DJI Mini 4K vs DJI Mini 5 Pro
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
These two drones share a weight class and almost nothing else. The DJI Mini 4K is the cheap way in: 4K video at 30 fps, a 3-axis gimbal, and no obstacle avoidance or subject tracking. The DJI Mini 5 Pro adds a 1-inch 50MP sensor, 4K video at up to 120 fps, a camera that rotates 225 degrees, forward LiDAR with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and 360-degree ActiveTrack. Pick the Mini 4K to learn to fly or shoot casual video on a budget. Pick the Mini 5 Pro for image quality, safety and tracking, and check its US availability and price first.
DJI Mini 4K
DJI Mini 5 Pro
Side by side
| Spec | DJI Mini 4K | DJI Mini 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Camera sensor [1][2][3] | Single camera, 12MP photos (JPEG or raw) | 50MP 1-inch CMOS, fixed f/1.8 aperture |
| Video [1][2][3] | 4K up to 30 fps; 2.7K up to 60 fps; about 100 Mbps | 4K up to 120 fps; 10-bit HLG and D-Log M; up to 130 Mbps |
| Gimbal [1][3] | 3-axis | 3-axis, rotates 225 degrees and 90 degrees for portrait |
| Obstacle sensing [1][3] | Downward sensors only | Forward LiDAR plus omnidirectional vision sensing |
| Subject tracking [1][3] | None | 360-degree ActiveTrack |
| Advertised flight time [1][3] | Up to 31 minutes | Up to 36 minutes |
| Real flight time [1][2][3] | About 20 to 21 minutes before Return to Home | About 20 minutes before Return to Home |
| Wind resistance [1][2][4] | Level 5; struggled to hold a hover in gusts near its limit | Digital Camera World's first test day in British showers and gusty winds went fine |
| Range [1][3] | 10 km (FCC) | 20 km (FCC) |
| Controller [1][2][3] | RC-N1 or RC-N1C that holds a phone | RC-N2 that holds a phone, or the RC 2 with a 5.5 in screen |
| Weight [1][3] | Under 250 g | 249.9 g, though some owners weigh 251 g |
| Price [1][2][3][4] | $299 base, $449 Fly More Combo at launch | UK: 689 pounds base, 869 Fly More, 979 with RC 2; no US price at review |
DJI Mini 4K
- Cheapest DJI 4K drone, and Space.com called it among the best sub-250 g drones for the price
- Level 5 wind resistance and a 3-axis gimbal
- Easy for beginners, with clear tutorials in the DJI Fly app
- No obstacle avoidance, so crashes are almost inevitable, per TechRadar
- No subject tracking
- Real flight time is closer to 20 minutes than 31
DJI Mini 5 Pro
- 1-inch sensor with excellent image and video quality, per Space.com and Digital Camera World
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing with LiDAR for low light
- 360-degree ActiveTrack that Space.com found fantastic
- Costs about three times as much as the Mini 4K
- 50MP photos are soft, per Space.com
- Not available in the US at Space.com's review
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First drone on a budget | DJI Mini 4K | $299 to $449 at launch |
| Content creator or paid shoots | DJI Mini 5 Pro | 1-inch sensor and 10-bit video |
| Fly near trees or buildings | DJI Mini 5 Pro | Omnidirectional obstacle sensing |
| Want to follow a moving person or car | DJI Mini 5 Pro | 360-degree ActiveTrack |
| Casual family videos | DJI Mini 4K | 4K video at a low price |
What to look for
Obstacle sensing
Why it matters: Sensors that see trees and walls help keep a drone and your money safe.
How to check: Think about where you fly: open fields or around trees and buildings.
Watch out: TechRadar says crashes are almost inevitable with the Mini 4K. Space.com says the Mini 5 Pro dodged trees and branches in complex environments.
Camera quality
Why it matters: A bigger sensor handles low light and detail better.
How to check: Decide if you'll edit photos or share video where quality shows.
Watch out: Space.com says the Mini 5 Pro's 50MP mode is soft, and 12MP is the sharper choice.
Real flight time
Why it matters: Advertised times assume ideal conditions.
How to check: Plan on about 20 minutes per battery and buy extra batteries.
Watch out: Both reviews measured about 20 to 21 minutes before Return to Home. Both Fly More bundles come with extra batteries.
Controller
Why it matters: A controller with a built-in screen is easier to use than clamping a phone.
How to check: Decide if you want a phone-based or screen controller.
Watch out: The Mini 5 Pro's RC 2 has a 5.5 in screen. Space.com says it is worth it if the budget stretches.
Rules and weight
Why it matters: Under 250 g drones face fewer rules in many regions.
How to check: Check your local registration and Remote ID rules.
Watch out: Space.com says the 249.9 g Mini 5 Pro may weigh up to 251 g on owners' scales, and authorities haven't acted on it. The Mini 4K is under 250 g.
Traps and timing
- The Mini 5 Pro wasn't available in the US when Space.com reviewed it, citing ongoing issues with DJI availability there, and Digital Camera World was still waiting on US pricing. Check who is selling the Amazon listing and the warranty before you buy.
- The Amazon listing here is a Fly More Combo Plus with the RC 2 controller, which is the top bundle. The base kit costs much less.
- The Mini 4K's 31-minute flight time is a lab figure. Both Space.com and TechRadar measured about 20 minutes.
- DJI's Neo is a different, selfie-style drone. TechRadar notes it has less wind resistance than the Mini 4K.
- DJI Care Refresh, which TechRadar suggests for the Mini 4K, covers replacements and water damage, so budget for it.
Before you check out
- Decide your budget and whether you need a camera upgrade.
- Check where you will fly and whether obstacle sensing matters.
- Plan on extra batteries.
- Check your local drone rules.
- Check the Amazon seller and the live price for the Mini 5 Pro.
How we put this together
We don't test drones in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Does the DJI Mini 4K have obstacle avoidance?
No. It has downward sensors for landing only, according to TechRadar and Space.com.
Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro track subjects?
Yes, with 360-degree ActiveTrack. Space.com found it tracked people and cars.
How long do the batteries really last?
About 20 minutes on both drones before Return to Home, per Space.com and TechRadar, versus 31 and 36 minutes advertised.
Do I need to register these drones in the US?
Space.com says FAA registration and Remote ID aren't required for recreational flights with the sub-250 g Mini 4K. Check the current rules for any drone you buy.
Which has the better camera?
The Mini 5 Pro, with a 50MP 1-inch sensor and 4K video at up to 120 fps.
Sources
- DJI Mini 4K review: your best first drone, TechRadar
- DJI Mini 4K drone review, Space.com
- DJI Mini 5 Pro drone review, Space.com
- DJI Mini 5 Pro review, Digital Camera World