- Camera Upgrade: The DJI Mini 5 Pro introduces a new 1-inch 50 MP image sensor with an f/1.8 lens, enabling 4K/60 HDR video (14 stops dynamic range) and 4K/120fps slow-motion – a big leap from the Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch 48 MP sensor (f/1.7) which tops out at 4K/60fps imaging-resource.com techradar.com. Both support 10-bit color, but the Mini 5 Pro adds DJI’s D-Log M and HLG profiles for pro-level post-processing flexibility imaging-resource.com.
- Obstacle Avoidance: The Mini 5 Pro brings front-facing LiDAR and full omnidirectional obstacle sensing, even in low light, making night flying and automatic Return-to-Home safer. The Mini 4 Pro also has 360° obstacle avoidance, but relies on vision sensors alone (no LiDAR) imaging-resource.com techradar.com. Both can dodge obstacles automatically (APAS), though the Mini 5’s system is more advanced for night flights.
- Flight Time: Expect a slight boost in battery life. The Mini 5 Pro is rated up to 36 minutes per charge (standard battery) versus ~34 minutes on the Mini 4 Pro dronexl.co techradar.com. With the high-capacity Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, the Mini 5 Pro can fly up to ~52 minutes (though that heavier battery pushes it over 249 g, so it’s not sold in some regions) compared to ~45–46 minutes max on Mini 4 Pro dronexl.co techradar.com.
- Design & Portability: Both drones weigh under 249 g and fold into a jacket-pocket size, exempting them from registration in many countries. Despite its added tech, the Mini 5 Pro stays ultralight and compact like the Mini 4 Pro dronexl.co techradar.com. Both feature a 3-axis gimbal that rotates 90° for true vertical shooting (great for social media). The Mini 5’s airframe looks similar to the Mini 4’s, with a minimal design tweak to accommodate extra sensors (e.g. a LiDAR module and new top/bottom vision cameras) imaging-resource.com techradar.com.
- Price & Availability: The Mini 4 Pro launched in Sept 2023 at $759 (with standard RC-N2 controller) or $959 with the DJI RC 2 touchscreen controller techradar.com. The new Mini 5 Pro (launched Sept 17, 2025) is expected to start around €799 (≈$935) for the base kit with a screenless controller, and about €1129 (~$1,320) for the Fly More Combo with RC 2, extra batteries, ND filters, etc. techradar.com. Notably, DJI hasn’t been officially selling recent models in the U.S., and rumors suggest the Mini 5 Pro may not launch in the U.S. market (except via import) due to ongoing trade and regulatory hurdles techradar.com imaging-resource.com.
Camera Performance and Upgrades
Both drones shoot impressively high-quality aerial photos and video for their size, but the DJI Mini 5 Pro’s camera is a major upgrade over the Mini 4 Pro. The Mini 5 Pro is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor (around 4× the area of the Mini 4 Pro’s sensor) capable of 50 MP still images imaging-resource.com. In comparison, the Mini 4 Pro uses the same 1/1.3-inch 48 MP sensor as the prior Mini 3 Pro techradar.com, which was already excellent for a sub-250g drone. The jump to a 1-inch sensor on the Mini 5 Pro promises better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and more detail, narrowing the gap between the ultra-light Mini series and larger prosumer drones imaging-resource.com.
In terms of video, the Mini 4 Pro could record up to 4K at 60fps, and even introduced a slow-motion mode (cropped 4K at 100fps) along with DJI’s D-Log M 10-bit color profile for more grading flexibility techradar.com. The Mini 5 Pro pushes this further: it supports 4K/60p HDR video (with up to 14 stops of dynamic range in auto mode) and can shoot 4K/120fps slow-motion for dramatic high-resolution footage imaging-resource.com. Both drones capture 10-bit video in H.265, but the Mini 5 Pro offers HDR color options (HLG) in addition to D-Log M, whereas the Mini 4 Pro primarily added D-Log M to the Mini lineup imaging-resource.com. For casual users, both also have standard vivid color modes and can output straight-from-camera footage that looks great without editing.
Despite the resolution differences on paper (50 MP vs 48 MP), both cameras use Quad Bayer sensor designs that default to around 12 MP stills with better noise performance. The Mini 5 Pro’s extra pixels are leveraged for a unique 48 mm “Med-Tele” digital zoom mode: a 2× crop that still delivers higher resolution than the older Mini’s digital zoom, giving a closer perspective without as much quality loss dronexl.co. This effectively simulates a telephoto shot for stills or 4K video, something the Mini 4 Pro could only approximate with lower-detail digital zoom. The Mini 5 Pro also touts Portrait optimization algorithms (for enhancing brightness, contrast, and skin tones in portrait shots) – useful for selfies or group shots from the air dronexl.co.
Both gimbal cameras can rotate 90 degrees for vertical shooting, allowing you to capture portrait-orientation photos and videos without cropping (ideal for Instagram, TikTok, etc.). This was a popular feature introduced on Mini 3 Pro that the Mini 4 Pro continued, and the Mini 5 Pro carries on with a similar 3-axis stabilized gimbal having a 225° range of motion imaging-resource.com. Overall, the Mini 4 Pro already produced sharp 4K video and 48 MP RAW photos that rivaled larger drones, but the Mini 5 Pro should deliver an even more “pro” camera experience in the field. With its larger sensor and faster frame rates, expect cleaner low-light shots (e.g. sunsets, night cityscapes) and smoother slow-motion, giving creators more creative leeway imaging-resource.com imaging-resource.com.
Battery Life and Flight Time
DJI’s Mini drones are known for squeezing decent flight times out of tiny batteries, and here the Mini 5 Pro refines things slightly. The Mini 4 Pro carries a standard Intelligent Flight Battery that gave it an advertised max flight time of about 34 minutes (in ideal conditions hovering) techradar.com. In real-world use, owners typically see about 25 minutes of safe flying before the low-battery Return-to-Home (RTH) kicks in around 20% remaining techradar.com. DJI also offers a higher-capacity “Intelligent Battery Plus” for the Mini 4 Pro, which can extend flight to ~45–46 minutes, but that battery is heavier and pushes the drone’s weight over 249g – meaning it isn’t sold in Europe and some regions where staying under 250g is important techradar.com. (US users and others who don’t mind the weight can use the Plus battery for extra flight time, accepting that the drone is no longer ultralight when it’s equipped.)
The Mini 5 Pro comes with its own standard battery, yielding a maximum flight time of up to 36 minutes per charge dronexl.co. That’s only a modest ~2 minute gain over the Mini 4 Pro on paper, but any improvement is welcome. DJI likely improved power efficiency or battery energy density slightly – impressive given the Mini 5’s more power-hungry sensor and added sensors. There will also be an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for the Mini 5 Pro, which boosts endurance to about 51–52 minutes in ideal conditions dronexl.co. Breaking the 50-minute barrier is remarkable in this class; however, as with the previous model, using that Plus battery will tip the Mini 5 Pro past the 250g mark (estimated ~290g takeoff weight) and is not compliant with the ultralight category rules dronexl.co. DJI has indicated the Plus battery for Mini 5 Pro likely won’t be offered in EU markets for this reason, similar to the Mini 4 Pro’s situation techradar.com.
In practice, you can expect both drones to safely achieve 20–25 minutes of actual flying (mixed use with some maneuvers and wind) on the standard battery before needing to land techradar.com. The Mini 5 Pro’s couple of extra minutes could be the difference in capturing one more take or safely returning with a bit more reserve. Also, if you carry multiple batteries (as provided in the Fly More combos), the Mini 5 Pro’s slightly longer flight per pack means a bit more total airtime for a given number of batteries. Both models use the DJI Fly app to display estimated remaining minutes and will automatically trigger Return-to-Home or auto-landing if the battery gets critically low. Despite the Mini 5 Pro’s upgrades elsewhere, battery life is roughly on par with its predecessor – a testament that DJI prioritized keeping the weight low and didn’t simply use a much larger battery.
One thing to note is that flight time can vary with conditions: strong wind or aggressive Sport mode flying will drain any drone faster. The Mini 4 Pro isn’t very wind-resistant (sub-250g drones get buffeted in high winds) techradar.com, so often pilots avoided flying in windy conditions to preserve battery and stability. The Mini 5 Pro’s weight is similar, so it likely has a similar wind limitation (DJI rates these minis for around 10 m/s wind tolerance). Pilots should plan flights conservatively: both Minis have smart battery management that will warn and auto-RTH, but it’s best to head back with a comfortable margin of power.
Portability and Design
Both the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro are exceptionally portable drones – that’s their core appeal. Each weighs about 249 grams (8.8 oz) with the standard battery, keeping them under the critical 250g threshold space.com. Physically, they are palm-sized when folded: the Mini 4 Pro measures roughly 148×94×64 mm folded (about the size of a soda can) space.com, and the Mini 5 Pro is expected to be in the same ballpark. This means you can easily toss them in a small bag or even a jacket pocket. Importantly, being under 250g often exempts users from drone registration and allows more casual flying in many jurisdictions – a huge selling point for travelers and beginners. DJI deliberately keeps the weight down, using lightweight materials and engineering, so even the new added features on the Mini 5 Pro didn’t tip it over the limit dronexl.co.
In terms of design, the Mini 4 Pro looked almost identical to the Mini 3 Pro, with a sleek quadcopter body and folding arms. The main visual differences were the addition of extra obstacle sensors – the Mini 4 Pro added top-front sensors (giving it obstacle vision in more directions) and an upgraded auxiliary LED light on the bottom for improved landing visibility techradar.com. Otherwise, color and styling remained the typical DJI gray. The Mini 5 Pro from leaked images and DJI’s teaser appears very similar as well: a compact, aerodynamic design with front arms that swing out, rear arms that fold down, and a 3-axis gimbal camera perched at the nose. It also has an array of vision sensors around the body and likely an extra module (the LiDAR sensor) near the front. Despite packing more tech, DJI “managed to put almost every [feature] inside… below 249 grams” as one leaker marveled dronexl.co. So users shouldn’t expect a big size or weight penalty for the new model.
Both drones feature the rotating gimbal that can do horizontal or vertical shooting. The Mini 4 Pro’s gimbal already offered a wide range of motion (tilting upward ~60° and downward -90°, and rotating for vertical shots). The Mini 5 Pro’s gimbal is confirmed to have a 225° rotation range imaging-resource.com, enabling not just true vertical shots but also more flexibility for angled compositions. The extended tilt range can help when flying at eye level or upward angles. For example, you could tilt the Mini 5’s camera upward slightly more to capture tall structures against the sky – something many drones can’t do much due to propellers entering the frame.
Portability also extends to the controllers: both drones are compatible with DJI’s latest remotes. The Mini 4 Pro debuted with the DJI RC-N2 (the basic controller using your phone as the screen) and the DJI RC 2 (the premium controller with a built-in 5.5-inch display). The Mini 5 Pro will support the same controllers – in fact, the Fly More Combo for Mini 5 Pro is expected to include the DJI RC 2 by default techradar.com. There’s mention of a new RC-N3 controller in some retail listings techradar.com, which could be an updated version of the phone-controller, but details are scant – it might simply be a regional naming or minor hardware tweak to support the new transmission. In any case, the controllers remain quite portable too. The RC 2 has collapsible sticks and isn’t much bigger than a large smartphone, and the RC-N2/3 uses your phone but is very lightweight.
In summary, portability is virtually identical between the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro. Both are fantastically easy to travel with and quick to deploy. You’re getting a full-featured 4K drone in a package that weighs about as much as a smartphone. For hikers, travelers, and casual shooters, that’s a game-changer – you can always have the drone with you. Neither requires bulky cases (though a small carrying pouch is usually included in Fly More kits). DJI didn’t fix what wasn’t broken: the Mini 5 Pro retains the Mini series’ ultra-compact form, proving that even as capabilities increase, the “mini” ethos holds strong.
Software and Intelligent Flight Modes
When it comes to flight software and automation, both the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro run on DJI’s Fly app and offer a rich set of intelligent modes. These make capturing cinematic shots easier, even for non-experts. The core feature set is similar, but the Mini 5 Pro brings some improvements and new tricks.
QuickShots and MasterShots: Both drones include DJI’s QuickShot modes – pre-programmed flight patterns that record short dynamic clips. For instance, Dronie (drone flies up and back while locked on a subject), Rocket (zooms straight up), Circle (orbits around a point), Helix (spirals up and away), Boomerang, and the Asteroid mini-planet effect. The Mini 4 Pro has all these standard QuickShots. The Mini 5 Pro continues them and may add a “Rotate” QuickShot as hinted by leaks, which could spin in place for a panning shot. In addition, both support MasterShots, an advanced mode where the drone automatically films a sequence of maneuvers around a subject and edits them into a short montage. MasterShots were introduced in the Mini 3 Pro and carried into Mini 4 Pro; expect the Mini 5 Pro to have it as well for one-tap cinematic sequences.
ActiveTrack and FocusTrack: One of the big upgrades of the Mini 4 Pro over earlier Minis was ActiveTrack 360°, meaning it could track a subject in any direction, even circling around it, thanks to the new omnidirectional obstacle sensing techradar.com. The Mini 3 Pro’s tracking was limited (it had only front/back sensors), so the Mini 4 Pro allowed more creative follow shots without worry of side collisions. Now, the Mini 5 Pro improves ActiveTrack further. DJI says it has an “Improved 360° ActiveTrack” with customizable tracking modes dronexl.co. Specifically, the Mini 5 can automatically recognize certain scenarios – for example, a “Cycling” mode optimized to follow a bicyclist, versus a standard mode for general subjects dronexl.co. In Cycling mode it can react quicker to turns and speed changes, whereas Standard mode keeps a more constant trajectory. The Mini 5 Pro’s tracking algorithms also allow it to switch to a rear view tracking in complex environments if needed, keeping the subject in frame while navigating safer paths dronexl.co. DJI even mentions the Mini 5’s ActiveTrack can handle speeds up to 15 m/s (about 33 mph) in open areas dronexl.co – a significant improvement, meaning it can keep up with faster subjects like bikes or moving cars better than the Mini 4 Pro could.
Both drones have the broader FocusTrack suite, including Point of Interest (POI) orbiting and Spotlight (where the drone pilots manually but the camera gimbal auto-keeps the subject centered). These modes make it easier to film a subject smoothly. Thanks to the Mini 5’s upgraded sensing, it can likely perform these with greater reliability at different angles (even flying sideways) since the LiDAR + vision system provides more data to avoid obstacles.
Waypoints and Flight Planning: DJI’s larger drones (Air 3, Mavic series) support programmable waypoints for autonomous missions. The Mini series historically did not have Waypoints at launch, though DJI did add some limited waypoint functionality to the Mini 3 Pro via later firmware. As of the Mini 4 Pro, there was no official Waypoints in DJI Fly for the Mini (aside from workarounds using QuickShots or MasterShots templates). It’s not yet confirmed if the Mini 5 Pro will introduce a proper Waypoint mission feature – as of now, it seems focused on consumer-friendly automated shots rather than complex flight plans. If waypoints are important (e.g. for mapping or replicating shots at intervals), a higher model might be needed.
Panorama modes: Both Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro support automated panoramas – taking a series of photos to stitch into a wide panorama. They can do Sphere (360° globe), 180° panoramas, and wide angle panoramas. The Mini 5 Pro adds a “Free Panorama” mode where you can manually select an area or subject and the drone will capture a stitched pano around that point. This gives more user control compared to the fixed patterns.
QuickTransfer and Connectivity: DJI introduced QuickTransfer in recent years – the drones can connect directly via Wi-Fi to your phone for fast media download without powering on the whole controller. The Mini 4 Pro has Wi-Fi QuickTransfer up to around 25 MB/s. The Mini 5 Pro enhances this with Off-State QuickTransfer: you can wake the drone from off via Bluetooth and connect to download files at up to 20 MB/s–30 MB/s (100 MB/s was claimed via Wi-Fi 6). This means you don’t even have to turn on the controller to grab your footage – a handy time-saver. The persistent Bluetooth connection also speeds up linking the drone to your phone when you do need to fly.
Under the hood, the Mini 5 Pro uses DJI’s latest O4+ transmission system, similar to the Mini 4 Pro’s O4 but with some tweaks. Both drones stream 1080p live video to the controller with very low latency. O4 (in Mini 4 Pro) already extended range to up to 20 km (FCC standard) or ~12 km in CE mode dji.com, roughly double the range of the older Mini 3 Pro’s O3 system thedronegirl.com. The Mini 5 Pro’s O4+ claims the same 20 km max but with 10-bit live feed support dronexl.co. That implies the FPV feed could be in HDR or better color, which could improve what you see on the controller screen (especially if using DJI Goggles or future accessories). In any case, both drones have plenty of range – far beyond visual line of sight – and strong interference resistance, making them reliable even in urban environments (though you should always follow local line-of-sight flight laws).
Other modes: Both models support Return to Home (RTH) functions: they’ll auto-return if signal is lost or by user command, using GPS and sensors to land near the takeoff point. The Mini 4 Pro introduced Advanced RTH with obstacle avoidance during the return. The Mini 5 Pro takes it up another notch (more on that in the next section) with improved smarts for RTH in challenging conditions. Features like GPS-based precision hover, geofencing (NFZ warnings), and altitude limits are present on both via the Fly app to enhance flight safety.
Overall, the Mini 4 Pro already offered a comprehensive set of intelligent flight modes akin to higher-end DJI drones. The Mini 5 Pro builds on this by refining ActiveTrack, adding convenience features like faster QuickTransfer, and leveraging its better sensor suite for smarter autonomous flight. For the average user, both drones make it straightforward to capture polished shots – you can simply tap a subject to track it, or select a QuickShot and let the drone perform a perfect cinematic maneuver. The Mini 5 Pro just does it a bit smarter and faster, handling scenarios (like fast-moving subjects or low-light flights) that would challenge the Mini 4 Pro’s algorithms.
Obstacle Avoidance and Safety Features
One of the hallmark differences in this generation of Mini drones is the move from limited obstacle sensors to omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The DJI Mini 4 Pro was the first in the Mini series to feature sensors covering essentially all directions around the drone, and the Mini 5 Pro not only continues this but also enhances it with new technology for low-light safety.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: It introduced Omnidirectional Vision Sensing, using a network of cameras to detect obstacles in the drone’s path techradar.com. Specifically, the Mini 4 Pro has four wide-angle vision sensors (likely front, back, and two angled up on the front/rear) that give it eyes looking forward, backward, and to the sides (via a mix of front/back and side overlap) techradar.com. Additionally, it has downward dual vision sensors plus a 3D infrared ToF sensor on the bottom for ground detection techradar.com. In practice, this means the Mini 4 Pro can sense obstacles coming from any horizontal direction as well as from above/below to some extent. The system works in tandem with DJI’s APAS 5.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems) which can either brake the drone before impact or actively bypass obstacles by flying around them if there’s a safe path techradar.com. The Mini 4 Pro even offers a “Nifty” bypass mode that is less conservative, allowing closer passes by obstacles for smoother footage (intended for experienced pilots) techradar.com. This all makes the Mini 4 Pro much safer and easier to fly in complex environments (forest trails, indoors, near buildings) than its predecessors – you can trust that it will attempt to avoid crashing, whereas older Minis without side sensors could easily run into things.
One limitation: the Mini 4 Pro’s obstacle sensing is vision-based, meaning it requires light. In dusk or dark conditions, those cameras might not reliably spot obstacles. DJI did include a downward auxiliary LED on the Mini 4 Pro to assist the bottom sensors in low light (helpful for landing, and gives some ground effect lighting), but still the drone would disable horizontal obstacle avoidance in very low light for safety. So, night flying on the Mini 4 Pro had to be done carefully (or with obstacle sensors off, essentially flying manually).
DJI Mini 5 Pro: To address that, DJI equipped the new model with a forward-facing LiDAR sensor in addition to the vision system dronexl.co. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) actively emits an infrared laser to sense distance, which works even in darkness. The Mini 5 Pro still has the full set of vision cameras: fisheye lenses covering front, back, left, right, and upward, plus the bottom stereo pair and downward IR sensor – achieving true 360° obstacle vision just like the Mini 4 Pro dronexl.co. But the extra LiDAR on the front gives it a huge advantage when flying at night or in low visibility dronexl.co. With LiDAR, the Mini 5 Pro can “see” obstacles in its path even if the environment is dark (within the LiDAR’s forward field of view). This makes features like Night Scene obstacle avoidance and “Night RTH” possible dronexl.co dronexl.co. DJI claims the Mini 5 Pro will actively detect and avoid obstacles on its return path in urban night scenes, using LiDAR to spot things like buildings that might not be evident to a normal camera in low light dronexl.co dronexl.co. It essentially brings over some tech from DJI’s higher-end Inspire 3 (which also has LiDAR for focusing/obstacles) into the tiny Mini.
Another new safety feature on the Mini 5 Pro is Return-to-Home without GNSS (GPS). Normally, if a drone loses GPS signal (for example, launching from indoors or a tight canyon), it can be very challenging to return accurately. The Mini 5 Pro mitigates this: it can record and “memorize” the visual route it flew when there was sufficient light, building a map of its surroundings dronexl.co. If it later has to return home with no GPS (say it took off from a balcony under a roof that blocked satellites), it can theoretically navigate back along the path it came using visual landmarks and inertial data dronexl.co. This is a big deal for safety – it means even if GPS is jammed or unavailable, the drone isn’t necessarily lost. The Mini 4 Pro did have an Advanced RTH that would intelligently plan a path to avoid obstacles, but it required GPS and wouldn’t function if GPS was lost. The Mini 5 Pro’s visual inertial odometry approach is a new layer of reliability for tricky environments.
In everyday use, both drones will warn you on the app of nearby obstacles and display them on a radar map. The Mini 5 Pro’s additional sensor will likely give fewer false negatives (i.e. it will catch more small or low-contrast obstacles that the Mini 4’s cameras might miss). It’s also worth noting that obstacle sensing can be toggled or adjusted: if you want to fly in tight spaces, you might disable sideways sensing to prevent constant braking, or use that “Nifty” mode on Mini 4 Pro. We anticipate the Mini 5 Pro has similar settings, possibly an improved APAS 6.0 that better balances smooth flight lines with obstacle circumnavigation.
Both drones also feature Emergency Brake – letting go of the sticks will make them hover in place, using vision sensors and GPS to lock position. If the drone is about to hit something, it will auto-brake as well (unless you’re in bypass mode where it tries to go around). For landing, both have downward sensors to check for ground or obstacles below, and they can auto-land gently. The Mini 5 Pro’s bottom sensors and LED presumably are at least as good as the Mini 4’s, ensuring safe landings even on uneven terrain (within reason – it still needs a flat spot ideally).
Finally, ADS-B AirSense: interestingly, DJI did not include ADS-B receivers in the Mini series (that feature has been on larger models like Air 2S, Mavic 3). No indication that the Mini 5 Pro has added ADS-B. That means the drones themselves won’t warn you of nearby manned aircraft; you still have to watch and listen for planes/helicopters. This isn’t a change from the Mini 4 Pro, just a note that ultra-lights forego that module for weight reasons.
In summary, the Mini 4 Pro was already the safest Mini to date at launch with its full obstacle avoidance – reviewers found it gave much more confidence when flying near trees or buildings, making it “safer to fly the drone in more complex environments” techradar.com. The Mini 5 Pro extends that safety net into dark conditions and GPS-denied scenarios, which is quite groundbreaking for a drone of this size. For most daytime flying, you might not notice a huge difference except perhaps slightly smarter obstacle dodging on the Mini 5. But if you ever fly at dusk or in tricky spots, the Mini 5 Pro will have a better chance of coming home unscathed. DJI is effectively bringing features from its bigger siblings (even LiDAR from the enterprise realm) into the mini category, making the Mini 5 Pro one of the most advanced drones under 250g for obstacle awareness.
Pricing and Market Availability
When comparing the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro, it’s important to look at their launch prices and how they’re sold, as well as current availability – especially since regulatory issues are affecting where the Mini 5 Pro can be bought.
DJI Mini 4 Pro (2023) launched with pricing very similar to the Mini 3 Pro’s launch. The base package (which includes the drone and the standard RC-N2 controller that uses your smartphone as a screen) was priced at $759 / £689 in most regions techradar.com. There was also the option to buy it bundled with the new DJI RC 2 (the integrated screen controller) for around $959 / £869 techradar.com. These kits included the drone, one battery, spare propellers, and necessary cables. For those wanting more flight time, DJI offered a Fly More Combo that added two extra batteries, a charging hub, carry case, and other accessories – the Fly More was typically sold paired with the RC 2 and cost about $1,099 / £1,149 for the Mini 4 Pro techradar.com. Essentially, with Mini 4 Pro you could choose a standard kit or spend a few hundred more for the kit with the fancier controller and extra batteries.
Since its release, the Mini 4 Pro’s price has occasionally seen discounts. As of mid-2025, it’s not uncommon to find slight price drops or bundle deals (for example, TechRadar noted a 22% off deal on Mini 4 Pro during a 2025 Prime Day sale techradar.com). Its price relative to the Mini 3 Pro also led to interesting market dynamics; within months of launch, the Mini 4 Pro was on shelves at nearly the same price as the older Mini 3 Pro, making the latter a tough sell thedronegirl.com thedronegirl.com. Many buyers simply opted for the Mini 4 Pro to get the extra features since DJI didn’t charge much of a premium for it.
DJI Mini 5 Pro (2025) is launching two years later, and DJI has positioned it at a roughly similar price bracket, with perhaps a slight uptick given the sensor upgrade. According to leaked retail info (now largely confirmed by the announcement), the Mini 5 Pro with a standard controller (rumored RC-N3) will be priced around €799 in Europe techradar.com. This roughly translates to about $835–$935 USD (though direct currency conversion isn’t always precise due to regional pricing strategies). The Fly More Combo for Mini 5 Pro, which includes the DJI RC 2 touchscreen controller plus three total batteries, ND filters, a bag, etc., is expected to be about €1129 (approx £975 or $1,320 USD) techradar.com. We saw earlier leaks suggesting a slightly higher “soft” pricing (819–1159 euros) dronexl.co, but the latest numbers point to DJI keeping it competitive. In other words, the Mini 5 Pro is launching at about the same cost as a Mini 4 Pro kit did, which is impressive given the upgrades.
A key complication, however, is market availability – specifically in the United States. In the past year or so, DJI has not been able to sell some new models in the U.S. due to regulatory and trade issues. For instance, the Mavic 3 Pro and Air 3 were released globally, but DJI quietly did not list them on the official DJI USA store, likely related to U.S. government trade blacklists or compliance with Remote ID rules. Those drones could only be obtained via third-party sellers importing them, often at a markup imaging-resource.com. The Mini 4 Pro, launched in 2023, was officially sold in the US (it made it just before some of these issues tightened). However, the Mini 5 Pro is widely rumored to not get an official U.S. release techradar.com. Drone industry watchers like DroneDJ and TechRadar have reported that “the Mini 5 Pro won’t be officially available in the States” given DJI’s recent track record techradar.com. DJI’s own teaser campaign for the Mini 5 was global but carefully avoided any mention of US availability, and U.S. retailers have not put up listings. It appears that, at least at launch, American customers who want the Mini 5 Pro may have to import it (with no DJI warranty support locally) or buy from resellers who bring in international units. This is a similar situation to what happened with DJI’s flagship “Mavic 4 Pro” (possibly referring to the Mavic 3 Pro or another high-end model) not being sold on the U.S. DJI Store imaging-resource.com. DJI has stated it is searching for ways to comply with regulations and resume normal sales in the U.S., but there is no guarantee on timing techradar.com.
In Europe, Asia, and other markets, the Mini 5 Pro should be available through DJI’s store and authorized dealers shortly after the launch (mid/late September 2025). Europe is a key market for the Mini series (due to that <250g category being very useful under EU drone laws), so DJI even got the Mini 5 Pro officially C0 class certified for Europe from day one dronexl.co. That means it’s recognized as a under-250g drone meeting certain product standards, allowing it to be flown in the Open A1 category. The Mini 4 Pro, having launched after the EU drone regulations, also was sold with a C0 label in Europe (or at least compliant by weight).
Pricing summary: For consumers outside the U.S., the decision between the two might come down to budget. The Mini 4 Pro, being an older model, could now be found at slightly lower prices or second-hand. The Mini 5 Pro offers more for roughly the same launch price. If you’re looking at retail, a new Mini 4 Pro kit might save you a couple hundred dollars compared to the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo, but given the small price gap and big feature jumps (camera, LiDAR, etc.), many will find the Mini 5 Pro to be the better value package in 2025. On the other hand, if you’re in the U.S., the Mini 4 Pro may effectively remain the top-tier Mini option readily available, since the Mini 5 Pro could be hard to get officially. This dynamic could keep the Mini 4 Pro in demand in the U.S. a bit longer, possibly with continued firmware support and price promotions to entice buyers who can’t get the newer model.
Expert Opinions and Reviews
The DJI Mini 4 Pro received strong praise from experts when it launched, often being called the best sub-250g drone of its time. Reviewers highlighted that DJI managed to bring professional-grade features to a mini drone. TechRadar’s James Abbott, for example, wrote that “The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a superb sub-250g drone with features that make it ideal for professional and enthusiast use alike.” He noted the improved video features like D-Log M and 4K 100fps slow-mo, and the addition of omnidirectional sensing that “makes it safer to fly the drone in more complex environments” techradar.com. The general consensus was that the Mini 4 Pro set a new benchmark for what an ultralight drone could do. Space.com’s review (also by Abbott) gave a Verdict that “The DJI Mini 4 Pro takes the title of the best sub-250g drone available” at that point, though it cautioned that it was “not leaps and bounds ahead of the DJI Mini 3 Pro” – more an incremental upgrade space.com. This sentiment was common: if you had a Mini 3 Pro, the upgrades (while nice) felt somewhat evolutionary. But for new buyers or those coming from a non-Pro Mini, the Mini 4 Pro was an easy top choice, effectively merging many features of larger Mavic-series drones into a tiny package.
Many reviewers were impressed by the Mini 4 Pro’s omnidirectional avoidance. It gave pilots much more confidence. Sally French of The Drone Girl pointed out that for the first time you didn’t have to fear obstacles in a Mini: the Mini 3 Pro had only front/back sensors, but the Mini 4 Pro’s “Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing” meant it could stop or avoid in any direction, a huge safety net for new pilots thedronegirl.com. She and others also noted the Mini 4 Pro’s introduction of the O4 transmission, greatly extending range and signal stability (handy for maintaining FPV feed in interference-heavy areas) thedronegirl.com. Some experts did critique that the camera hardware was unchanged – a “fixed-aperture f/1.7 lens and same sensor” meant no optical improvements for photographers techradar.com. Nonetheless, the image quality was already very good, and new color modes (10-bit D-Log) were welcomed by professionals.
On the DJI Mini 5 Pro, full reviews are just emerging (as it’s brand new), but the anticipation and early impressions from drone analysts have been very high. The 1-inch sensor in particular has experts excited. Many note that this could allow the Mini 5 Pro to achieve image quality on par with mid-tier drones like the Air series. Imaging experts at Imaging Resource remarked that this upgrade “promises better low-light performance and higher image quality compared to earlier Mini-series drones,” essentially narrowing the gap between the tiny Mini and larger models like DJI’s Air 3S imaging-resource.com. That outlet also highlighted the significance of bringing features “previously reserved for larger models” into a Mini – it truly puts “Pro in Mini” as DJI’s tagline suggested imaging-resource.com. Early leak-based previews on TechRadar echoed that sentiment, saying the Mini 5 Pro “will set the bar for ultra-lightweight drones” if the rumored specs hold true, especially given the relatively tantalizing price techradar.com.
Another aspect drawing positive expert comment is the Mini 5 Pro’s safety features. The addition of LiDAR for obstacle avoidance at night is fairly unprecedented in a consumer drone. Industry commentators like Jasper Ellens (a well-known DJI leaker) have pointed out that DJI somehow “managed to put almost every … feature inside” this Mini drone, comparing it to the capabilities of much larger drones dronexl.co. It’s a sentiment of amazement – that sub-250g drones have evolved from basic toy-like gadgets a few years ago into near-professional tools. Some experts are even saying the Mini 5 Pro blurs the line between hobby and pro drones: a real estate photographer or travel vlogger could feasibly use it as their main workhorse and get results very close to larger, more expensive drones dronedj.com.
That said, reviewers will surely examine a few things critically on the Mini 5 Pro: Can the smaller body dissipate heat and handle the processing demands of 4K120 without issues? Does the 1-inch sensor focus well (some larger sensors need proper autofocus; DJI likely uses fixed focus at hyperfocal distance to keep things simple)? How effective is the LiDAR in practice – what’s its range and field of view? And will the lack of official U.S. availability hamper its adoption among some pro users? We’ll know more as in-depth reviews come out post-launch.
From a consumer standpoint, expert advice so far suggests that if you already own a Mini 4 Pro, upgrading to the Mini 5 Pro should yield meaningful benefits in camera performance and obstacle sensing, but it’s not a cheap jump for those incremental improvements. However, for those who demand the absolute best imaging from an ultralight drone (e.g., frequent travelers, content creators who need top-notch quality without baggage), the Mini 5 Pro is poised to be unmatched in its class. And for new drone buyers choosing between the two: most experts would lean towards the newer model if budget allows, given DJI kept the price difference minimal for the added tech. The Mini 4 Pro remains an excellent drone – one reviewer called it “an excellent choice… the best sub-250g drone available” in late 2023 techradar.com – but the Mini 5 Pro is essentially taking that crown in 2025 with a true generational leap in sensor size and capability.
Latest News and Rumors (September 2025)
DJI officially unveiled the Mini 5 Pro on September 17, 2025, following a few weeks of teasers and a steady stream of leaks. The launch was teased with the tagline “Pro in Mini”, indicating DJI’s goal of packing professional-grade features into the Mini form factor imaging-resource.com. Indeed, the teaser video (posted on DJI’s social media two days before launch) confirmed some major rumors: it showed the camera module being assembled, clearly revealing the “1-inch” sensor label, a 24mm f/1.8 lens, and even hints of the obstacle sensors dronedj.com. This effectively pre-announced the biggest features – something DJI doesn’t usually do so overtly, suggesting they were leaning into the hype generated by leaks.
Confirmed Features: By launch day, the Mini 5 Pro’s spec sheet was mostly as expected from rumors. The 50 MP 1″ sensor and 4K/120fps video capability were front and center, making headlines as it’s the first time a sub-250g drone has such a large sensor and high frame rate. DJI also emphasized the LiDAR obstacle avoidance for night flying in its press materials, a unique selling point imaging-resource.com. There’s an upgraded O4+ transmission (with that 20 km range and possibly improved stability). The dual-band GNSS (L1+L5) was confirmed, meaning the Mini 5 can lock onto more satellites (GPS, Galileo, Beidou, etc.) faster and with greater accuracy than older models – useful for urban environments where satellite signals bounce around. DJI’s presentation and early hands-on videos also demonstrated the Mini 5 Pro’s ActiveTrack smoothly following subjects through complex scenes, highlighting the benefit of 360° sensing and new tracking modes.
Surrounding Rumors: One interesting rumor leading up to the launch was whether the Mini 5 Pro might be the last of the Mini line for a while. Jasper Ellens hinted in a tweet, “Will this be DJI’s last Mini?,” reflecting speculation that DJI has possibly pushed the sub-250g design to its limits in terms of what tech it can include techradar.com. This is unconfirmed, of course, but it raises the point that with a 1-inch sensor now on board, there may not be much room (literally and figuratively) to further advance the Mini series without either breaking the weight limit or cannibalizing DJI’s larger models. For now, the Mini 5 Pro stands as a pinnacle of ultralight drone tech.
Another ongoing news item is the lack of U.S. availability. As noted, DJI has been struggling with U.S. government restrictions. Recent news in drone forums and sites indicates that DJI is still not selling certain new products directly in the U.S. As of this launch, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is not listed on the U.S. DJI Store, and insiders say it likely won’t be officially sold in North America at launch techradar.com. This follows trends where even the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Air 3 earlier in 2025 were quietly left out of the U.S. market (consumers there had to go through third parties). The reason isn’t explicitly stated by DJI, but it’s widely believed to be related to the U.S. Department of Commerce placing DJI on an export blacklist and other security concerns, as well as perhaps DJI’s caution around the FAA’s Remote ID rule (though sub-250g drones don’t strictly require Remote ID for recreational use, any use for commercial might, adding complexity). In the Imaging Resource coverage, they mentioned DJI’s recently launched high-end drone was not sold in the U.S. officially, suggesting the Mini 5 Pro “could follow a similar distribution path” (i.e. via importers only) imaging-resource.com. U.S. fans are naturally disappointed; many are hoping for a “miracle” or workaround. It’s a developing situation – DJI has said they’re seeking a resolution to resume normal U.S. operations, but until that happens, new DJI releases including the Mini 5 Pro remain in a gray area for American buyers.
Competitive Landscape: In broader drone news around September 2025, competitors are also making moves in the compact drone space. One notable entrant is Insta360’s Antigravity A1, which was announced around the same time. This is a very different kind of drone – a 249g drone that carries an 8K 360-degree camera, aimed at immersive content creators. It comes with FPV-like goggles and a motion controller, offering a unique take on what a mini drone can be insta360.com. While not a direct competitor in terms of traditional aerial photography (since its focus is on “invisible drone” 360 shots), it underscores how the sub-250g category is heating up with innovation. Tech enthusiasts have been comparing the Insta360 A1 with DJI’s Mini series: the A1 trades off things like obstacle sensors and a gimbal camera for the ability to capture every direction in 360° video. It has about a 29-minute flight time and no-registration weight, similar selling points to the Minis uavcoach.com. Reviews of the A1 are mixed – it’s called exciting for action sports and creative 360 shots, but it’s not going to replace a DJI Mini for straight 2D video or photo quality. Still, it’s part of the “latest news” that those shopping for mini drones in late 2025 have more options and niche tools than before.
Meanwhile, Autel (one of DJI’s few competitors in the consumer drone market) hasn’t yet announced a direct Mini 5 rival. The Autel EVO Nano+, which came out in late 2021, was their sub-250g entry with a 50MP 1/1.28″ sensor. It’s a bit dated now, and Autel’s focus has been on larger drones recently. Rumors suggest Autel might be working on a “Nano 2” or similar, but nothing concrete as of Sept 2025. If Autel or others want to challenge DJI, they now know the bar: a 1-inch sensor mini drone is the new gold standard to beat.
Finally, drone regulations continue to evolve, and that’s always in the background of drone news. In 2024–2025, many regions implemented Remote ID requirements (the U.S. being a prime example). DJI’s mini drones being under 250g provides a convenient exemption for hobbyists, which likely contributes to their popularity in these times. Any news on the regulatory front (like changes to what sub-250g drones can do without a license, etc.) could influence the market going forward. As of Sept 2025, the regulatory environment is stable for these tiny drones – they remain the most flexible category for consumers under most jurisdictions.
In summary, the latest news around the DJI Mini 5 Pro is that it has just launched, confirming a slew of high-end features in an ultra-light form, but with the caveat of limited official availability in some regions. The drone world is abuzz because this kind of capability in a sub-250g drone was almost unthinkable a few years ago. It’s a testament to how quickly tech progresses. Whether DJI pauses the Mini line after this or continues to iterate annually, for now the Mini 5 Pro is the mini drone to watch (and for competitors, the one to chase).
Other Mini Drones and Competitors
The DJI Mini series largely dominates the ultralight drone segment, but there are a few other drones in this class worth mentioning – either older DJI models or competitors – to put the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro in context.
DJI’s Own Mini Lineup: Prior to the Mini 4 Pro and 5 Pro, DJI’s notable sub-250g drones included the Mini 3 Pro (2022) and the simpler Mini 3 (2022), as well as the earlier Mini 2 and original Mavic Mini. The Mini 3 Pro was a breakthrough, bringing the 1/1.3″ 48MP sensor and tri-directional obstacle sensors. If one is upgrading from a Mini 3 Pro to a Mini 4 Pro, experts noted the upgrade was fairly minor – mainly the omnidirectional sensing and some video feature firmware updates techradar.com. The Mini 3 (non-Pro), on the other hand, was a budget model with no obstacle sensors at all and a lower video spec (4K/30 max). It actually had slightly longer battery life (due to its lighter build) – up to 38 min standard thedronegirl.com – but otherwise was a big step down in capabilities. By 2025, the Mini 3 non-Pro is one of DJI’s entry-level offerings (often under $400), good for basic use but not really comparable to the “Pro” Minis for serious photography.
For someone considering older Minis vs the Mini 4 Pro or 5 Pro: The Mini 2 (2020) and original Mavic Mini (2019) are very basic now – 1/2.3″ small sensors, no obstacle avoidance, and 4K (or 2.7K) limited video. They’re only for the most budget-conscious or beginners. The Mini 4 Pro has essentially made the Mini 3 Pro semi-obsolete unless one finds a great discount – since DJI kept Mini 4’s price close, most reviewers recommend buying the 4 Pro over the 3 Pro if possible thedronegirl.com thedronegirl.com. Now, with the Mini 5 Pro arriving, the Mini 4 Pro itself might start seeing price cuts and eventually be phased out. DJI tends not to keep too many similar models concurrently, to avoid internal competition. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Mini 4 Pro gets discontinued in favor of selling the Mini 5 Pro (outside of regions like the US where the 5 can’t be sold officially, in which case the 4 might linger).
Autel EVO Nano and Nano+: Autel Robotics is a notable competitor attempting to challenge DJI. In late 2021, Autel launched the EVO Nano series, including the Nano+, which directly targeted the DJI Mini 2 / Mini 3 Pro market. The Autel EVO Nano+ also weighs 249g and boasts a 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor (about 0.8″) with 50 MP resolution dronedj.com. It has a fixed f/1.9 aperture and even uses an RYYB color filter pattern to improve low-light performance dronedj.com. At the time, this was slightly larger sensor area than DJI’s Mini 3 Pro (which came later) and showed Autel’s ambition. The Nano+ also introduced three-way obstacle avoidance (forward, backward, downward) via binocular sensors dronedj.com – a big selling point as DJI’s Mini 2 lacked any avoidance, and even the Mini 3 Pro that followed only had tri-directional (forward, backward, down) similar to that. The Nano+ can shoot 4K video, but notably only up to 4K/30fps, not 60fps, and it didn’t have the polish of DJI’s color profiles or 4K HDR. Its flight time is lower – about 28 minutes max dronedj.com – which under real conditions is more like 20 minutes, partly due to smaller battery and perhaps less efficient motors. The transmission range on Autel’s Nano series (SkyLink system) is around 10 km (6.2 miles) dronedj.com, far short of DJI’s OcuSync ranges, but still plenty for line-of-sight flying.
The Autel Nano+ was priced around $799 at launch for the base package dronedj.com, matching DJI’s pricing. While it earned a following for its color options (it comes in Orange, Red, Gray, White) and not requiring geofencing (some people prefer Autel to avoid DJI’s no-fly zone locks), it didn’t unseat DJI’s Mini series in popularity. Reviews praised its camera hardware on paper, but noted the software and overall execution were a notch below DJI – for instance, subject tracking on the Nano+ was rudimentary compared to DJI’s ActiveTrack, and the overall reliability of the connection and hover was a bit less refined. As of 2025, the Autel Nano+ is still probably the closest alternative to a DJI Mini 3/4 in terms of spec. However, with the Mini 5 Pro’s 1-inch sensor, DJI has again leaped ahead. Autel would need a Nano II with a similar 1-inch sensor to match. It’s worth noting Autel’s advantage is they sell officially in the U.S. without the political issues DJI faces – so American users who can’t get a Mini 5 might look at Autel Nano+ as an option. But overall, DJI’s brand and tech lead make the Mini 4/5 Pro a stronger choice unless one specifically needs a non-DJI product.
Insta360 Antigravity A1: Mentioned earlier in the news section, this is a newcomer in 2025 and has a very different proposition. Weighing 249g, the A1 carries dual 8K cameras to record immersive 360° videos insta360.com. It essentially makes the drone “invisible” in the footage (the drone’s body is removed in the 360 stitch, so you get an aerial camera floating in space look). Its flight time (~29 min) and weight are similar to the Minis, but it lacks a gimbal (stabilization is electronic via the 360 capture) and does not have obstacle avoidance in the conventional sense. It’s more akin to an FPV drone – in fact, it’s sold with FPV goggles for piloting from the drone’s perspective. The A1 is a niche device mainly for action sports folks who want 360 shots or FPV experiences without building a custom FPV drone. It’s not going to track subjects with AI or produce standard cinematic 4K videos like the DJI Mini. So, it’s a fascinating 2025 entrant in the ultralight category, but not a direct “competitor” to the Mini 4 Pro or 5 Pro for most camera drone shoppers. One might consider it if their focus is on VR content or creative reframing of 360 videos – otherwise, the Minis are better general-purpose drones.
Others: There are a few other sub-250g drones from lesser-known manufacturers (Fimi X8 Mini, Hubsan Zino Mini Pro, etc.), but many of these have struggled with reliability or haven’t matched DJI in camera quality. For example, the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro was touted with a lot of features (even a 1/1.3″ sensor and obstacle sensors) but early users reported a lot of software bugs. None have achieved the market presence or polish of DJI or even Autel’s offerings. In the higher weight class (not sub-250g), you have drones like the Skydio 2+ or Parrot Anafi AI, but those are 500g+ and cater to different use cases (Skydio for autonomous tracking, Parrot for enterprise). Thus, in the ultralight arena, the conversation is mostly DJI vs. a bit of Autel, and now a dash of Insta360 for the adventurous.
In conclusion, DJI’s Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro sit at the top of the sub-250g category practically unchallenged when it comes to all-around performance. The Mini 5 Pro especially, with its combination of a 1″ camera, advanced obstacle avoidance, and intelligent features, doesn’t have an apples-to-apples competitor as of 2025. If you’re considering drones in this segment, the main decision is likely which DJI Mini to get, rather than whether to get a DJI or something else – unless you have specific needs (like 360° video or avoiding DJI for personal reasons). As always, that could change if competitors step up, but DJI’s head start and continuous improvements (year over year) have made their Mini series the benchmark that others aspire to. And with each new release, that bar is raised higher – the Mini 5 Pro sets a new high bar for what we can expect from a drone that literally fits in the palm of your hand.
Sources:
- James Abbott, TechRadar – DJI Mini 4 Pro review (Sept 25, 2023) techradar.com techradar.com
- James Abbott, Space.com – DJI Mini 4 Pro review (Apr 4, 2024) space.com
- Sally French, The Drone Girl – DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro (Jan 27, 2025) thedronegirl.com thedronegirl.com
- Jasper Ellens, DroneXL – DJI Mini 5 Pro official description leaked (Sept 14, 2025) dronexl.co dronexl.co
- Seth Kurkowski, DroneDJ – DJI ‘Pro in Mini’ event announced (Sept 15, 2025) dronedj.com dronedj.com
- Sam Kieldsen, TechRadar – Latest DJI Mini 5 Pro leaks predict price and release date (Sept 10, 2025) techradar.com techradar.com
- Darryl Lara, Imaging Resource – DJI Teases Mini 5 Pro Launch (Sept 16, 2025) imaging-resource.com imaging-resource.com
- Ishveena Singh, DroneDJ – Autel announces EVO Nano and Nano+ (Sept 28, 2021) dronedj.com dronedj.com
- Insta360 – Antigravity A1 product page (2025) insta360.com
