DJI Phantom 4 vs. DJI Phantom 4 Pro Quadcopter

*The Phantom 4 is no longer in production. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is the updated version.

When it comes to drones, DJI has an option that is sure to be perfect for you – whether you’re a pro or a beginner. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a great drone that has many useful features, but, they have gotten more expensive over the years.

Product Features

• Obstacle sensing in 5 directions
• ActiveTrack technology allows you to lock in and follow people and objects
• Draw Mode allows you the create a flight path for your drone
• Max speed of 45mph
• 4k/60 fps
• 100 Mbps bitrate
• 20 MP photos

If you’re in the market for a new drone, DJI has several well-known and industry-standard options. In this review, I’ll be comparing the DJI Phantom 4 and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. Additionally, I’ll even be taking a look at the DJI Phantom 3, to offer more affordability in drone options. Read more to find out if the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is worth the $1,600 price tag.

What is a DJI drone?

Considered one of the best DJI drones ever designed, the Phantom 4 Quadcopter comes with a full suite of state-of-the-art aerial photography and HD-cinematography technology.

Equipped with an advanced stereo Vision Positioning System (VPS) and five different flight modes, the Phantom is a versatile drone capable of precision hovering without needing satellite positioning. DJI’s groundbreaking VPS technology allows Phantom to maneuver like no other drone on the market – and with a simple press of a button – return back to the original starting point.

Who should invest in the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0?

Whether it’s Phantom’s intuitive Obstacle Sensing System or the Smart Return Home feature, DJi’s newest Quadcopter is designed for both the beginner and the advanced drone operator.

If you’re interested in capturing some of the most captivating HD-quality aerial shots from every angle imaginable, then the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is the perfect drone. Armed with a high-performance camera swiveling on a 3-axis stabilizing gimbal, operators can shoot video in up to 4K at 60 fps. The HD-quality 1080-pixel video captures slow-motion footage at 120 fps.

Even if you’re a professional filmmaker or simply looking to post remarkable social media content, the Phantom is a great option as well. It can shoot images in 20-megapixel Adobe DNG RAW.

In other words, your streaming video can go from the lens of your Phantom into the video editing studio. Thankfully, DJI designed an advanced 3-axis gimbal that eliminates shaky camera footage even when you’re quadcopter barrel rolls in between buildings.

What are the changes from the Phantom 4 vs the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0?

Naturally, since the original Phantom 4 is no longer in production, the Phantom 4 Pro is its new generation upgrade.

Physically, both models look the same and there were no updates in the design. The controls will also remain the same. The main improvements will be found in the camera and sensor technology.

The Phantom 4 Pro has improved obstacle sensing, as it can detect objects even further away than the original Phantom 4 could.

Quality-wise, both drones can record in 4k, but the Phantom 4 Pro’s maximum bitrate is 100Mbps, compared to the 60Mbps the Phantom 4 maxes out at.

When it comes to photos, the Phantom 4 has a 12-megapixel sensor and has burst shooting that can take 7 photos. However, the Phantom 4 Pro has 20-megapixels and doubles the number of images you can take in burst mode at 14 photos.

Using the Phantom 4 Quadcopter

To get your Phantom 4 airborne, simply double-tap your fully customizable controller. Just another tap gets your drone back home.

ActiveTrack is the most popular mode for adventure sports enthusiasts. It makes tracking a moving X-Games rider as easy as just a few taps. DJI’s Moving POI features let you circle around your rider reframing the shot by “dragging the subject on screen.” This makes sure you never miss any part of the action while operating Phantom.

The Sport Mode is all about speed. This is the perfect mode for professional drone operators interested in testing Phantom’s impressive maneuverability.

From its best-in-class flight control to its magnesium skeleton core, Phantom is equipped with a revolutionary propulsion system. Feel free to put on the afterburners and reach Phantom’s top speed of 45 mph (25% faster than its Phantom 3 predecessor). Since the positioning system is left on in the Sport Mode, you can really test out Phantom’s agility without compromising the safety of those around you.

If your drone flying skills aren’t up to par or you’re just beginning the excitement, the Phantom comes with a beginner mode, which “prevents new pilots from going beyond their skills.” You can easily adjust both the max height and distance to work your way up from indoor flying to full-throttle agility flying.

Differences between the Phantom 3 and Phantom 4

Although both the Phantom 3 and Phantom 4 are currently discontinued, you can still find both models available second-hand on multiple sites. You can even find Phantom 4 Pros available second-hand at a cheaper price.

So, if you don’t need all the new features of the Phantom 4 Pro and prefer to save money, the Phantom 3 and Phantom 4 are still great affordable drone options.

To help you decide which model is best, here are some of the notable upgrades from the Phantom 3 to the Phantom 4:

 
1. There’s a 25% increase in flight time (28 minutes).
2. DJI’s Vision Positioning System (VPS) increased the effective altitude by over 300% from Phantom 3’s 10-meter altitude.
3. A newly designed push-and-release propeller/prop mounts designed to withstand harsh turning forces.
4. New core design lifts the center of gravity – improving balance, agility, and precision.
5. A camera sensor with total pixels of 12.76M.

DJI Customer Service & Support

DJI offers customer support and guides for each model of drone they have.

You can receive a refund within 14 calendar days if your product is defective or your product is still in a new-like condition.

You can also receive a replacement within 15 calendar days if the product is not performing as expected.

To ensure your drone is covered, you can apply to DJI’s product warranty service here. DJI also offers help for self-service repairs.