When comparing DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs DJI Mavic Air, the Slant community recommends DJI Mavic Air for most people. In the question“What are the best drones capable of shooting 4K video?” DJI Mavic Air is ranked 5th while DJI Phantom 4 Pro is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose DJI Mavic Air is:
The Air has several features that make it easy to carry around. It folds into a very compact size ( 83 × 49 x 168 mm ) and can be conveniently carried inside an included case. During transportation, the gimbal is covered with a protective plastic part. The remote control is also small enough to be handy to carry in a backpack, without its sticks getting in the way, since they can be unscrewed and stored inside the remote.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great autonomous flying functionality
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.
Pro Has built-in obstacle avoidance
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.
Pro Camera can take bright images in the dark
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.
Pro Version that comes with a remote with a built-in Android tablet is available
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.
Pro Great image quality
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.
Pro Extremely portable
The Air has several features that make it easy to carry around. It folds into a very compact size ( 83 × 49 x 168 mm ) and can be conveniently carried inside an included case. During transportation, the gimbal is covered with a protective plastic part. The remote control is also small enough to be handy to carry in a backpack, without its sticks getting in the way, since they can be unscrewed and stored inside the remote.
Pro Great image quality
Cons
Con Front propellers can get in the way of the frame
When flying and filming, the front propellers can get in the way of the frame quite often.
Con Doesn't support third party apps
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is to use the native DJI operating system and it seems that third party apps are unable to control this drone.
Con The sensors don't detect all obstacles
The Phantom 4 Pro's sensors have some problems picking up obstacles with a black surface, even in the daytime. This means you must be careful when flying around dark obstacles or during the night. Only the infrared side sensing systems work well at nighttime.
Con Not very portable
You can’t fold or flatten the drone when it is switched off, so it isn’t so easy to travel with. Because of the large dimensions, it will not fit in a carry-on luggage in a plane. Also, every time you get the drone ready to fly, you will need to attach the propellers to the drone as they aren’t foldable, only removable.
Con May occasionally loose tracked objects
The mode that tracks an object may lose the target occasionally, if it takes sharp turns.