DJI is innovative (and fairly leaked) drones with the launch of the Flip, a lightweight, human-safe model that folds in a new direction (downward) to accommodate large shrouded propellers. The new model will appeal to both beginners and experienced users with its features such as a large sensor, 4K 100p video, security features, a three-axis gimbal and an affordable price.
The company says the Flip “combines the simplicity of DJI Neo with the superb photographic capabilities of DJI Mini” but is better than both in many ways. It borrows a LiDAR system from the Air 3S for obstacle detection, and the Flip’s propellers are shielded on all sides, making it nearly impossible to hurt someone with them. DJI claims that the support structure of the guards is made of carbon fiber rope, which is 1/60th the weight of the polycarbonate material and is just as strong. This helped keep the weight below 249 grams, so buyers will be able to fly it without a license in most countries.
To begin with, Flip is similar to Neo; users can place it on their hand and choose from six smart shooting modes, such as Dronie or Boomerang. It will then automatically take off and execute flight mode, capturing high-quality video up to 4K 60p while avoiding obstacles with its LiDAR sensor. This will help creators new to drones get quick and interesting aerial shots safely.
More advanced users can also fly with a controller like the RC 2 with screen or the RC-N3 without screen. This allows full manual control and also unlocks DJI’s FocusTrack technology (with ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0 and Point of Interest 3.0), allowing you to automatically track yourself or another subject. It will also avoid obstacles in front thanks to LiDAR and objects below thanks to its 3D infrared system. However, Flip cannot track obstacles behind it, so users should be careful when flying backwards.
If you’re hoping to use the Flip as an FPV drone, you can forget about it. Unlike the Neo, Goggles does not support the combination of N3 and Motion 3 controls, and there is no information on whether it will in the future.
Flip can fly forward at up to 26 MPH in sport mode (with object detection disabled); That’s pretty fast for such a small drone. Given its light weight and large deployment area, it will not be the best drone in strong winds. But the large propellers also mean the Flip is much quieter in flight than the Neo; This means it will be more convenient to use at events such as weddings or concerts.
The batteries weigh 83.5 grams, but pack 3,110mAh of power, allowing the Flip to stay in the air for up to 34 minutes (around 28 minutes in the real world). They can be charged much more quickly (70 minutes for two batteries with a power of 65 W) directly on the drone or using the four-battery charger from the Fly More kit. To keep weight down, the Flip doesn’t have built-in internal storage, so you’ll need a high-speed microSD card.
The Flip supports DJI’s O4 transmission system with live video up to 1080p at 60fps. This allows a maximum range of 8 miles in the US or 5 miles in Europe – very good for such a small device. Like the Neo, the Flip can be controlled from a smartphone via Wi-Fi, but only from up to 50 meters away.
With the same 1/1.3-inch sensor as the Mini 4 Pro, you can expect to get about the same (very good) video and photo quality. Coverage supports 4K at up to 60fps in slow motion, or 4K at 100fps in normal, HDR or D-LogM quality. Unlike the Mini 4 Pro, the camera doesn’t rotate sideways to allow full resolution vertical shooting, so it’s limited to 2.7K – a bit disappointing for TikTok or Insta creators.
DJI’s latest drone appears to be partly a response to rival SurvolAir. HoverAir also makes lightweight drones with ducted propellers that fold, while still offering easy takeoff and creator-friendly features. However, the Flip’s propellers are larger and the flight time is doubled.
One minor drawback I noticed is that the Flip’s propellers don’t have much ground clearance, so they tend to get stuck on takeoff, even in short grass. Therefore, you will usually need to get up from a flat, smooth surface or your hand. For more details, my full Engadget review will be posted soon.
Otherwise, the Flip looks like another solid drone from DJI, offering more utility (and much less noise) than the Neo at just over $200. Flip is currently available for $439 with the RC-N3 Display Controller, $639 with the RC 2 Display Controller, or $779 with the Fly More Kit with the RC 2 Display Controller, Charging Hub , carrying case and two extra batteries.
