Products
DJI Matrice 5TD vs DJI Matrice 4TD: What's the difference?
Compare the DJI Matrice 5TD and Matrice 4TD, including thermal imaging, cameras, flight time, safety features, and dock compatibility, to find the right drone.
The DJI Matrice 5TD is the aircraft for DJI Dock 4, built for automated remote operations. Compared with the Matrice 4TD, it has four times the native thermal resolution (1280 x 1024 vs 640 x 512), up to 59 minutes of flight time (vs 54), built-in LiDAR and mmWave sensing, and a built-in FTS with DJI AP1 Parachute support. The Matrice 4TD works with Dock 3 and can also fly standalone.
Comparing the docks instead? See our DJI Dock 4 vs DJI Dock 3 guide.
heliguy™ can help you start and scale your operations with the DJI Matrice 5TD and DJI Matrice 4TD. Contact us for more details.
Key takaways: DJI Matrice 5TD vs DJI Matrice 4TD
Dock compatibility: The Matrice 5TD pairs with DJI Dock 4. The Matrice 4TD pairs with DJI Dock 3.
Standalone use: The Matrice 4TD can fly without a dock. The Matrice 5TD is designed for dock operation only, with a limited emergency controller mode.
Thermal: The Matrice 5TD has four times the native thermal pixel count: 1280 x 1024 versus 640 x 512.
Cameras and zoom: Three 50MP visible-light cameras and up to 176x hybrid zoom, compared with 48MP cameras and 112x on the Matrice 4TD.
Flight time: Up to 59 minutes, compared with up to 54 minutes.
Sensing: Integrated LiDAR and mmWave radar on the Matrice 5TD. On the Matrice 4TD this is an optional module that reduces flight time.
Safety: DJI Matrice 5TD has a built-in independent Flight Termination System (FTS) and support for the DJI AP1 Parachute.
Payload: Up to 450 g of accessories on the Matrice 5TD, compared with 240 g on the Matrice 4TD.
DJI Matrice 5TD vs Matrice 4TD: Key specifications
The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison between the DJI Matrice 5TD and DJI Matrice 4TD.
Specification | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Compatible dock | DJI Dock 4 | DJI Dock 3 |
Fly without the dock | No, dock operation only (except emergency controller mode) | Yes, with DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise |
Maximum flight time | 59 minutes | 54 minutes |
Maximum hover time | 55 minutes | 47 minutes |
Maximum flight distance | 53 km | 43 km |
Weight (with battery, propellers, microSD) | 2,600 g | 1,850 g |
Max take-off mass | 3,050 g | 2,090 g |
Max accessory weight | 450 g | 240 g |
Battery | 12,138 mAh / 260 Wh | 6,768 mAh / 149.9 Wh |
Wide-angle camera | 50 MP, 1/0.98-inch CMOS | 48 MP, 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
Medium tele camera | 50 MP, 1/1.28-inch CMOS, 70 mm | 48 MP, 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 70 mm |
Tele camera | 50 MP, 1/1.5-inch CMOS, 252 mm | 48 MP, 1/1.5-inch CMOS, 168 mm |
Maximum hybrid zoom | 176x | 112x |
Native thermal resolution | 1280 x 1024 | 640 x 512 |
Thermal Super Resolution (video) | 2560 x 2048 | 1280 x 1024 |
Laser rangefinder | 3,000 m | 1,800 m |
Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional binocular colour vision system, rotating LiDAR, three-directional mmWave radar | Omnidirectional binocular vision system. Optional LiDAR/mmWave module |
IP rating | IP55 | IP55 |
Operating temperature | -40°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
Max wind speed resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s |
Video transmission | O4 Enterprise Enhanced | O4+ Enterprise |
Max transmission distance | FCC 40 km / CE 12 km | FCC 25 km / CE 12 km |
Prachute / FTS | DJI AP1 Parachute + built-in FTS | Supports FTS & third-party parachutes |
Dock-only vs flexible deployment
Before comparing cameras and sensors, this is the point to settle first.
The Matrice 4TD can be flown from the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise as a conventional enterprise drone, and it can also operate from DJI Dock 3. That makes it a good fit for teams that want one aircraft to cover manual missions as well as automated, remote ones.
The Matrice 5TD is essentially a Dock 4 drone. A firmware update, expected in late October, will add an emergency controller mode using the DJI RC Plus 2, but it is limited to manual flight with basic flight control and live streaming. Other functions, such as obstacle avoidance distance and mode settings, will not be supported.
In practice, if you need a drone that you can pack in a case and fly from anywhere, the Matrice 4TD is the better fit.
If your priority is a permanently installed, automated system for DFR, security or inspection, the Matrice 5TD is designed for exactly that.
It also means the two aircraft aren't interchangeable. The Matrice 5TD works with Dock 4 and the Matrice 4TD works with Dock 3, so moving from one to the other means moving to the matching dock too.
Operating mode | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Compatible dock | DJI Dock 4 | DJI Dock 3 |
Standalone flight | Emergency controller mode only (DJI RC Plus 2, firmware expected late October) | Yes, with DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise |
Live view quality | 1080p/30fps (with Dock 4) | 540p, 720p or 1080p/30fps (with Dock 3 and FlightHub 2); 720p or 1080p/30fps (with RC Plus 2 Enterprise) |
Max download speed | 20 MB/s over O4 Enterprise Enhanced; Up to 80 MB/s over high-speed Wi-Fi once landed in the dock | 20 MB/s (with Dock 3 or RC Plus 2 Enterprise) |
Max operating radius | 10 km | 10 km |
Thermal imaging: A significant upgrade
The DJI Matrice 5TD and DJI Matrice 4TD are both thermal drones. So, how do the Matrice 5TD's thermal capabilities stack up against the Matrice 4TD's?
The Matrice 5TD has a native thermal resolution of 1280 x 1024, four times the pixel count of the Matrice 4TD's 640 x 512. With Super Resolution enabled, that rises to 2560 x 2048, against 1280 x 1024 on the Matrice 4TD.
Maximum thermal zoom also increases, from 28x to 32x.
Behind the resolution jump are a smaller 8 µm pixel pitch (against 12 µm) and a faster f/0.85 thermal lens (against f/1.0). The maximum measurable temperature in low gain mode also rises from 500°C to 550°C.
What this means in practice:
Utilities and infrastructure: More detail when inspecting distant or small components, and better identification of temperature anomalies.
Search and rescue and DFR: Greater ability to pick out people and other heat sources at range.
Security: Clearer thermal imagery of larger sites and perimeters.
Both aircraft also support an NIR auxiliary light for enhanced low-light operations.
Thermal camera | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Thermal imager | Uncooled VOx microbolometer | Uncooled VOx microbolometer |
Native resolution | 1280 x 1024 | 640 x 512 |
Ultra-high-resolution mode (video) | 2560 x 2048 at 30 fps | 1280 x 1024 at 30 fps |
Pixel pitch | 8 µm | 12 µm |
Frame rate | 30 Hz | 30 Hz |
Lens | 45° DFOV, 53 mm equivalent, f/0.85, focus 10 m to infinity | 45° DFOV, 53 mm equivalent, f/1.0, focus 5 m to infinity |
Sensitivity (NETD) | ≤ 50 mK at f/1.0 | ≤ 50 mK at f/1.0 |
Digital zoom | 32x | 28x |
Temperature range | High gain: -40°C to 150°C; low gain: 0°C to 550°C | High gain: -40°C to 150°C; low gain: 0°C to 500°C |
Measurement accuracy | High gain: ±2°C or ±2%; low gain: ±5°C or ±3% | High gain: ±2°C or ±2%; low gain: ±5°C or ±3% |
Photo formats | JPEG (8-bit), R-JPEG (16-bit), DLT-664 | JPEG (8-bit), R-JPEG (16-bit) |
Video bitrate (H.265) | 12 Mbps at 1280 x 1024; 24 Mbps at 2560 x 2048 | 5 Mbps at 640 x 512; 8 Mbps at 1280 x 1024 |
Colour palettes | 10 | 10 |
NIR auxiliary light FOV | 5.2° to 6.6° | 5.7° ± 0.3° |
Cameras and zoom
The Matrice 5TD uses three 50MP visible-light cameras (wide, medium tele and tele), compared with the 48MP cameras on the Matrice 4TD.
The wide camera is also a different sensor: a 50MP, 1/0.98-inch CMOS on the Matrice 5TD, compared with a 48MP, 1/1.3-inch CMOS on the Matrice 4TD.
Maximum hybrid zoom increases from 112x to 176x, which helps when you need to inspect or identify something from a safe distance.
The laser rangefinder also reaches further, up to 3,000 m compared with 1,800 m.
The tele camera changes too. The Matrice 5TD's tele lens is a 252 mm equivalent with a 9.7° field of view, compared with 168 mm and 15° on the Matrice 4TD, which gives a tighter view of distant subjects.
In night scene mode, all three Matrice 5TD cameras reach ISO 1,638,400, compared with ISO 409,600 on the Matrice 4TD's wide and medium tele cameras and ISO 819,200 on its tele camera.
Both aircraft shoot 4K at 30 fps. The Matrice 5TD records in H.265 only, while the Matrice 4TD also supports H.264, and the Matrice 5TD's minimum photo interval is 0.5 seconds compared with 0.7 seconds.
Neither aircraft has a mechanical shutter. The Matrice 5TD uses a rolling electronic shutter, though DJI has introduced algorithms to support accurate survey capture.
For dedicated mapping, however, the Matrice 4D is still the aircraft with the mechanical shutter and 4/3-inch wide camera. Find out more here.
Visible camera | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Wide-angle sensor | 1/0.98-inch CMOS, 50 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP |
Wide-angle lens | 85.7° FOV, 23.5 mm equivalent, f/1.8, focus 0.6 m to infinity | 82° FOV, 24 mm equivalent, f/1.7, focus 1 m to infinity |
Medium tele sensor | 1/1.28-inch CMOS, 50 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP |
Medium tele lens | 35° FOV, 70 mm equivalent, f/2.88, focus 3 m to infinity | 35° FOV, 70 mm equivalent, f/2.8, focus 3 m to infinity |
Tele sensor | 1/1.5-inch CMOS, 50 MP | 1/1.5-inch CMOS, 48 MP |
Tele lens | 9.7° FOV, 252 mm equivalent, f/2.8, focus 5 m to infinity | 15° FOV, 168 mm equivalent, f/2.8, focus 3 m to infinity |
Digital zoom | 16x (176x hybrid) | 16x (112x hybrid) |
ISO range (normal) | 100 to 25,600 | 100 to 25,600 |
ISO range (night scene) | 100 to 1,638,400 (all cameras) | Wide and medium tele: 100 to 409,600; tele: 100 to 819,200 |
Shutter speed | 2 to 1/8000 s (all cameras) | 2 to 1/8000 s (all cameras) |
Max image size | 8192 x 6144 (all cameras) | Wide and medium tele: 8064 x 6048; tele: 8192 x 6144 |
Minimum photo interval | 0.5 s | 0.7 s |
Video resolution | 4K at 30 fps, FHD at 30 fps | 4K at 30 fps, FHD at 30 fps |
Video codec and bitrate | H.265, 40 Mbps | H.264 (60 Mbps), H.265 (40 Mbps) |
Lens defogging | All three cameras | All three cameras |
The laser rangefinder also sees further on the Matrice 5TD
Laser rangefinder | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Normal incidence range | 3,000 m (1 Hz, 25% reflectivity target, 8,000 m visibility) | 1,800 m (1 Hz, 20% reflectivity target) |
Oblique incidence range | 1,200 m (1 Hz) | 600 m (1 Hz, 1:5 oblique distance) |
Blind zone | 1 m | 1 m |
Accuracy | Under 0.1 m within 12 m; under 0.3 m from 12 to 100 m; under 1 m from 100 to 3,000 m | Under 0.3 m from 1 to 3 m; ±(0.2 + 0.0015D) m at other distances |
Safety classification | Class 1 (IEC 60825-1:2014) | Not stated |
Flight time and weather performance
The Matrice 5TD offers up to 59 minutes of flight time, five minutes more than the Matrice 4TD's 54 minutes. These are maximum stated figures, so real-world flight times will depend on payload, wind, temperature and mission profile.
Indeed, DJI states a practical operating time of 48 minutes for the DJI Matrice 5TD.
The Matrice 5TD also has a wider operating temperature range, from -40°C to 50°C compared with the M4TD's -20°C to 50°C. Both aircraft are rated for winds of up to 12 m/s and are IP55 rated.
Hover time and range improve too: up to 55 minutes of hover time compared with 47 minutes, and a maximum flight distance of 53 km compared with 43 km.
Flight performance | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Max flight time | 59 min (15 m/s, no payload, windless | 54 min (12 m/s, photo mode, windless) |
Max hover time | 55 min | 47 min |
Max operating radius | 10 km | 10 km |
Max flight distance | 53 km (15 m/s) | 43 km (16 m/s) |
Max horizontal speed | 21 m/s (FlyTo tasks only; 15 m/s in other modes) | 15 m/s forward in Normal mode (the only mode supported with a dock) |
Max ascent / descent speed | 6 m/s / 6 m/s | 6 m/s / 6 m/s (Normal mode) |
Max take-off altitude | 6,500 m (no payload); 4,500 m at full load | 6,500 m |
Max wind speed resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s |
Operating temperature | -40°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
Hovering accuracy (RTK) | ±0.02 m horizontal, ±0.04 m vertical | ±0.1 m horizontal, ±0.1 m vertical |
Weight | 2,600 g | 1,850 g |
Max take-off mass | 3,050 g | 2,090 g |
Dimensions (no propellers) | 393 x 477 x 230 mm | 377.7 x 416.2 x 212.5 mm |
Diagonal wheelbase | 549 mm | 498.5 mm |
Propellers | 1564F foldable low-noise anti-ice | 1364F foldable low-noise anti-ice |
Battery, size and weight
The Matrice 5TD's extra capability comes with a bigger airframe and a bigger battery. Its 260 Wh battery holds around 73% more energy than the Matrice 4TD's 149.9 Wh battery, and the aircraft weighs 2,600 g compared with 1,850 g.
The size difference between the two platforms is show below.
Size | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Weight (inc. battery, props, microSD card) | 2,600 g | 1,850 g |
Max takeoff weight | 3,050 g | 2,090 g |
Dimensions (L x W x H - without propellers) | 393 x 477 x 230 mm | 377.7 x 416.2 x 212.5 mm |
Wheelbase | Diagonal Wheelbase: 549 mm | Diagonal Wheelbase: 498.5 mm |
And here's the battery comparison.
Battery | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Capacity | 12,138 mAh | 6,768 mAh |
Energy | 260 Wh | 149.9 Wh |
Voltage | 21.42 V | 22.14 V |
Cell type | Li-ion 6S (LiNiMnCoO2) | Li-ion 6S (LiNiMnCoO2) |
Battery weight | 925 g | 640 g |
Cycle count | 400 | 400 |
Charging temperature | 10°C to 55°C | 5°C to 45°C |
Discharge rate | 3C | 4C |
Max charging power | 1.8C | 1.8C |
Low-temperature charging | Self-heating charging supported | Self-heating charging supported |
Both batteries are rated for 400 cycles. Storing at high temperatures will shorten that lifespan.
On the Matrice 5TD, the battery is swapped automatically by Dock 4, with the dock charging each battery from 15% to 95% in about 27 minutes in a 25°C environment.
Dock 4 completes a fully-automatic battery swap in just 25 seconds, cutting the turnaround between flights from a 30-minute recharge to less than 60 seconds.
Obstacle sensing
The Matrice 5TD has an omnidirectional binocular colour vision system, a horizontal rotating LiDAR, a downward 3D infrared ranging sensor, and forward, upward and downward mmWave radars. Together they are designed to detect thin obstacles such as powerlines, including at night.
The Matrice 4TD uses an omnidirectional binocular vision system with a 3D infrared sensor on the bottom of the aircraft.
LiDAR and mmWave sensing is available through the separate DJI Matrice 4 Obstacle Sensing Module - pictured below - but mounting it reduces flight time.
Obstacle sensing | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Sensing system | Omnidirectional binocular colour vision, horizontal rotating LiDAR, downward 3D infrared sensor, forward/upward/downward mmWave radars | Omnidirectional binocular vision and downward 3D infrared sensor. Optional Matrice 4 Obstacle Sensing Module (235 g) adds LiDAR and mmWave radar |
Forward measurement range | 0.5 m to 25 m | 0.5 m to 20 m |
Forward detection range | 0.5 m to 200 m | 0.5 m to 200 m |
Backward / lateral measurement range | 0.5 m to 25 m / 0.5 m to 25 m | 0.5 m to 20 m / 0.5 m to 16 m |
Upward / downward measurement range | 0.5 m to 20 m / 0.5 m to 20 m | 0.5 m to 20 m / 0.5 m to 16 m |
Effective sensing speed (forward / backward / lateral) | Up to 15 / 15 / 15 m/s | Up to 15 / 12 / 10 m/s |
Effective sensing speed (upward / downward) | Up to 10 / 8 m/s | Up to 6 / 6 m/s |
Rotating LiDAR | 110 m at 100,000 lux (10% reflectivity); 360° x 59° FOV; 250,000 to 460,000 points/s; Class 1 | Optional module: 360° x 58° FOV; up to 100 m detection |
LiDAR power line detection | 32 m for 21.6 mm steel-core aluminium wire; 19 m for 11 mm black rubber cable (30° body tilt) | Optional module: effective at up to 15 m/s for 12 mm steel-core aluminium wire |
mmWave radar | 90° x 90° FOV; 40 m range (front) and 20 m (upper and lower) for a 12 mm black rubber cable | Optional module: 90° x 90° FOV |
Safety: FTS and parachute
The Matrice 5TD has a built-in independent Flight Termination System (FTS) and supports the DJI AP1 Parachute, which has a minimum deployment height of 35 m above ground level and supports manual activation and specified automatic triggers.
An overview of the parachute's specs is below.
DJI AP1 Parachute | Specification |
|---|---|
Weight | 107 g (excluding bracket) |
Dimensions | 92 x 70 x 56 mm (excluding bracket) |
Max supported take-off weight | 3,050 g |
Operating altitude | 0 to 5,000 m |
Stabilised descent speed | Under 6 m/s |
Effective deployment altitude | 35 m or above |
Automatic deployment response time | 600 ms |
Deployment method | Manual or automatic |
Independent FTS link | Supported |
Backup power duration | 30 s |
Audible and visual alarms | Aircraft beeping and indicator flashing |
Self-check | Continuously checks the gas generator and communication links, with alerts in FlightHub 2 |
Operating temperature | -40°C to 50°C |
IP rating | IP55 |
Mounting | On top of the aircraft, using the Matrice 5TD Accessory Mount |
With the FTS and parachute installed, the Matrice 5TD meets EU C5/C6 and UK5/UK6 compliance, which supports risk-based BVLOS applications.
The Matrice 4TD is compatible with third-party parachutes. DJI has said AP1 support for the Matrice 4D Series is planned for early next year. The drone also supports DJI's FTS, but this needs to be installed manually.
As such, DJI Matrice 4TD does meet C6 compliance.
Accessories: Spotlight, speaker, and parachute
The Matrice 5TD can carry up to 450 g of accessories and up to three at once, compared with a 240 g limit on the Matrice 4TD.
Matrice 5TD launches with the new DJI AL2D Spotlight, DJI AS2D Speaker, and the aforementioned DJI AP1 Parachute.
These accessories require the DJI Matrice 5TD Series Accessory Mount.
The upgrades are noticeable:
Spotlight: The AL2D delivers 11.2 lux at 100 m, compared with 4.3 ± 0.2 lux at 100 m for the AL1 Spotlight used with the Matrice 4 Series.
Speaker: Up to 120.5 dB at 1 m, compared with 114 dB at 1 m on the AS1 Speaker.
For DFR and security teams, brighter illumination and a louder speaker extend the range at which the aircraft can be used to direct or deter.
DJI AL2D Spotlight vs DJI AL1 Spotlight
The table below shows an at-a-glance comparison between the DJI AL2D Spotlight for DJI Matrice 5TD and the DJI AL1 Spotlight for the DJI Matrice 4 Series, including DJI Matrice 4TD.
Spotlight | DJI AL2D (Matrice 5TD) | DJI AL1 (Matrice 4 Series) |
|---|---|---|
Weight (excluding bracket) | 115 g | 91 g |
Dimensions (excluding bracket) | 91 x 54 x 60 mm | 79 x 164 x 28 mm |
Max power | Spotlight 40 W; floodlight 18 W; both on 48 W | 32 W |
Illuminance | Spotlight 11.2 ± 0.5 lux at 100 m; floodlight 2.7 ± 0.2 lux at 100 m | 4.3 ± 0.2 lux at 100 m; 17 ± 0.2 lux at 50 m |
Effective illumination angle | Spotlight 14.5°; floodlight 23° | 4.3 ± 0.2 lux at 100 m; 17 ± 0.2 lux at 50 m |
Effective illumination area at 100 m | Spotlight 500 m²; floodlight 1,300 m² | 1,300 m² (normal); 2,200 m² (wide FOV) |
Operating modes | Always-on (spotlight, floodlight, both, auto) and strobe (slow, fast) | Always-on and strobe |
Gimbal tilt (controllable | -90° to +90° | -90° to +35° |
Gimbal max control speed | 120°/s | 120°/s |
Operating temperature | -40°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
IP rating | IP55 | IP55 |
DJI AS2D Speaker vs DJI AS1 Speaker
The table below shows an at-a-glance comparison between the DJI AS2D Speaker for DJI Matrice 5TD and the DJI AS1 Speaker for the DJI Matrice 4 Series, including DJI Matrice 4TD.
Speaker | DJI AS2D (Matrice 5TD) | DJI AS1 (Matrice 4 Series) |
|---|---|---|
Weight (excluding bracket) | 188 g | 90 g |
Dimensions (excluding bracket) | 132 x 47 x 54 mm | 73 x 70 x 47 mm |
Max power | 30 W | 15 W |
Max volume | 120.5 dB at 1 m | 114 dB at 1 m |
Effective broadcast distance | 400 m | 300 m |
Broadcast modes | Real-time, record and broadcast, file import, text-to-speech | Real-time, record and broadcast, file input, text-to-speech |
Text-to-speech languages | Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, German | English and Mandarin Chinese |
Operating temperature | -40°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
IP rating | IP55 | IP55 |
The three accessories mount through the Matrice 5TD Accessory Mount, which weighs 40 g, measures 117 x 126 x 70 mm and has three mounting points: the AL2D Spotlight on the right side, the AS2D Speaker on the left side, and the AP1 Parachute on top.
One thing to note is that when the spotlight is on, visual obstacle sensing is disabled and only the mmWave radar and LiDAR remain active, so DJI advises flying with caution.
Transmission, connectivity and AI
The Matrice 5TD uses O4 Enterprise Enhanced transmission, with a maximum range of 40 km under FCC/IC, 25 km under SRRC and 12 km under CE/MIC.
The Matrice 4TD uses O4+ Enterprise, with 25 km under FCC and 12 km under CE, SRRC and MIC. These are one-way figures in unobstructed, interference-free conditions, so real-world range will be lower.
For mobile connectivity, the Matrice 5TD has dual 4G modules built in, supporting dual-SIM, dual-active backup transmission. The Matrice 4TD uses the DJI Cellular Dongle 2, which is sold separately.
On the software side, the Matrice 5TD's onboard AI recognition supports 17 target types, including selected animals, smoke, fire and river debris, and can filter people and vehicles by colour. The Matrice 4 Series recognises people, vehicles and vessels only.
Transmission and software | DJI Matrice 5TD | DJI Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
Video transmission system | DJI O4 Enterprise Enhanced | DJI O4+ Enterprise |
Max transmission distance (unobstructed, no interference) | IC/FCC 40 km; SRRC 25 km; CE/MIC 12 km | FCC 25 km; CE, SRRC and MIC 12 km |
Max transmission distance (unobstructed, low interference) | 15 to 32 km | 15 to 25 km |
Max transmission distance (unobstructed, strong interference) | 2.5 to 5 km | 1.5 to 5 km |
Antennas | 8 | 8 |
Cellular | Built-in dual 4G modules (up to 2.25 GB per 30 minutes with dual-SIM backup) | DJI Cellular Dongle 2 (sold separately) |
Onboard AI recognition | 17 target types | People, vehicles and, vessels |
Cloud platform | DJI FlightHub 2 | DJI FlightHub 2 |
Should Matrice 4TD owners upgrade to the Matrice 5TD?
The Matrice 5TD is a clear step up, but for an existing Matrice 4TD operator it is not a simple aircraft swap. The two aircraft use different docks, so moving to the Matrice 5TD means moving to Dock 4 as well.
What an upgrade involves:
A new dock: the Matrice 5TD works with Dock 4 only, and the Matrice 4TD works with Dock 3 only. Your Dock 3 cannot be used with the new aircraft.
New accessories: the AL2D Spotlight, AS2D Speaker, and AP1 Parachute are built for the Matrice 5TD and mount through the Matrice 5TD Accessory Mount. The AL1 Spotlight and AS1 Speaker are Matrice 4 Series accessories.
A change in how you fly: the Matrice 4TD can be flown manually with the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise. The Matrice 5TD is built for dock operation, with only a limited emergency controller mode.
A different network setup: Dock 4 connects video transmission and RTK through the DJI O4 Ground Station, so site planning and installation will differ from Dock 3.
Who should consider upgrading?
Teams whose work is limited by thermal detail, zoom or laser range, such as long-range inspection, search and rescue or security.
Operators who need the built-in FTS and AP1 Parachute for risk-based BVLOS applications.
Teams that need brighter illumination or a louder, longer-range speaker from the AL2D and AS2D.
Operators expanding or replacing their dock fleet, who can start on Dock 4 without any existing investment to work around.
Teams requiring more rapid deployments from the Dock, such as for DFR operations.
Who may be better off staying on the Matrice 4TD
Teams that fly manually as well as from a dock and rely on a portable, standalone aircraft.
Operators whose current thermal, zoom and flight time already meet their mission needs.
Sites with an established Dock 3 deployment where replacing the dock isn't justified.
If you're weighing up an upgrade, it's worth talking through your current setup and mission requirements before deciding.
heliguy™ has an in-house DJI Dock staffing architecture, including consultants, accredited technicians, software specialists, and UK SORA regulatory consultancy. Our team can help you integrate the best solution for your needs.
Matrice 5TD vs Matrice 4TD: Which is best for you?
If you need... | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
Automated DFR or security response | Matrice 5TD | Rapid redeployment with Dock 4, plus stronger thermal, zoom and sensing |
Long-range or high-detail thermal inspection | Matrice 5TD | Four times the native thermal pixels |
BVLOS operations with built-in safety systems | Matrice 5TD | Integrated FTS and dedicated DJI AP1 Parachute support |
A drone you can fly manually and from a dock | Matrice 4TD | Works standalone and with Dock 3 |
Portability and flexible, ad hoc deployment | Matrice 4TD | Not tied to a dock |
Surveying and mapping | Matrice 4D | Mechanical shutter and 4/3-inch wide camera |
Summary
The Matrice 5TD is a substantial upgrade on the Matrice 4TD in thermal resolution, zoom, flight time, sensing, payload and built-in safety. For automated DFR, security and inspection, it is the stronger aircraft.
The Matrice 4TD remains a capable and flexible choice, particularly for teams that want to fly manually as well as from a dock, or who already operate a Dock 3.
The deciding factor for most buyers will be how they plan to deploy: a permanent automated system points to the Matrice 5TD and Dock 4, while mixed manual and automated use points to the Matrice 4TD.
heliguy™ can help you compare both aircraft, assess your operational requirements and plan a deployment that delivers the right results. Speak to heliguy™ about the DJI Matrice 5TD, Matrice 4TD and DJI Dock solutions.
