Best Drone for Beginners: Flip vs Mini 4 Pro – Which to Choose?

I recently took my Neo to the seaside, but it only flew in attitude mode. Now I’m considering an upgrade and find myself torn between the Flip and the Mini 4 Pro. Right now, the entire Mini 4 Pro series is on a 10% discount. The three-battery bundle is priced at around 6300, which is just about a thousand more than the Flip’s equivalent package.

However, the lack of propeller guards on the Mini 4 Pro gives me pause—I’m genuinely concerned about the possibility of injuring someone if something goes wrong.

I’m planning a trip to Qinghai and Gansu soon, where I’ll be shooting in the desert. I need a drone that can handle strong winds, though I’m not entirely sure how intense the desert winds might be. What do you seasoned enthusiasts think? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!