DJI Drones Compared: Mavic, Phantom, and FPV

DJI now manufactures a range of drones designed to cater to consumers and professionals alike, including various models tailored specifically toward enterprise and agriculture. Yet, most people are likely interested in DJI’s consumer-focused products. It’s a reasonably concise but highly impressive collection, right now extending to what DJI calls the Mavic Series, FPV Series, and Phantom Series.

Of these, DJI’s FPV and Phantom lineups boast just one core model each. However, within the Mavic Series, the renowned drone manufacturer currently offers a choice of five different variants, including the Mavic 3, Air 2, and Mini SE. Prices here range from under $300 to upwards of $2,000. Meanwhile, the latest Phantom model costs from $1,599, while DJI FPV buyers can look to spend anywhere from $739 to $1,299.

So, as a consumer, how do you choose between these options? We’ve taken a closer look at precisely what’s on offer to help you decide.

Arguably the manufacturer’s most popular range, DJI’s Mavic Series promises powerful, foldable drones for aerial adventures. With prices starting at just $299 for the DJI Mavic Mini SE, the Mavic lineup is a great way to get into drone ownership. At the same time, those looking for something more advanced can opt for any one of four further Mavic models. This series culminates with the Mavic 3 for just a dollar shy of $2,200.

All Mavic models fly using a connected smartphone such as the latest iPhone models. All drone owners’ smartphones can also be protected with a smartphone warranty from Upsie.

Upsie’s smartphone warranties boast numerous benefits, including coverage against manufacturer defects, mechanical failures, drops, liquid spills, and all manner of other accidental mishaps. Upsie also offers warranties for laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, not including drones.

The latest all-new Mavic 3 is DJI’s Mavic Series flagship. It features a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and costs $2,199. The five-star rated DJI Mavic 3 is also equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a long-lasting battery, and an advanced return-to-home function that’s a hallmark of various DJI products.

Weighing under 900 grams, the top-tier Mavic 3 gets DJI’s improved O3+ transmission system. This enables a 15-kilometer range and up to 46 minutes of flight time. Mavic 3 buyers can also upgrade to the DJI Mavic 3 Cine, which further includes Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding in addition to all of the standard model’s features.

The next option has a one-inch sensor and can capture a 5.4K video. Thus, DJI’s Mavic Air 2S is marketed as the ideal all-around camera drone. Lighter and more basic than the flagship Mavic 3, the 595-gram Air 2S costs $999. For that, buyers get a 12-kilometer transmission range, four-direction obstacle sensing, and a 31-minute maximum flight time.

Next in the Mavic lineup is the Mavic Air 2. The Air 2S’s predecessor, the original Mavic Air 2 is slightly heavier at 570 grams but offers a largely comparable maximum flight time and range. However, it does lack some of the more advanced features of its replacement. As such, the older Mavic Air 2 is now priced at $200 less, costing $799.

Finally, DJI’s Mavic Series concludes with the Mavic Mini 2 and Mavic Mini SE. Small but mighty, the $449 Mavic Mini 2, which weighs in at less than 250 grams. It features 4K video, 4x zoom, a 10-kilometer transmission range, and added features such as DJI’s downward vision sensor and a precise hover function.

The Mavic Mini SE is similar in size and weight to the Mavic Mini 2. However, the Mavic Mini SE has simplified recording and editing abilities and costs $299. The entry-level Mavic model also gets a reduced four-kilometer maximum transmission range. However, its maximum flying time is roughly the same as both the DJI Mavic Air 2S and the Mavic Mini 2 at around 30 minutes.

Rather more straightforward is the DJI Phantom Series. DJI’s Phantom Series flagship is the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and costs $1,599. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 boasts a one-inch 20MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, as well as both longer flight times and smarter features than any of its Phantom-branded predecessors.

The current-generation DJI Phantom is a full-size, one-piece drone instead of the foldable nature of its Mavic-branded stablemates. Promising visionary intelligence and elevated imagination, DJI Phantom 4 buyers can also upgrade to the Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0 RC. This extra $450 buys a built-in 5.5-inch 1080p screen.

And last but by no means least is DJI’s FPV Series. FPV stands for “first-person view” because a single DJI FPV model turns buyers’ aerial imaginations into reality. Boasting an immersive, intuitive, and ready-to-fly FPV system, customers have two main options. These are the $739 DJI FPV itself, sold as the drone only, and the costlier DJI FPV Combo.

Most buyers will want to go all-in on the DJI FPV Combo at $1,299. For that, over a dozen all-important accessories are included, such as an intelligent flight battery, a remote controller, and DJI’s exclusive FPV Goggles V2. The $560 upgrade also includes spare propellers, a gimbal protector, and an additional top shell, plus various cables, adapters, and more.