DJI Mini 4 Pro Hits 9% Discount on Amazon, But the Mini 5 Pro Upgrade Might Be the Smarter Play

Amazon just flagged the DJI Mini 4 Pro with DJI RC 2 as its lowest price in 30 days, and after spending the morning comparing configurations, the math tells an interesting story that most deal roundups are missing. The Mini 4 Pro sits at $959, down 9% from its typical $1,059 price point. That is a solid discount on a proven drone that has dominated our long-term testing. But here is what caught my attention: the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo with the same RC 2 controller is currently showing a 31% discount at $1,099, and that $140 difference buys you a lot more than upgraded specs.

Both drones remain available on Amazon with Prime shipping, which is notable given the ongoing supply constraints affecting DJI products in the United States. The Mini 4 Pro listing shows over 200 units sold in the past month, while the Mini 5 Pro has moved more than 2,000 units, suggesting pilots are increasingly leaning toward the newer model when both are accessible.

The 9% Discount Reality: What $959 Actually Gets You

The DJI Mini 4 Pro at $959 includes the drone and the DJI RC 2 controller with its built-in 5.5-inch 1080p display. That screen delivers 700 nits of brightness, which means no squinting in direct sunlight and no fumbling with phone mounts or app installations. You are ready to fly as soon as you power on.

The drone itself weighs under 249 grams (0.549 lbs), which keeps recreational pilots exempt from FAA registration requirements in the United States. That sub-250g weight class has become the sweet spot for hobbyists and content creators who want professional results without regulatory complexity. As we noted in our initial review, the Mini 4 Pro was the first in the Mini series to include omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, a feature that transformed how beginners could safely learn to fly.

Core specifications include:

The 1/1.3-inch sensor performs admirably in good light and handles moderate low-light situations reasonably well. The O4 video transmission system delivers smooth 1080p/60fps live feeds at distances most recreational pilots will never approach. For someone entering the drone hobby or upgrading from an older Mini model, these specs remain genuinely impressive.

Why the Mini 5 Pro at $1,099 Changes the Calculation

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo currently sits at $1,099, marked down 31% from its $1,599 list price. That $140 premium over the discounted Mini 4 Pro gets you the drone, the RC 2 controller, three batteries, a charging hub, ND filters, and a carrying bag. The comparison we published at launch explains why that matters: the Mini 5 Pro represents the most significant sensor upgrade the Mini series has ever seen.

The Mini 5 Pro debuts a 1-inch CMOS sensor, the same sensor size found in much larger and more expensive drones. That is not marketing hyperbole. In our long-term testing, low-light performance improved by roughly 20-30% compared to the Mini 4 Pro, and dynamic range expanded noticeably when shooting sunrise, sunset, or any high-contrast scene.

The forward-facing LiDAR sensor deserves particular attention. Previous Mini drones struggled with obstacle detection in low light because their vision-based systems required adequate illumination. The Mini 5 Pro can detect and avoid obstacles in conditions as dark as 1 lux, which fundamentally changes what you can safely attempt at dusk or dawn.

The three-battery bundle in the Fly More Combo addresses the most common complaint pilots have about any drone: limited flight time. Each standard battery delivers up to 36 minutes, giving you roughly 90-100 minutes of total airtime before needing to recharge. In real-world shooting with 4K recording active and moderate wind, expect closer to 20-25 minutes per battery, but that still translates to meaningful session lengths.

The Sub-250g Weight Class Advantage Both Drones Share

Both the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro maintain sub-250g weight with their standard batteries, which keeps them exempt from FAA recreational registration requirements. This is not a minor detail. Heavier drones require registration, Remote ID compliance, and additional operational restrictions that can complicate casual flying.

For Part 107 commercial operators, the regulatory simplicity matters less, but the portability factor remains significant. Either drone fits in a jacket pocket when folded. That convenience makes a genuine difference when deciding whether to bring aerial capability on a hike, vacation, or spontaneous shoot.

Worth noting: the Mini 5 Pro’s Plus battery extends flight time to a claimed 52 minutes but pushes the aircraft over the 249g threshold. Most recreational pilots should stick with the standard batteries to maintain their registration exemption.

DroneXL’s Take

Here is my honest assessment after years of covering this market: the Mini 4 Pro at $959 remains an excellent drone. If budget is your primary constraint and you want the best value per dollar, that 9% discount delivers real savings on proven hardware. The omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, 34-minute flight time, and capable 1/1.3-inch sensor will satisfy most recreational pilots and many content creators.

But the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo at $1,099 represents the better long-term investment for anyone serious about aerial content. The 1-inch sensor, LiDAR-enhanced obstacle sensing, three batteries, and included accessories would cost significantly more purchased separately. The 31% discount effectively makes the upgrade decision for you if quality in challenging lighting conditions matters to your work.

I predict the Mini 4 Pro will see continued discounting as retailers clear inventory ahead of whatever DJI announces next. The Mini 5 Pro‘s current pricing, however, feels more like a strategic move to drive adoption while supply remains available. Given the complicated availability situation affecting DJI products in the United States, both deals deserve serious consideration from pilots who have been waiting to purchase.

Which configuration makes sense for your flying style? Are you prioritizing the lower entry price of the Mini 4 Pro, or does the Mini 5 Pro’s sensor upgrade and included accessories justify the premium? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Editorial Note: This article was researched and drafted with the assistance of AI to ensure technical accuracy and archive retrieval. All insights, industry analysis, and perspectives were provided exclusively by Haye Kesteloo and our other DroneXL authors, editors, and Youtube partners to ensure the “Human-First” perspective our readers expect.