DJI Mini 4 Pro Review (2026): Still King of Sub-250g?

DJI Mini 4 Pro Review (2026): Still King of Sub-250g?

Imagine you're a US drone pilot, packing for a weekend trip to Yosemite. You want to capture stunning landscapes, but you're also mindful of weight restrictions and FAA regulations. The answer? A sub-250g drone. But in 2026, with a flood of new contenders, does the DJI Mini 4 Pro still reign supreme? As Hans Wiegert, I've spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces to find out.

The DJI Mini series has always been about packing a punch in a tiny package. The Mini 4 Pro continues this tradition, promising professional-grade image quality, advanced features, and that crucial sub-250g weight. But the competition is fierce, with companies like Autel and Skydio pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this category. Let's dive in and see if the Mini 4 Pro lives up to the hype in 2026.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup

There's a certain anticipation that comes with unboxing a new DJI product. The Mini 4 Pro doesn't disappoint. The packaging is sleek and efficient, and everything is neatly organized. Inside, you'll find the drone itself, the remote controller (either the standard RC-N1 or the RC 2 with a built-in screen), spare propellers, cables, and documentation.

Setup is straightforward, especially if you're already familiar with the DJI Fly app. The app guides you through the activation process, firmware updates, and pre-flight checks. One minor annoyance: you'll need to create a DJI account if you don't already have one. However, this is standard practice for most drone manufacturers. If you are new to drone operations, remember to consult our Remote ID Compliance: 2026 FAA Guide for US Drone Pilots to ensure you are flying legally.

The drone itself feels surprisingly robust for its size. The plastic construction is solid, and the folding mechanism for the arms is smooth and secure. The battery clicks into place with a satisfying snap, and the propeller installation is quick and easy. All in all, the unboxing and setup experience is polished and user-friendly.

Flight Performance: Stability and Agility

This is where the DJI Mini 4 Pro truly shines. The flight performance is exceptional, even in moderately windy conditions. The drone feels stable and responsive, and the controls are precise and intuitive. DJI has clearly refined the flight algorithms, resulting in a smooth and predictable flying experience.

The Mini 4 Pro boasts omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a significant upgrade from previous Mini models. This system uses multiple sensors to detect obstacles in all directions, making it much easier to avoid collisions. Pilot Mike from Austin discovered this firsthand when a rogue bird suddenly appeared during a flight. The drone automatically braked and hovered, preventing a potential disaster. The result? A grateful pilot and an undamaged drone.

The "Return to Home" (RTH) function is reliable and accurate, bringing the drone back to its launch point with pinpoint precision. I tested this in various environments, including areas with GPS interference, and the Mini 4 Pro consistently returned safely. Don't forget that knowing the FAA's stance on restricted airspace is vital. It's always useful to be up-to-date on the latest news, such as FAA Warns of Drone Flights Near Sensitive Sites (2026).

Pros:

• Excellent stability and responsiveness
• Reliable obstacle avoidance
• Precise Return to Home function

Cons:

• Wind resistance is good but not exceptional
• Obstacle avoidance can be overly cautious in some situations

Camera Quality: Image and Video Performance

The camera is arguably the most important aspect of any camera drone, and the DJI Mini 4 Pro doesn't disappoint. It features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 48MP photos and 4K/60fps video. The image quality is impressive, with sharp details, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range.

One of the standout features is the ability to shoot vertical videos natively. This is a game-changer for social media content creators, eliminating the need to crop or reframe footage. The image quality is excellent in good lighting conditions. However, the image quality suffers in low light. Noise becomes more noticeable, and details can be lost. That being said, this is to be expected from a small sensor drone.

The Mini 4 Pro also supports various intelligent shooting modes, including QuickShots (Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, and Boomerang), ActiveTrack, and Panorama. These modes make it easy to capture professional-looking footage with minimal effort. For those looking to take their cinematography to the next level, consult FPV Drone 360 Video (2026): Billy's US Cinematography Guide for new shooting techniques.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality in good lighting
• 4K/60fps video recording
• Native vertical video shooting

Cons:

• Low-light performance could be better
• Limited zoom capabilities

Pro Tip: Shoot in D-Cinelike color profile to maximize dynamic range and flexibility in post-production. Remember to color grade your footage for the best results.

Battery Life and Range

DJI claims a maximum flight time of 34 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro. In my testing, I consistently achieved flight times of around 30 minutes, which is still impressive for a drone of this size. Of course, flight time will vary depending on factors such as wind speed, temperature, and flying style.

The transmission range is also excellent, thanks to DJI's OcuSync 3.0 technology. I was able to fly the drone several kilometers away without experiencing any signal loss or interference. However, it's important to remember that FAA regulations require you to maintain visual line of sight with your drone at all times.

Pros:

• Impressive battery life for its size
• Excellent transmission range

Cons:

• Flight time can vary depending on conditions
• Spare batteries are relatively expensive

Value and Conclusion

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is undoubtedly one of the best sub-250g drones on the market in 2026. It offers a compelling combination of image quality, flight performance, features, and portability. While the price point is higher than some competitors, the Mini 4 Pro delivers exceptional value for both amateur and professional US drone pilots.

If you're looking for a compact, capable, and easy-to-fly drone that won't weigh you down, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice. It's perfect for travel, real estate photography, social media content creation, and anyone who wants to capture stunning aerial footage without the hassle of a larger, heavier drone.

Is it still king of the sub-250g class? In my opinion, yes. While other drones offer specific advantages in certain areas, the DJI Mini 4 Pro strikes the best balance of features, performance, and overall value. It's a worthy investment for any serious drone enthusiast.