- A new DJI Mini 5 drone seems to be in the works
- Online leaks suggest it could have LiDAR sensors
- DJI appears to be testing the drone ahead of a summer launch
DJI isn’t one to sit back and enjoy success. Our list of the top drones available right now may include the Mini 4 Pro, but fresh pictures that have surfaced online seem to indicate that the manufacturer is already working on a replacement.
According to the photos posted on DroneXL, the DJI Mini 5 is reportedly being tested in Chinese public streets. The blurry images, which were included in an article by reputable drone industry source Jasper Ellens, show a quadcopter that looks similar to the Mini 4 Pro but has a larger front camera lens and what looks to be two LiDAR sensors above.
This supports a December 2024 post by Ellens on X stating that the Mini 5 will have “stronger (vented) motors” and LiDAR sensors.
The new model’s collision avoidance system would be more effective if it had LiDAR sensors facing forward. Compared to conventional vision technology, LiDAR is more adept at navigating obstacles and terrain at night, as demonstrated by the Air 3S last year. If the anticipated model remains in the same weight range as earlier iterations, their inclusion on the Mini 5 would be the first for any drone weighing less than 250g.
Additionally, the drone in the picture has guards around its blades, however these might be temporary rather than permanent as a safety precaution during testing.
A test unit’s public debut indicates that the Mini 5 is in the later phases of development, even if DJI hasn’t formally declared a release date. According to some sources, the new drone is expected to launch in the summer of 2025. Given that the DJI Mini 4 Pro has been on the market for two years, a revelation in August or September would align with DJI’s established launch schedules.
Other features remain the subject of much speculation. Some websites have reported that the DJI Mini 5 could feature a 1-inch sensor and a 50-minute flight time, both of which would be a significant step up from the 1/1.3-inch sensor and 34-minute flight time of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. That said, there’s little in the way of hard evidence to support these claims at present.
I have been extremely skeptical towards the release of a #DJIMINI5. I couldn’t find any reason why they should update the Mini 4 without exceeding the 249 gram mark. But today I stand corrected. This summer we will see a new Mini with LiDAR and stronger (vented) motors. Cheers pic.twitter.com/v3kcSasJfO
— Jasper Ellens | X27 (@JasperEllens) December 10, 2024
LiDAR, LiDAR?
There are other forthcoming DJI drones that are said to include LiDAR capabilities besides the Mini 5. Additionally, new information indicates that improved obstacle-avoidance sensors will be a feature of the Mavic 4 Pro. This might suggest that DJI has created a smaller LiDAR module that is easier to integrate into drones of its variety.
Although having LiDAR on a sub-250g would be revolutionary, it is unclear if this feature alone will convince Mini 4 Pro customers to upgrade. Although it would undoubtedly be an additional feather in a well-strung bow, customers who only fly their drones in open areas on clear days will find LiDAR to be of limited use.
Naturally, it’s not the only DJI Mini 5 improvement that has been rumored. Improved flight durations would advance the series significantly in areas where the Mini 4 Pro failed, and stronger or more effective motors might provide the drone with better performance in all circumstances. Additionally, a 1-inch sensor suggests better low-light image.
When combined, these improvements would strengthen the argument for spending money on the new model. We shouldn’t have to wait long for more specific specifications if it is indeed already in testing. Leaked information on the Mini 5 won’t be hard to get by if past DJI drone development cycles are any indication.
