The Mini 4 Pro was released in September 2023, about 15 months ago. Many users were waiting for a new version in early 2025, following the usual DJI schedule of new models
According to several reliable leaks and rumors, the next DJI lightweight model will be named Flip and could represent a shift in the priorities of DJI prosumer line
The Flip is a versatile hybrid model bridging the gap between the Neo and the Mini 4 Pro and adding some basic FPV functionalities. If the rumored prices are confirmed it can be a very attractive entry model for vlogging with serious video and photo capabilities and for an FPV experience
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Leaks and Rumors
I don’t often do articles about upcoming models, as they are often based on rumors and leaks rather than facts. In this case, things are different
Many users are interested in the lightweight segment of the drone market because of affordability, portability, and lower regulations
The Flip is an exciting concept, as addresses areas recently explored by DJI:
- Optimized for close-distance vlogging like the Neo
- Offering some features for FPV flying, like the Avata
- With serious video and photo quality like the Mini 4 Pro
This new model might interest beginners planning to purchase their first drone, enthusiasts who want to upgrade from a previous one, and professional or semi-professional users who already own a bigger model and need a lightweight one for urban shooting
Rumors must be taken with a pinch of salt. However, in this case, the leaks come from reliable sources, like Jasper Ellens and Igor Bogdanov
The images shown are more detailed than usual and clearly show some of the major features of the new model
Jasper Ellens has even said that he believes the Flip will replace the Mini 5, although I would not bet the house on this
Where in the Current DJI Line?
Currently, DJI offers the traditional prosumer line for videography and photography including the Air 3s, Mavic 3, and several lightweight models at different price levels
The top model for videography and photography below 250 grams is the Mini 4 Pro, a powerful drone with advanced features similar to the Air 3s
The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 have been recently discontinued. However, it is still possible to acquire the Mini 3, which is offered at an interesting discounted price at the moment, and the Mini 4k, the entry model based on the design of the Mini 2
The Avata 2, released in April 2024, is a niche model focused on FPV flying. It is an update of the original Avata, introduced in August 2022
In September 2024, DJI introduced the Neo, a very affordable model, easy to use, optimized for vlogging, with basic functionalities and lower video quality
When will it be released?
Most users were expecting DJI to release the new Mini 5 model at the beginning of 2025, however, according to several rumors, leaked images, and FCC filings, the next DJI drone to go on the market will be the Flip
According to some leaks, the release date could be as early as January 2025, possibly during the CES in Las Vegas
What we know about it
Foldable
The Flip will be the first DJI foldable drone, similar to the Hover Air X1 Pro Max. We can expect the weight to be below the crucial threshold of 250 grams
When folded it is very compact and easy to carry, the battery slides in from the top. The propellers are enclosed, similar to the Neo but the prop guards look much sturdier, apparently in carbon fiber like in FPV drones
Obstacle Sensors
According to many rumors, the Flip will have omnidirectional obstacle sensors, but detecting them from the images is hard
We notice the presence of a LIDAR placed above the camera to detect obstacles in front of the aircraft even in low light. Inside the LIDAR enclosure, other sensors could be oriented sideways, upward, and downward
In the lower part of the LIDAR, some small icons indicate the smart flight mode currently selected. The presence of these icons suggests that this model can also fly autonomously for vlogging, like the Neo. In both models, there is an emphasis on safety, they are ideal for indoor flying and for close-up footage
Image Quality
According to rumors confirmed by photos, the CMOS sensor side should be 1/1.3”, like in the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3s, with a resolution of 4k in HDR at a frame rate of 60 fps
There are photos of a set of three ND filters made by DJI for this model with values of ND 16, 64, and 256 optimized for filming
Unlike the Neo, the Flip takes videography and photography seriously and we should expect an image quality similar to the Mini 4 Pro
Battery
At 3110 Ma, the battery is more powerful than the 2590 Ma of the Mini 4 Pro, although the announced flying time is slightly lower at 31 minutes vs 34. This is probably due to the presence of the props and a design not as aerodynamic as the one of the Mini 4 Pro
Battery life is a massive improvement compared to the 18 minutes of the Neo, a major limitation of this model. Interestingly, the charging hub available with the Fly More combo is ultra-fast needing only 45 minutes to charge each battery
According to other leaks, the Flip should have Ocusync 4 signal transmission and AI-powered object tracking to find the best viewing angle for vlogging, an evolution of the Neo tracking functionalities
There are also rumors of compatibility with tools for FPV flight like the Goggles 3 or 3N and the controller RC Motion 2
Price and Positioning
The official prices are not yet available. According to Jasper Ellens, the Flip should be priced at 439 euros or dollars including the RC N3 controller, and 630 euros with the RC 2 controller. A Fly more combo with the RC2 remote controller, three batteries, a charging hub, and a bag will be priced at 780 euros
We don’t know much about intelligent flight modes, wind resistance, and other features. I do not expect the Flip to be supplied with the same powerful functionalities as the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3s to avoid cannibalizing sales of the more expensive models
Unlike Jasper Ellens, I believe DJI will keep the Mini 4 Pro on the market and at some point in 2025 will release a fully featured Mini 5 Pro, as the flagship of its lightweight prosumer line
The main question left is: will it really be able to Flip? Well, I am not so sure about that