The Evo Nano + and the DJI Air 2S are two very feature-packed and popular drones. The Evo Nano + is a mini drone that falls under 250 g. The lightweight means you can get around some red tape flying in some countries. However, the extra weight provided by the Air 2S will provide stability and a little extra flight time.
The Evo Nano + is perfect for people seeking a powerful low-light camera drone that weighs less than 250g. The Air 2S is better for those looking for higher stability, speeds and camera specs from their drone.
Here is an infographic so you can quickly compare the top aspects of these drones:
Ultimately, the price will dictate the purchase liability for many drone pilots and the Air 2S is a bigger but more affordable drone.
Price
These two drones are very similar in price.
| Drone | Price (USD) |
| Evo Nano (+) | 799 (899) |
| Air 2S | 869 |
If you place a lot of value on the drone’s weight being under 250 g, I would highly recommend getting the Evo Nano +.
However, DJI is an absolute powerhouse in the consumer drone market. Their drones and support, app, and availability of accessories may be better suited to what you want from your drone.
Choosing between two drones is difficult as there are generally many parameters to look over.
Now we will look at the most important specifications for each drone and compare them side-by-side.
My research should give you a better idea about which drone would be the best for you.
Form and performance
The form and performance of the drone is the first thing to look at when deciding between two different types. These drones are vastly different in weight but offer a similar form factor, with the DJI Air 2S being bigger but still portable.
| Spec | Evo Nano | Air 2S | WINNER |
| Take off weight | 249 g | 595 g | Evo smaller |
| Dimensions (length×width×height) | Folded: 142×94×55mm Unfolded: 260×325×55mm | Folded: 180×97×77 mm Unfolded: 183×253×77 mm | Evo smaller when folded BUT bigger when unfolded |
| Max Flight Time (no wind) | 28 min | 31 min | Air 2S (Just) |
| Max Hovering Time (no wind) | 25 min | 30 min | Air 2S |
| Max Flight Distance (no wind) | 16.8 km | 18.5 km | Air 2S |
| Max Flight Speed (near sea level, no wind) | 4m/s (ludicrous) 3m/s (standard) 2m/s (smooth) | 19 m/s (S Mode) 15 m/s (N Mode) 5 m/s (C Mode) | Air 2S |
| Max Wind Speed Resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 | Equal |
One of the biggest differences in the form factor of the two drones is that the Evo Nano + is much smaller when folded. However, when it is unfolded, it is much longer and deeper than the Air 2S. DJI drones do not grow much when fully unfolded, but the Evo Nano does.
Both drones have a maximum wind speed resistance of level 5. Level V wind resistance means that you can fly your drone at wind speeds of up to 10.7 m/s which is the equivalent of a strong breeze.
The DJI Air 2S has got a better maximum flight time, hovering time, flight distance, and flight speed. If you are after drones that can step in there longer and travel much faster you should consider purchasing the DJI Air 2S.
The stronger motors of the DJI Air 2S will mean that it has much better wind resistance reactions than the Evo Nano+.
Camera
Many people want to buy a mini drone because of the ability to carry their drones anywhere whilst having the ability to place a camera in the sky.
You can use your drone to capture amazing photos of your adventures. The drone’s hardware is very important in determining the quality of the photos and videos you can capture.
Autel offers the Evo Nano +, a much better camera than the Evo Nano. But, does it compare to the DJI Air 2S camera?
| Spec | Evo Nano | Evo Nano + | Air 2S | WINNER |
| Sensor | CMOS：1/2 inch; Effective pixels：48M | CMOS：1/1.28 inch (0.8 inch) Effective pixels：50MP | 1″ CMOS Effective Pixels: 20 MP; 2.4μm Pixel Size | Air 2S has a bigger sensor |
| Lens | FOV：84° Equivalent focal length：24mm Aperture：f/2.8 Focus range：1m ~ ∞ Focus mode: fixed focus | FOV: 85° Equivalent focal length: 23mm Aperture: f/1.9 Focus range: 0.5m ~ ∞ Focus mode: PDAF+CDAF/MF | FOV: 88° 35 mm Format Equivalent: 22 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Shooting Range: 0.6 m to ∞ | Air 2S |
| ISO Range | Video：ISO100 ~ ISO3200 Photo：ISO100 ~ ISO3200 | Video：ISO100 ~ ISO6400 Photo：ISO100 ~ ISO6400 | Video: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-6400 (Manual) 10-Bit Dlog-M Video: 100-800 (Auto) 100-1600 (Manual) Photo: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-12800 (Manual) | Air 2S |
| Still Image Size | 48MP：8000×6000（4:3） 12MP：4000×3000（4:3） 4K：3840×2160（16:9 | 50MP：8192×6144（4:3） 12.5MP：4096×3072（4:3） 4K：3840×2160（16:9） | 20 MP 5472×3648 (3:2) 5472×3078 (16:9) | Evo Nano + |
| Video Resolution | 3840×2160 p30/25/24 2720×1528 p30/25/24 1920×1080 p60/50/48/30/25/24 HDR: 3840×2160 p30/25/24 2720×1528 p30/25/24 1920×1080 p60/50/48/30/25/24 | 3840×2160 p30/25/24 2720×1528 p30/25/24 1920×1080 p60/50/48/30/25/24 HDR: 3840×2160 p30/25/24 2720×1528 p30/25/24 1920×1080 p60/50/48/30/25/24 | 5.4K: 5472×3078 @ 24/25/30 fps 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps 2.7K: 2688×1512 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60/120 fps MP4/MOV (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC) | Air 2S |
| Digital Zoom | None | Digital zoom：1 ~ 16 times | 4K/30fps: 4x; 2.7K/60fps: 4x; 2.7K/30fps: 6x; 1080p/60fps: 6x; 1080p/30fps: 8x | Evo nano + |
If you purchase this drone for taking photos and videos for a professional level, I recommend purchasing the DJI Air 2S. Even though the Evo Nano + has a digital zoom of up to 16 times, the DJI Air 2S has a larger sensor and can achieve a zoom of four times in its highest resolution.
The larger sensor of the DJI Air 2S will allow you to achieve a much better low light and low noise image perfect for postprocessing and selling for delivery to clients.
However, in real word tests, the Evo nano+ performs better at night, as shown in this video:
Gimbal
The Gimbal is a very important part of the drone as it not only controls the camera but also gives you the drone much clearer photos and stable video.
Nothing is more frustrating than pressing the capture button and getting shaky videos or photos. Both of these drones come with a three-axis stabilisation, meaning they should be able to stand up to some of the more expensive drones in terms of video quality and stability.
Here is a comparison of the important Gimbal specifications between the two drones.
| Spec | Evo Nano | Air 2S | WINNER |
| Stabilisation | 3-axis | 3-axis | Same |
| Mechanical Range | Pitch: -125°~35° Roll: -34°~33° Yaw: -25°~25° | Tilt: -135° to 45° Roll: -45° to 45° Pan: -100° to 100° | Air 2S |
| Max Controllable Speed (tilt) | 30°/s | 100°/s | Air 2S |
| Controllable Range | Pitch: -90°~ 0° | Pitch: -90° to 0°(default); -90° to 24° (extended) | Similar |
If you want to be able to move your Gimbal quickly, the Air 2S esses can give you more degrees per second. Also, it has a much larger mechanical range. However, in a practical real life like you’re not going to tell too much difference between the different Gimbal settings and both will be able to smooth out the footage and give you control of the camera.
Sensors
It’s critical to keep your drone as safe as possible while in flight, so you should look at the sensing system that comes with it.
I’ve flown my drone in various settings, and the detecting system has saved me from crashing into trees, buildings, and people on several occasions.
Often, drone pilots are distracted by looking down at the screen and forgetting to keep a visual line of sight with their drones. A good detection system will prevent you from colliding with overhanging branches and other aerial obstructions.
| Spec | Evo Nano | Air 2S | WINNER |
| Forward | Accurate measurement range：0.5~16m Effective sensing speed：<10m/s FOV: Horizontal<40°, Vertical<30° | Precision Measurement Range: 0.38-23.8 m Effective Sensing Speed: ≤15 m/s Field of View (FOV): 72° (horizontal), 58° (vertical) | Both will keep you safe |
| Backward | Accurate measurement range：0.5~18m Effective sensing speed：<12m/s FOV：Horizontal<40°,Vertical<30° | Precision Measurement Range: 0.37-23.4 m Effective Sensing Speed: ≤12 m/s Field of View (FOV): 57° (horizontal), 44° (vertical) | Both will keep you safe |
| Downward | Accurate measurement range：0.5~20m Visual hovering range：0.5~40m FOV：Horizontal < 40°, Vertical <30° | ToF Measurement Range: 0.1-8 m Hovering Range: 0.5-30 m Vision Sensor Hovering Range: 0.5-60 m | Both will keep you safe |
| Upward | none | Precision Measurement Range: 0.34-28.6 m Field of View (FOV): 63° (horizontal), 78° (vertical) | Air 2S |
| Downward Auxiliary Light | none | Single LED | Air 2S |
If you are looking for superior sensor hardware in your drone the Air 2S wins. It has an upward sensor and a downward axillary light for landing with precision.
That said, the Evo Nano is a fantastic drone, and I have flown many other drones with less sensors and not had an issue as long as I am focused as a drone pilot.
Battery
You must ensure that the battery provides enough power to complete your flight mission. Also, having more than one battery will allow you to make the most of your current flight location.
I always purchase at least one extra battery, regardless of the drone model, so I can fly for much longer. Flying for much longer is better when you have tracked into a difficult location or are in a place we will not visit frequently.
| Spec | Evo Nano | Air 2S | WINNER |
| Capacity | 2250mAh | 3750 mAh / 3500 mAh | Air 2S |
| Battery Type | Li-Po 2S | LiPo 3S | Air 2S |
Both drones have a very similar flight time, and the extra capacity in DJI Air 2S is because of the extra weight the drone needs to carry.
Both batteries are capable of giving you approximately 30 minutes of flight time. Thirty minutes of flight time is normally more than enough to be able to get all of your flight mission complete and, if you’re flying for fun, gives you enough time to explore your surroundings.
I have regularly flown flights of 15 minutes or less and had a lot of fun – these drones will be able to give you twice that, so I am confident that they have the flight time for most users.
Other considerations
You need to make a few other important considerations if you decide between the Evo nano (plus) vs Air 2S. These include the manufacturer, the app used to control the drone, the support available to you, and the number of accessories you may wish to purchase for the drone.
Geofencing
The DJI drone comes with the DJI app that Geofences the drone, not allowing it to enter certain areas. However, the Autel drones do not have any issues with geo-fencing and can be flown anywhere.
Obviously, you still have to abide by local rules and regulations, which DJI allows you to do much easier than Autel.
Manufacturer
If you want to find out the biggest difference between DJI and Autel robotics, check out my other article – where I go through the differences and which drone manufacturer is better.
Ultimately, both great drone companies produce high-quality consumer and enterprise drones. Even though DJI takes out a large market share, Autel drones are just as useful and capable of capturing incredible footage.
There are some ethical considerations when purchasing a drone from China and some people prefer not to work with DJI or purchase their drones and are looking for other options.
App
As a drone pilot, the main interaction you have with your drone during the flight is via the software on your app and the remote control that you used to pilot the drone.
There is no doubt that DJI have been able to refine their range of drone apps, including DJI GO4 and the DJI fly app.
Autel uses the Autel Sky app for controlling their Evo nano drones.
Both companies have been working hard to make the piloting experience as user-friendly as possible and will continue to update the interface and app in the future.
Arguably, DJI has a better user interface because they have so much more money to invest in making their app intuitive and user-friendly. However, there are no serious issues with the Autel explorer app and it can be used easily and securely.
Accessories
there seems to be a greater number of official and unofficial accessories from DJI because of the large market share. It is more profitable for third-party manufacturers to produce accessories for DJI drones because of the number of drones being purchased.
This aspect is only important if you want to extend the capability of your drone with bait dropping (for drone fishing), attach lights to your drone, or any other third-party addition.
DJI drones have a much better ecosystem of accessories.
Wrapping up
This article has discovered all of the important differences between the Evo nano + and the DJI Air 2S.
These are fantastic feature-packed drones, and the Evo nano + may be the best if you’re looking for a compact drone that weighs less than 250 g.
The greater stability and camera features of the DJI Air 2S may be more beneficial for those that don’t mind a bigger drone and want to use the drone in a professional setting for client work.
