Ultralight drones are experiencing a subtle resurgence as we approach 2025. There have been more styles designed to launch from and land on your open palm, and the recent DJI Flip presents one of the most adorable drone designs to date. The Flip’s wings fold down effortlessly for compact transport, resembling a droid darting around a cantina in Star Wars Skeleton Crew.

The Flip is yet another ultralight drone that can take off from virtually any location. Like the $200 DJI Neo from the previous year, it comes with numerous automated shooting options for creators who prefer minimal interaction with the app or physical settings. The major improvement in the Flip is the high-quality 48MP, 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing a peak of 4K, 60 FPS video with HDR capabilities. Furthermore, the Flip can also film slow-motion videos at up to 100 FPS in 4K.

In a brief indoor trial outside the main CES convention center, DJI allowed us to pilot the drone. Although the area wasn’t sufficient to test its velocity, I appreciated its aerial stability. The four shields protecting the propellers are composed of metal instead of plastic. Theoretically, this should increase their durability, though extra propeller blades will be available for purchase. Weighing only 249 grams, or just over 0.5 pounds, the drone is not particularly heavy. While not as featherlight as the DJI Neo, the additional weight offers enhanced stability.

Folding the Flip was straightforward, although noting to fold the rear fins before the front ones is necessary. During the brief demo, I couldn’t explore the image quality extensively. DJI assures that the video quality will match that of the company’s Mini 4 Pro drone or the Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera.

DJI’s former super-light drone, the DJI Neo, was almost an overachiever given its low initial price. The Chinese drone manufacturer has crafted a slightly larger, slightly pricier model, but it should provide superior FPS at 4K and triple the battery lifespan. The Flip performs at 4K and 60 FPS, unlike the NEO’s 30 FPS, and boasts a flight duration of 31 minutes. Naturally, the battery might drain quicker under real-use conditions, especially in Sports Mode, yet it’s an upgrade from the Neo’s mere 10 to 15-minute flight capacity per charge. The new drone retains the same Quickshots, enabling users to capture brief circle strafes or boomerang sequences for rapid Instagram videos.

Drone enthusiasts might discover resemblances between the DJI Flip and the HOVERAir X1. Retailing at $520, that drone is also compact enough to fit into a handbag or a large pocket. Similar to the Neo, it does not feature GPS or obstacle avoidance technology. However, the DJI Flip can sense obstacles to prevent collisions with objects like trees. Although DJI’s obstacle detection is quite responsive, switching the drone into sports mode allows for more adventurous flights.

The DJI Flip occupies a position between the very compact, extremely light DJI Neo and the DJI Mini. While the Neo was fast and notably loud, especially within enclosed settings, the Flip maintains stable flight due to its enhanced wingspan. Its sound more closely resembles a sizable buzzing insect as opposed to a mini cyclone, particularly indoors. The improved optics also accommodate ND filters for fast-action shooting. DJI plans to sell packs of 16, 64, or 256 ND filters, although these are not included with the drone.

The DJI Flip is priced at $440, but acquiring the RC 2 controller will increase the cost to $640. The Fly More Combo, accompanying the controller, three batteries, and a charging station, is available for $780. Orders for the drone are expected to commence on Tuesday. While the U.S. government continues to waver over potentially halting DJI drone sales due to apprehensions about the Chinese firm posing a threat to the U.S., it might be wise to purchase a DJI drone sooner rather than later if you’re eager. It is advisable, however, to consult reviews, including ours, prior to making any purchases.