DJI Mini 5 Pro Leak Hints at First Category 1 Drone Under 250 Grams

A new leaked photo from Russian source Igor Bogdanov unveils more about the DJI Mini 5 Pro, suggesting an ‘imminent release’ of a category 1 drone that excites drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. The top-down image, revisiting a scene from a prior leak, reveals new advanced features for drone pilots.

Pioneering Category 1 Compliance

The DJI Mini 5 Pro could be the first Category 1 drone under 249 grams (0.55 pounds) to include Remote ID and propeller protection, enabling flights over people without waivers or parachute systems. Its lightweight propeller cages, designed to prevent lacerations, align with FAA Category 1 requirements. Almost certainly equipped with Remote ID for U.S. compliance, this mini drone could simplify operations for pilots, offering unmatched flexibility for urban and event videography.

Advanced Obstacle Avoidance and Propeller Cages

Visible in the leak, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance sensors and two front-facing LiDAR sensors enhance navigation. The propeller cages, styled like the DJI Flip‘s, aim to keep the drone under 249 grams, exempting it from FAA registration when flown recreationally. These cages, likely using lightweight materials, ensure safety while keeping the drone below 250 grams.

Fixed Propellers and Folding Concerns

The DJI Mini 5 Pro’s folding mechanism seems to mirror the DJI Mini 4 Pro, yet its fixed propellers and propeller cages spark curiosity about its folded configuration and size. Could the arm ends twist, aligning the folded drone with the compact profile of the DJI Flip? It’s challenging to imagine the Mini 5 Pro achieving the Mini 4 Pro’s sleek folded dimensions. If the cages are detachable, opting for folding propellers would have been a practical choice to reduce bulk. These questions should find answers as more leaks and images of the Mini 5 Pro surface in the coming weeks.

Upgraded Camera and Gimbal Design

The DJI Mini 5 Pro’s camera and gimbal design introduces notable changes, with exposed gimbal arms that rely on the propeller cages for protection, ensuring durability despite the altered structure. A rumored one-inch camera sensor, an upgrade from the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor, promises enhanced image and video quality for content creators.

FCC filings reveal a 4,680 mAh 33.5 Wh battery, a 30% increase over the Mini 4 Pro’s 2,690 mAh 18.9 Wh, potentially extending flight time to 50 minutes from 34, though maintaining the sub-249-gram (0.55-pound) weight remains a challenge.

Industry Trends and U.S. Availability

DJI’s ingenuity shines in the Mini 5 Pro, enhancing the popular Mini series with superior obstacle avoidance, advanced AI-powered flight modes, and improved return-to-home capabilities, all while aiming to stay under 249 grams.

These upgrades, paired with a 15.5-mile (25-kilometer) range, cater to both hobbyists and professionals. Leaker HakaSushi confirmed, “I have received reliable info that is indeed scheduled for SEPTEMBER,” aligning with Jasper Ellens’ September 2025 timeline, though a summer 2025 launch, possibly July, is feasible.

However, U.S. availability remains uncertain, potentially facing restrictions like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, leaving pilots eagerly awaiting clarity.