The DJI Matrice 4T and the new DJI Matrice 5T are both compact thermal drones for public safety, inspection and security work. Both fly with a thermal camera, zoom cameras and a laser rangefinder on one gimbal, and both run on DJI’s O4 Enterprise transmission. So why would you pay more for the 5T? It comes down to weather, night work, power lines and how long you need to stay in the air.
Quick comparison
| DJI Matrice 4T | DJI Matrice 5T | |
|---|---|---|
| Take-off weight | 1219 g | 2239 g |
| Max flight time* | 49 min | 59 min |
| Thermal camera | 640 × 512 (1280 × 1024 in High-Res Mode) | 1280 × 1024 native (2560 × 2048 in UHR mode) |
| Wide camera | 48 MP, 1/1.3-inch | 1/0.98-inch, f/1.8, colour night vision to 0.01 lux |
| Zoom | 70 mm and 168 mm tele, up to 112× hybrid | 50 MP 3× medium tele and 11× tele, up to 176× hybrid |
| Laser rangefinder | Up to 1800 m | Up to 3 km |
| Weather protection | No IP rating, avoid rain | IP55, flies in rain and dust |
| Operating temperature | −10 to 40 °C | −20 to 50 °C |
| Obstacle sensing | Six low-light fisheye vision sensors plus 3D infrared | 360° LiDAR (power lines to 32 m), mmWave radar, vision |
| Transmission (South Africa, CE) | O4 Enterprise, up to 12 km | O4 Enterprise Enhanced, up to 20 km |
| Remote controller | DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise | DJI RC Plus 3 Enterprise |
| Battery | 99.5 Wh, up to 200 cycles | 215 Wh, self-heating |
Thermal and night vision
This is the biggest difference. The Matrice 4T has a 640 × 512 thermal camera that can output 1280 × 1024 in High-Res Mode. The Matrice 5T has a native 1280 × 1024 thermal sensor, with an ultra-high-resolution mode of 2560 × 2048. That means more detail on a hot joint, a person in bush or a faulty solar panel, from further away.
At night, the 4T relies on a near-infrared light that reaches about 100 m. The 5T’s large 1/0.98-inch wide camera gives full-colour night vision down to 0.01 lux, so you see the scene in colour, not just in thermal, and it can fuse thermal and colour on the remote’s screen.
Weather: the deciding point for many buyers
The Matrice 4T has no IP rating. DJI’s own advice is to avoid water and land if it starts raining. The Matrice 5T is IP55 and works from −20 to 50 °C. If your team gets called out in summer storms, works mines in the dust, or cannot cancel a search because of the weather, the 5T is the safer choice.
Power lines and obstacle sensing
Thin wires are the hardest obstacle for any drone. The 4T uses six low-light fisheye vision sensors and an infrared sensor underneath, which work well around buildings and trees. The 5T adds 360° LiDAR that detects power lines up to 32 m away and mmWave radar that sees through fog and rain. For utilities, substation work and flying close to structures at night, this is a real safety step up.
Flight time, range and batteries
The 5T flies up to 59 minutes against 49 minutes for the 4T*. Its 215 Wh battery self-heats for cold mornings, and in South Africa its O4 Enterprise Enhanced link reaches up to 20 km, against 12 km for the 4T (both CE figures). It also has two built-in 4G dongles, so it stays connected when the radio link is blocked.
Size and portability
Here the 4T wins. At 1219 g it is roughly half the weight of the 5T and packs into a smaller case. If your officers carry the drone in a vehicle or on foot and mostly fly in fair weather, the 4T is lighter to carry and quicker to hand around a team.
Accessories are not shared
Matrice 5T accessories do not fit the Matrice 4 Series. The 4T uses the AL1 SpotLight and AS1 Speaker; the 5T uses the stronger AL2 SpotLight and AS2 Speaker, which broadcasts up to 400 m. If you already run a fleet of Matrice 4 drones and batteries, keep that in mind when planning an upgrade.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Matrice 4T if you want a light, proven thermal drone for daytime and fair-weather work, such as security patrols, insurance and property inspections, or a first thermal drone for your team.
- Choose the Matrice 5T if you fly at night, in rain or dust, near power lines, or for long search missions. It suits search and rescue, utilities, mining and anyone who cannot afford to stay on the ground when the weather turns.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Matrice 5T a replacement for the Matrice 4T?
No. The 4T stays in DJI’s line-up as the lighter, compact option. The 5T sits above it for harder conditions.
Can the Matrice 4T fly in the rain?
No. It has no IP rating. If rain starts, return and land as soon as possible. The Matrice 5T is IP55 rated.
Do I need a licence to fly either drone for work?
Yes. Commercial flying in South Africa needs a Remote Pilot Licence and an operator certificate. Read our drone licence guide, and ask about our SACAA-approved pilot training.
See both drones in action
Every enterprise drone we sell is quoted on request, set up before handover and serviced in Randburg by RMT-certified technicians. Request a quote for the Matrice 4T or request a quote for the Matrice 5T, or book a demo flight at our branch at 280 Oak Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg. You can also WhatsApp us on 075 231 2982.
* Specifications from DJI, measured in controlled conditions. Actual flight time and range vary with weather, payload and firmware.
