Xiaomi Mijia V988 Camera Drone Review:

Discover the Xiaomi Mijia V988 8K camera drone—lightweight, powerful, and packed with pro features in a compact 148g design.

If you’re looking for a high-performance camera drone that fits in your palm yet delivers cinematic visuals, the Xiaomi Mijia V988 deserves your attention. This ultra-light quadcopter combines 8K resolution, brushless motors, and advanced obstacle avoidance in a body weighing just 148 grams, making it an ideal choice for both hobbyists and content creators.

📦 Key Features at a Glance

• Ultra-High 8K Camera (7680×4320 resolution) with 1/1.28" sensor

• Triple stabilization: Optical, Electronic (EIS), and Gimbal stabilization

• Built-in 5.6" HD display on the remote controller for real-time FPV

• Brushless motors for stronger power and longer lifespan

• Complete omnidirectional obstacle avoidance

• 3km control range and 20-minute flight time per battery

• Lightweight 148g build, under the 249g registration threshold in many countries

• Smart flight modes: GPS-free route planning, intelligent tracking, gesture photo, orbit, and one-key return
  
  

✨ Design and Build

The V988 sports a foldable, portable design (18.6×6×16.8 cm unfolded; 14.5×6×8 cm folded), slipping easily into a backpack. Despite its compact size, it feels solid and well-built. Its integrated obstacle avoidance sensors provide 360° protection, stopping the drone automatically if an obstacle is detected.

At just 148g, it’s exceptionally travel-friendly and can bypass drone registration in many regions where heavier drones are regulated.

📷 Camera and Image Quality

Equipped with a front wide-angle HD lens and a bottom optical flow positioning lens, the V988 captures ultra-sharp 8K footage with impressive detail. The combination of EIS, optical stabilization, and a 2-axis gimbal ensures smooth, blur-free shots even in breezy conditions.

For creators who want flexibility, it also supports 4K and 6K recording modes, making it suitable for social media content, vlogs, or professional aerial photography.

⚡ Performance and Flight Experience

The 1503 brushless motors deliver stable thrust and quiet operation, while the 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-frequency system enhances connectivity and reduces signal interference. It can withstand winds up to 10 km/h and reach a remote distance of 3 km, ideal for open-field exploration.

With its 3.7 V 1800 mAh battery, flight time averages 15–20 minutes, and batteries are removable and replaceable—great for extended shooting sessions.

🧠 Smart Flight Modes

The V988 includes a suite of intelligent flight features to make flying intuitive:

• Custom route drawing via the companion app

• Intelligent subject tracking and surround/orbit mode

• Gesture-based photo and video controls

• One-key takeoff/landing and return

• Headless mode for beginner-friendly control
  
  

These features make the drone accessible even to first-time pilots, while still offering creative options for experienced users.

📋 What’s in the Box

• Drone × 1

• Remote controller with built-in screen × 1

• Battery × 1 (optional up to 3)

• Memory card + card reader × 1

• Spare propellers × 4

• USB cables × 2

• Screwdriver × 1

• Instruction manuals × 2
  
  

✅ Pros and Cons

Pros

• Crisp 8K video with multi-layer stabilization

• Lightweight, portable, and registration-friendly

• Long 3km control range with built-in FPV screen

• Full obstacle avoidance and smart flight modes

• Affordable alternative to heavier pro drones
  
  

Cons

• 20-minute max flight per battery

• No GPS module onboard

• Limited wind resistance (<10 km/h)
  
  

🏁 Final Verdict

The Xiaomi Mijia V988 Camera Drone is a compelling choice if you want professional-grade aerial photography without the bulk. Its 8K resolution, intuitive controls, and ultra-light build make it perfect for travelers, vloggers, and drone enthusiasts who value convenience and performance.

If you need a lightweight, travel-ready drone that doesn’t compromise on camera quality, the V988 is absolutely worth considering.