DJI Air 3S Unboxing & First Flight – DJI’s FASTEST Folding Drone!

Today we’re doing an unboxing and first flight with the DJI Air 3S drone. This is a mid-cycle refresh, the “S” version of the DJI Air 3 which was released in July 2023, about a year ago. This drone improves upon the same airframe with a couple of key improvements.

This video is not a Review; it’s just an unboxing and first flight experience. For a full review, check out the separate review video that’s already been posted.

Key Improvements in the Air 3S

The main changes are in the camera and the obstacle avoidance system. These hardware changes also unlock new software features. Notably, the Air 3S is the fastest folding drone DJI has ever made, with a maximum speed of 60 mph in sport mode.

Thoughts on Mid-Cycle Refreshes and Technology

Before unboxing, let’s discuss mid-cycle refreshes and technology releases. We’ve reached a point where annual upgrades aren’t necessary for most devices. The iPhone is a good example of this. I’m on the upgrade program, getting a new iPhone yearly, and the changes are subtle. However, someone upgrading from an iPhone 12 or 13 would see a huge difference.

The Air 3S, with its minor improvements over the Air 3, raises the question: who is this drone for? It’s probably not for Air 3 owners, but rather for those with Air 2 or Air 2S who wanted more reasons to upgrade.

DJI’s Mid-Cycle Refresh History

DJI has done two notable mid-cycle refreshes recently:

1. Air 2 to Air 2S
2. Mavic 3 to Mavic 3 Pro

Both introduced new camera systems, with the Air 2S also featuring new obstacle avoidance and transmission systems. The Air 2S is particularly noteworthy as one of the best drones DJI has ever released, offering a 1-inch sensor in a compact form factor.

Unboxing the DJI Air 3S

I have the Fly More bundle with the RC2 controller. The package includes:

• The drone
• Propellers
• ND Filters (ND8, ND32, and ND128)
• RC2 controller with built-in screen
• Charging hub
• Three batteries
• A carrying bag

The bag is smaller and more stout than previous versions. While I typically use a backpack, this bag is great for those just buying their first drone.

First Impressions and Comparison

The body style is identical to the Air 3. The main visible differences are the new LiDAR system and the larger camera, which looks more proportionate to the drone’s body compared to the Air 3’s camera.

First Flight and Speed Test

Upon taking flight, the first noticeable feature is the drone’s quietness. In the speed test, we quickly reached speeds of 53, 54, 55 mph, eventually hitting 60.2 mph and even touching 61 mph. This speed surpasses the old Air 3, the Mavic 3 Series, and even the larger Phantom 4 Pro.

Camera and Gimbal Performance

The gimbal performance at high speeds is impressive. We were able to tilt the gimbal up to 29° while maintaining nearly full speed, a significant improvement over older models.

The new camera appears to have improved image quality, though a thorough assessment requires more testing. The dynamic range seems enhanced, with the ability to capture sky details even in challenging lighting conditions.

Other Notable Features

1. Improved Ascent/Descent Speed: Upgraded to 22 mph from 17 mph.
2. Enhanced Vision Positioning Sensors: Better performance in low light conditions, with improved dynamic range.
3. Battery Life: With 57% battery remaining, the drone still had about 22 minutes of hovering time.
4. 3x Camera: The 70mm focal length provides a nice balance, offering good zoom without being extreme. The 48-megapixel sensor should deliver high-quality shots.

Practical Tests

During the flight, we chased a train traveling at about 40 mph. The Air 3S kept up effortlessly, demonstrating the practical applications of its increased speed. However, to reach the top speed of 60 mph, you need to fly in one direction without changing course.

Vision Positioning Sensors

The improved vision positioning sensors are visible in the flight interface. While the resolution doesn’t seem significantly improved, there’s better dynamic range, which could enhance obstacle avoidance in various lighting conditions.

Additional Flight Experiences

We tested the drone’s agility and speed in various scenarios, including flying low over water and trees, which really showcases the feeling of speed. The drone recovers quickly from dives and feels nimble in the air.

Final Thoughts

The Air series has always been a perfect middle ground between the professional Mavic drones and the smaller Mini series. The Air 3S continues this tradition, offering power and features suitable for various scenarios, from flying in higher winds to chasing fast-moving subjects.

Its increased speed, improved camera, and enhanced sensors make it a compelling package for both new buyers and those looking to upgrade from older models. While it may not be a necessary upgrade for Air 3 owners, it offers significant improvements for those with older drones.