Phantom 4 vs Phantom 4 Pro and Advanced Comparison

If you want to hit the skies, then you may want to consider the Phantom 4 Range. But what’s the difference between each model? Well, we have analyzed each one to make an accurate and informative comparison.

Camera Quality

Let’s face it, one of the coolest things about drones is their ability to take stunning aerial videos and still shots. This makes the camera one of the most crucial factors. Luckily, each Phantom 4 model has a powerful one that can record 4K video and take sharp photos. However, the Phantom 4 Advanced and Phantom 4 Pro’s cameras really outshine that of the Phantom 4. This is due to their more powerful 20 megapixels and ability to record at 60fps (frames per second).

Video Streaming

All Phantom 4 Drones use DJI’s Lightbridge video downlink technology, which allows for HD video streaming with minimal lag and disconnections. This is much more powerful than traditional Wifi video downlinks, as seen on previous Phantom 3 models. Users will find that the range is greater, the interference is significantly less, and the video quality is sharper.

Flight Time

The Phantom 4 has a maximum flight time of 28 minutes while both the Phantom 4 Advanced and Phantom 4 Pro can stay airborne for up to 30 minutes. Not a significant difference overall.

Flight Speeds

All three models have a maximum speed of 45mph. They can all ascend at 13.4mph and descend at 8.9mph. They are all fast, end of story.

Wind Resistance

This is another specification that remains the same. All three drones can handle wind speeds of up to 22.4mph. Now, this is DJI’s recommended max wind speed. Many users have reported flying in higher winds. However, this can make steering and photography difficult, and greatly increases the chance of an accident.

Obstacle Avoidance

This is a category where the Phantom 4 Pro really outshine the other two. While the Phantom 4 and Phantom 4 Advanced have effective obstacle sensors at the front, the Phantom 4 Pro has two infra-red sensors on the sides, and two rear vision sensors. This means you can fly it side to side and backward, while still taking advantage of its obstacle avoidance technology. This drastically lowers the probability of a crash. All of the Phantom 4 drones have downward vision systems to aid with landing.

Vision Positioning

DJI’s latest vision positioning technology comes standard with each Phantom 4 Model. This allows for accurate hovering of up to 10 meters above ground level. No GPS signal is required, and the drone’s senses can effectively compensate for wind speed and other factors. This allows it to hover in place without much in the way of vertical or horizontal displacement.

Check out the hover accuracy below (same for all models).

Vertical:

±0.1 m (with Vision Positioning)

±0.5 m (with GPS Positioning)

Horizontal:

±0.3 m (with Vision Positioning)

±1.5 m (with GPS Positioning)

GPS and GLONASS

All three Phantom 4 drones are equipped with both GPS and GLONASS. This means they can connect to both American and Russian satellites, with results in more accurate positioning.

Modes

Each drone has a comprehensive range of intelligent navigation modes. These include:

• TapFly: Tap a point on the DJI App, and the drone will fly to that position.
• Gesture: Allows controller-free selfies to be taken using hand gestures.
• Course Lock: This mode makes the drone’s controls function in relation to its flight direction.
• Point of Interest: This mode can be used to select a building, object or landscape feature. The drone will then continuously circle around
• Waypoints: This mode is used to place waypoints so that the drone follows an automated flight path.

The Phantom 4 Advanced and Pro also have a couple of modes that aren’t included with the Phantom 4.

• Tripod: This mode lowers the controller’s input sensitivity, making it ideal for flying in tight spaces.
• Draw: Allows users to draw a path on the screen for the drone to follow.

Only the Phantom 4 Pro includes a backward tapfly mode. This is because it is the only drone with rear vision sensors.

Controller Distance

The maximum transmission difference is how far a drone can fly from its controller before it no longer receives commands. As you can from the table below, the Phantom 4 Advanced and Phantom 4 Pro come in at 4.3 miles, while the Phantom 4 is a bit behind at 3.1 miles.

Now remember, depending on where you live, it is likely illegal to fly your drone beyond your line of sight, of course, we know some users are going to try anyway. What we can tell you is even the Phantom 4’s 3.1 mile distance is probably further than you will ever need to fly. Plus going this distance just increases the chance of a flyaway or crash. That’s why we don’t think the difference between these figures is particularly significant.

Phantom 4 Pro vs. Phantom 4 Pro+

There are two versions of the Phantom 4 Pro. The only difference between the regular Phantom 4 Pro and the Phantom 4 Pro+ is the controller. The Phantom 4 Pro Plus features an integrated tablet in the controller which makes the drone easier to operate in bright conditions.

It has a 5.5 inch 1080p screen that is built into the controller and is not detachable. It comes preloaded with the DJI Go App and it has Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and a web browser that you can access.

Pricing

These are the lowest prices currently on Amazon for new models. Prices change all of the time so check the current price for more accurate figures.

This is a significant price difference that is likely to affect many peoples’ buying decision. That’s why its so important to have a thorough comparison of all the different features and specifications.

Overall Differences

To keep things simple, and allow for an easy comparison, we will sum up the main differences in the table below.

These are the main differences, with pretty much all the other factors being identical. Now, how to choose which one to buy. Well, overall the Phantom 4 Pro is the superior machine. However, it does come with a heftier price tag. You may want to get the Phantom 4 Advanced instead, as it’s $250 cheaper, while only lacking the Phantom 4 Pro’s additional sensors and backward tapfly mode.

If you are on a tight budget, and still want to get into the drone market, then consider the Phantom 4. While DJI has discontinued its production, you can still find new, refurbished, and second-hand models on Amazon.