DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO Drone Review: Worth to Buy?

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The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is everything you may want in a drone. It adds an improved camera and extra obstacle sensors to the Phantom 4. Find more about it today!

The Phantom 4 Pro from DJI is among the most brilliant drones out there these days. The brand itself has made a substantial presence in constructing amazing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Because of their excellent quality highlights and usefulness, Phantoms are out of the most well-known flying robots around the world. 

DJI unquestionably keeps steady over their game introducing new product models at a consistent rate where attributes are upgraded continuously. In this regard, the Phantom 4 Pro advanced into the market longer than a year prior, yet at the same time remains strong against many of its competitors.

What is special about this unit? Let’s dive into the review below to find out more.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comes with a five-direction obstacle avoidance
• The camera is impressive
• Long flight time
• Has various flight modes

Cons

• Touch-screen controller will cost you extra

Quick Conclusion:​

The Phantom 4 Pro made by DJI has been attracting the attention of consumers since its release. Its features are incomparable in the market, except for the Mavics.

But be that as it may, with everything extraordinary, there are still a few things you may want to consider – such as the cost and size. Nevertheless, in case you are willing to invest, this model will be your best bet.

Target audience

Consider this choice if you are:

• Beginners who are looking to invest. For your information, the extra camera sensors at the model’s back deliver security, and the 5.8GHz frequency is a useful attribute.
• Unless you are doing certain serious traveling where the weight should be a concern, this DJI Phantom 4 Pro will be your superior camera UAV. Usable 20 megapixels; 4K video at 60 fps; simple to launch; extended flight time. The list goes on. 

We also saw that the device could deal with inclement weather more excellently than the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. It can brush off the wind.

• If you are serious about UAV photography, this should be the best to go with.
• Those who are looking for one of the best drones out there these days. 
• Those who are searching for UAVs with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, along with the camera that can outdo many other models in the class. 
• People who expect the perfect compromise. What we have come to consider this model as is the ideal compromise flying machine. It is a smooth blend of quality and performance at an over-the-top price.

Key features

1. Design

In case you know about the original DJI Phantom 4, the Phantom 4 Pro is actually similar when it comes to build and design. Its shape is hull; you can see it in the predecessor. On the other hand, there are a couple of differences because of the new sensor placement. Other than that, you may find the same robust and durable build that has been seen before in the Phantom product units. 

While the 4 Pro appears similar to the Phantom 4, the attributes are the same at all. DJI has improved the UAV with numerous new highlights from the quality of its camera to sensors tucked into the automaton’s legs. 

The model’s improvements and impressive quality are undeniable, but there is a downfall with it, and that is the size. In case you are hoping to have something portable, this automaton will not be perfect. 

In case you do not know, the Phantom line has difficulty keeping up with the Mavic Pros from the same brand; indeed, the props and arms of these UAVs are designed to fold down and bring around without any problem. The Phantom models are sufficiently small to fit in a knapsack, yet not as small as the DJI Mavic Pro 2 and Mavic Pro.

2. The Phantom 4 Pro in use

This flying robot boasts of its enhancements from the DJI Phantom 4. While there are numerous small updates, these make the two versions unique in relation to each other. 

The five-direction obstacle avoidance system is one of the most notable additions to the Phantom 4 Pro. In contrast with the Phantom 4, which just had the forward confronting sense and avoidance, the Pro comes with it for the underneath, right, left, back, and front. Since the model flies, its sensors will effectively check the surroundings and consequently maintain a strategic distance from objects such as buildings and trees.

That is not all; the device features a one-inch picture sensor in the camera, which makes it multiple times when compared to the size of the Phantom 4. You can likewise shoot recordings in 4K at 60 fps (frames per second) with still pictures at up to 20 megapixels. Plus, the brand introduced aperture as well as the mechanical shutter control. 

In case you are hoping to own an exclusive version of the brand’s Phantom 4 Pro, you have the option to upgrade to the DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus. This one will cost you an extra amount of cash; however, this same flying machine features a controller with an integrated touchscreen display. Thanks to this, you will not need to utilize your phone as the controller and stress over the battery life of the phone or any interferences that it can cause while you are flying the drone.

The 4 Pro’s range is noteworthy since it is similar to the DJI Mavic Pro. The OcuSync video transmission innovation of this device enables the automaton to go more than four miles while delivering a live HD video feed. 

One thing to note, this is just possible based on the environment. In the event that there is a ton of impedance, the feed will, in general, cut once in a while before even half a mile. Indeed, even with the cut outs, the model can still deserve the title for the UAV with one of the best ranges.

As indicated by DJI, the 4 Pro can fly for as long as half an hour, yet that is not generally the case all the time. At the point when placed to the hover test, it had the option to be up in the air for barely 28 minutes; however, when set to use in various flight modes, the UAV flew for very nearly 27 minutes until it needed to land automatically because of low battery. 

From what the brand claims and the reality of the battery life, it is nearly appropriate and safe to state that the battery of the model is superb. It is truly outstanding in comparison with other flying robots from DJI and contenders alike.

Bear in mind that while recharging, it is likely to take as long as 90 minutes to completely charge in case the battery is around 10%. Still, as the UAV lands automatically before 10%, it will probably take about 60 plus 15 minutes.

3. Safety features

DJI Phantom 4 Pro comes with a great deal of attributes that help protect the device. For example:

• Auto landing/ take off: where you simply hit a button, and the UAV will play out this assignment all alone in case it considers it as protected from harm/ danger to do as such.
• Return to home feature: where the flying robot will come back to its take-off area automatically. You can activate Return to home no matter when you desire; however, it will likewise be done automatically as a proper measure for safety in the event that connection between the UAV and remote controller becomes lost or low battery level is identified.
• Incredible detection and avoidance of obstacles: In our tests, it was even ready to recognize and maintain a strategic distance from the collision with tree branches while the robot is flying in the woodland. 
• Other than that, the automaton will caution you at whatever point it experiences a few issues such as weak GPS signal, radio impedance, a strong wind, and all that.

There is likewise a simulator which should be useful for grasping the essentials of flying the UAV. With that being said, because that simulator is very straightforward and does not support all attributes accessible on the UAV, trying it may not teach you everything. In addition, in the simulator, you will not have the view from the virtual camera; that is why it is much the same as observing the UAV.

4. DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs. DJI Phantom 4: How do they compare?

The brand has reliably made flying robots that do not ever disappoint. It is apparent as the name is known around the world. With regards to the Phantom 4 Pro, it has left a deep impression in the Phantom Series. But be that as it may, the earlier product unit, the Phantom 4, does not fall excessively far off with its amazing highlights.

Fight modes

The quantity of modes wherein you can fly your automaton may be overwhelming from the outset, and it requires some time to comprehend and gain proficiency with every one of them. 

Our preferred ones thus far have been Tripod (in which UAV is progressively stable and moves much more slowly, which makes it ideal for taking sharp photographs and recording specific footage) and Track (in which automaton follows a moving subject such as a bike or an individual). If you are not recording a great deal of fancy videos, these two modes are generally helpful by and large. 

But be that as it may, apart from them, there are other flying modes accessible on DJI Phantom 4 Pro:

• ActiveTrack – here, your UAV will track a subject (without utilizing GPS reference) by leveraging the techniques of recognizing images. The flying machine manages to stay away from impediments on its way. 
• Tapfly – simply tap an area on the map, and the UAV will fly there automatically while staying away from any barriers on its way 
• Tripod mode – as addressed above, in this mode, the automaton’s speed is lower. At the same time, it is truly stable, thus making this mode ideal for truly stable film or still photography. 
• Draw – with it, you will draw a way that your automaton will follow 
• Gesture mode – using this mode, your robot will take photographs as it recognizes particular gestures (thus, it is a selfie mode) 
• Point of interest – the UAV will circle determined subject 
• Home Lock – pull the pitch stick in reverse to move the UAV towards the recorded Home Point 
• Follow me – just about the same as ActiveTrack, your aircraft will follow a subject. 
• Waypoints – set various GPS points and the flying robot will fly between them automatically, while you just control the camera

What is in the box?

In the box, you will find:

• Styrofoam Carrying Case
• 16GB Micro SD Card
• Micro USB Cable
• USB OTG cable (For any mobile updates)
• Gimbal Clamp
• Battery Charger
• 1 Battery
• 2 Sets of Propellers
• Remote Controller (without or with screen)
• Phantom 4 Pro

DJI Phantom 4 Pro accessories

Neutral density filters and DJI Care Refresh are some of the most well-known accessories for the Phantom 4 Pro.

1. Neutral density filters

Neutral density (ND) filters are critical when you are shooting video on a UAV and ought to be your first buy. They limit the amount of light that may hit the camera sensor on the automaton. These filters will enable you to keep up a fixed shutter speed in the bright light condition.

2. DJI Care Refresh

When you purchase a UAV from DJI, do not forget to look into their DJI Care Refresh program. It will enable you to demand up to two replacements in a year that your plan is valid. 

Doing as such will expect you to pay another fee at the request time. With that being said, it is as yet a heck of significantly less expensive than purchasing another flying robot. 

3. Some others

• DJI Genuine Phantom 4 Series Low-Noise 9455S Propellers – by DJI
• gidy Landing Gear + Screws Antenna & Compass – by DJI
• DJI Intelligent Flight Battery – by DJI
• Homga Drones Landing Pad Universal Waterproof D 75cm/30” Portable Foldable Landing Pads – by Homga
• Hobby Signal 9450S Full Carbon Fiber Propellers 3-Blade Self-Tightening Props with Propeller Mounts – by Hobby Signal
• Helistar 4 Pairs Low Noise Propellers 9455S Drone Accessories – by Helistar
• BTG 2in1 Car Charger – by BTG
• Energen DroneMax P421A Drone Battery Charger – by Energen
• Nanuk DJI Drone Waterproof Hard Case with Custom Foam Insert – by Nanuk
• Lowepro LP36912 ViewPoint BP250 – A Multi-Purpose Backpack – by Lowepro
• Lykus DBP-100U Water Resistant Travel Backpack – by Lykus
• Aboom Tablet (12.9 inch) Extension Bracket Extended Mount – by Aboom
• RC GearPro Foldable Smartphone iPads Tablets Monitor Sunshade Sun Hood Cover – by RC GearPro

DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO Alternative models

If you are in the market for an alternative to DJI Phantom 4 Pro, here are some for your consideration.

1. DJI Mavic Air or Mavic Pro – by DJI

The closest alternative to this model may be the Mavic Air or Mavic Pro from DJI. The two of them are smaller, much more compact, and take pride in a lot of the same features and flight modes — except, a camera with an excellent one-inch image sensor and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Also, at their prices, the Mavic Pro and Mavic Air are cheaper; hence, in case you are in the market for something a bit more reasonably-priced yet still highly capable, the Mavic is good to go with.

2. Yuneec Typhoon H – by Yuneec

In case portability is not what you care so much for, Yuneec’s Typhoon H is another notable alternative, and is better-priced. It comes with a lot of the same features, aside from featuring a 4K camera which is capable of swiveling a full 360 degrees. Together with dual-pilot abilities, the device is decent enough for you to consider. 

On the downsides, the camera of this drone is not as cutting-edge, its battery fails to last pretty as long, and it asks for an extended time to charge.

The bottom line

DJI did it again by introducing another mind-blowing flying robot. Its Phantom 4 Pro is undoubtedly truly outstanding. For sure, you need to pay the price of it. As a general rule, it does not come inexpensive to have an excellent machine like this one, yet it is worthy of your money.

In the event that you are searching for something inside your spending plan, the DJI Mavic Air or Mavic Pro is another good option. You will discover the more significant part of similar features in these UAVs, and they are additionally more portable and convenient to go traveling with.

Again, by the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, we cannot praise enough of its camera and the omnidirectional avoidance. Obviously, over the long haul, there will be different UAVs that will be even better, yet we are sure that you will not be able to go wrong with this model.