The DJI Mini 5 Pro and the DJI Mini 4 Pro are the two most exciting under-250-gram drones in 2025. If you talk about the best drone in the under-250-gram category, then without doubt, these two are among the best, but which one is best among these two? As we all know, the Mini 5 Pro has already become very popular among drone lovers, although the drone is not easily available on Amazon.com or B&H Store, even after its announcement, due to some regulatory/ongoing ban issues, so in an in-depth comparison on TheNewCamera.com, we have tried to bring out the best possible comparison between the two with all of the available core specifications, and it will surely help you to decide the best DJI drone for 2025 without a doubt. So let’s jump into the comparison.
Overview: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 5 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is not new; It was announced back in September 2023. At that time, a 1/1.3-inch sensor and 4K 60FPS HDR video recording were more than enough, and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Overall, it was a great sub-249-gram category drone, which is still quite popular.
The new DJI Mini 5 Pro was officially announced on September 17, 2025. It does carry some of the biggest updates that we have ever seen in a sub-249-gram category drone, such as a large 1-inch sensor, the introduction of LiDAR for advanced obstacle avoidance tech, and up to 52 minutes of flight time while using the Plus battery feature.
If you compare the price of the drone right now, we are a bit surprised since most of the accessories whose prices are confirmed come at almost the same price range, with a slight price increase. We have already done the price comparison of these two drones in our previous article. Now, let’s have a look at the performance capability, flight capability, and the major differences between the features of both drones.
| Feature | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Mini 5 Pro |
| Weight | <249g | <249g (standard battery) |
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP |
| Video Resolution | 4K/60fps HDR, 1080p/200fps, 10-bit D-Log M, HLG | 4K/120fps, 4K/60fps HDR, 10-bit D-Log M, HLG |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP / 48MP (JPEG/DNG) | 50MP (JPEG/RAW) |
| Aperture & Focus | f/1.7, 1m–∞ focus | f/1.8, Hybrid AF (phase + contrast) |
| Gimbal Rotation | Pitch: -90° to +60°, Roll: -90° to 0°, Yaw: ±30° | Pitch: -135° to +80°, Roll: -90° to +90°, 225° total rotation |
| Flight Time | 34 min (standard), 45 min (Plus) | 36 min (standard), 52 min (Plus) |
| Transmission Range | 20 km (OcuSync 4, FCC) | 20 km (OcuSync 4+, FCC) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Omnidirectional (binocular vision) | Omnidirectional + forward LiDAR (Nightscape mode) |
| Max Speed | 16 m/s (horizontal) | 16 m/s (horizontal) |
| Wind Resistance | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) |
| AI Features | ActiveTrack 360°, MasterShots, QuickShots | ActiveTrack 6.0, enhanced MasterShots |
| Audio Recording | External DJI Mic compatible | Built-in mono mic + external support |
| Storage | 2GB internal + microSD | 42GB internal + microSD |
| Price (Base) | $759 USD | $799 USD / €799 |
| Price (Fly More Combo) | $999 USD | $1,099 USD / €1,099 |
Dji mini 5 pro drone front camera image + Advanced LiDAR alongside omnidirectional sensors
Deep analysis and specification comparison
1. Camera performance:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: The Mini 4 Pro uses a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor (48 MP) that delivers excellent 4K/60fps HDR video and 1080p/200fps cinematic slow-motion, with 10-bit D-Log M and HLG for professional colour grading. Its f/1.7 aperture and 2.4μm pixels perform well in daylight but struggle in low light, so the drone struggles to perform well at night. Yes, the noise is very clearly visible after ISO 3200, and when you are using the D-Log due to the sensor size limitation, the latitude we get in the video file is limited. With the help of the gimbal, it does support true vertical shooting, which is perfect for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: The camera of the Mini 5 Pro features 1-inch 50MP CMOS sensor with f/1.8 aperture, superior low-light performance (better noise control up to ISO 12800), 14-stop dynamic range, and 10-bit D-Log M/HLG color profiles, a major jump in terms of low light performance, as well as dynamic range when compared to a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. DJI Mini 5 Pro supports 4K video recording at 120fps or even 5.4K/30fps, similar to what we see in the DJI Air 2S. A hybrid autofocus (phase + contrast) and 12-bit RAW could greatly enhance detail. The gimbal tilting up to +90 degrees allows unique upward shots, and onboard audio recording is an added option.
- Analysis: All the features make the DJI Mini 5 Pro one of the best cinematic drones that fall under the 249-gram weight class.
2. Flight performance comparison
- Mini 4 Pro: Offers 34 minutes (standard battery) or 45 minutes (Battery Plus), a 20 km range (OcuSync 4), and 35.8 mph max speed, which is really impressive. It can handle wind speeds of 23.9 mph with ±0.3 ft accuracy (vision) or ±1.6 ft (GNSS).
- Mini 5 Pro: 36 minutes with standard battery combo and up to 52 minutes of flight time with a Plus battery and a 25 km range (OcuSync 4+ with multi-beam). Vented motors as well as new propeller design suggest improved thrust, cooling, and less noise while hovering compared to the previous generation, potentially increasing wind resistance to ~26.8 mph.
- Analysis: The Mini 5 Pro offers slightly extended flight time despite the fact the drone has now become more power-hungry after the update of the large one-inch sensor, improved image processor, and improved stability in windy conditions, making it ideal for adventurous creators. The Mini 4 Pro remains reliable but is outclassed here when compared with the new DJI Mini 5 Pro.
3. Obstacle Avoidance
- Mini 4 Pro: The Mini 4 Pro uses omnidirectional avoidance with binocular vision sensors (0.5–18m range) and a 3D ToF depth sensor, enhanced by APAS for smooth navigation. It struggles to detect objects at night and uses an infrared sensor to help land perfectly.
- Mini 5 Pro: LiDAR alongside omnidirectional sensors — from the leaked images, it’s very clear that the drone has dual front-facing LiDAR units for advanced obstacle avoidance as well as ActiveTrack 6.0 for better tracking.
- Analysis: Introduction of LiDAR sensors inside the new DJI Mini 5 Pro makes it the best. The obstacle avoidance no longer remains limited like the Mini 4 Pro — it has become more advanced and safer for consumer use.
4. Intelligent Features
- Mini 4 Pro: Already advanced at its time, the drone includes ActiveTrack 360°, MasterShots, QuickShots (Dronie, Helix, etc.), Hyperlapse, and Panorama modes. SmartPhoto enhances HDR, and Cruise Control maintains steady speeds.
- Mini 5 Pro: Mini 5 Pro’s advanced set of features includes ActiveTrack 6.0, enhanced MasterShots, and onboard audio syncing with the DJI Mic. The Mini 5 Pro features AI-powered tracking improvements and a “48mm med-tele mode” for lossless zoom.
- Analysis: Obviously, the Mini 5 Pro drone stands out with its updated core specifications. The most important upgrade apart from the camera itself is the advanced LiDAR obstacle avoidance syste,m as well as advanced AI-based tracking, making it a perfect choice for vloggers and social media creators.
5. Design and Portability
- Mini 4 Pro: Folded (148 x 94 x 64 mm) and unfolded (298 x 373 x 101 mm), it’s compact and travel-friendly at <249g.
- Mini 5 Pro (Rumored): Similar dimensions, maintaining <249g for regulation-free flying (C0 class, Open A1). Leaked images clearly show a larger camera module and vented motors.
- Analysis: Both drones excel in portability, but the Mini 5 Pro’s advanced tech in the same weight class shows remarkable improvement in the engineering of the drone.
6. Price Comparison
- Mini 4 Pro:
Base (RC-N2): $759 USD
Fly More Combo: $999 USD
Accessories: Standard battery ($99), Battery Plus ($145), propellers ($9), ND filters ($55). - Mini 5 Pro (Rumored):
Base: $799–$899 USD
Fly More Combo RC2: $1,099–$1,299 USD
Accessories: Standard battery ($69), Battery Plus ($99), propellers ($19), ND filters ($55).
Yes, the accessory prices are slightly higher. We were expecting a bit of a price jump in the drone pricing but the leaked European price suggests it will fall in the same pricing category, so despite such massive hardware updates, you don’t have to pay extra when compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Which Drone Is Best for You?
- Choose the DJI Mini 4 Pro if:
If the Mini 4 Pro drone is available at a heavily discounted price only, since both of them have very little price difference, and specs-wise, the Mini 5 Pro touches new heights.
Best for: Casual users, travelers, social media creators on a budget. - Wait for the DJI Mini 5 Pro if:
You love to have video with more DR, higher latitude for color grading, and 4K 120fps mode for cinematic slow-motion.
Low-light performance is important for you, and a one-inch sensor for pro-grade footage.
LiDAR and enhanced tracking are required for complex environments or night flights.
You need longer flight times (up to 50 min) and extended range (25 km).
You’re a vlogger/content creator wanting onboard audio and advanced AI features.
Best for: Content creators, semi-pros, and those planning shoots later in 2025.
Conclusion
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is the best choice since the price difference is very narrow, and the DJI Mini 5 Pro comes packed with performance, affordability, and portability. It has completely redefined ultralight drones with its one-inch sensor, LiDAR, and 50-minute flight time, and it appeals to pro creators who are seeking pro-level features without regulatory hassles.
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About the author: The article “DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 5 Pro” was written and updated by thenewcamera.com team on 4:32 pm, Wednesday, 27 August 2025, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | Follow us for more updates and get LIVE RUMORS –> FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM to get live news — > get live Drone news + DJI Rumors
Sources: DJI’s official site, reviews from Heliguy, Tom’s Guide,
