DJI Mini 5 Pro – Long-Term Review (December 2025)

Why I Bought It (and Exactly What I Expected)

Let’s be crystal clear about the purchase decision first, because this drone only makes sense if you know exactly why you’re buying it.

I did not buy the Mini 5 Pro to replace my Mavic 4 Pro or Inspire 3. I bought it for one very specific job: to live permanently in my already-overpacked photo backpack as the “bonus drone” for moments I never plan.

My wildlife Gura Gear Kiboko carry is maxed out: two full-frame bodies and big super-teles. There is zero spare volume or weight budget. The Mini 5 Pro, at 249 g and the size of a thick paperback when folded, is literally the only drone on earth that fits without me having to make a single compromise. That’s why I bought it.

When I leave the house with intent to shoot serious aerials:

Might fly → Mavic 4 Pro
Going out to catch amazing drone footage → Inspire 3

When I leave the house with zero drone intent, but I still want the option if magic happens → Mini 5 Pro rides along every single time

That’s the entire purchasing logic. If your use case is different, this might not be your drone.

The Reality After 4 Months of Daily Carry

What’s Actually Brilliant

Size & weight: Still the killer feature. I forget it’s there until I need it (can literally have it in my cargo pants leg pocket)
Image quality: 48 MP stills and 4K/60 HDR video that legitimately rival the Air 3S in good light. The new 1/1.3″ stacked sensor is no joke.
Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance + ActiveTrack 360°: Works flawlessly 98% of the time. I’ve flown it through tree canopies in Follow mode and lived.
Underily silent: People literally don’t notice it half the time in urban environments. (I would never do it of course, but you can fly it where it’s a no-drone zone and get away with it)

The One Big Disappointment Everyone Talks About: Battery

DJI claims 36 minutes (standard battery) / 45 minutes (Plus battery).

Real-world numbers from my experience

Standard battery: 20–25 min average, 18 min if it’s windy or cold
Plus battery: 29–33 min (but pushes weight to ~280 g → registration required in many countries, if you think someone is going to weight your Mini…

I’ve been flying drones for a long time, so 20+ minutes has always been the standard for me. I still haven’t adjusted to the fact that the Mavic 4 and similar drones can push past 40 minutes. My Inspire 3 tops out at around 20 minutes before you have to head back and land.

Who This Drone Is Actually For (Know Before You Buy)

Perfect buyer:

Photographers/videographers who already own a “serious” drone
Travel/content creators who are ruthless about bag weight
Anyone who wants aerial capability without ever planning for it
People who value spontaneity over maximum flight time
Not to forget – total beginners who just want to fly a drone no other aspirations.

Wrong buyer:

You only own one drone and want it to do everything
You want the best quality cinematic footage
You refuse to buy spare batteries (you’ll hate life)

Final Score & Verdict: 7/10 for my specific use case

Yes, the battery life falls short of the marketing. No, it doesn’t matter to me one bit.

The Mini 5 Pro has given me shots I would have missed 100% of the time with anything larger, because it would not have been in my bag.

It’s the drone equivalent of the 35 mm f/2 you always keep in the bag “just in case.” Not because it’s the best lens you own, but because when the moment shows up unannounced, it’s the one that’s actually with you.

Until someone makes a <250 g drone with legit 35-minute real-world flight time, the Mini 5 Pro keeps its permanent zipped pocket in my backpack. Battery complaints and all, I’ve never once considered taking it out.

Buy it if you understand exactly why you’re buying it. Skip it if you’re looking for an all-rounder.

For me, it’s irreplaceable.