DJI Flip vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro Comparison – Which One Fits Your Needs Best?

Good day, folks! Shawn here from Air Photography. Last week, I uploaded a comparison video of the DJI Flip against the DJI Neo. Today, we’re comparing the DJI Flip against the Mini 4 Pro. While both drones share similarities, there are key differences that might appeal to different users depending on their needs. Both are rated as sub-250g drones and are foldable and compact. The Flip is slightly more bulky when unfolded, primarily due to its built-in prop guards.

DJI Flip’s Unique Features

Die DJI Flip has several distinctive features. It can power on when unfolded, making it quick and easy to deploy. When folding it up, the aircraft automatically powers off in 5 seconds, though this feature can be disabled in settings. Perhaps its most notable feature is the ability to fly without a controller in autonomous mode. It can take off from your palm with a button press, perform the selected flight mode, and return to land in your palm.

This autonomous capability is particularly valuable for capturing content quickly while on the go. You don’t have to worry about powering on a controller or what to do with it if you’re doing vlogging or capturing quick b-roll. When hiking through woods, you can easily power it on, and it’ll start tracking you automatically with just a button press. You can power it off and store it away just as quickly.

You can also connect it to a smartphone for virtual joystick control. While this doesn’t offer the same precision as a controller, it’s convenient for capturing cinematic footage without carrying additional equipment. The Flip is compatible with DJI controllers like the RC 2, RC-N3, or RC-N2, providing O4 transmission system connectivity and access to more features in the Fly app.

Advanced Sensing and Safety Features

The DJI Flip features 3D infrared sensing. While it doesn’t have 360° obstacle avoidance like the Mini 4 Pro, its infrared sensor has its own light source and works well in low-light conditions and with backlit obstacles that have little texture, such as solid walls. The Visual obstacle avoidance on the Mini 4 Pro works extremely well but can struggle in low-light conditions or with textureless obstacles.

The built-in prop guards enable safe hand launches and landings, and provide protection during tracking shots. When props are fully exposed, clipping a tree branch can cause a crash, but with enclosed props, the drone is more likely to bounce off or push through obstacles, making tracking shots safer and less stressful. This feature gives users more confidence when tracking through challenging environments.

Audio and Control Features

The Flip includes voice control functionality, allowing you to command different tasks. For example, you can say “Hey, fly here” followed by “Drone, 3, 2, 1” to perform maneuvers. While not everyone will use this feature, it’s not available on the Mini 4 Pro.

The Flip can capture audio in videos when connected to a smartphone, intelligently removing drone noise for clean audio. While the audio is somewhat processed, it works well for social media content. For better audio quality, you can pair a DJI mic via Bluetooth to your smartphone.

One of the Flip’s biggest advantages is its ease of use and quick deployment. There’s minimal learning curve as the drone performs maneuvers automatically, making it perfect for sharing adventures and family vacations. For tracking shots, you don’t need to worry about controller handling – one quick button press starts tracking you automatically.

Video Quality Comparison

Both drones can film at 4K 60fps and in Dlog M, featuring the same 1/1.3-inch sensor. Sample footage from both drones shows comparable quality, though they differ in specific shooting capabilities.

Mini 4 Pro’s Advanced Features

Die Mini 4 Pro offers several distinctive capabilities:

Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation

• 360° omnidirectional obstacle avoidance for detecting obstacles from front, back, top, and sides
• APAS system for finding safe routes around obstacles automatically
• More advanced obstacle bypass options compared to the Flip’s simple breaking response

Flight and Control Features

• Waypoint missions built directly into the Fly app
• Compatible with DJI Goggles und motion controller for immersive flight (not currently available on the Flip)
• True Vertical shooting at 4K resolution (compared to the Flip’s cropped 2.7K vertical mode)
• Higher flight speeds (16 m/s in sports mode vs. the Flip’s 12 m/s)
• Better wind resistance despite both having a level five wind rating
• Bottom LED light for easier night landing
• More comprehensive 360° tracking capabilities, allowing drone placement anywhere around you in space
• Night mode for enhanced low-light footage quality

Performance Characteristics

Flight Time

• DJI Flip: 31 minutes
• Mini 4 Pro:
  • Standard battery: 34 minutes
  • Larger capacity battery: 45 minutes (exceeds 249g weight limit)

Wind Performance

While both drones have a level five wind rating, the Mini 4 Pro handles high winds significantly better. The DJI Flip requires extra caution in windy conditions, while the Mini 4 Pro can power through challenging wind situations effectively.

Noise Levels

The DJI Flip produces significantly more noise than the Mini 4 Pro. While not excessively loud, the difference in noise levels could be important for users wanting to maintain a lower profile during flight operations.

Tracking Capabilities

Both drones support FocusTrack and Active Track, but the Mini 4 Pro offers more advanced 360° tracking. It allows users to position the drone anywhere around them in space and perform complete 360° movements using finger control, while the DJI Flip has more limited Focus Track functionality.

Price Comparison

Die DJI Flip is significantly more affordable at $439 with the RC-N3 controller, while the Mini 4 Pro costs $759 with the same controller. This $320 price difference could be a decisive factor for many users.

Schlussfolgerung

Both drones excel in different scenarios. The Flip offers exceptional flexibility with autonomous flight, smartphone control, and traditional controller operation. It’s quick to deploy, excellent for tracking shots, and ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and quick content capture.

Die Mini 4 Pro serves as a more traditional drone with comprehensive obstacle avoidance, advanced features, and superior performance in challenging conditions. Its better wind handling, higher speed capabilities, and advanced tracking features make it more suitable for users who need professional-grade capabilities and don’t mind the additional complexity and cost.

Thank you for watching this video. Hopefully, you found it valuable. Thanks a lot, and we’ll see you in the next one.