The DJI Air 4 hasn't been officially announced yet, but the first prototype leak surfaced in February 2025 and revealed significant design changes. In this comprehensive guide, we examine exactly what we know from leaked images and reliable sources, what we expect based on DJI's trajectory, and how it will likely compare to the current top-of-class Air 3S. We also answer the critical question: should you wait or buy now?
π Read more: Action Camera vs Drone: When Do You Need What?
The First Leak: What Was Revealed
In February 2025, well-known leaker Jasper Ellens published a photo of a prototype that, according to him, belongs to the DJI Air 4. The image β of a test unit after a crash test β revealed several significant design changes that follow the philosophy of the recently released Mavic 4 Pro.
Jasper Ellens: "A crashed prototype shows it will have a similar top design with three top sensors like the to be released DJI Mavic 4. The arms are a bit thicker than the Air 3S so the finished product hopefully looks better."
This publication was the first tangible evidence that DJI is actively working on the successor to the Air series. Although it's an early prototype, the elements observed shed significant light on the direction the company is taking.
What We Saw in the Prototype
3 Top Sensors
Three sensors on the top of the body, same layout as the Mavic 4 Pro. Likely improved omnidirectional obstacle avoidance compared to the Air 3S.
Thicker Arms
The propeller arms are noticeably thicker compared to the Air 3S. Indication of larger motors or improved wind resistance.
Redesigned Body
Body design similar to the Mini 4 Pro / Mavic 4 Pro β rear section below propellers for improved airflow and a more aerodynamic profile.
No Rear Sensors
Zero rear sensors detected. This means the top sensors will likely cover the rear area as well, thanks to the new body design.
Timeline & Air Series History
To understand when the Air 4 might realistically be expected, it's worth looking at the Air series release history. DJI follows a somewhat predictable refresh pattern: a major new generation every ~2 years, with intermediate βSβ upgrades in between.
DJI Mavic Air 2 β 1/2β³ CMOS, 48MP, 4K/60fps, 34 min flight. The first βseriousβ camera in the Air series.
DJI Air 2S β 1β³ CMOS upgrade, 20MP, 5.4K/30fps. Major sensor upgrade, same body base.
DJI Air 3 β Dual camera system (wide + telephoto), 1/1.3β³ CMOS, 4K/60fps HDR. Complete redesign.
DJI Air 3S β 1β³ CMOS primary upgrade, 50MP + 48MP tele, 4K/120fps, LiDAR. The βSβ intermediate upgrade.
DJI Air 4 (Leaked prototype) β First photo of crash-test unit. Jasper Ellens warns not to expect a final product until later in 2025.
Based on this pattern, the Air 4 release is expected somewhere between late 2025 and Q1 2026. As of this article's publication (February 2026), DJI has not officially announced anything. However, the absence of an announcement doesn't necessarily mean it's not coming β DJI is known for surprise launches.
Expected DJI Air 4 Features
While no official specs exist, we can draw fairly logical conclusions based on: (a) the leaks, (b) the Mavic 4 Pro's trajectory, and (c) DJI's technological evolution. DroneDJ, one of the most reliable sources in the space, estimates that DJI is planning several significant upgrades.
Camera System
The most important question concerns the dual-camera system. The leaker explicitly mentioned βI would love to see a return of the dual-camera payload.β The Air 3 introduced duo cameras (24mm wide + 70mm tele), and the Air 3S upgraded the main sensor to 1β³ CMOS 50MP. A logical next step would be a system similar in philosophy to the Mavic 4 Pro's, but at a smaller scale β possibly dual cameras with larger sensors and/or built-in ND filters, technology DJI tested on its flagship model.
Given that the Air 3S carries a 1β³ CMOS 50MP primary and a 1/1.3β³ 48MP tele, we expect at least retention or notable improvement β perhaps a 1β³ CMOS on both cameras or a new computational photography pipeline. Additionally, the ability for true vertical recording without crop was another community request that may be fulfilled.
Obstacle Avoidance System
The three top sensors on the prototype follow the Mavic 4 Pro's philosophy of a more unified system rather than separate sensors in each direction. The Air 3S already features front LiDAR and omnidirectional obstacle sensing with Nightscape technology. We expect the Air 4 to significantly improve this capability, possibly with 360Β° LiDAR instead of front-only, which would make it considerably safer during autonomous flights.
Communication & Transmission
The Air 3S already uses the O4 system with a 20 km range. DJI developed O4+ for the Mavic 4 Pro, with a 30 km range. It's almost certain the Air 4 will adopt O4+ or a newer version, providing range and signal stability at pro-drone levels.
Comparison: Air 4 (Expected) vs Air 3S vs Air 3
Let's look in detail at how the expected Air 4 stacks up against the two current Air models, based on confirmed leaks and logical estimates.
| Feature | DJI Air 3 | DJI Air 3S | DJI Air 4 (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 1/1.3β³ CMOS 48MP | 1β³ CMOS 50MP | 1β³ or larger |
| Tele Camera | 1/1.3β³ CMOS 48MP 70mm | 1/1.3β³ CMOS 48MP 70mm | Possibly 1β³ CMOS 70mm+ |
| Video | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/120fps, 4K/60 HDR | 4K/120fps+ or 8K/30fps |
| Dynamic Range | 14 stops | 14 stops | 14-15 stops (est.) |
| LiDAR | No | Front only | Multi-directional (est.) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional + Nightscape | Advanced omnidirectional |
| Flight Time | 46 minutes | 45 minutes | ~48 minutes (est.) |
| Transmission | O4, 20 km | O4, 20 km | O4+ or newer, 25-30 km |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB | 42 GB | 64+ GB (est.) |
| Design | Classic foldable | Same body as Air 3 | New Mavic 4-style body |
| Vertical Recording | Via crop | Via crop | Possibly native |
| Price (Standard) | β¬1,288 (~$1,345) | β¬1,129 (~$1,099) | ~β¬1,200-1,400 (~$1,099-1,299) |
Note: Air 3 and Air 3S prices are real prices from Skroutz.gr (February 2026). Air 4 specs marked βest.β are estimates based on leaks and trends.
What the Air 3S Offers Right Now β Why It's an Excellent Choice
Before deciding whether to wait for the Air 4, it's worth assessing what the DJI Air 3S already delivers, as it represents the top choice in the mid-range category. On Skroutz (Greece's largest price comparison platform), 13 reviews give it a perfect 5.0/5 rating.
The Air 3S is essentially an "Air 3 Pro": it retains the dual-camera system (24mm wide + 70mm tele), upgrades the main sensor to 1β³ CMOS 50MP, adds 4K/120fps slow motion, front LiDAR, Nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing, Non-GPS Smart RTH, 42 GB internal storage, and Off-State QuickTransfer. And most importantly? It starts at β¬1,129 (~$1,099) for the Standard package β lower than the Air 3 Standard at β¬1,288 (~$1,345).
Air 3S Packages & Prices (Greece, Feb. 2026)
Standard (RC-N3)
β¬1,129 (~$1,099)
Drone + RC-N3 controller + 1 battery + spare propellers + USB-C cables + gimbal protector. Ideal if you're just starting out.
Fly More Combo Lite (RC 2)
β¬1,412 (~$1,475)
Drone + RC 2 (built-in screen) + 2 extra batteries (3 total) + charging hub + ND filters (ND8/32/128) + shoulder bag.
Fly More Combo (RC 2)
β¬1,636 (~$1,599)
Full package with RC 2 + 3 batteries + charging hub + ND filter set + extra propellers + shoulder bag. For serious use.
Buy Air 3S Now or Wait for Air 4?
This is the million-dollar question. The answer depends primarily on three factors: when you need a drone, what your budget is, and how important the potential Air 4 upgrades are to you.
Buy the Air 3S NOW if:
- You need a drone within the next 3 months
- You want a proven product with a 5.0/5 rating
- The β¬1,129 (~$1,099) price works for you
- You don't care about body redesign
- You want a rich accessory ecosystem (already available)
- You have trips/projects planned soon
Wait for the Air 4 if:
- You're not in a rush β you can wait 3-6+ months
- You want next-gen tech (O4+, improved LiDAR)
- The body redesign matters aesthetically to you
- You're hoping for native vertical recording
- You want longer transmission range (25-30 km)
- You're willing to pay a launch-day premium
"Think of it this way: the Air 3S is an excellent drone NOW. The Air 4 will probably be an even better drone LATER. The question isn't which is better, but when you need a drone." β Common wisdom in drone communities
Expected DJI Air 4 Price
DJI hasn't announced a price, but we can estimate based on historical data:
Historical Pricing
The Air 3 launched at $1,099 (Standard). The Air 3S also at $1,099. DJI tends to maintain a stable entry price. Air 4 estimate: $1,099-$1,299 depending on upgrades.
European / Greek Estimate
If priced at $1,099-$1,299 USD, we expect approximately β¬1,100-β¬1,350 on Skroutz. Fly More Combo: β¬1,450-β¬1,700. Note that launch prices are always higher β wait 1-2 months for stabilization.
Future Air 3S Value
If the Air 4 launches, the Air 3S will likely drop by 10-20% in price. That means under β¬1,000 (~$1,045) for Standard β an outstanding deal if you don't need the new features.
Competition: What the Air 4 Faces
The mid-range drone category is becoming increasingly competitive. Beyond DJI's own internal models (Mini 5 Pro at β¬752 (~$785), Mavic 4 Pro at β¬2,109 (~$2,200)), Autel Robotics with the EVO Lite+ lineup and Skydio with AI-focused drones are pushing on both price and features. The Air 4 will need to offer clear superiority in value-for-money to justify a purchase in a market that already has the excellent Air 3S.
Particularly in Europe, the launch price will play a decisive role. If the Air 4 arrives above β¬1,300-β¬1,350 (~$1,360-$1,410), many will see it as overlapping with lower-priced Fly More Combo packages of the Air 3S β and the value proposition won't be as clear-cut. In the US, availability itself remains a question mark due to ongoing import restrictions on DJI products.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the DJI Air 4 come out?
As of February 2026, there's no official date. Based on DJI's release pattern and the prototype appearance in February 2025, a 2026 release is estimated. Advice: follow official DJI announcements and reliable sources like DroneDJ.
Will it be available in the US?
This remains a question mark. In February 2025, DroneDJ published an analysis titled βWill DJI's next generation drones be available in the US?β β referencing sanctions and import bans. In Europe, DJI continues distribution normally. US availability depends on evolving trade policies.
Is the Air 3S worth it if the Air 4 comes out soon?
Absolutely. The Air 3S with its 5.0/5 rating, 1β³ CMOS primary, 4K/120fps and LiDAR at β¬1,129 (~$1,099) is an excellent purchase. Even if the Air 4 launches tomorrow, the Air 3S will remain a top-tier drone β it just won't be βthe latest.β And its price will drop even further.
Is upgrading from Air 3 to Air 4 worth it?
That depends on the final specs. If the Air 4 brings a significantly improved camera system (larger sensors, native vertical), O4+ transmission, and redesigned body, then upgrading from the Air 3 (July 2023) will definitely be worth it β representing 2.5-3+ years of technological evolution. From the Air 3S, the upgrade will likely be less dramatic.
Our Final Assessment
The DJI Air 4 promises to bring a significant redesign to the Air series β a new body inspired by the Mavic 4 Pro, improved sensor system, and potential camera upgrades. However, the release date remains uncertain. If you need a drone now, the Air 3S at β¬1,129 (~$1,099) is a top-tier purchase with zero risk. If you can wait, keep watching for announcements β but don't let waiting deprive you of months of flights. Sometimes βgood enough todayβ beats βmaybe better tomorrow.β