DJI Flip Review
DJI has introduced another exciting product to its growing drone lineup: the DJI Flip. Dubbed an all-in-one vlog camera drone, the Flip is intended to give both beginners and seasoned pilots a versatile tool for capturing stunning aerial footage. It is every bit as compact and easy to maneuver as DJI’s smaller models, yet it promises many of the advanced features found on higher-tier drones—particularly the popular DJI Mini 4 Pro. The Flip also borrows plenty of ideas from the entry-level Neo, effectively merging the two extremes into a midrange device with impressive specs and a revolutionary design.
If you have been juggling between something like the DJI Neo and the Mini 4 Pro, you might find that the Flip meets you perfectly in the middle: it promises practicality, solid battery life, top-notch picture quality, and a host of software features that make controlling this drone a joy right out of the box.
Check out our full review below.
Build and Design
Revolutionary Foldable Propeller Guard
One of the most significant distinctions of the DJI Flip is its foldable full-coverage propeller guard. Unlike other drones that require you to detach or attach guard accessories before stowing them, the Flip integrates these protective covers directly into its design. This not only protects the propellers from damage inside your bag or backpack but also ensures that beginners feel more secure during flight.
The innovation goes a step further. Flipping out the propeller guards also powers on the drone—think of it as an intuitive “flip-and-fly” approach that streamlines the takeoff process. No fussing around with external attachments or complicated steps; you simply open the drone’s arms, and it’s practically ready.
Compact but Durable Construction
Despite its sturdy appearance, the DJI Flip weighs under 249 grams, putting it in a category that often allows flight without requiring special registration in many regions. This weight class has become increasingly popular since it retains all the perks of a bigger drone—like a strong camera system—without the additional regulatory hoops.
DJI also made sure the Flip’s outer shell is made of durable plastic that withstands bumps, knocks, and the normal wear and tear of frequent travel. Paired with the smooth “unfold-and-lock” mechanism, the Flip feels engineered for minimal user hassle without sacrificing longevity.
No Extra Step Needed for Storage
The real genius behind the design is how easy it is to store. Unlike something like my DJI Mini 4 Pro, which might require removing or installing propeller guards before you can neatly tuck it away, the Flip’s foldable guard system is an all-in-one process. During hectic shoots, especially at events or on-location coverage, any time you can save is a massive plus. As soon as you flip the guards back in, the drone compacts into one small piece, ready to be slid into your bag in a few seconds.
Overall, this new approach to design feels a step above other drones in its class. It is a fresh take that many aerial photography enthusiasts will likely appreciate right away.
Software and AI Features
Palm Takeoff and Quick Presets
Of course, the Flip’s hardware changes only scratch the surface. In typical DJI fashion, the software suite is equally impressive. The “palm takeoff” feature is particularly convenient: once you flip out the propellers, you can place the drone in your hand and press the main action button to initiate a quick takeoff. A sensor on the front LED panel also lets you cycle through quick preset modes without connecting your smartphone or RC-N2 controller if you wish. This is reminiscent of the ultra-portability and simple flight approach branded into the DJI Neo, but it feels more refined, offering an instant launch for capturing sudden, fleeting moments.
AI-Driven Tracking and MasterShots
You also get AI subject tracking similar to the system found on the Mini 4 Pro, as well as MasterShots and QuickShots for automated flight maneuvers. This is tremendously beneficial for vloggers, travelers, and content creators who want engaging aerial shots without learning complex piloting maneuvers. You simply select a desired shot type—like Circle, Rocket, Boomerang, or Helix—and let the AI handle the rest while maintaining a locked focus on you or your subject.
Voice Control and More
In addition to these quick-shot features, the Flip also supports voice control, letting you command certain functions without reaching for a controller or app. This is paired with O4 transmission capability, so you can maintain a strong signal even in environments with moderate interference. And if capturing crisp audio is part of your workflow, the Flip’s usability with the DJI Mic Mini is sure to delight you. A new firmware update allows you to toggle noise-cancellation on or off, letting you capture voice-overs with more clarity in windy or otherwise noisy environments.
How it Differs from the DJI Neo
The DJI Neo is loved for its ultra-portability and indoor-friendly, palm-launch design, but it falls short on certain performance benchmarks. Unsurprisingly, the Flip appears to address many of those gaps while retaining Neo’s boundary-breaking simplicity.
- Flight Time: With the Flip, you get up to 31 minutes of flight time on a full charge—often closer to 30 in practice before a forced Return to Home (RTH). In contrast, the Neo typically hits the 15- to 18-minute mark. This effectively doubles the run time, giving you more freedom to capture additional footage.
- Camera Quality: The Flip boasts a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that can shoot up to 4K HDR video at 60fps, on par with the Mini 4 Pro. The Neo is more modest in its camera abilities, often capped to 4K 30fps with simpler color profiles.
- Propeller Protection: The Neo relies on optional propeller guards you have to attach. The Flip comes with full-coverage, foldable prop guards integrated right into its design—far more convenient for quick transitions between flights.
- Parallel Charging Hub: While the Neo requires standardized, sequential battery charging, the Flip’s parallel charging hub can juice up multiple batteries simultaneously. The hub can also be used as a powerbank for your other devices. This is a feature that the Neo either lacks or implements in a less seamless way.
Overall, if you enjoyed the immediate takeoff and beginner-friendly vibe of the Neo but found its flight time, camera performance, and lack of integrated propeller guards limiting, the Flip might be the perfect upgrade.
How it Differs from the DJI Mini 4 Pro
At a glance, the Mini 4 Pro and the Flip share many traits: both weigh under 249g, feature robust camera systems, and offer advanced features such as detailed subject tracking. But the Flip sets itself apart in a few key areas:
- Foldable Propeller Guard: The Mini 4 Pro typically requires manual setups for propeller protection, or you buy separate protectors and install them before storing or traveling. The Flip’s guards are built into the frame; you just flip them out and go. This transforms portability and might be a potential game-changer for travelers who want minimal fuss.
- Palm Launch Simplicity: While the Mini 4 Pro can also start from your palm, the Flip’s immediate “flip-and-fly” approach is even more straightforward. There’s a dedicated button sequence that helps you launch on the fly, no pun intended.
- Pricing: As advanced as the Mini 4 Pro is, it commands a higher price—often near the top tier of consumer drones. The Flip slots into a more comfortable midrange category, offering a cost-effective option that still delivers professional-grade imagery.
- Battery Life: The Mini 4 Pro can edge out the flip by a few minutes of flight time, typically pushing closer to 34 minutes. The Flip comes close, hitting around 31 minutes on paper, although real-world usage might see it leveling out to about 30. This margin is small, but may matter for large-scale professional shoots.
The Flip is effectively bridging the gap between the playful simplicity of the Neo and the advanced perks of the Mini 4 Pro. It is arguably perfect for intermediate enthusiasts or prosumers who want something that can handle professional tasks while remaining approachable.
Battery Performance
In practice, the DJI Flip consistently delivers around 30 minutes of flight time before initiating an automatic Return to Home. That’s a substantial improvement over the DJI Neo’s 15–18 minutes, and just slightly under the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s 34 minutes. For most casual videographers – like me, 30 minutes is enough to capture a variety of shots on a single battery, especially if you plan your flight path or filming objectives in advance.
Parallel Charging Convenience
One of the biggest highlights is the Parallel Charging Hub, which charges multiple batteries simultaneously, drastically reducing total charge time. It’s also capable of functioning as a powerbank—useful if you need to top up your phone or remote controller mid-shoot. If you buy the Fly More Combo, you’ll also get multiple batteries included, potentially giving you nearly 90 minutes of total aerial coverage in the field.
Pricing
The DJI Flip comes in three packages according to your preference:
- Drone-Only Package (PhP22,890): Ideal for those who want to keep it simple. You get the aircraft, the DJI RC-N3, one battery, a pair of extra propellers, and a gimbal protector.
- Standard Combo (PhP32,890): Includes everything in the Drone-Only package, but bundled with the DJI RC2 and a few extra items minus the full array of spares.
- Fly More Combo (PhP40,890): Comes with all the bells and whistles—DJI RC2, the battery set, extra propellers, the Parallel Charging Hub, a protective shoulder bag, and more. For avid travelers or those who cover events regularly, the Fly More Combo might be the best pick for its convenience and cost savings on accessories.
For a drone that merges the functionalities of the DJI Mini 4 Pro (particularly in camera and flight safety) with the easy approachability of the Neo, these price points are extremely competitive. If you’ve been delaying the purchase of a Mini 4 Pro solely due to budget reasons, the Flip’s more modest cost could be an appealing alternative.
Verdict
To put it plainly, the DJI Flip stands out as a true midrange champion. Its foldable, full-coverage propeller design addresses a common travel pain point—damaging or unprotecting propellers in a crowded bag—while also simplifying storage and saving you precious minutes during setup and teardown. The ability to flip it open and instantly power on is an engineering masterstroke that drone operators will love if they value spontaneity and convenience.
But that’s only half the story. DJI loaded the Flip with robust imaging capabilities—a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 4K/60 fps HDR video, and a 48MP photo mode. It also inherits advanced AI features: palm takeoff, QuickShots, MasterShots, and possible voice control. If you pair it with an RC2 controller or a smartphone, you can push your creativity further with epic tracking shots or crisp vlogs. Meanwhile, added niceties like O4 transmission and the option to connect a DJI Mic Mini 2 show DJI’s continuing attention to detail.
Sure, the Flip doesn’t quite reach the battery durations or full-sensor potential of top-tier drones like the Mini 4 Pro, nor is it as light and barebones as the Neo. But the Flip hits a sweet spot for the vast majority of pilots: it’s as simple as the Neo, as capable (in many ways) as the Mini 4 Pro, and lighter in the wallet than either, depending on the package you choose.
If you’re looking for a solid, well-designed camera drone that folds neatly, takes less than a minute to launch from your palm, and boasts pro features without an overly hefty price tag, then the DJI Flip might just be your dream drone. It embodies the best elements of DJI’s product lineup—complete portability, strong midrange feature set, and a surprising capacity for capturing vivid shots. Ultimately, it’s a genius approach to design that truly does make flight a flip away, and that alone is worth every penny.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
