DJI Flip Drone First-of-Its-Kind Design Could Be a Game Changer for Beginner Drone
- The new DJI Flip sits above the Neo as a pricier multi-use beginner drone
- It features a unique folding propeller design
- Price starts from $439 / £369 / AU$699
DJI has unveiled the Flip, its latest multi-use drone aimed at beginners. Like the DJI Neo, the Flip is simple to operate for aerial selfies, thanks to its auto-tracking flight modes and safety-first design, which includes propeller guards for safer close-range flying. However, the Flip goes a step further by offering improved flight performance and enhanced image quality.
During our in-depth DJI Flip review, we found that it delivers better 4K video and 12MP images compared to the Neo, coming close to the image quality of DJI’s Mini series, such as the Mini 4K or Mini 4 Pro. That said, it still doesn’t quite reach the same level of refinement as the Mini 4 Pro.
What sets the DJI Flip apart is its first-of-its-kind folding design—resembling something out of Star Wars. While bulkier than other selfie drones like the Neo and HoverAir X1 Pro, it remains stable during flight and stays under the critical 249g weight category, making it exempt from most drone restrictions.
Prices start at $439 / £369 / AU$699, which is double the price of the Neo but half that of the Mini 4 Pro. This versatile design may signal a new direction for beginner drones, but whether it’s the right choice for first-time pilots depends on your priorities.
A New Dawn for Beginner Drones?
I currently rate the DJI Mini 4K as the best beginner drone for most people. It’s affordable, shoots solid 4K video, and offers a variety of easy flight modes for dynamic videos. If budget isn’t a concern, then the Mini 4 Pro is the best sub-250g drone you can buy. Since the Mini 4K’s launch in 2024, DJI has also introduced the even more affordable Neo—a unique type of selfie drone.
The Mini 4K and Neo serve distinct purposes, while the DJI Flip aims to bridge the gap between the two. But does it succeed? I’m not entirely sure.
In terms of size, the Flip is significantly larger than the Neo, even when folded. It’s also larger than any of DJI’s Mini series drones, due to its propeller guards and innovative design. This adds stability but results in a bigger overall footprint.
Pricing-wise, the DJI Flip is costlier than both the Mini 4K and Neo. The standard Flip kit costs $439 / £369 / AU$699, while the bundle with the DJI RC 2 (smart controller) is priced at $639 / £549 / AU$949. For those who want an extended kit, the Fly More Combo, which includes two extra batteries, a four-battery charging hub, a shoulder bag, and two additional pairs of spare propellers, is available for $779 / £659 / AU$1,159 but only with the RC 2 controller.
Is the DJI Flip Drone Worth It?
That depends on your expectations. If you’re after the best image quality, the Flip doesn’t quite match the Mini 4 Pro. In terms of versatility, it also doesn’t fully compete with the Neo, which offers FPV capabilities.
At present, the Flip offers a mix of features from the Neo and Mini 4K. It’s a jack-of-all-trades—ideal for those wanting both selfie functionality and decent image quality. However, for those seeking the best of both worlds, purchasing both the Neo and Mini 4K separately might be a smarter move. Together, they offer better versatility without costing significantly more.
