If you’re in the market for a new drone and budget isn’t a concern, China-based DJI’s Phantom 4 series is an outstanding place to start.
The company’s DJI Phantom 4 and Phantom 4 Pro are in many ways crossover drones that can appeal both to professional users and home hobbyists that want outstanding performance, 4K video recording, and intelligence features that you simply won’t find elsewhere.
And although the Phantom 4 line will set you back a pretty penny, you might quickly discover after flying it around for a while that it more than delivers on its value. And as time goes on and you become more proficient at flying, a DJI Phantom 4 or Phantom 4 Pro will be a solid buy.
But if you’re choosing between the two, deciding might not be so simple. So, we’ve compiled the following guide to compare the drones and help you determine which option is best for you. Read on to learn more:
Design
If you’re examining the Phantom 4 and Phantom 4 Pro designs, you’ll immediately find that there isn’t much of a difference between them.
Both devices have big, broad bodies and four propellers at the top. Between their two leg stands, you’ll find a 4K camera and can capture both video and stills.
And if you’re worried about weight, don’t be: they both tip the scales at the same weight.
Winner: Draw
Ease of Use
Both the Phantom 4 and the Phantom 4 Pro have dedicated controllers that don’t require additional devices like smartphones to control them. From the screen on your controller, you’ll be able to see what your drone’s camera can see and have the opportunity to navigate your device without ever having to compare its location to you in the air.
Truth be told, the controller that operates both the Phantom 4 and the Phantom 4 Pro is a little bulky. It should fit just about any hand size, but if you’re looking for something that’s been ergonomically built for comfort, the controller that directs both drones isn’t the best.
Winner: Draw
Features
Apps
Both the Phantom 4 and the Phantom 4 Pro are compatible with DJI’s own mobile apps, which allow you to access the photos and videos you captured, change settings, and more. In fact, the experience on both devices is identical. So, if you’re looking for something unique from either option, you won’t find it in software.
Winner: Draw
Automation Tools
To its credit, both the Phantom 4 and the Phantom 4 Pro have been built with advanced technologies that allow you to lock onto a person and follow him or her wherever they go. You can also set the height and distance from which you follow your subject.
Since there are a slew of recommendations that govern how and when you can fly a drone, the DJI drones come with advanced features that can detect when you’re in a No Fly Zone or flying too high. Your drone will immediately adhere to local laws to ensure you don’t get in trouble. And when your battery is running low, the drones will come back to you to ensure their safekeeping.
Still, there’s one area where the Phantom 4 Pro is tops: obstacle sensing. The Phantom 4 Pro comes with an additional set of stereo vision sensors in the rear, that when coupled with the same sensors in the front and infrared sensors at the sides, will do a better job of ensuring you don’t mistakenly hit obstacles.
For that feature, alone, the Phantom 4 Pro is tops.
Winner: Phantom 4 Pro
Indoor vs Outdoor Flying
Flying drones indoors can be challenging if you don’t have the requisite ability to do it safely. And since both the Phantom 4 and Phantom 4 Pro are such big drones, flying them inside is a really, really bad idea.
If you’re flying your drones outdoors, either option is suitable. But when it comes time to fly inside, don’t opt for either of these drones.
Winner: Neither
Battery Life
The DJI Phantom 4 delivers 28 minutes of flight time before its battery needs to be recharged. That’s actually quite good compared to most other drones. But since the Phantom 4 Pro comes with 30 minutes of flying time, it’s our winner here.
Winner: Phantom 4 Pro
Camera Quality
Video
DJI’s Phantom 4 offers up to 4K video recording at 24 frames per second and its maximum video bitrate is 60Mbps. The device’s ISO range extends from 100 to 3200 and it has a 94-degree field-of-view.
The Phantom 4 Pro, however, is the clear winner here. It, too, can record at up to 4K, but its maximum bitrate is 100Mbps. And when you need really high-quality video shots, the Phantom 4 Pro’s ISO range of 100 to 6400 will top its competitor. That said, the Phantom 4 Pro’s slightly disappointing 84-degree field-of-view is something to keep in mind.
Still, all in all, the Phantom 4 Pro is the best option for video recording.
Winner: Phantom 4 Pro
Photo
The Phantom 4’s camera features a 12-megapixel sensor with an ISO range of 100 to 1600. The camera comes with single shot and burst shooting, as well as auto exposure bracketing, EV bias, and time lapse. HDR support is also included here, and you can save your photos in JPEG or DNG (RAW).
The Phantom 4 Pro is another clear winner here. It offers a superior 20-megapixel shooter and its ISO range is an impressive 100 to 12800. It offers burst shooting with 14 images at a time (compared to 7 for the Phantom 4), along with all the other modes you’d want.
If you’re a photographer, the Phantom 4 Pro is the device for you.1
Winner: Phantom 4 Pro
Price
If you’re price-sensitive, the Phantom 4’s $1,199 price tag will be your best option. The Phantom 4 Pro, on the other hand, costs $1,499.
Winner: Phantom 4
Final Verdict
There’s a reason DJI has separated the Phantom 4 Pro with the “Pro” branding: it’s a better option than the Pro.
That said, you won’t be displeased if you get your hands on a Phantom 4. The drone is still among the best on the market, its camera and video quality is quite good, and controlling it is simple.
But if you truly want the best drone option between the two — and you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks to get it — the Phantom 4 Pro is the best choice.
Overall Winner: Phantom 4 Pro
