DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs DJI Mavic Pro

The drone is equipped with plenty of autonomous flying modes, including various object tracking modes, pre-defined path flying mode, and even "follow the terrain" mode. Coupled with the excellent obstacle avoidance systems, you can use these auto modes without any worries.

The Phantom 4 Pro has an advanced 5-direction obstacle avoidance system, unlike other drones with only forward/downward facing sensors. This greatly minimizes the risk of crashing when flying backwards or to a side with limited visibility. The sensors also allow greater control and stability when flying indoors. However, obstacle avoidance in all directions only works in two flight modes: beginner and tripod. In standard flying mode, only the front and rear sensors work. The obstacle sensing range is 30 meters in all directions, the obstacle avoidance system range goes from 0.2m to 7m, and the max speed for obstacle avoidance is 50 km/h (31 mph). The drone avoids obstacles either by moving past them or stopping right at the obstacle.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro's camera is equipped with a 1 inch 20 megapixel sensor. This big sensor collects enought light to allow shooting bright pictures in dark settings.

It is possible to buy this drone in a “plus” version that includes a remote with a built-in Android tablet with an extremely bright screen.

The drone boasts a large sensor almost four times as large as those in high-end smartphones. This allows it to capture a more detailed picture and greatly improves performance in low light. Another standout feature is the aperture control, which allows you to change the depth of field for creative uses.

Despite its small size, the Mavic Pro’s camera has practically the same specifications as more expensive and larger drone cameras. With it, you can take breathtaking shots without being worried about quality. It even has a 3-axis gimbal to keep the camera stable while the drone is flying, a feature not usually found on compact drones.

The drone can reach speeds up to 65 km/h and it can also change altitude rather quickly.

Travelers will be especially happy about the drone’s slim body and easily foldable arms. When folded, the drone is about the size of a brick and can be transported with ease, making it an extremely compact 4K-capable drone. Unlike some other larger drones, the Mavic Pro’s camera is situated up the front of the drone, further reducing its size. Its remote is also travel-friendly, given that it’s also very compact.

You can adjust the focus of the camera by tapping on the object on the live view screen.

DJI constantly updates its drone's firmware and companion apps, adding new functionalities and improving existing ones.

Thanks to all its sensors, design and powerful motors, this is one of the most stable small drones in the market. It stays almost perfectly still even under strong breezes.

This drone’s software includes some clever autonomous flying algorithms that can be easily configured and activated via the smartphone companion app. You can predefine flying paths, set the drone to follow an object, or fly at a certain constant distance from the ground, following topographic changes. This means that you don’t have to worry about controlling the drone while you’re hands are occupied on something else, such as climbing a hill.

The Mavic Pro drone has been designed in a way that it will operate longer when it is moving around and not hovering in the same place. The difference is small, though: a full battery should last for around 24 minutes on hovering and for around 27 minutes on flying. These times are excellent for a small drone.

This drone's camera can be activated via physical gestures, which can be especially useful for taking selfies: this way, you don't have to use the remote and worry about it showing up on the shots.

The Mavic Pro can be set to tripod mode and used to film indoors or in other tight settings, where precision is needed.
Once the drone is set to tripod mode, its speed is limited to approximately 2 mph and control input sensitivity is reduced, increasing the accuracy of commands sent to the drone.

You can buy external batteries, bags, propeller guards, filters, even a battery-to-power-bank adapter. Many of its accessories are much cheaper than other drone's accessories.

You can buy this drone as a “Fly More Combo” that includes additional batteries, extra props, a backpack and other accessories that make traveling with the drone easier. This is much more economical than buying the items separately.

Just unfold the drone, set its mode (“fly only” or “camera”), and use the remote to operate it. No need to set up the drone blades, as they reposition themselves once the motors are activated and takeoff can be done automatically. It even senses objects that are close, in order to crashing into them. If its battery level gets critically low or its loses signal to the remote, it automatically sets course back to where it took off and land there.

You don’t need to assemble or dissemble parts each time you are setting the drone up or have finished flying. Everything folds and unfolds neatly.

This drone has an impressive maximum range of 7 km, which is very impressive. This drops significantly in urban areas, where interferences are higher, but even in these conditions it still reaches a 1 km range. However, users should be aware that some countries may have laws prohibiting people from operating the drone at such distances.

The control’s input lag is almost non-existent and offers very precise control with no random movements.

If you are new to drones, the Mavic Pro’s beginner mode will help you learn how to fly it, while minimizing risks. It limits the distance and speed the drone can fly, and also reduces the sensitivity of the controller.