DJI Lito X1 vs DJI Lito 1: Which Should You Choose?

The DJI Lito 1 and DJI Lito X1 launched on 23 April 2026 as DJI's new sub-250g camera drone series for beginners and content creators. Both weigh in under the 250g threshold that exempts UK pilots from formal training in the Open Category, both share the same airframe, the same O4 transmission and the same 36 minute standard flight time. The differences sit in the camera, the safety sensors, the storage, the cold-weather rating and the price. This guide breaks down where the Lito X1 pulls ahead of the Lito 1 and which drone fits which type of pilot.

What the DJI Lito Series Replaces

DJI is positioning the Lito series as the natural successor to the older DJI Mini line. The DJI Lito 1 steps in above the Mini 4K with a sharper sensor and richer codec options. The DJI Lito X1 takes the place of the Mini 3 with a larger camera, forward-facing LiDAR and a colour profile usually reserved for higher tiers. Both aircraft fit the A1 sub-category of the UK Open Category, so an unregistered hobby pilot can fly over uninvolved people without an A2 CofC, provided they hold a Flyer ID and the aircraft is registered.

Camera and Image Quality

This is where the two drones diverge most clearly. The DJI Lito 1 carries a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with a 79 degree field of view and an f/1.8 aperture. It records 4K at up to 100 fps, supports 12 and 48 megapixel stills, and outputs in standard 8-bit colour or 10-bit H.265.

The DJI Lito X1 steps up to a 1/1.3-inch CMOS, an 82.1 degree field of view, an f/1.7 aperture and a closer 1 metre minimum focus distance. It also unlocks 4K at 60fps in HDR and adds D-Log M, a 10-bit colour profile that gives serious creators meaningful headroom in the grade. Maximum still image size jumps from 8000 by 6000 on the Lito 1 to 8064 by 6048 on the X1, and the X1 also uses a faster 1/16000 second shutter at 48 megapixels.

For pilots who want to publish straight to social channels with no colour work, the Lito 1 is more than capable. For anyone editing the footage afterwards, the X1's larger sensor, D-Log M and HDR capability change the ceiling.

Safety, Sensing and Cold-Weather Use

Both drones run omnidirectional monocular vision with a downward infrared sensor. The DJI Lito X1 adds a forward-facing LiDAR module that detects obstacles up to 36 metres ahead and works in low light where vision sensors struggle. Combined with vision-based positioning, the X1 can also memorise an outbound path and return home along that route even if it loses the satellite signal. The Lito 1 retraces only the final stage of an outbound flight as part of its Return to Home routine.

The X1 also stretches the operating temperature window to a -10 degrees Celsius minimum, against the Lito 1's 5 degree floor. UK pilots flying through autumn, winter and at altitude will feel the difference immediately.

Storage, Battery and Flight Time

The DJI Lito X1 ships with 42GB of internal memory. The Lito 1 has none and relies entirely on a microSD card up to 1TB. Both drones support the same primary Intelligent Flight Battery for a 36 minute flight time.

The X1 has one more battery option that matters. In the DJI Lito X1 Fly More Combo Plus (the UK1 class-marked package with the DJI RC 2), the aircraft is compatible with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, pushing maximum flight time to 52 minutes. The Lito 1 does not support the Plus battery in the UK or EU. For long mapping passes, real estate sweeps or extended hyperlapse work, those extra 16 minutes per battery add up across a day.

Pricing in the UK

Heliguy and other UK retailers list the Lito 1 from £299 and the Lito X1 from £369 at launch. Stepping up to the X1 Fly More Combo with the DJI RC 2 brings the X1 to £599, while the Combo Plus with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus and three batteries lands at £669. The Lito 1 Fly More Combo with the DJI RC-N3 sits at £429.

Which Drone Should You Pick

Pick the DJI Lito 1 if your priority is the lowest entry price, you publish straight from the drone, and you fly mostly in mild conditions. Pick the DJI Lito X1 if you want a larger sensor, D-Log M, internal storage, the option of the 52 minute Plus battery, forward-facing LiDAR for safer flight in tight spaces, and the ability to fly in the cold.

FAQs

Is the DJI Lito X1 worth the extra over the Lito 1?

For pilots who edit their footage or fly in lower temperatures, the X1 is the smarter buy. The larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, D-Log M, HDR video, internal storage, forward-facing LiDAR and -10 degree minimum operating temperature each justify the £70 step up over the Lito 1.

Do you need a licence to fly the DJI Lito X1 in the UK?

You need a CAA Flyer ID for any drone with a camera in the UK and an Operator ID if you own the drone. The Lito X1 is sub-250g in its standard configuration, so it sits in the A1 sub-category of the Open Category and does not require an A2 CofC to fly over uninvolved people, though you must still avoid crowds.

Does the DJI Lito X1 come with internal storage?

Yes. The DJI Lito X1 ships with 42GB of internal memory and also accepts a microSD card up to 1TB. The DJI Lito 1 has no internal storage and relies entirely on a microSD card.

Can the DJI Lito 1 use the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus?

No. In the UK and EU, the DJI Lito 1 does not support the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Only the UK1 class-marked DJI Lito X1 in the Fly More Combo Plus is compatible with the Plus battery, which extends flight time to 52 minutes.

How long does the DJI Lito X1 fly for?

The DJI Lito X1 flies for up to 36 minutes on the standard X1 Intelligent Flight Battery and up to 52 minutes when using the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Real-world flight time is closer to 23 minutes on the standard battery and around 37 minutes on the Plus battery.

Conclusion

The DJI Lito series gives newer pilots two clear paths into aerial imaging at well under the 250g threshold. The Lito 1 nails the budget lane with a strong 4K camera and the same long flight time. The Lito X1 layers on the bigger sensor, the colour science, the LiDAR safety net and the optional 52 minute battery for anyone who wants room to grow.

For more on the DJI Lito 1 or the DJI Lito X1, get in touch with our team at sales@coptrz.com or 0330 111 7177.