DJI Mavic vs Phantom 4 Advanced/Pro/+ Comparison

DJI MAVIC PRO
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DJI PHANTOM 4 ADVANCED/ADVANCED+
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The DJI Phantom Series is the flagship drone model, and in April 2017 their latest model hit the shelves: The Phantom 4 Advanced. This new quadcopter splits the difference between the Phantom 4 and the Phantom 4 Pro. In essence it offers all of the same features of the drone it is replacing, the Phantom 4, and misses out on three key details of the P4Pro: it lacks rear vision sensors/infrared sensors, there is no 5.8 GHz capability in the remote, and TapFly backward function has been removed. (As of April 30, 2017, DJI has ceased all manufacturing of the Phantom 4)

We know what you're thinking: Phantom 4 Advanced vs. Phantom 4 Pro... Which one is the better buy? Is the P4Pro worth the extra $150 with the aforementioned features included? What is the value of a new Drone World Phantom 4 Pro Executive Kit? We answer all those questions and more below:

(An important note before we continue: the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro+ have one difference between them, the P4Pro+ comes with an LCD screen on the remote control, all other specs are the same. In this article we will refer to the Phantom 4 Pro or Pro+ as just Phantom 4 Pro.)

Also included in this breakdown is the ultra-compact Mavic Pro, with similar specs to that of the Phantom 4 Advanced, its small size is perfect for people on the go. The Mavic Pro features a game console-like controller for flight, reaching a top speed of 31 mph for 27 minutes of total flight time.

Go Faster: 65 mph+ & Improved Performance

DJI Phantom 4 Pro

The Phantom 4 Pro ascends considerably faster than the Phantom 4 thanks to more powerful computer distribution boardmore efficient motors, a low-drag shape, and a superior battery. Sport Mode, combined with larger Phantom 4 Pro propellers, unleashes the drone’s full potential, sending more power to the four enhanced motors for better lift and acceleration.

With a top speed of 45 mph in sport mode and 31 in GPS mode, the Phantom 4 Pro is phenomenal in the air. Being smaller in size, the Mavic Pro is less known for its speed and more for its compact nature. As a result, it clocks in shy of the Phantom 4 Pro, reaching a top speed of 40 mph, and 31 mph in GPS mode.

If you want the FPV racing experience, the Phantom 4 Pro/Adv is a great entry point. The excellent handling and speed (identical to the P4Pro) make it a serious competitor in the field, one made all the better with the right Phantom 4 Pro FPV goggles. In terms of overall performance, the Phantom 4 Pro/Adv is the clear winner.

The Phantom 4 Advanced matches the P4Pro in ascent speed and top speed, making it a cheaper option for those that can do without rear sensors and the 5.8 GHz band.

 

Go Farther: 30 min. Flight + 4.3 Mile Range

DJI Phantom 4 Pro Going Farther

(Aftermarket antennas will be needed in high interference areas to achieve this range, see the new P4P FireBridge Remote with helical antenna and wifi boosters)

A new and more powerful Intelligent Flight battery allows the Phantom 4 Pro to travel farther and stay aloft longer. Where the Phantom 4 eked out 28 min. of flight, the Phantom 4 Pro/Adv battery gives the drone two extra minutes for 30 total minutes of flight. The aircraft’s Intelligent Flight Battery boasts an increased capacity 520mAh more than its predecessor (for a total of 5870 mAh vs the P4’s 5350 mAh), combined with more effective aerodynamics and motors, it enables that extended flight time. The Mavic Pro has 27 minutes of flight time with just a 3830 mAh battery, thanks to it small size and weight.

Stock ranges for the three drones are identical, all capable of 4.3 miles. While the Mavic Pro matches the P4PRo in range, it falls 3 minutes short in flight time, making it a solid starter option between the P4 and P4PRo.

The radio and antenna for the Phantom 4 Pro operate on 23 decibels of gain while the Phantom 4 Pro+/Adv utilizes 30 decibels, providing a more focused signal. Drone pilots can get even more out of their Phantom 4 Pro with our Falcon Bundle Kit, featuring the Firebridge 2 remote, the world’s most advanced remote that guarantees reception and better signal coverage. It provides better penetration through trees and guarantees 720P Video Quality in the most adverse conditions, including low elevations.

Our lead technician indicated that the ‘over-engineering’ allows the system to operate much better than stock in close range environments: providing better signal penetration in and around trees, near large clusters of home WiFi routers that cause interference, or when flying long distances at low levels.

The Firebridge system first introduced with the Phantom 4 Falcon Kit has been improved in the Phantom 4 Pro FireBridge 2 ™ upgrade. The World's Most Advanced Remote is powered by FireBridge 2™ Technology, which guarantees reception and better penetration through trees, even in the most adverse conditions. Made and assembled in America, this phenomenal remote provides guaranteed 720P Video Quality – effectively helping drone pilots fly safer with better signal coverage. Much like the Phantom 4, the Mavic Pro MaXX Mod upgrade kit boasts an improvement to its range, with the Helicoil Antenna Range Mod boosting penetration up to 4-5 miles.

The Phantom 4 Pro’s 30-minute max flight time and 4.3+ mile signal range give range enthusiasts their best opportunity to reach new distances and heights. With our Phantom 4 Range Extender Systems, you can expand your signal range even farther.  (Yes, such a thing exists.) In the Mavic Pro vs. Phantom 4 vs. Phantom 4 Pro battle, the Phantom 4 Pro wins again.

 

It’s Sharper: Superior Camera Quality and Ultra-Smooth Gimbal

DJI Phantom 4 Pro with Sharper Camera

The Phantom 4 Pro camera and gimbal are similar to those on the Phantom 4, but with some distinct differences, the largest of which is the sensor size increase to 1” vs 1/2.3” found on the P4. The sensor size is one of the most important factors of photo and video quality as it provides better dynamic range, less noise, improved low light performance, and better quality at higher resolutions (more info on sensor size here). Tweaked software gives quicker feedback between pilot and camera, as well as in auto-focus. The Phantom 4 Pro/Adv camera best the Phantom 4, putting out 20 MP and 4K video; unlike the Phantom 4, both Phantom 4 Pro/Adv can film at a rate of 60fps in 4K.

Another major advantage of the Phantom 4 Pro/Adv is the mechanical shutter. The Mavic Pro employs an electronic shutter that can cause distortion with fast moving objects, while a mechanical shutter snaps quickly moving objects with ease, producing a high quality image every time. Plus, the Phantom 4 Pro relies on a brand new camera lens optimized for aerial imaging, featuring an aperture range of F2.8-F11 and a 24mm equivalent focal length. Comparatively, the Phantom 4 uses a 20mm focal length and F2.8 at ∞, and the Mavic Pro relies on 28mm and F2.2. Also, the max video bitrate of the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 is 60Mbps. The Phantom 4 Pro ups this to 100Mbps. The bit rate is how much data (how many million bits) are stored per second of video. The higher the rate, the higher the quality of video, which is found on professional camcorders, though it does increase the file size.

Mavic Pro Phantom 4  Phantom 4 Pro
Sensor Size 1/2/3" 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Film Rate 12.35 MP and 4K Video 12 MP and 4K Video 20 MP and 4K Video
Shutter Type Electronic Electronic Mechanical
Aperture Range F2.2 F2.8 at ∞ F2.8-F11
Max Video Bitrate 60 Mbps 60 Mbps 100 Mbps
Camera Image DJI Mavic Pro camera DJI Phantom 4 camera DJI Phantom 4 Pro camera

Check out a video comparison among the Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Pro, and the Mavic Pro:

P4 vs P4 Pro vs Mavic Pro.

 

It’s Easier & Safer

DJI Phantom 4 Pro Fly Safer

Flying the Phantom 4 Pro/Adv is easier and safer than ever before. While the Mavic Pro has front and downward obstacle sensors, the Phantom 4 Pro also adds rear sensors and infrared sensors on both sides, for a total of 5 directions of obstacle sensing. The sensors on the Phantom 4 Pro are also more advanced, operating at higher speeds and farther distances. The downward VPS sensors (Visual Positioning System) on the P4Pro that help with take off, landing, and indoor flight have been doubled to 98ft vs 50ft on the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4. Both the Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro fly with obstacle avoidance sensors engaged at 10 m/s, while the P4Pro does the same up to 13.4 m/s.

Also notable are the host of new Intelligent Flight Modes: Circle, Terrain Follow, Tripod, Draw, Gesture

Terrain Follow utilizes the same principles as “Follow Me,” but it adjusts its elevation to maintain its height relative to you. Tripod mode, on the other hand, is the most stable the drone will be in the air. Expect a dramatic reduction in speed, and a steady hold that is often used for still photography and other actions that don’t require speed such as slow-panning clips.

The Phantom 4 Pro also supports Narrow Sensing and relies on brand new RTH algorithms. More specifically, the Smart Return Home has improved by forming a map of its environment in real-time. The aircraft selects the best flight path to return home, and senses as far as 300 meters to effortlessly avoid obstacles. In the event of a lost control signal, the Phantom Pro 4 retraces its original path to regain its connection after one minute. When activated, Narrow Sensing enables the aircraft to adjust its sensing range and flying speed to fly through narrow gaps.

 

Conclusion

Where the Mavic Pro truly shines is portability. When fully folded, it becomes the size of a water bottle, making transport a cinch. Its lightweight build combines with a number of standard features that make it comparable to the Phantom 4. 

With these highly advanced drones come multiple accessories to consider:

The Phantom 4 Pro/+ is equipped with a higher quality camera, new modes, more sensors, easy setup, and foolproof systems – making it the perfect drone for beginners or professionals alike. Couple all of the positive attributes with a bevy of great features, and you won't outgrow this outstanding drone anytime soon.

 

 

 

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Every drone kit purchase is backed by our expert customer service and comes with a free mini-drone! From our useful accessories to our valuable upgrades, we at Drone World pride ourselves on being the premier DJI dealer.

 

 

BUNDLE MORE AND SAVE UP TO $700, CHOOSE YOUR DRONE:

DJI MAVIC PRO
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DJI PHANTOM 4 ADVANCED/ADVANCED+
phantom 4 advanced/+ SHOP NOW
DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO/PRO+ (PLUS)
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4K Ultra HD

4K Ultra HD // Eight Element // .66" Sensor

4K Ultra HD // Eight Element // 1" Sensor

4K 8-Element Red

Sensor: 1/2.3”

4K 8-Element Red

1” Sensor

4K 8-Element Red

1" Sensor

Max Video Bitrate : 60Mbps

Max Video Bitrate : 100Mbps

Video Storage Bitrate : 100Mbps

Rubberband Suspend 3-Axis (Pitch, Roll, Yaw)

Internal Mount 3 Axis (Pitch, Roll, Yaw)

Internal Mount 3 Axis (Pitch, Roll, Yaw)

Pitch -90° (no upward tilt)

Pitch: -90° to +30

Pitch: -90° to +30

40mph

44mph

44mph

22mph

32mph

32mph

4.3 Mi (7 km)

4.3 Mi (7 km)

4.3 Mi (7 km)

1.0 Mi (1.6 km)

1.2 Mi (1.9 km)

1.2 Mi (1.9 km)

3830 mAh

5870 mAh(High Capacity)

5870 mAh(High Capacity)

27 Min

30 Min

30 Min


Yes (Front + Downward Sensors)


Yes (Front + Downward Sensors)


Yes(4 Directions + Downward Sensors)


720P (depending on your device)


1080P


1080P

2-49 ft.

2-98ft

2-98ft



ADV+(Plus) Model: Built-in Screen (5.5’,1080p,1000cd/m2)


PRO+(Plus) Model: Built-in Screen (5.5’,1080p,1000cd/m2)

DJI MAVIC PRO

 

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