DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Mavic 3 Pro: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Over the past year, DJI has bolstered its portfolio with compact and creative-first models like the DJI Neo and the power-packed DJI Flip. Yet with the arrival of the Mavic 4 Pro, the brand pivots back to its crown jewel: delivering professional-grade, cinematic drones that redefine aerial content creation.

Enter the Mavic 4 Pro, DJI's latest statement piece for storytellers and commercial pilots. But how does it compare to the widely acclaimed Mavic 3 Pro? Launched in 2023, the Mavic 3 Pro was a benchmark drone, introducing a tri-camera system and delivering a powerful blend of quality, versatility and endurance. So: should you upgrade? And what do you gain?

Price and Availability: Flagship Value at a Familiar Price

When the Mavic 3 Pro hit the market, its starting price stood at £1,879. Two years on, the Mavic 4 Pro launches at exactly the same price. No inflation shock, no premium for progress.

This strategic pricing alone makes the Mavic 4 Pro a standout. Despite considerable improvements, DJI has kept the entry point identical, which means more capability for the same outlay.

Design and Build: Reinvention Without Reinvention

At a glance, the Mavic 4 Pro does not reinvent the tri-camera format. But look closer: the engineering leap is substantial. The highlight? The new Infinity Gimbal, offering 360 degree rotation and 70° upward tilt.

This stabilisation tech is so refined, it mimics avian steadiness. The camera appears unmoved even as you tilt the drone in hand. Setup is faster too: unfold the arms and the drone powers on. The same auto-start convenience applies to the new RC Pro 2 controller.

Despite growing slightly in size and hitting 1,063g (up from 958g), the improved balance and form factor ensure no compromise in performance or flight time. The main Hasselblad lens now takes top position on the array, while sensor placement has been refined: forward-facing cameras are elevated and LiDAR takes centre stage for enhanced spatial awareness.

Battery and Flight Time: More Minutes, Less Weight

Flight time is critical for pros and the Mavic 4 Pro delivers a clear upgrade. With a 6,654 mAh battery, it promises up to 51 minutes of flight (vs 43 mins on the Mavic 3 Pro). Real-world tests often are capable of 30+ minutes of flight time under moderate loads.

The new battery also weighs less (332g vs 335.5g) despite being higher capacity. It is a rare engineering feat: longer, safer flights without weight penalty.

Optical Performance: Mirrorless Power in the Sky

The Mavic 3 Pro introduced the world to DJI's tri-camera array:

• 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad wide-angle (20MP)
• Medium tele (48MP)
• Telephoto (12MP)

The Mavic 4 Pro keeps the three lenses but enhances two with larger sensors and wider apertures. The wide-angle camera now hits 100MP (shoots in 25MP mode too), while the telephoto now has a 1/1.15” sensor and brighter f/2.8 lens.

Max ISO climbs from 6,400 to 12,800, and shutter speed tops out at 1/16,000. Slow-motion video now includes 4K/120fps (medium tele) and 4K/100fps (tele), offering richer creative possibilities.

Features and Sensing: LiDAR Redefines Obstacle Avoidance

One of the boldest new inclusions on the Mavic 4 Pro is the LiDAR sensor. Light Detection and Ranging provides centimetre-accurate depth mapping, outperforming standard vision sensors in poor lighting or over reflective surfaces like water.

The Mavic 4 Pro also includes six low-light fisheye sensors, replacing the Mavic 3 Pro’s eight optical ones. Combined with DJI’s new Nightscape obstacle sensing, the Mavic 4 Pro can return home without GPS – an impressive first for the brand.

Transmission also gets a major boost: DJI O4+ doubles the Mavic 3 Pro's range to 30km. And for creators, internal storage leaps from 8GB to 64GB (and up to 512GB in the Creator Combo).

The Final Verdict

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not a marginal improvement. It is a reimagined flagship, packing significant upgrades in camera technology, obstacle sensing and flight endurance, all without a price hike.

Should you upgrade?

• Professionals: Unquestionably. The Mavic 4 Pro is safer, smarter and more versatile.
• Hobbyists: If your needs are cinematic or creative-first, the upgrade may still be worthwhile. But for casual users, the Mavic 3 Pro remains excellent.

One truth remains: The Mavic 4 Pro sets a new standard. And anyone serious about aerial content will find it hard to ignore.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is here. Buy now from the Coptrz online store here.