DJI Matrice 400 vs. Matrice 350 RTK: What’s New and Should You Upgrade?
The DJI Matrice 400 represents the next step in DJI’s enterprise drone lineup — not a simple refresh, but a meaningful evolution of the Matrice 350 RTK. This article highlights the real, practical upgrades operators should care about.
Overview
The Matrice 350 RTK has been one of the most widely-used enterprise drones thanks to its reliability, payload compatibility, and strong all-around performance. The new Matrice 400 builds on that foundation with a more powerful airframe, expanded payload support, improved endurance under load, and better mission efficiency.
What’s New on the Matrice 400 Compared to the Matrice 350
1. Higher Payload Capacity & Multi-Sensor Lifting
The most significant upgrade is the Matrice 400’s increased lift capability. While the M350 handles typical enterprise payloads, the M400 is designed to carry larger multi-sensor packages such as:
- LiDAR + RGB simultaneously
- Thermal + zoom + auxiliary sensors
- Heavier third-party inspection cameras
This allows operators to combine workflows that previously required two separate flights.
2. Longer Endurance Under Load
Although both drones have similar “no payload” flight times, the M400 holds its endurance much better when flying heavier sensors. With typical dual-camera setups, the M400 often maintains an additional several minutes of usable flight time, a major advantage for mapping, LiDAR, and long-distance inspections.
3. More Powerful Motors & Faster Flight Performance
The M400 features updated propulsion with:
- Higher thrust motors
- Improved efficiency at heavier takeoff weights
- Higher route speeds for corridor inspections
- More responsive ascent and descent rates
The result is quicker transit between waypoints and reduced total mission time.
4. Reinforced Airframe & Higher Gross Takeoff Weight
DJI upgraded the frame structure, landing gear, and mounting system to support the higher payload limits. The M400’s tougher chassis also improves long-term durability for daily enterprise use, especially in industrial or public-safety environments.
5. Expanded Payload Mounting Options
The Matrice 400 introduces more flexible mounting options, allowing operators to:
- Run multiple gimbals more easily
- Mount heavier single gimbals without compromising balance
- Integrate larger third-party payloads using redesigned IO and power interfaces
6. Improved Mission Efficiency for Long-Range & Corridor Work
Thanks to its higher cruise speeds and endurance under load, the M400 is noticeably more efficient for:
- Powerline inspections
- Railway and highway corridors
- Large-area mapping
- Emergency response requiring quick arrival
7. Better Thermal Performance & Stability in Harsh Conditions
The new thermal design and airflow system help the M400 sustain higher loads in hotter environments — something the M350 struggled with when carrying its heaviest payloads in the summer.
8. Updated Electronics & Integration Capabilities
The M400 features updated internal architecture, offering:
- More available power for payloads
- Better data throughput for high-bandwidth sensors like LiDAR
- Expanded accessory support
This future-proofs the platform for next-generation sensors.
Side-by-Side Summary
| Category | Matrice 350 RTK | Matrice 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | Light–medium payloads | Significantly higher; ideal for multi-sensor missions |
| Endurance With Payload | Drops faster with heavier sensors | Maintains strong endurance even with large payloads |
| Propulsion | Standard enterprise motors | More powerful motors & improved efficiency |
| Flight Speed | Optimized for stability | Higher route speeds for corridor missions |
| Airframe Strength | Lightweight and portable | Reinforced for heavy lift & rugged use |
| Payload Mounting | Standard mounts | Expanded configurations & heavier gimbal support |
| Best Use Cases | Inspections, public safety, mapping | LiDAR, multi-payload missions, heavy industrial work |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Matrice 350 RTK if:
- You fly primarily single-payload missions (zoom, thermal, mapping).
- You prioritize portability and lower aircraft weight.
- You want the most cost-effective platform for general enterprise use.
Choose the Matrice 400 if:
- You use LiDAR or plan to run multiple sensors at once.
- Your work requires long corridor flights or large-area coverage.
- You want a platform with more lifting power and better thermal stability.
- You need a system built for heavy-duty industrial missions.
