Quick verdict. I prefer OM 5 for travel and self-filming when its built-in extension rod and lighter body are useful. OM 4 SE is the stronger budget option for straightforward stabilised phone filming, particularly if long time between charges matters. The battery specifications are substantially different, not practically identical.
These are smartphone stabilisers, not cameras with their own image sensors. They support the phone you attach, while the phone, app and recording settings determine many capture features. With older stock and used kits, check the current compatibility list and complete bundle before treating either as a safe purchase for your next phone.
OM 4 SE and OM 5: useful hardware differences
| Buying detail | DJI OM 4 SE | DJI OM 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Gimbal body weight, excluding clamp | 390 g | 292 g |
| Built-in extension rod | No | Up to 215 mm |
| Advertised operating time | 15 hours | 6.4 hours |
| Manufacturer charging-time claim | 2.5 hours with a 10 W charger | 1.5 hours with a 10 W charger |
| Phone weight guideline | 170β290 g | 170β290 g |
| Stabilisation | Three-axis motorised | Three-axis motorised |
| App | DJI Mimo | DJI Mimo |
| External-device charging port | USB-A | No |
The extension rod changes framing more than a feature list
OM 5’s built-in rod extends by up to 215 mm. It gives more separation between the phone and your hand for a selfie, a two-person introduction or a different shooting angle. It does not provide the reach of a long pole or make it sensible to film over a drop without securing the phone.
OM 4 SE has no built-in rod. It can still stabilise normal handheld footage and suit someone who mostly films other people, household projects or travel scenes at ordinary arm’s length. I would not pay extra for an extension feature that remains folded on every outing.
At 292 g for the OM 5 gimbal body versus 390 g for OM 4 SE, the difference is meaningful for packing and holding. Those figures exclude the phone and clamp; compare complete working weight before judging how comfortable either will be through a long recording session.
Battery life is a real trade-off
DJI’s operating-time claims are 15 hours for OM 4 SE and 6.4 hours for OM 5 under ideal, balanced conditions. Those are not the same battery proposition. OM 5’s smaller design sacrifices rated endurance, even though either may cover a shorter filming outing.
Real use depends on phone balance, movement, temperature and battery age. A used OM 4 SE with a worn battery can still be a worse purchase than a healthy OM 5. Ask for evidence that it charges properly and runs with a compatible phone rather than relying only on the number in a listing.
OM 4 SE also has a USB-A external-device charging port, while DJI lists no such port for OM 5. Treat phone charging as an additional demand on the gimbal battery, not a way to obtain the full claimed gimbal runtime and a free phone recharge simultaneously.
Stabilisation and tracking need the right expectations
Both offer three-axis mechanical stabilisation. OM 5 brings a redesigned body and changes to the supported intelligent shooting experience, but that does not justify promising that every shot will be visibly smoother. Neither removes all walking bounce, subject motion blur or poor exposure decisions.
Tracking and creative functions use DJI Mimo and depend on the supported phone and app version. They are not independent cameras that can keep filming after you remove the phone. Check current supported features rather than assuming an old launch demonstration matches every Android or iPhone today.
A gimbal can help keep framing controlled, but a planned move, steady pace and sensible camera settings still matter. For family filming I would value quick setup and a phone that works reliably over a long menu of modes I rarely use.
Fit the actual phone, case and accessories
DJI lists the same broad phone-weight guideline of 170β290 g for these models, with width 67β84 mm and thickness 6.9β10 mm. Check the exact compatibility information too. A large phone may fit physically but lack a camera-control function you expect.
Include the case and any attached lens in the fit and balance check. Avoid heavy add-ons merely because their combined mass falls under a headline limit: clearance, the centre of gravity and clamp placement matter. Secure the correct magnetic clamp and check alignment before switching on.
Install DJI Mimo from DJI’s official source and confirm support for your operating system. Native-camera recording controls, lens access and high-frame-rate modes vary. Do not accept ‘Bluetooth connected’ as proof that every intended recording function works.
Value, accessories and a sensible upgrade decision
For a new buyer at similar complete-kit prices, I would choose OM 5 if its lighter design and extension rod solve a real filming problem. For a mostly stationary or ordinary handheld workflow, OM 4 SE may provide all the mechanical stabilisation you need at a lower cost.
For an existing OM 4 SE owner, the upgrade is about portability and framing flexibility. It is not an automatic image-quality upgrade. If direct controls are your priority, compare Osmo Mobile 6 and OM 5 before buying another older gimbal.
Check for the correct clamp, tripod, charging cable and any optional fill-light accessory advertised. A light-up clamp is not included in every bundle. Confirm warranty and returns with the actual merchant; DJI’s original package description does not establish the condition or completeness of a used kit.
Value, ownership and my final choice
I would pick OM 5 for a compact travelling setup and frequent self-filming. I would pick OM 4 SE when the kit is appreciably cheaper, the phone is fully supported and the longer rated battery life or USB-A output is useful.
Keep OM 4 SE vs OM 4 separate from this decision. OM 4 and OM 4 SE are close in core functions; OM 5 makes a more substantial physical change, with a clear battery compromise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference?
OM 5 is lighter and has a built-in extension rod. OM 4 SE has a much longer manufacturer-rated operating time and an external-device charging port.
How long do their batteries last?
DJI quotes 15 hours for OM 4 SE and 6.4 hours for OM 5 under ideal, balanced conditions. Actual time depends on use and battery condition.
Does OM 5 guarantee smoother video?
No. Both mechanically stabilise three axes. Phone settings, movement, mounting and the supported app functions still determine the result.
Is the OM 5 worth an upgrade from OM 4 SE?
If the lighter body and extension rod are useful enough to justify the cost. Keeping a working OM 4 SE is sensible when it already handles your filming needs.
Can I use any phone?
No. Check dimensions, weight and DJI’s current exact phone compatibility list, including the effect of a case or added lens.
Can OM 5 charge my phone from a USB-A port?
DJI lists no external-device charging port for OM 5. OM 4 SE has a USB-A port, with a corresponding demand on its battery.
Sources and image credits
DJI OM 4 SE support and specifications; DJI OM 5 support, specifications and compatibility; Product photographs: existing Pixoneye OM coverage.
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Stuart Kerr Spindlow is Pixoneyeβs Publisher, Editor-in-Chief and Lead Product Reviewer. He tests consumer products and leads coverage of practical gadgets and personal-media preservation. His reviews focus on usability, limitations, value and the trade-offs that matter when choosing a product. Read Stuartβs full profile.
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