The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone made quite an impression when it arrived in May 2023. It was hailed as the best compact drone for most people due to its compact size, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and impressive low-light performance with its 4K camera. The Mini 3 Pro fell into the sub-250g drone category, which allowed it to be flown almost anywhere without restrictions.
Now, it seems DJI is gearing up to introduce a successor, possibly named the Mini 4 Pro. The timing couldn’t be better for DJI, as new US legislation set to take effect on September 16 will require drones weighing over 250g to continuously broadcast the pilot’s and aircraft’s location. If the Mini 4 Pro remains under this crucial 250g limit, owners can fly it without needing to register or identify themselves. Launching the Mini 4 Pro at the end of September, as recently suggested, would align perfectly with this regulation change.
The expected updates for the Mini 4 Pro compared to the Mini 3 Pro are relatively minor but could include enhancements to the drone’s obstacle avoidance system, improved transmission technology, extended flight time, and the inclusion of DJI’s new RC 2 controller. Let’s dive into what we can anticipate from the upcoming DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Understanding DJI’s drone lineup can be a bit confusing. Currently, DJI classifies the Mini 3 as its entry-level drone. Above it, you’ll find the Mini 3 Pro and the new Air 3, both labeled as “advanced” drones, while the Mavic 3 Pro sits as the current flagship.
The Mini 4 Pro is expected to replace the Mini 3 Pro, likely leading to a price cut for its predecessor until stocks run out. Though details are scarce, leaked videos posted on social media suggest that the Mini 4 Pro may feature a more advanced obstacle avoidance system compared to the Mini 3 Pro. This could potentially include omnidirectional avoidance technology similar to the new DJI Air 3.
While specific details are limited, it appears that the development of the Mini 4 Pro is quite advanced, hinting at a potential release date in the not-so-distant future. While improvements to the camera are always welcome, it’s unlikely DJI will make significant changes here to avoid encroaching on the Air 3’s territory. Similarly, a few extra minutes of flight time would be appreciated, but the Mini 3 Pro already boasts 47 minutes, one minute more than the pricier Air 3.
Although the Mini 3 Pro was released just 15 months ago in May 2022, DJI has previously launched new models in September, including the Osmo Action 3 camera in 2022 and the Mavic Pro drone in 2016. A 15-month turnaround for the Mini 4 Pro may seem quick, but it’s not out of the question for DJI.
In terms of pricing, the Mini 4 Pro is expected to cost around the same as the Mini 3 Pro, roughly $759 / £709 / AU$1,119. This would position it neatly between the entry-level Mini 3 at $469 and the more advanced Air 3 at $1,099.
