DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: What’s Really Changed?
If you’ve been flying drones for a while, you know the Mini series is all about balance—lightweight, portable, and powerful enough to get great shots without breaking the bank. The Mini 4 Pro already raised the bar last year, but DJI wasn’t done. The Mini 5 Pro brings upgrades that feel less like tweaks and more like a leap forward.
Bigger Sensor, Better Images
The headline change is the camera. The Mini 5 Pro carries a 50MP one-inch sensor, up from the 1/1.3-inch sensor on the Mini 4 Pro. That might sound small, but in the sensor world, it’s huge. A bigger sensor means more light, less noise, and more detail—especially in tricky conditions like sunset or shadowy landscapes. DJI says the Mini 5 Pro delivers up to 14 stops of dynamic range, giving photos and videos a natural balance between bright skies and dark foregrounds.
Video and Shooting Modes
Both drones handle 4K video, but the Mini 5 Pro steps up with 4K at 120fps for smooth slow-motion shots. It also introduces a 48mm Med-Tele mode, letting you frame subjects cleanly without flying dangerously close. Portrait shooters will appreciate the updated optimization mode, which keeps faces natural while gently blurring backgrounds.
Flight Time and Performance
Battery life is another standout. The Mini 4 Pro tops out at around 34 minutes, while the Mini 5 Pro reaches 36 minutes with the standard battery. Opt for DJI’s Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, and flight time jumps to 52 minutes—the longest in DJI’s consumer lineup.
Speed improves too. The Mini 5 Pro climbs at 10 meters per second (double the Mini 4 Pro) and hits 42 mph, compared to 36 mph previously. Forward-facing LiDAR sensors improve obstacle avoidance at night, and the drone can now memorize flight routes for safer returns even without GPS.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | Mini 4 Pro | Mini 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.3-inch | 1-inch 50MP |
| Max Video | 4K 60fps | 4K 120fps |
| Flight Time | 34 min | 36 min / 52 min (battery plus) |
| Max Speed | 36 mph | 42 mph |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Standard | Forward LiDAR & improved AI |
| Weight | <250g | <250g |
Design and Usability
Both drones weigh under 250 grams, staying in a friendly category for regulations. The Mini 5 Pro folds down similarly to the 4 Pro but adds some handy upgrades. It powers on automatically when you unfold the arms, and the gimbal rotates a full 225°, making vertical and creative-angle shots much easier.
Price and Availability
The Mini 5 Pro isn’t officially launching in the U.S. yet. Buyers will need to check other regions or wait for resellers. Prices start around €798 in Europe, £689 in the UK, and $769 USD in Canada. Bundles with extra batteries and accessories will increase the cost.
The Bottom Line
The DJI Mini 5 Pro isn’t just a minor update—it’s a serious upgrade. The larger sensor alone makes it appealing for photographers and filmmakers who want pro-level shots in a pocket-sized drone. Add longer flight times, faster speeds, and smarter obstacle avoidance, and it’s one of DJI’s best Minis yet.
For Mini 4 Pro owners, the upgrade depends on how much you value low-light image quality and battery endurance. For new drone enthusiasts or those upgrading from older models, the Mini 5 Pro is worth a close look.
What is the main difference between DJI Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro?
The main difference is the Mini 5 Pro has a 1-inch 50MP sensor versus the Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor, plus longer flight time and faster speeds.
How long can the DJI Mini 5 Pro fly?
Standard battery lasts 36 minutes, while the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus gives up to 52 minutes.
Does the Mini 5 Pro have better obstacle avoidance?
Yes, the Mini 5 Pro adds forward-facing LiDAR sensors and improved AI for safer obstacle avoidance.
Is the DJI Mini 5 Pro available in the United States?
It is not officially launching in the U.S. yet; buyers need to check other regions or resellers.
What is the price of the DJI Mini 5 Pro?
Prices start around €798 in Europe, £689 in the UK, and $769 USD in Canada.
