DJI Air 3S
Score: 84/100
Holy Stone HS900
Score: 81/100Rankings
The DJI Air 3S is a compact consumer drone featuring a 1-inch 50 MP sensor, long 45-minute flight time and extensive 20 km range. Its weight pushes it above registration limits and speed gains are modest. Ideal for advanced hobbyists who prioritize image quality and safety features.
The Holy Stone HS900 is a sub-250 g GPS drone featuring a 48 MP Sony sensor on a 3-axis brushless gimbal, delivering 4K video and up to 30 minutes of flight. Its main trade-offs are a long charging cycle and occasional GPS drift in windy conditions. Best for beginners to intermediate pilots who need a lightweight, FAA-compliant drone with high-quality video and strong wind resistance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
45 minutesbest | 30 minutes | |
— | 2,250 mAhbest | |
50 MPbest | 48 MP | |
20,000 mbest | 6,096 m | |
68.4 km/hbest | 49.9 km/h | |
| ↓ lower better | 724 g | 249 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 120 minutes | 70 minutesbest |
60 fpsbest | 30 fps |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Maximum Flight Time (minutes) | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
Charging Time (minutes) | 120 minutes | 70 minutes |
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Horizontal Speed (km/h) | 68.4 km/h | 49.9 km/h |
Transmission / Control Range (m) | 20000 m | 6096 m |
Maximum Wind Resistance (km/h) | 43.2 km/h | 38.6 km/h |
Camera(4) | ||
Camera Resolution (Megapixels) (MP) | 50 MP | 48 MP |
Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) | 4K |
Video Frame Rate (fps) | 60 fps | 30 fps |
Camera Sensor Size (mm) | 25.4 mm | 1/2.3 mm |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 724 g | 249 g |
Folded Dimensions (L×W×H) (cm) | 21.42×10.06×8.92 cm cm | 14.3x8.28x6.2 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Air 3S a refined upgrade, applauding its 1-inch sensor, 14-stop dynamic range, and expanded 42 GB storage while noting that flight performance, speed, and endurance remain largely unchanged from the Air 3.
Everyday users generally praise the reliable flight time, stable handling, and the convenience of using existing Air 3 batteries, but they frequently mention the increased weight that triggers registration requirements and the lack of noticeable performance improvements.
Professional reviewers consider the HS900 Holy Stone's best drone yet, calling it a game-changer in the sub-250 g segment. They commend its high-resolution Sony sensor, 3-axis gimbal, robust wind resistance, and intuitive P2 controller, noting that it rivals the DJI Mini 3 in key features while offering superior value. Minor criticisms focus on occasional GPS drift and average hovering in strong wind, as well as an unremarkable aesthetic.
Everyday users consistently praise the HS900 for its easy setup, fast GPS lock, sharp 4K footage, and the generous 30-minute flight time straight out of the box. Common themes include appreciation for the beginner-friendly smart modes and the portable, FAA-compliant design. Recurring complaints revolve around the need for post-unboxing GPS calibration, longer battery charging times, and occasional signal hiccups at the farthest range.
“Easy setup, no complex prep, quick GPS lock with 23+ satellites.”
“Sharp 4K footage from the gimbal-stabilized Sony camera impressed me right out of the box.”
