One of the coolest parts is the educational angle. The Tello works with Scratch coding, so it’s perfect for students who want to learn basic drone programming without frying expensive gear. Thanks to some Intel sensors and DJI tech, it actually hovers surprisingly well indoors — you can fly it around your living room like a hyperactive parakeet and it won’t immediately slam into the TV.

But let’s not sugar-coat the weak spots. The WiFi video feed has noticeable lag and frame drops, so expect frozen frames like a ‘90s webcam if you fly too far away. Outdoors, it’s basically a featherweight kite — the tiniest breeze can send it on a one-way trip to the neighbor’s yard. There’s no GPS, so forget about auto return-to-home; if you lose signal, you’d better hope the drone gods are merciful. The flight time is short too — Ryze claims 13 minutes, but realistically you’ll squeeze out 8–10 if you’re zipping around. Extra batteries are a must.

So, who should buy this thing? Total beginners, kids, or students wanting an ultra-safe practice drone. It’s perfect for dipping your toes in the drone pool without drowning your wallet. Teachers and STEM clubs also get a lot of bang for their buck with the coding aspect.

Who shouldn’t buy it? Anyone hoping to film cinematic YouTube videos — the footage will disappoint you. It’s not built for outdoor adventures on breezy days either, and if you want pro features like GPS, obstacle avoidance, or serious range, you’re barking up the wrong toy drone.

Bottom line: The Tello is training wheels for drone flight — fun, forgiving, and a solid way to learn. Just remember you’re flying a toy, not a baby Mavic. If you treat it that way, you’ll get your money’s worth. If you want a good next-step drone once you outgrow this flying hamster, just say the word — I’ve got recommendations ready.

What makes the Mini 4 Pro shine is how much tech DJI has squeezed into something this small. Staying under 249 grams means you can skip FAA registration in the U.S. (though you still have to follow all the drone rules — no, the cops won’t look the other way just because your drone is cute). It folds up to about the size of a hefty sandwich, so it’s easy to toss in a backpack, glovebox, or even a big jacket pocket if you’re feeling sneaky.

Despite its size, the camera is genuinely impressive. You’re getting 4K video at 60fps, 10-bit D-Log M, HDR, vertical shooting for your TikTok empire, and surprisingly solid low-light performance for a sensor this tiny. Photos are sharp, shoot RAW, and DJI’s color science is still the gold standard for drones in this class — punchy but realistic.

One huge upgrade from the older Minis is obstacle avoidance. The Mini 4 Pro actually has omnidirectional sensors, so it can see forward, backward, and sideways. That means you can trust it to weave around trees and branches when using ActiveTrack, instead of turning into a flying lawn dart like the old Minis would if you weren’t careful.

Battery life is solid too. The standard battery gives you about 34 minutes on paper, realistically more like 25–30 if you’re doing anything besides hovering. The “Plus” battery can push it to around 45 minutes, but that bumps it over 250g — so check your local laws if you care about staying under the registration line. The signal strength is also top-tier thanks to OcuSync 4, which gives you a rock-solid HD feed at surprisingly long distances. Realistically, you’ll lose sight before you lose signal — though you’re still legally supposed to keep it in sight.

The drone is smart enough that a total beginner can launch, shoot, and land without sweating. Automated QuickShots, MasterShots, waypoints, and subject tracking are all there — so if you’re not up for manual piloting, it’ll basically direct itself.

Of course, the Mini 4 Pro has its limits. It’s still a tiny drone, so physics is not on your side if the wind picks up. A gusty day will push it around, and while the gimbal does an admirable job smoothing things out, you can’t expect Mavic 3-level stability in rough weather. Low light is better than you’d expect, but you’ll see noise and softness if you push it too far past golden hour. There’s no variable aperture either — so get comfortable using ND filters to tame exposure.

Also, don’t kid yourself: you’re going to want more than one battery, an ND filter set, maybe the RC Pro controller down the road — all of which bumps up the total price fast. And while the obstacle avoidance is impressive for something so small, it’s not foolproof. Tiny branches, power lines, or flying backward too fast can still ruin your day if you get complacent.

If you’re a traveler, vlogger, or hobby creator who wants gorgeous aerial shots without lugging a giant rig, the Mini 4 Pro is unbeatable. It’s also fantastic for new pilots thanks to its safety features and relatively forgiving design. Small businesses, realtors, or solo operators who need good-looking drone footage on a budget will get great value here too.

If you’re a commercial pilot shooting pro-grade projects, or you plan to fly in high winds or nasty weather, step up to the Air 3 or Mavic 3 Classic — they’re built for real-world abuse. The Mini 4 Pro is not a flying cinema camera for Netflix Originals; it’s a super-capable flying smartphone camera that happens to be ridiculously portable and very fun.

Bottom line: the DJI Mini 4 Pro punches way above its weight. Know its limits, fly smart, and you’ll get pro-level footage out of something that weighs less than your phone. Treat it like the ultimate pocket drone — not a Hollywood production rig — and you’ll have zero regrets. If you want, I can break down how it stacks up to the Air 3 or Mavic 3 next — just say the word.