second. That might not be best for fast action, like sports, but should be fine for standard recording. The Mavic Pro, which has a 78.8-degree field-of-vision, offers a 60Mbps bitrate and an ISO range of 100 to 3200.
DJI’s Mavic Air can record video at up to a 4K resolution and offers 24-frames-per-second recording to help you more adeptly catch fast-acting movement. Interestingly, the device, which has an 85-degree field-of-vision, offers a video bitrate of 100Mbps. Like the Mavic Pro, its ISO range is 100 to 3200.
Winner: Mavic Air
Photo
DJI’s Mavic Pro comes with a 12-megapixel sensor that comes with an ISO range of 100 to 1600. You can save your photos in JPEG and DNG and have the option of snapping your images in single-shot, burst shooting, auto exposure bracketing, EV bias, and interval.
You’ll find many of the same attributes in the Mavic Air. The drone comes with a 12-megapixel camera, but has an ISO range of 100 to 3200, making it slightly more capable than the Mavic Pro. The camera, which can record in JPEG and DNG, adds HDR photography in addition to single-shot, burst shooting, auto exposure bracketing, interval, and panoramic.
Winner: Mavic Air
Price
Truth be told, neither the Mavic Pro nor the Mavic Air will go easy on a budget. But one is a more appealing option.
The Mavic Air, for instance, will set you back $799. If you want a Mavic Pro instead, you’ll need to pay $999.
Winner: Mavic Air
Final Verdict
As the results above clearly show, it’s not easy to be the Mavic Pro when put up against the Mavic Air.
DJI’s Mavic Air is cheaper, comes with better sensors than the Mavic Pro, and is the most portable option. And since it comes with many of the automation features you’d want — and can find in the Mavic Pro — the Mavic Air seems like an ideal choice for many.
So, if you’re deciding between the Mavic Air and Mavic Pro, the Mavic Air is your winner.
Winner: Mavic Air
