DJI Flip leak suggests a new take on foldable drones

Just remember: this drone folds, but it’s not origami – don’t push your luck

DJI Mini 3 Pro drone flying in a dramatic landscape
(Image credit: DJI / @Muratmcmxc)

Just when you thought DJI had already revolutionised drones in every possible way, along comes the Flip – a foldable, pocket-friendly marvel that’ll surely turn heads (and propellers) once it's officially announced.

Leaks suggest this pint-sized drone could replace the Mini 5 in DJI's lineup, but the big question is: what’s it flipping out about?

Taking cues from the DJI Neo, which has been a huge success this year, the upcoming DJI Flip resembles HoverAir’s drones (check out T3's HoverAir X1 review), at least in terms of foldability.

Sure, some DJI drones fold, like the DJI Mini 3 Pro, but the Flip, as the name suggests, will feature propellers that fold downward instead of inwards.

This compact design is a departure from DJI’s traditional foldable drones and seems geared toward making the Flip ultra-portable, even more so than the DJI Mini series.

Leaks suggest that the Flip will feature propeller guards and larger, ducted propellers, likely to make flights quieter and safer, which is ideal for a semi-autonomous selfie drone.

On the tech side, the Flip is rumoured to include DJI’s O4 (OcuSync 4) transmission system, which would ensure reliable connectivity and compatibility with DJI’s latest controllers.

There’s also speculation about advanced obstacle detection via LiDAR sensors, which would make the Flip smarter and more responsive to its environment.

Battery life appears to be a key selling point, with a 3,110mAh battery expected to power longer flights compared to some of DJI's smaller drones, like the Neo.

Some reports indicate that the Flip could replace the anticipated Mini 5 series, suggesting that DJI might be reorganising its lineup to prioritise innovation in design and technology.

While DJI has not officially announced the pricing or release date, many, including us, expect the Flip to debut in early 2025, maybe even at CES.

One thing is for sure: the Flip looks smart, stylish, and savvy, so it's not unlikely it'll be in everyone's travel bags come summer 2025.

[via The Verge, Techradar, DroneXL]

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.