The DJI Mini 5 Pro—smart flyers are already on board [doge].
Still kicking off at 4,788 RMB, I went for the base model: single battery, no-screen remote [lol]. Planning to grab an extended-life battery later for hassle-free travel (heads up: older Mini 3/4 extended batteries aren’t compatible).
So, what’s new compared to the Mini 4 Pro?
1. Camera sensor jumps from 1/1.3-inch to a full 1-inch, boosting image quality, plus it offers lossless 2x crop for crisp zoom shots.
2. Now shoots 4K video at 120fps—smooth as butter.
3. Faster flight speed for quicker captures.
4. Better wind resistance to handle breezier conditions.
5. Extended flight time: 36 minutes with the standard battery, up to 52 minutes with the extended-life option.
6. Higher altitude capability: flies up to 6,000 meters (or 4,500 meters with extended battery).
7. Added front LiDAR for reliable night-time obstacle avoidance.
8. Upgraded to O4+ transmission for stronger, clearer signals.
9. Built-in 42GB storage, with fast phone transfers even when powered down.
10. New dark gray finish, matching the premium look of Air 3S and Mavic 3.
For a full breakdown of upgrades, check out Figure 6.
All in all, the Mini 5 Pro tackles the key shortcomings of its predecessor. After a solid two-year wait, this feels like a solid, expected refresh.
One notable letdown:
The Mini 4 Pro allowed adding an enhanced transmission module (4G dongle) separately. Now, only the top-tier Mini 5 Pro (priced at 7,688 RMB) includes it built-in. Other versions completely miss out—and since it’s integrated, you can’t add it later! This isn’t just a base-model skip; it’s absent across all but the highest tier, with no DIY fix. See Figures 7 and 8 for the details.
