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When DJI launched the all new Flip drone in January 2025, I wondered if it would cannabilize the DJI Mini 4 Pro. After all, their camera is nearly identical in quality. Why should someone pay $759 for the Mini 4 Pro when they can pay just $439 for the DJI Flip?
If all you prioritize in a camera drone is, well, the camera — then go ahead and save your money and just order the Flip. Indeed it’s a great drone, if my DJI Flip review is any indication. But there’s a lot more to a great drone than just the camera specs, which makes your decision less easy. Between the DJI Flip vs. Mini 4 Pro, you’re comparing some key features, including the latter having obstacle avoidance but the former lacking that feature.
So in a battle versus the DJI Flip vs. Mini 4 Pro, which should you go for? Here’s a detailed comparison between these two solid camera drones, and my take on what to consider so you can decide which drone is the right fit for you.
DJI Flip vs. Neo: how to choose between two great entry-level drones
Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Flip with the DJI RC 2. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
The DJI Flip departs from DJI’s past designs as a compact, vlog-focused drone weighing under 249 grams. Though other DJI drones fold, none fold quite like this one, which has full-coverage propeller guards for safety.
It’s a really good camera drone, with its powerful 48MP camera and AI-powered shooting modes optimized for social media.
It’s also pretty good in the wind, offering 10.7 m/s wind speed resistance. And, it can fly for 31 minutes on one battery.
At $759, the Mini 4 Pro is a premium compact drone that offers the same camera as what you get with the Flip, including 4K HDR video at 100fps. Other specs are also similar, like 10.7 m/s wind speed resistance and a sub-250 gram weight.
It’s more expensive, but it also has some more tricked-out features, including advanced obstacle sensing. It’s also a bit more powerful, able to fly 34 minutes on one battery (or 45 minutes if you’re using the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus).
It’s ideal for more serious creators who demand professional-grade features in a travel-sized package.
DJI Flip: The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor offers the same resolution as the Mini 4 Pro, delivering stunning 48MP photos and 4K HDR video. It’s ideal for vloggers and content creators who want vertical shooting modes for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: The Mini 4 Pro also features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 48MP resolution.
There are some slight variations, like the DJI Flip offers D-Log M color mode while the Mini 4 Pro can pop a bit more with 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264/H.265) or HLG/D-Log M: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265)
Winner: Tie – Generally speaking, the cameras are remarkably similar.
Safety and usability
Folding up the DJI Flip. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
DJI Flip: Foldable, full-coverage propeller guards and automatic braking make the Flip one of DJI’s safest drones for beginners, families and indoor use. But while those enclosed propellers can certainly protect people if your drone crashes, the DJI Mini 4 Pro can do one better by mitigating crashes to begin with.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: The Mini 4 Pro features advanced omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which provides an extra layer of safety, especially in more challenging flying environments. This is easily the key difference between the two drones.
Winner: Mini 4 Pro. I do love the concept of fully enclosed propellers. At this point, I think every drone should have them. But if you have to choose one, I’d still choose obstacle avoidance so poor flying skills don’t lead to a crash.
Flight performance
DJI Flip: Offers up to 31 minutes of flight time and DJI O4 video transmission for clear 1080p/60fps footage up to 13km away. It handles moderate wind conditions well but isn’t as powerful as higher-end drones.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: Provides a slightly longer flight time of 34 minutes, with similar wind resistance (Level 5+) to the Flip. But, it has a more robust transmission system for professional use. That increases to 45 minutes if you opt for the upgraded Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
Winner: Mini 4 Pro – Slightly longer flight time and better performance in tough conditions.
Portability
Both drones are compact, lightweight, and perfect for travel. Their dimensions are similar:
DJI Flip
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Unfolded dimensions
233×280×79 mm
298×373×101 mm
Folded dimensions
136×62×165 mm
148×94×64 mm
Winner: Tie – Both excel in portability.
Price
Obvious the Flip wins out at $439 versus $759 as a starting price for the Flip (both cost more if you opt for the upgraded DJI RC 2).
If price is no object, you’re better off with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, largely due to obstacle avoidance tech. But if you’re on a budget, it’s hard to argue with saving nearly half (well, 42%) by going for the Flip.
DJI Flip vs. Mini 4 Pro: how to choose
The DJI Flip and Mini 4 Pro are both excellent drones that have a lot of similarities on the force. But look closely, and they cater to different types of users:
The DJI Flip is best for content creators or casual travelers who still want a powerful camera but also prioritize price. Even without obstacle avoidance, its safety features — including foldable propeller guards and automatic braking — make it a safe choice.
Go for this drone if you’re a beginner, vlogger, or casual creator looking for an affordable yet powerful drone with safety and social media-friendly features.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is better if you’re a professional on a budget and can’t afford something as pricey as, say, the DJI Air 3S. It’s also great if you’re a serious hobbyist who needs advanced obstacle sensing (perhaps you fly in complicated environments) or longer flight times for more demanding shoots.
