Phantom 3 and 4 (Advanced and Pro) vs Yuneec Typhoon
Do you want to get flying but don’t know where to begin? We have comprehensively covered DJI’s Phantom and Yuneec’s Typhoon drones to determine which is the best purchase. Let’s get straight down to business.
Design
The first difference you will notice between the Phantom and Typhoon drones is their appearance. The Typhoon drones are noticeably bigger, weighing in at around 1800g, compared to 1300g. The Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro also have six rotors instead of 4. Do these factors affect performance? More on that to come.
Aerial Photography Capabilities
| Model | Megapixels | Frames per Second |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom 3 Standard | 12 | 30fps (2.7K) |
| Phantom 3 4K | 12 | 30fps (4K) |
| Phantom 3 Advanced | 12 | 30fps (2.7K) |
| Phantom 3 Pro | 12 | 30fps (4K) |
| Phantom 4 | 12 | 30fps (4K) |
| Phantom 4 Advanced | 20 | 60fps (4K) |
| Phantom 4 Pro | 20 | 60fps (4K) |
| Typhoon Q500 4K | 12 | 30fps (4K) |
| Typhoon H | 12 | 30fps (4K) |
| Typhoon H Pro | 12 | 30fps (4K) |
First off let’s clarify the camera specifications for those that don’t know. Megapixels is the graphics resolution of photos: the higher, the better. Frames per second is the rate that consecutive images can be displayed on video footage. Again the higher, the better.
Now you will notice that some drones shot in 4K while others can only reach 2.7K. This refers to the quality of the video footage. While both 2.7K and 4K are both considered high-definition, it is 4K that is noticeably better.
As you can see from the table the most powerful cameras belong to the Phantom 4 Advanced and Pro. 20 megapixels allow for sharp, crisp photos while being able to shoot 4K at 60fps makes for extremely high-quality video footage.
+1 for the Phantom 4 Advanced
+1 for the Phantom 4 Pro
Flight Capabilities
| Model | Max Flight Time | Max Speed | Max Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom 3 Standard | 25 | 35.8mph | 0.6 miles |
| Phantom 3 4K | 25 | 35.8mph | 0.75 miles |
| Phantom 3 Advanced | 23 | 35.8mph | 3.1 miles |
| Phantom 3 Pro | 23 | 35.8mph | 3.1 miles |
| Phantom 4 | 28 | 45mph | 3.1 miles |
| Phantom 4 Advanced | 30 | 45mph | 4.3 miles |
| Phantom 4 Pro | 30 | 45mph | 4.3 miles |
| Typhoon Q500 4K | 25min | 18mph | 0.25 miles |
| Typhoon H | 22min | 30mph | 1 mile |
| Typhoon H Pro | 22min | 30mph | 1 mile |
These specs are pretty self-explanatory. Flight time is the maximum time that a drone can stay airborne. Speed is the top velocity obtainable (in ideal wind conditions). The range is the maximum distance each drone can travel before losing the connection with its controller. These distances could be noticeably shorter depending on interference.
As you can see the Phantom 4 range outperforms the Typhoon range in all three areas. In fact, it smashes it. Especially the Phantom 4 Advanced and Pro.
Now the Phantom 3 range has a similar flight time to the Typhoon range, but a greater top speed. The Phantom 3 Advanced and Pro also have a much further range.
+1 for the Phantom 4 Advanced
+1 for the Phantom 4 Pro
Avoiding Crashes
The Phantom 3 range lacks automatic obstacle avoidance systems. The Phantom 4 range makes up for this with a camera-based avoidance system that can detect obstacles and automatically prevent a crash. The Phantom 4 Pro takes this even further with rear and side sensors, giving it 360 degrees of protection.
The Typhoon H also has an ultrasonic obstacle avoidance system, which, while still effective, doesn’t give quite the same range of the Phantom 4’s camera-based system. However, the Typhoon H Pro uses Intel RealSense technology that allows for more accurate and powerful obstacle avoidance (comparable to the Phantom 4 Pro).
Unfortunately, the Phantom 3 range and the Typhoon Q500 4K lack obstacle avoidance systems.
Let’s not forget about Satellite Positioning. All drones, except the Phantom 3 Standard and Typhoon Q500 4K, have both GPS and GLONASS positioning. This allows them to connect to the maximum amount of satellites and calculate their position with the highest accuracy.
One more thing. The Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro both have the ability to fly with only five (of six) rotors working. The other drones only have four, and should one break down, they will simply crash.
+1 for the Phantom 4 range
+1 for the Typhoon H
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro
Wind Resistance
The table below shows the max wind speed that each drone can safely fly in. Of course, safety is somewhat subjective. Many users have reported flying in harsher conditions, but it is not recommended.
| Model | Wind Resistance (mph) |
|---|---|
| Phantom 3 Standard | 18 |
| Phantom 3 4K | 18 |
| Phantom 3 Advanced | 18 |
| Phantom 3 Pro | 18 |
| Phantom 4 | 22 |
| Phantom 4 Advanced | 22 |
| Phantom 4 Pro | 22 |
| Typhoon Q500 4K | 23 |
| Typhoon H | 24 |
| Typhoon H Pro | 24 |
Not a lot of difference here, however, the Typhoon models do come out slightly ahead. This is due to their greater size and weight.
+1 for the Typhoon Q500 4K
+1 for the Typhoon H
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro
Controllers
The Typhoon and Phantom controllers are similar in many ways. They both have a range of dedicated and customisable buttons, as well as two control sticks. Most users will find them fairly compact, portable, and ergonomic.
Now the big difference is the Typhoon controllers have a built-in screen for viewing the flight feed and issuing commands. The Phantom models require a tablet or smartphone to be mounted on the controllers. This isn’t necessarily an advantage or disadvantage, as some users may prefer using their smartphone or tablet.
The only letdown is that the Phantom 3 Standard uses an older controller version, which only has a mount large enough to fit a smartphone, not a tablet.
Overall it’s hard to pick a winner in this category. To each their own.
Modes
Each drone has a variety of intelligent flight modes. The Phantom range includes:
- Follow me: Causes the drone to follow the
- Waypoints: This allows for the creation of an automated flight path. Set points and the drone will follow them.
- Course Lock: This configures the drone’s controls to operate relative to its flight direction.
- Point of Interest: Allows users to select a location or object. The drone will then continually circle around
- Beginner Mode: Limits flight speed with is handy for novice flyers.
The Typhoon ranges include “Follow me,” “Point of Interest,” and other similar modes such as:
- Return to Home: The drone returns to its controller or takeoff location. Useful if the drone loses its controller signal.
- Orbit Me: Causes the drone to orbit around its controller.
Overall not a significant difference. Every drone features a variety of different flight modes and its difficult to fully compare each one. Just be aware that to use the Phantom range’s modes you will need to download the DJI App onto a smartphone or tablet.
Price
These are the approximate prices currently on Amazon, for new standalone drones. Have a look for yourself to see the latest deals.
+1 for the Phantom 3 Standard
Which One Should You Get?
First off let’s see the scores.
| Model | Score |
|---|---|
| Phantom 3 Standard | 1 (lowest price) |
| Phantom 3 4K | 0 |
| Phantom 3 Advanced | 0 |
| Phantom 3 Pro | 0 |
| Phantom 4 | 1 (obstacle avoidance) |
| Phantom 4 Advanced | 3 (obstacle avoidance, flight capabilities, camera) |
| Phantom 4 Pro | 3 (obstacle avoidance, flight capabilities, camera) |
| Typhoon Q500 4K | 1 (wind resistance) |
| Typhoon H | 2 (obstacle avoidance, wind resistance) |
| Typhoon H Pro | 2 (obstacle avoidance, wind resistance) |
Overall the Phantom 4 Advanced and Pro are the top machines. They are also similarly priced to the Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro, but they have better cameras and flight capabilities. We reckon the Phantom 4 wins the battle against Typhoon hands down. So if you want a high-quality drone and are not too fusses about the prices, then the Phantom 4 Advanced and Pro should definitely be considered.
Now if you’re on a budget you have a more difficult choice to make. You may want to consider the Typhoon Q500 4K or a cheap Phantom 3 model. We recommend a Phantom 3 model over the Typhoon Q500 4K because who wants to be stuck with a 0.25-mile range and 18mph top speed.
If you’re considering the Phantom 3 Pro then stop right now. Just get the Phantom 4 instead. It’s similarly priced but has obstacle avoidance and better flight capabilities.