The DJI Mini 3 Pro leak shows obstacle avoidance sensors and a slightly larger battery

The rumored DJI Mini 3 Pro could come with some major upgrades over its non-Pro predecessor, including obstacle avoidance sensors and a larger battery, according to leaked images and a video of the new drone (via TechRadar).

Self-proclaimed DJI investigator Jasper Ellens posted the leaked data pictures and Video to Twitter. There are two large sensors on the front of the device to avoid obstacles and two downward sensors to avoid ground collisions. If true, this is a welcome addition to the beginner-friendly drone line – the DJI Mini 2 only has ground detection sensors.

Camera-wise, the leak shows a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.7, which should result in a brighter image and improved low-light performance compared to the DJI Mini 2’s f/2.8 lens. The camera is mounted to a redesigned three-axis gimbal placed on one side, potentially allowing users to record vertical video suitable for posting on social platforms.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro might have a slightly longer flight time as the leak points to an upgraded 2,453mAh battery. For comparison, the DJI Mini 2 has a 2,250mAh battery and a flight time of 31 minutes, so we might see a small improvement in the Mini 3 Pro.

Despite the upgrades, the DJI Mini 3 Pro maintains its weight of under 250 grams, allowing users to fly it without having to register it with the Federal Aviation Administration. It’s unclear if the DJI Mini 3 Pro will drop its entry price for something more expensive to come with its new “Pro” label and new features, or if DJI plans to release a non-Pro model as well.

Plenty of questions remain about the rumored drone – like its frame rate or Ocusync 3.0 support – but we might not have to wait much longer to find out. Ellens predicts that DJI will announce the drone in the next few weeks.