The new Dermlite DL5 Plus

DL5 vs DL5 Plus: What’s Actually Different—and Which One Should You Choose?

Have you heard? There's a new DL5 version available - the DL5 Plus!


But if you’ve been looking at the original DermLite DL5 and now see it laying next to the newer DermLite DL5 Plus, you’ll probably notice that the differences aren’t immediately obvious.


That’s because the DL5 Plus isn’t a completely new device—it’s a refinement of the DL5, with a few targeted upgrades and a couple of practical differences that may (or may not) matter depending on how you use your dermatoscope.


This guide breaks down those differences in a straightforward way so you can decide what actually matters for your workflow.

The Big Picture

Both devices share the same core foundation:

  • Same optics
  • Same magnification
  • Same general user experience
  • Same PigmentBoost functionality

In other words:

If you’re familiar with the DL5, the DL5 Plus will feel very similar.

The main differences offered by the new DL5 Plus come down to illumination, connectivity, and a few practical details.

1. UV - The Most 'Measurable' Upgrade

The biggest 'measurable' change in the DL5 Plus specs is seen in its UV energy output.

  • DL5: ~11.4 mW/cm²
  • DL5 Plus: ~29.3 mW/cm²

That’s roughly a 2.5–2.6× increase in UV energy output.

What does that actually mean?

UV light itself is invisible. What you see during UV dermoscopy is fluorescence—visible light emitted by structures in the skin after being excited by UV.


So rather than thinking of this as “brighter UV,” it’s perhaps more accurate to say:

The DL5 Plus delivers more UV energy, which in turn can produce stronger UV fluorescence.

Who will notice this?

  • If you regularly use UV mode and sometimes struggle to visualize fluorescence → you’ll likely notice a meaningful improvement
  • If you rarely use UV, or haven’t had issues with it → the difference may be less impactful

2. White Light Brightness (Incremental Improvement)

The DL5 Plus also offers brighter white light:

  • DL5: ~32.1 kLux
  • DL5 Plus: ~43.2 kLux

That’s about a 25–35% increase.

In practice:

  • It’s noticeable, especially side-by-side
  • But it’s not a dramatic change in day-to-day use

How to think about it:

If you’ve ever wished your DL5 were just a bit brighter, this helps.
If not, your experience will feel very similar.

3. Bluetooth & App Integration (Workflow-Dependent)

The DL5 Plus introduces Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to work with the DermLite mobile app.

What this enables:

When used with the app (iPhone/iPad):

  • Control of lighting modes from your device
  • Streamlined image capture
  • Features like MultiShot (capturing multiple lighting modes in sequence)

Important clarification:

The dermatoscope itself does not take photos.

The phone camera is still responsible for capturing the image
The dermatoscope provides illumination and optics

What if you don’t use the app?

If you’re not using the app:

The DL5 Plus will essentially function the same as the DL5.

Also worth noting:

  • The DermLite app is currently available on iPhone/iPad (iOS)
  • There is no equivalent Android workflow

Bottom line:

  • If you use (or plan to use) smartphone-based imaging workflows → this is a meaningful upgrade
  • If you don’t → this feature (realistically) won't make a meaningful impact in your daily workflow

4. Charging: Cradle vs USB-C (Practical Difference)

A less-often-discussed but significant point worth mentioning has to do with "what's included" with the original DL5 vs. the new DL5 Plus:

DL5:

  • Includes a charging cradle/base

DL5 Plus:

  • Charges via direct USB-C cable connection
  • Does not include a cradle

So you might prefer the original DL5 if:

  • You appreciate the value of receiving a dedicated charging cradle with your purchase

You might prefer the DL5 Plus if:

  • You prefer simpler, cable-based charging and wouldn't normally bother to use the cradle anyway

What Has NOT Changed

Some things are worth explicitly calling out because they are the same:

PigmentBoost Plus:

  • Both models offer PigmentBoost Plus

Battery:

  • Same battery capacity (3000 mAh)
  • Fairly similar runtimes.
    • The DL5 Plus theoretically should draw more energy, but thanks to its "Vacation Mode" feature and advanced programming, battery life is expected to meet or exceed that of the original DL5.

Optics:

  • Same high quality optics are used in both versions of the DL5

So…Which is Best for You?

The DL5 Plus makes the most sense if you:

  • Frequently use UV dermoscopy
  • Want stronger fluorescence visualization
  • Plan to use app-based imaging workflows

The DL5 is still an excellent choice if you:

  • Are already satisfied with your current DL5 performance
  • Don’t rely heavily on UV
  • Don’t use smartphone/app workflows
  • Prefer a charging cradle/dock

In Summary

For those who already own the DL5 — unless you are strongly compelled to the Bluetooth connectivity or stronger UV output of the DL5 Plus, then upgrading is unlikely to provide a meaningfully different clinical experience.
For those who don't already own the DL5 — the nominal price difference to upgrade makes the decision a bit easier.

Back to blog