Buy the DJI Mini 5 Pro if its 1-inch camera, 4K/120fps slow motion, 42GB of built-in storage, 225-degree gimbal roll, or LiDAR-assisted night sensing addresses a need you have. The Mini 4 Pro remains a strong choice if it costs meaningfully less, and you want its documented 4K/60fps HDR, true vertical shooting, and DJI’s stated standard weight below 249 g. Both drones offer omnidirectional sensing and 4K/60fps HDR; the Mini 5 Pro is not an automatic upgrade for every owner.
At a glance: what changes between the Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro?
The Mini 5 Pro’s biggest specification change is its larger, 1-inch camera sensor. It also raises the listed slow-motion rate, adds more internal storage, and includes forward-facing LiDAR in DJI’s description of its night obstacle-sensing system. The Mini 4 Pro, however, already records 4K/60fps HDR, offers true vertical shooting, and has omnidirectional sensing.
| Specification | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 1-inch CMOS; 50MP maximum pixels; f/1.8 (DJI specifications) | 1/1.3-inch CMOS; 48MP effective pixels; f/1.7 (DJI specifications) |
| Video | 4K/60fps HDR; 4K/120fps slow motion (DJI specifications) | 4K/60fps HDR; 4K/100fps slow motion (DJI specifications) |
| Gimbal | 225-degree roll rotation for dynamic movement (DJI specifications) | Three-axis gimbal with true vertical shooting (DJI specifications) |
| Obstacle sensing | Nightscape omnidirectional sensing described with forward-facing LiDAR and multiple vision sensors (DJI specifications) | Omnidirectional binocular vision system plus a bottom 3D infrared sensor (DJI specifications) |
| Maximum flight time, standard battery | 36 minutes, DJI’s maximum rating (DJI specifications) | 34 minutes, DJI’s maximum rating (DJI specifications) |
| Maximum flight time, optional Plus battery | 52 minutes, DJI’s maximum rating (DJI specifications) | 45 minutes, DJI’s maximum rating (DJI specifications) |
| Internal storage | 42GB (DJI specifications) | 2GB (DJI specifications) |
| Video transmission | O4+; up to 20 km in DJI’s stated conditions and market (DJI specifications) | O4; up to 20 km FCC and 10 km CE/SRRC/MIC in DJI’s listed specifications (DJI specifications) |
| Weight information | DJI’s store listing displays 249 g; Oscar Liang reported 249.9 g ±4 g in 2025 (DJI store) (Oscar Liang, 2025) | DJI states standard aircraft weight is below 249 g, with variation between units (DJI specifications) |
Flight times are manufacturer maximums, not expectations for a typical outing. DJI’s transmission distances are also stated maximums under specified conditions—not sensible targets for ordinary flight planning. Actual range and time aloft depend on conditions, configuration, and how the aircraft is flown.
Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: camera and slow motion
Choose the Mini 5 Pro for its larger sensor and 4K/120fps option
DJI lists the Mini 5 Pro with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, 50MP maximum pixels, and an f/1.8 aperture. The larger sensor is the main hardware distinction for people prioritizing camera capability. It also records listed 4K/120fps slow motion, compared with the Mini 4 Pro’s 4K/100fps.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Light, Palm-Sized Foldable Design - Compact and foldable, this palm-sized drone slips easily into a pocket and offers 42GB of internal storage for uninterrupted flying [7].
- 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Video - 1-inch CMOS sensor captures 4K/60fps HDR video with sharp detail and vibrant colors for stunning high-quality footage.
- True Vertical Filming & 225° Flexible Gimbal Rotation - Capture creative footage with a gimbal that offers true vertical filming and 225° roll rotation from diverse angles and heights.
- Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing [2] - Forward-facing LiDAR and vision sensors detect obstacles in all directions, enhancing safety for night flights and return-to-home.
- Upgraded ActiveTrack 360° [3] - Customizable tracking modes and enhanced stability keep subjects in focus, with faster response and safe performance for cycling and more.
Those specifications establish a difference in sensor size and available recording modes, not a quantified real-world image-quality advantage. No controlled head-to-head camera test is available here to measure how footage compares across lighting or shooting conditions.
The Mini 4 Pro still covers 4K/60fps HDR
Both models list 4K/60fps HDR. If that is your main video requirement, the Mini 4 Pro already supports it; you do not need the newer drone just to get that format. DJI specifies the Mini 4 Pro’s camera as a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with 48MP effective pixels and an f/1.7 aperture.
Rank #2
- CAPTURE CINEMATIC AERIAL FOOTAGE - The DJI Mini 5 Pro features an advanced stabilized camera system with 225° gimbal rotation for smooth, immersive video and sharp high-resolution aerial photography.
- INTELLIGENT ACTIVE TRACKING - Equipped with ActiveTrack 360°, the drone can automatically follow subjects with precision, making it ideal for action shots, travel videos, outdoor adventures, and content creation.
- FLY MORE PLUS COMBO INCLUDED - Comes with 3 Intelligent Flight Batteries, RC 2 Controller with built-in display, charging hub, spare propellers, ND filter set, shoulder bag, storage cover, and essential flight accessories.
- COMPACT AND TRAVEL READY - Lightweight and portable design makes the DJI Mini 5 Pro easy to carry for vacations, hiking, road trips, and everyday flying while delivering professional-level aerial performance.
- ENHANCED CONTROL EXPERIENCE - The included DJI RC 2 Controller features an integrated screen for responsive flight control, live video monitoring, and a streamlined flying experience without needing a smartphone.
Consider how you frame vertical video
The Mini 4 Pro has documented true vertical shooting. The Mini 5 Pro’s listed 225-degree gimbal roll rotation is a different capability, aimed at dynamic camera movement. Do not treat the rotation figure as proof that it replaces the Mini 4 Pro’s established vertical-shooting feature; choose based on the shot types you actually need.
Is the Mini 5 Pro worth upgrading to from the Mini 4 Pro?
For an existing Mini 4 Pro owner, upgrading makes sense when a specific newer feature solves a real problem: the larger sensor for your camera work, 4K/120fps slow motion, the increased onboard storage, gimbal roll movement, or LiDAR-assisted night sensing. If none of those changes matters to your projects, the Mini 4 Pro already provides 4K/60fps HDR, true vertical shooting, and omnidirectional sensing. The listed differences do not establish an across-the-board reason to replace it.
The Tool Desk
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- This Bundle Includes: DJI Mini 5 Pro Drone, RC 2 Controller (with screen), 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery, SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD Memory Card, High USB Speed Memory Card Reader, Shoulder Bag, Drone Photography Backpack, Two-Way Charging Hub, USB-C Cable, Storage Cover, Propeller Holder, 3 x Pair of Propellers, ND Filter Set (ND8-32-128), Drone Landing Pad, Camera Lens Cleaning Kit, 6-Slot Memory Card Wallet, Bundle It Better Lens Cloth, CPS 2 Year Warranty
- 1-INCH LARGE CMOS SENSOR FOR CINEMATIC QUALITY – Capture breathtaking 50MP photos and 4K/60fps HDR video with the powerful 1-inch CMOS sensor. Enjoy up to 14 stops of dynamic range and pro-level image processing for stunning clarity, even in low-light scenes.
- NIGHTSCAPE OMNIDIRECTIONAL OBSTACLE SENSING – Fly confidently day or night with advanced LiDAR and multi-directional vision sensors. Detects obstacles in all directions and enables safe Return-to-Home, even in complex or low-light environments.
- TRUE VERTICAL SHOOTING & 225° FLEXIBLE GIMBAL ROTATION – Capture skyscrapers, waterfalls, or social-media-ready vertical videos effortlessly. The 225° rotating gimbal unlocks dynamic angles and cinematic creativity in every flight.
- UPGRADED ACTIVETRACK 360° INTELLIGENT TRACKING – Keep subjects perfectly framed with next-gen ActiveTrack 360°. Choose from Standard or Cycling modes for smooth, precise tracking, whether you’re on the move or capturing fast-paced action.
This is a comparison of manufacturer specifications and published product information, not a hands-on flight test or controlled image-quality benchmark. It therefore supports a feature-based buying decision, not a claim that one drone’s footage will always look better.
How much longer does the Mini 5 Pro fly?
DJI rates the Mini 5 Pro for a maximum 36 minutes with its standard battery, versus 34 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro—a two-minute difference in the manufacturer’s maximum ratings. With the optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, DJI lists maximums of 52 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. Treat all four figures as controlled-condition claims rather than typical-flight guarantees; wind, temperature, maneuvers, and other conditions affect usable flight time.
Rank #4
- Ultra-Light, Palm-Sized Foldable Design - Compact and foldable, this palm-sized drone slips easily into a pocket and offers 42GB of internal storage for uninterrupted flying [7].
- 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Video - 1-inch CMOS sensor captures 4K/60fps HDR video with sharp detail and vibrant colors for stunning high-quality footage.
- True Vertical Filming & 225° Flexible Gimbal Rotation - Capture creative footage with a gimbal that offers true vertical filming and 225° roll rotation from diverse angles and heights.
- Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing [2] - Forward-facing LiDAR and vision sensors detect obstacles in all directions, enhancing safety for night flights and return-to-home.
- Upgraded ActiveTrack 360° [3] - Customizable tracking modes and enhanced stability keep subjects in focus, with faster response and safe performance for cycling and more.
The Plus battery increases aircraft weight. Check the configured aircraft’s weight, local rules, and battery availability in your market before choosing that setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Mini 5 Pro really under 250 g?
Do not base a legal decision on a headline weight alone. DJI’s UK Mini 5 Pro store listing displays 249 g, while independent drone writer Oscar Liang reported a Mini 5 Pro weight of 249.9 g ±4 g in 2025. DJI says the Mini 4 Pro’s standard aircraft weight is below 249 g but may vary by unit. Battery and accessory configuration also matter; DJI notes that the Plus battery takes the aircraft over 249 g.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest Value
- Ultra-Light, Palm-Sized Foldable Design - Compact and foldable, this palm-sized drone slips easily into a pocket and offers 42GB of internal storage for uninterrupted flying [7].
- 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Video - 1-inch CMOS sensor captures 4K/60fps HDR video with sharp detail and vibrant colors for stunning high-quality footage.
- True Vertical Filming & 225° Flexible Gimbal Rotation - Capture creative footage with a gimbal that offers true vertical filming and 225° roll rotation from diverse angles and heights.
- Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing [2] - Forward-facing LiDAR and vision sensors detect obstacles in all directions, enhancing safety for night flights and return-to-home.
- Upgraded ActiveTrack 360° [3] - Customizable tracking modes and enhanced stability keep subjects in focus, with faster response and safe performance for cycling and more.
Rules depend on where and how you fly, the aircraft configuration, and the regulations in effect. The Mini 5 Pro product page advertises C0 certification in the EU, but that does not establish a universal exemption from registration, training, or other requirements elsewhere. DJI’s Mini 4 Pro specifications say: “Always check and strictly abide by local laws and regulations before flying.” Check the applicable aviation authority’s current rules for your location and configuration before flying.
Which drone is the better value in your country?
There is no universal price winner: DJI’s regional listings, promotions, bundles, and included accessories vary. At the time of the cited listing snapshots, DJI’s UK Mini 5 Pro page showed £619, discounted from £689, while a DJI Singapore search listing showed USD $739 for the Mini 5 Pro and USD $629 for the Mini 4 Pro. These are different regional examples, not a like-for-like global price comparison or a promise of current pricing.
Compare the current local price for equivalent packages, including the controller, battery count, charging hub, and accessories. A lower bundle price may reflect fewer included items. Check current DJI product listings for the Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro; availability and package contents can differ by market. The available information does not establish the Mini 5 Pro’s current official sales status in the United States.
Quick Recap
What to buy
- Buy the Mini 5 Pro if you will use its 1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps slow motion, 42GB internal storage, 225-degree gimbal roll, or added LiDAR-based night sensing—and its local price is worth the difference to you.
- Buy the Mini 4 Pro if it is meaningfully cheaper and its 4K/60fps HDR, true vertical shooting, and DJI-stated standard-weight specification fit your needs.
- Keep your Mini 4 Pro unless one of the newer model’s particular camera, movement, storage, or sensing features addresses a limitation you have encountered.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
