DJI Mini 4 Pro Review 2025: The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse (Until the Mini 5 Shows Up)
Let’s start with the obvious: the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the kid brother who shows up at the family BBQ with abs. It’s tiny, lightweight, and makes you wonder: “How does this little thing film better than my full-sized camera?”
At under 249g, it ducks most drone regulations like a pro tax lawyer, shoots 4K HDR video, and has enough obstacle avoidance to keep you from looking like a complete idiot in front of your neighbors.
But here’s the twist — it’s 2025. Which means the DJI Mini 5 Pro is rumored to drop this September, and DJI has a habit of making their last model feel like yesterday’s iPhone. So should you buy the Mini 4 Pro now… or wait? Let’s break it down.
Size Matters: The One Time Being Small Is an Advantage
The best thing about the Mini 4 Pro? It’s basically the drone you can sneak anywhere. Toss it in a backpack, glove box, or the same pocket you forgot snacks in.
On Vancouver Island, that portability is gold. Hiking to a hidden beach? Throw it in. Camping trip? Toss it in. Quick stop to film your kid trying to catch crabs on the dock? Toss it in.
The downside? It handles wind about as well as a Walmart shopping bag. Along the coast in Tofino, you’ll quickly learn why DJI sells heavier drones.
Punchline payoff: It’s small, but so is espresso — and both will still make your hands shake if you overdo it.
Camera: Impressive, But Don’t Expect IMAX
The Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor is actually amazing for its size.
4K HDR video → sharp and vibrant, unless you’re pointing it at your neighbor’s beige siding.
Slow motion → yes, you can now film your kid’s splash fights like it’s a Michael Bay movie.
Color science → decent, but not in the same league as DJI’s Hasselblad-equipped big boys.
On the Island, it’s perfect for quick real estate exteriors, lifestyle footage, and general “wow look at that view” moments. But if you’re filming high-end resorts? Your clients will notice the difference compared to the Air 3S or Mavic 4 Pro.
Punchline payoff: *It’s a great little camera… just don’t expect it to make your fishing trip look like Planet Earth 3.
Flight Time: Good, Not Great
DJI claims 34 minutes of flight time, which in reality is more like 28 if you’re actually filming instead of hovering around pretending to be a hawk.
Still, for a drone that weighs less than your average breakfast burrito, that’s impressive. Just pack extra batteries, because nothing kills the vibe faster than “low battery, returning to home” mid-shot.
Punchline payoff: It lasts long enough to film your Instagram reel, but not long enough to make friends while you do it.
Obstacle Avoidance: Training Wheels for Grown-Ups
This is where the Mini 4 Pro steps up: omnidirectional obstacle sensing. In English? It tries to stop you from yeeting it into a tree.
For beginners, this is huge. For pros, it’s still nice when you’re flying low over docks, trails, or in the forest chasing that perfect cinematic shot.
Punchline payoff: Think of it as having a drone that politely says, “Are you sure about that?” before letting you ruin your day.
Should You Buy It? Or Wait for the Mini 5 Pro?
Here’s the million-dollar (or $999 USD) question: do you buy now, or hold off for the Mini 5 Pro rumored for September 2025?
Buy now if:
You’re brand new to drones and want something small, legal-friendly, and idiot-proof.
You don’t care about resale value when DJI inevitably drops the Mini 5 and makes you feel old.
You just need a solid “always with me” drone for travel, hiking, or casual real estate.
Wait for the Mini 5 if:
You want the latest and greatest. DJI has been leaking specs like a drunk intern — think better low-light, more range, and possibly a new camera sensor.
You’re not in a rush. September is basically tomorrow in drone years.
The Island Drones Verdict
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is like that friend who’s small, scrappy, and always up for an adventure. It won’t win an arm-wrestling contest with the Mavic 4 Pro, but it will go places the big boys can’t — and you’ll look less suspicious carrying it around.
It’s perfect as a travel buddy, a starter drone, or a lightweight option for quick Island shoots. Just remember: the Mini 5 Pro rumors are real, and if DJI sticks to schedule, your shiny new Mini 4 Pro could feel like last year’s iPhone in about six weeks.
👉 Check out our gear page to see where the Mini 4 Pro fits in our fleet. https://www.islanddrones.net/drone-gea
👉 Subscribe on YouTube to watch us test these drones in the wild (and occasionally almost crash them).
Punchline payoff: Buy it if you want fun. Wait if you want bragging rights.
