As DJI continues to push the boundaries of commercial drone technology, the launch of the Matrice 400 has sparked interest across the industry. Building on the proven capabilities of the Matrice 350, the new M400 brings a range of updates – but is it truly a worthwhile upgrade?
In this blog, we take a closer look at both models, comparing performance, payload capacity, flight systems, and use-case benefits to help you decide whether sticking with the 350 is enough, or if the 400 offers the leap forward your operations need.
Payload Interfaces and Capacity: What’s New in the M400
When it comes to carrying power, the new DJI Matrice 400 takes a clear step forward. While the Matrice 350 RTK can handle up to 2.7 kg and supports up to three mounted payloads at once, the M400 more than doubles that capacity – supporting up to 6 kg and allowing for as many as seven different payloads to be mounted.
The M400 is also equipped with four external E-Port V2 interfaces, giving users more flexibility when it comes to connecting equipment. Even better, one of these ports (E4) is expandable and can be split into four additional connections, significantly boosting the drone’s multi-payload capability for more complex missions. One of these ports, the E4, can be expanded into four extra connections – greatly increasing the drone’s capacity to handle multiple payloads for more advanced operations.
Built for Bigger Missions
One of the most practical upgrades in the DJI Matrice 400 is its significantly improved flight time. While the Matrice 350 RTK delivers up to 42 minutes of airtime, the M400 stretches that to 59 minutes when paired with a standard H30T, L2, or P1 payload. That’s nearly 50% more time in the air – a serious advantage for long or complex missions.
But it’s not just about staying in the air longer. The M400 is also faster and more efficient across the board. It reaches a topflight and route speed of 25 m/s – around 60% faster than the M350 RTK. It also climbs and descends more quickly, with ascent speeds of up to 10 m/s and descent speeds of 8 m/s.
Battery performance also sees a meaningful upgrade. The M400 uses the new TB100 high-density battery, which not only delivers more power but also charges faster – just 45 minutes compared to 60 minutes for the M350 RTK’s TB65 battery. Additionally, the M400 supports tethered power options, making it even better suited for extended or stationary operations – something that DJI doesn’t offer.
Whether you’re surveying large areas, capturing detailed data across multiple points, or responding to critical situations where every minute matters, the extended flight time, battery life and increased speed help reduce downtime whilst keeping operations moving smoothly.
Designed for Safer Operations
The Matrice 400 takes safety to the next level with a powerful sensor system combining rotating LiDAR, six-direction mmWave radar, and four full-colour low-light fisheye vision sensors. Unlike the Matrice 350, which does not include rotating LiDAR and only offers mmWave radar as an optional add-on, the M400’s integrated mmWave radar provides strong penetration in rain, fog, and snow, capturing both range and velocity information in real-time.
Meanwhile, the M400’s vision sensors capture rich visual details like colour, shape, and texture, enabling full-colour flight assist displays. Combined, these advanced technologies provide unparalleled obstacle detection – capable of identifying even the smallest details like power lines, regardless of lighting, terrain, or harsh weather – marking a significant leap forward in operational safety and reliability.
Upgraded Video Feed You Can Count On
The Matrice 400 features the new DJI O4 Enterprise transmission system, doubling the range of the Matrice 350 – from 20 km to up to 40 km (under FCC conditions). It also adds dual 4G dongle support for network redundancy and airborne relay for better performance in obstructed areas. Unlike the 350, the M400 also supports a sub-2G band for more stable transmission in high-interference or long-range environments, though it is recommended that operators ensure compatibility with local frequency regulations prior to deployment.
Advanced Detection and Automation Capabilities
When paired with the Zenmuse H30 series, the Matrice 400 brings enhanced detection capabilities through both visible light and thermal imaging. It can smartly identify targets like vehicles and vessels, seamlessly switch between detection modes, and even automatically count objects within its field of view. The Matrice 350 RTK supports visible light detection for smart tracking of vehicles and boats, while the Matrice 400 adds full thermal imaging support for greater versatility. The M400 also supports integration with third-party detection models and includes object counting and statistical features – tools that aren’t available on the M350 RTK.
Beyond detection, the Matrice 400 improves mission execution with real-time obstacle avoidance during L2-guided routes and tailored flight path planning for slopes, geometric shapes, and building facades. Managed via DJI Pilot 2 or FlightHub 2, these features simplify complex workflows and reduce the need for constant manual control. In comparison, the Matrice 350 RTK offers more basic flight path management. Both drones are capable, but the M400 has additional tools on board, designed for more demanding missions.
The Matrice 400’s Smart Flight Mode Upgrades
The Matrice 400 offers significant upgrades over the 350, introducing six intelligent flight modes designed to simplify complex tasks, improve safety, and enhance mission efficiency:
– Real-time Terrain Follow: Maintains consistent altitude relative to uneven ground, ideal for mountainous terrain and precise mapping.
– Ship-Based Take-off and Landing: Enables smooth operations from stationary or slow-moving vessels, expanding offshore mission capabilities.
– Cruise Mode: Allows continuous flight at a set speed and direction, perfect for long-distance inspections like pipelines or roads.
– FlyTo Target Point: Automatically calculates the safest, most efficient path to a target, adapting to obstacles and terrain in real time.
– POI Orbiting: Circles a designated target while keeping the camera focused, great for structural surveys and video capture.
– Observed View: Displays previously covered areas on the controller map, helping avoid missed or duplicated coverage during missions.
Enhanced Visibility, Communication & Control
The Matrice 400 introduces a range of refined features that offer more control, clearer communication, and improved visibility during missions. Lighting is smarter and more powerful, with upgraded 40 lux brightness and support for S1 spotlight beam alignment – both improvements over the M350 RTK’s 35 lux output. Dual spotlight control is also available on the M400, offering better coverage in low-light or search-and-rescue scenarios.
Audio capabilities have been enhanced too. The M400 supports broadcasting up to 700 metres, an increase from 500 metres on the M350 RTK, and offers multilingual voice modes in six languages (compared to just two on the M350).
To support situational awareness, the M400 also includes AR directional broadcasting and fully supported multilingual voice prompts – features that cannot be found on the M350. These upgrades make real-time communication and coordination in the field more seamless, especially in high-pressure environments.
Final thoughts… Is the Upgrade Worth It?
If you’re considering upgrading from the Matrice 350 RTK, the Matrice 400 presents a compelling next step. While the M350 RTK remains a powerful and reliable drone – trusted by many for its robust performance – the M400 builds on its strengths with a range of thoughtful enhancements. From longer flight times and faster speeds to improved obstacle detection, smarter flight modes, and more advanced AR tools, the M400 is designed to handle more complex missions with greater efficiency.
These upgrades make the Matrice 400 a strategic investment for professionals seeking greater versatility and performance in the field. Whether you’re involved in surveying, inspection, public safety, or industrial operations, the M400 equips you with the tools to execute missions with enhanced precision and confidence – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. While it comes at a higher price point – around AED 5000 more than the M350 – we feel the added capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for teams that demand more from their equipment.
Still deciding if the Matrice 400 is right for you? We’re here to help – contact us for more information.
