Why Second-Hand Drones Can Be a Great Choice for Enthusiasts

Here’s how I matched them:
Figures 2/3/4 are purchase records, while Figures 5/6/7 are real-life photos.

1. I recently acquired a second-hand DJI Mini 4 Pro in near-perfect condition (99.99%) from a trusted platform. The package included a screen controller, three batteries, and the Fly More Combo, all with just three flight logs, two battery cycles, and a two-year Care Refresh warranty. Everything came with original accessories, no malfunctions, and not a single scratch.

After thoroughly inspecting the drone, I promptly reached out to DJI customer service to rebind the phone number and Care Refresh plan under my name. I also completed real-name verification and drone registration on the UOM app as quickly as possible. Now, I fly it daily—rain or shine! Even when the weather turns bad, I take it for spins in the underground parking lot.

DJI’s product quality and customer service truly set the standard—highly recommended! [Praise R]
→ 5888R

2. It’s no secret that the DJI Mini 4 Pro suffers from a relatively short battery life. Unlike its predecessors, the Mini 4K and Mini 3, the Mini 4 Pro boasts omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, which drains power faster. This limits each flight to around 21 minutes. To address this issue, I picked up another second-hand extended-life battery.

During testing, it effortlessly flew for 30 minutes, still retaining 17% power. If you’re looking for longevity in your flights, this is a must-have upgrade—highly recommended! [Praise R]
→ 408R

3. Initially, I tried using my Huawei 100W charger for the remote control and charging hub, but to my surprise, it charged agonizingly slow! A quick online search revealed the need for an OP protocol charger. Acting on this knowledge, I invested in a Ugreen 65W GaN charger, and the difference was night and day—it charges lightning-fast!

If you’re looking for efficiency, this is a game-changer—highly recommended! [Praise R] (Why don’t major manufacturers include compatible chargers these days?)
→ 79R

4. The original black carrying bag is undeniably sleek and well-made, with a luxurious feel and impressive thickness. However, I found it slightly cramped, especially after adding an extra battery and charger. To resolve this, I first purchased a storage bag, but the charger kept getting squished. I then added a small storage box to house the charger, attaching it securely to the side of the bag. This simple tweak solved the problem perfectly—highly recommended! [Praise R]
→ 62.1R + 15R

5. At first, I considered buying landing gear extensions, but I decided against it. Adding extra weight would reduce flight time unnecessarily. If you’re concerned about wear and tear on your drone, though, it might be worth considering.

6. I also debated purchasing a 4G module, but as a beginner, I’m not yet comfortable flying beyond visual line of sight. Even flying at heights of 70–80 meters makes me nervous, so I’ll wait until I gain more experience before making such an investment. Besides, the 4G module isn’t cheap. (With a 4G module, you can enjoy unrestricted flying without worrying about signal obstructions—as long as there’s power, you can stay airborne indefinitely.)

7. Another idea I toyed with was spending 85 yuan on an e88evo drone, often touted as the most affordable brushless motor drone and a standout model under 100 yuan. My plan was to conduct a comparative review—but perhaps another time! [doge]