DJI Mini 3 vs HOVERAir X1
Buy the DJI Mini 3 if you want a real camera drone: 4K HDR video, 38 minutes of flight, and 10 km transmission for $329.95 at eBay as of November 3. Buy the HOVERAir X1 if you want a pocketable selfie drone that launches and flies itself, at $244.99 at PayMore Overland Park as of November 3. The Mini 3 costs about $85 more but is the far more capable aircraft.
Today the HOVERAir X1 costs $104.01 less at its best price.
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DJI Mini 3
4.7Choose the DJI Mini 3 if you want stable 4K HDR footage, long flight time, and a controller with real range for travel and landscape shots.
- 4K HDR video from a 1/1.3-inch sensor with dual native ISO
- 38 minutes of flight, up to 51 with the extended battery
- 10 km O2 transmission and a real remote controller
- Under 249 g, so no registration in most regions
- True Vertical Shooting for social video
- Costs about $85 more than the X1
- No built-in storage; you need a microSD card
What separates them
| DJI Mini 3 | HOVERAir X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 249 g | 125 g |
| Flight time | 38 min (up to 51 min with extended battery) | 9 to 10 min |
| Video | 4K HDR at 4K/30fps, 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps |
| Transmission range | Up to 10 km with O2 | About 98 ft (30 m) over Wi-Fi |
| Control | RC-N1 remote controller with phone | Smartphone app, self-flying presets |
| Storage | MicroSD card, not included | 32 GB built in |
| Wind resistance | Level 5, 38 kph | Level 4, 7.9 m/s |
| Price | $329.95 at eBay as of November 3 |
Price history
- DJI Mini 3: lowest $329.95 on Nov 3 at King of Hobby Deals.
- HOVERAir X1: lowest $244.99 on Nov 3 at PayMore Overland Park.
Prices at every store
DJI Mini 3
- paymore.comNew
In stock
$399.99Observed at 7:38 AM - Best BuyNew
In stock
$410.99Observed at 11:51 AM - Focus CameraNew
Availability unknown
$349.00Observed at 7:12 AM - B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew
Availability unknown
$419.00Observed at 11:51 AM
Also available at
- QVCCheck price at QVC
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Focus Global DigitalCheck price at Focus Global Digital
Specs compared
| Spec | DJI Mini 3 | HOVERAir X1 |
|---|---|---|
| With Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Gray | Black |
| Flight Maximum Speed | 5 m/s (Max Ascent Speed) | — |
| Skill Level | Beginner | — |
| Completion Level | Ready to Fly Drone | — |
| Included Items | Drone | — |
| Dimensions Height | 62 mm (folded) | — |
| Dimensions Length | 148 mm (folded) | — |
| Dimensions Width | 90 mm (folded) | — |
| Dimensions Weight | Under 249 g | — |
| Connectivity Range |
What reviewers say
DJI Mini 3
Owners rate the Mini 3 highly for easy setup, stable footage and long flight times. Most criticism centers on the missing obstacle avoidance and tracking compared with pricier DJI models.
- Simple to fly for beginners
- Sharp, colorful 4K footage
- Long battery life
- Light enough to carry anywhere
- No obstacle sensors
- No subject tracking
- Limited low-light performance
- Basic controller on the base kit
Questions and answers
- Which is better for travel video?
- The DJI Mini 3. It shoots 4K HDR, flies 38 minutes, and holds a control link up to 10 km. The X1 tops out at 2.7K and about 10 minutes per battery.
- Which is easier to just launch and fly?
- The HOVERAir X1. It takes off, runs preset shots, and lands by itself from the app. The Mini 3 needs a controller, a phone, and manual flying.
- Is the Mini 3 worth the extra $85?
- For camera quality and flight time, yes. At $329.95 versus $244.99 as of November 3, the Mini 3 gives roughly four times the flight time and 4K video.
- Which lasts longer per charge?
- The Mini 3, by a wide margin: 38 minutes versus 9 to 10 minutes for the X1. Carry spare batteries for either.
- Do I need to register either drone?
- The Mini 3 is under 249 g, so it avoids registration in most regions. The X1 at 125 g is also under the limit, but check local rules.
- Can the X1 fly far away?
- No. Its Wi-Fi link reaches about 98 ft (30 m). The Mini 3's O2 link reaches up to 10 km.
