Choosing between the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and the DJI Mini 5 Pro isn’t as simple as picking the more expensive drone. Both are excellent, but they’re designed for very different users. To truly understand how they compare, this head-to-head test looks at real-world footage, performance, and practical use cases to help you decide which drone is right for you.
The comparison began with a blind video test, placing footage from both drones side by side. Surprisingly, both produced professional-quality results, proving that image quality alone isn’t always the deciding factor. However, when we start pixel-peeping and breaking down specific categories, clear differences begin to emerge.
Table of Contents
Weight, Size, and Practicality
One of the biggest advantages of the Mini 5 Pro is its compact size and lightweight design. At around 250 grams, it is roughly four times lighter than the Mavic 4 Pro, which weighs about 1,630 grams. This makes the Mini 5 Pro far more travel-friendly, easier to pack, and less intimidating for everyday use.
Practicality plays a major role in how often a drone actually gets used. Both drones are easy to set up and user-friendly, but the Mini 5 Pro’s smaller size makes it ideal for vacations, hikes, quick B-roll shots, and frequent travel. Even for pilots who own the Mavic 4 Pro, there are many situations where the Mini 5 Pro is simply the more convenient choice.
Noise Levels and Wind Performance
Thanks to its smaller size, the Mini 5 Pro is noticeably quieter. In hover tests, it measured around 61 dB compared to the Mavic 4 Pro’s 67 dB. This makes the Mini 5 Pro better for discreet flying in populated or sensitive areas.
However, lighter weight comes with a tradeoff. In windy conditions, the heavier Mavic 4 Pro holds its framing far better. During high winds of around 30 mph, the Mini 5 Pro slowly drifted off its frame, while the Mavic 4 Pro remained stable. For professional users who often fly in less-than-ideal weather, the Mavic’s weight becomes a clear advantage.
Controller and Screen Experience
The Mavic 4 Pro introduces the RC Pro 2 controller with a 7-inch, 2,000-nit rotatable display, while the Mini 5 Pro comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p screen at 700 nits. Although both screens are usable outdoors, the larger and brighter display on the Mavic 4 Pro is significantly easier to see in direct sunlight.
The Mavic controller also adds smart features such as automatic power-on when opening the screen and instant switching to vertical shooting when rotated. These small touches greatly improve workflow, especially for professional shoots.
Sensor Size and Image Quality
Sensor size is where the Mavic 4 Pro clearly separates itself. Its main camera uses a 4/3-inch 100 MP Hasselblad sensor, supported by two additional cameras with larger sensors than those found on the Mini 5 Pro. The Mini 5 Pro, while upgraded to a 1-inch 50 MP sensor, still can’t match the Mavic’s overall sensor advantage.
This difference becomes most noticeable in low-light performance and dynamic range. While the Mini 5 Pro’s f/1.8 aperture helps keep exposure bright, the Mavic 4 Pro delivers cleaner images with less noise, sharper detail, and better highlight and shadow retention—especially when shooting in D-Log M.
Dynamic Range and Color Profiles
The Mavic 4 Pro offers more advanced color profiles, including D-Log, D-Log M, and HLG, while the Mini 5 Pro lacks full D-Log support. This gives the Mavic greater flexibility in post-production, particularly for professional color grading and matching with ground cameras.
Dynamic range testing shows the Mavic 4 Pro retains more detail in harsh lighting, though the Mini 5 Pro has made significant improvements over previous Mini models and performs impressively for its size.
Resolution, Bitrate, and Lens Options
The Mavic 4 Pro can shoot up to 6K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, offering greater clarity and flexibility for cropping in post. The Mini 5 Pro maxes out at 4K 120fps and holds up well, but compression becomes more noticeable when zooming in heavily.
Bitrate is another area where the Mavic excels. With higher bitrate options—especially in the Creator Combo it delivers cleaner footage with less compression. This is a key reason professionals shooting commercials, luxury real estate, or high-end weddings will prefer the Mavic 4 Pro.
Lens options further separate the two. The Mavic 4 Pro includes three lenses (28mm, 70mm, and 168mm), while the Mini 5 Pro relies on a single 24mm lens with digital zoom. The Mini’s wider field of view is great for landscapes, but the Mavic’s optical zoom lenses provide far more creative flexibility.
Aperture Control and Camera Movement
Adjustable aperture is another major advantage of the Mavic 4 Pro. Its main camera ranges from f/2.0 to f/11, allowing better exposure control while maintaining proper motion blur. The Mini 5 Pro’s fixed f/1.8 aperture limits flexibility in bright conditions.
The Mavic also offers more advanced gimbal movement, including full 360-degree rotation and greater upward tilt. However, when it comes to vertical shooting, the Mini 5 Pro actually performs better due to its wider downward tilt range, making it more practical for vertical content creators.
Obstacle Avoidance, Range, and Flight Time
Both drones feature excellent obstacle avoidance, but the Mavic 4 Pro adds rear and bottom camera views for added situational awareness, especially in complex environments.
The Mavic 4 Pro also wins in transmission range, top speed, and flight time. In real-world use, it delivers roughly 35–40 minutes of flight time compared to about 22 minutes on the Mini 5 Pro. Its higher top speed makes it better suited for car chases and fast-moving subjects.
Price and Final Verdict
Price is the most decisive factor for many users. The Mini 5 Pro is significantly more affordable, starting around $900, while the Mavic 4 Pro begins near $3,000 and can reach $5,000 with creator bundles. That price gap alone may determine your choice.
In summary, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is ideal if you value affordability, portability, quieter operation, vertical shooting, and everyday practicality. It delivers excellent image quality in a compact, travel-friendly package.
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro, on the other hand, is the clear choice for professionals who want the best possible image quality, longer flight time, stronger wind performance, multiple lenses, advanced color profiles, and maximum creative control.
Both drones are outstanding—it simply comes down to your budget, shooting style, and how much power and flexibility you truly need.
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