DJI is gearing up to launch its new Lito drone lineup on April 23 at 12:00 GMT, aiming to shake up the compact drone segment with competitive pricing. Early teasers reveal only the slogan ”Just Fly” and the product names, but a fresh leak from Dealabs has exposed the full pricing structure for the French market, positioning Lito to arrive just days after DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4 and a new portable power bank hit shelves.

The entry-level Lito 1 is expected to replace aging models like the Mini 4K and Mini 3, retailing from €339 with the RC-N3 controller included. Sources indicate it will pack 22 GB of built-in storage and offer flight times up to 30 minutes. DJI plans a Fly More Combo bundle priced around €479.

Stepping up, the Lito X1 is being positioned to rival the Mini Pro series but with a more aggressive price tag starting at €419-considerably below earlier rumors of around $700. The X1 reportedly features 42 GB of onboard memory and a LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance system. Its premium Fly More Combo Plus kit, paired with the RC 2 controller, is expected to cost €759.

Both Lito drones weigh under 249 grams, allowing them to sidestep heavier regulatory hurdles common for heavier UAVs in regions like Europe and the U.S. Key features include DJI’s new O5 transmission system, which may leverage 5G networks to boost signal strength in urban environments. They also sport foldable designs with eye-catching orange propeller tips and three-axis gimbals for camera stabilization.

These Lito models were already spotted in FCC filings from late 2023, hinting at an eventual U.S. release despite ongoing import restrictions on DJI products. Details such as sensor sizes and maximum video resolution remain under wraps for now. Sales are expected to begin shortly after the official unveiling at the end of April.

DJI’s Lito drone line aims to broaden access to capable, lightweight drones that comply with increasingly strict drone regulations worldwide. The under-249g weight class is especially coveted by hobbyists and professionals who want hassle-free flight without extensive licensing. It will be interesting to see how Lito stacks up against Apple’s rumored AR drone initiatives or budget-friendly models from DJI rivals like Autel Robotics and Skydio. With competitive pricing and features like LiDAR obstacle avoidance, DJI might just be doubling down on winning the global compact drone race.

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