Mavic Pro vs Phantom 4: Which Drone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right drone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. If you’re considering a DJI drone, you’ve likely stumbled upon the battle of the titans: the Mavic Pro versus the Phantom 4. Both are incredibly popular, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
This comparison will dive deep into the key features, performance metrics, and overall value of each drone. We’ll explore everything from flight capabilities and camera quality to portability and ease of use. This will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect aerial companion.
Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or a complete beginner, understanding the nuances of the DJI Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 is crucial. Get ready to discover which drone will best suit your aerial photography and videography aspirations. Let’s get started and see which drone takes the lead!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Mavic Pro | Phantom 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 734 g | 1380 g |
| Foldable Design | Yes | No |
| Max Flight Time | 27 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Video Resolution | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3″ CMOS | 1/2.3″ CMOS |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Obstacle Sensing | Forward, Downward, Backward | Forward, Downward |
| Transmission Range | 7 km (FCC) | 5 km (FCC) |
| Max Speed | 65 km/h | 72 km/h |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP | 12MP |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Controller | Included | Included |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Portability
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro excels in portability with its foldable design, making it significantly smaller and easier to transport. It weighs less than the Phantom 4, fitting easily into a backpack. This compact size makes it ideal for travel and quick deployment.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 has a larger, more traditional drone design, which makes it less portable. While not overly cumbersome, it requires more space for storage and transportation, which can be a drawback for those prioritizing convenience.
- Winner: Mavic Pro
Camera Quality
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro features a 4K camera with a 12MP sensor and can record at 30fps. It offers a good balance of image quality and portability, though its sensor size is slightly smaller than the Phantom 4.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 boasts a 4K camera with a 12MP sensor and records at 30fps, often producing slightly better image quality due to its larger sensor. It generally has a wider dynamic range and potentially better low-light performance.
- Winner: Phantom 4
Flight Time
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro offers a flight time of around 27 minutes on a full charge, which is a respectable duration for its size. The battery life is decent, but can be affected by wind conditions and flying style.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 provides a flight time of approximately 28 minutes, offering a slightly longer flight experience compared to the Mavic Pro. Its larger battery contributes to this increased endurance.
- Winner: Phantom 4
Obstacle Sensing
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro has obstacle sensing on the front and bottom, assisting in collision avoidance. This system helps prevent crashes, particularly when flying in more complex environments.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 features obstacle sensing on the front and bottom, offering similar collision avoidance capabilities. This provides a safety net and reduces the risk of accidents during flight.
- Winner: Tie
Controller and Range
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro’s controller is compact and features a built-in screen for live video feed. It has a range of up to 4.3 miles (7 km) in optimal conditions, providing good control over the drone.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 has a more traditional, larger controller with a separate tablet or smartphone requirement. Its range is up to 3.1 miles (5 km), which is still a considerable distance.
- Winner: Mavic Pro
Gimbal Stabilization
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro uses a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize the camera, ensuring smooth video and sharp photos. This helps in minimizing vibrations and keeping shots steady, even in windy conditions.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 also employs a 3-axis gimbal for camera stabilization, resulting in high-quality, stable footage. The gimbal performance is comparable to the Mavic Pro’s.
- Winner: Tie
Intelligent Flight Modes
- Mavic Pro: Both drones feature a range of intelligent flight modes, including ActiveTrack, TapFly, and Gesture Mode. These modes automate flight and camera movements, making it easier to capture cinematic shots.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 offers similar intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack and TapFly, which provide automated flight paths and tracking capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Mavic Pro: The Mavic Pro generally has a lower price point compared to the Phantom 4, particularly when considering the initial release prices. This makes it a more accessible option for many users.
- Phantom 4: The Phantom 4 has a higher price, reflecting its larger size and slightly improved camera performance. The price difference can be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers.
- Winner: Mavic Pro
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | Mavic Pro |
| Flight Time | Phantom 4 |
| Obstacle Sensing | Mavic Pro |
| Top Speed | Phantom 4 |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- 4K Video Recording: Both drones are capable of capturing stunning 4K video at 30 frames per second, allowing for high-quality aerial footage. This provides users with the ability to create professional-looking videos.
- 3-Axis Gimbal: Both the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 feature a 3-axis gimbal, which provides excellent stabilization for smooth and cinematic video recording, even in windy conditions. This ensures that footage remains steady and professional.
- Intelligent Flight Modes: Both drones offer a variety of intelligent flight modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, and Point of Interest, making it easier to capture complex shots and follow subjects automatically. These modes enhance the user experience.
- Gps and Glonass: Both drones utilize GPS and GLONASS for precise positioning and stable flight, allowing for reliable return-to-home functionality and accurate flight control. This improves flight safety.
- Mobile App Control: Both drones can be controlled via a mobile app, providing users with live video feeds, flight data, and access to various settings and features. This enhances usability.
Mavic Pro Vs Phantom 4 Buying Guide
Portability and Design
The Mavic Pro truly shines when it comes to portability. Its foldable design allows it to shrink down to a size comparable to a water bottle, making it incredibly easy to carry around. The Phantom 4, on the other hand, is significantly larger and bulkier, requiring a dedicated backpack or case. This difference in size makes the Mavic Pro a far more convenient choice for travelers and those who value ease of transport. The Phantom 4’s larger size provides a more stable platform in windy conditions, but the Mavic Pro’s compact design is a major advantage for everyday use.
Camera and Image Quality
Both drones offer impressive camera capabilities, but there are subtle differences to consider. The Mavic Pro boasts a slightly more compact camera system but still captures stunning 4K video and 12MP photos. The Phantom 4’s camera also shoots 4K video, often with slightly better dynamic range and overall image quality in certain scenarios. The Phantom 4 has a wider field of view, which can be useful for capturing expansive landscapes. Ultimately, both cameras deliver excellent results, but the Phantom 4 might have a slight edge for professional-grade photography.
Flight Performance and Features
Both drones offer a smooth and stable flight experience, thanks to their advanced flight control systems. The Phantom 4 has a slightly faster top speed and can handle higher wind conditions more effectively. The Mavic Pro, however, compensates with its smaller size and agility. Both drones feature obstacle avoidance systems, though the Phantom 4’s system is generally considered slightly more advanced. The Mavic Pro’s ActiveTrack feature, which allows it to follow moving subjects, is a standout feature for creating dynamic shots.
Battery Life and Range
Battery life is a crucial factor for any drone pilot. The Phantom 4 typically offers slightly longer flight times, often around 28-30 minutes on a full charge. The Mavic Pro provides a respectable flight time, usually around 25-27 minutes. In terms of range, both drones can transmit video and control signals over considerable distances, but real-world performance varies depending on environmental conditions. The Phantom 4 might offer a slightly longer range in optimal conditions, but both are more than adequate for most users.
Controller and User Experience
The Phantom 4’s controller is a larger, more traditional design with a built-in screen that displays flight information. The Mavic Pro’s controller is more compact and uses your smartphone as the display. Both controllers offer intuitive controls and a comfortable grip. The Mavic Pro’s controller is easier to pack, making it a better option for travel. The Phantom 4’s built-in screen provides more convenience for some users. The overall user experience is positive for both drones, with slight differences in controller design.
Price and Value
The price of both drones has fluctuated over time, but generally, the Phantom 4 is often available at a slightly lower price point, especially if purchasing a used model. The Mavic Pro’s more compact design and advanced features, like ActiveTrack, might justify the slightly higher cost for some users. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when deciding which drone offers the best value. Both drones represent excellent value for the performance and features they offer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Mavic Pro If…
- You value portability and compactness.
- You want a drone that’s easy to transport and store.
- You prefer a drone with more obstacle sensing capabilities.
- You need a drone that can easily navigate tight spaces.
Buy Phantom 4 If…
- You prioritize longer flight times.
- You want a more stable and powerful drone for professional use.
- You are looking for a drone with a slightly faster top speed.
- You don’t mind a larger and less portable drone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum video resolution for both drones?
Both the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 can record video in 4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second. This allows for incredibly detailed and professional-looking footage. They also support lower resolutions like 1080p and 720p for various shooting needs. The choice of resolution will depend on the intended use of the video and the storage capabilities of your memory card.
What is the flight time of each drone?
The Phantom 4 typically offers around 28-30 minutes of flight time on a single battery charge. The Mavic Pro provides a slightly shorter flight time, usually around 25-27 minutes. Flight times can vary depending on factors such as wind conditions, temperature, and flying style. It’s always a good idea to bring extra batteries.
Which drone is easier to transport?
The Mavic Pro is significantly easier to transport due to its foldable design. It can be collapsed into a compact size, making it easy to fit into a backpack or even a large pocket. The Phantom 4, being larger and more rigid, requires a dedicated case or a larger bag for transport. This makes the Mavic Pro the better choice for travelers.
Do both drones have obstacle avoidance?
Yes, both the Mavic Pro and the Phantom 4 are equipped with obstacle avoidance systems. These systems use sensors to detect obstacles in the drone’s path and automatically avoid them, enhancing safety during flight. The Phantom 4’s system is often considered slightly more advanced, with sensors on multiple sides.
What is the effective range of each drone’s transmission?
Both drones have impressive transmission ranges, capable of transmitting video and control signals over several kilometers in ideal conditions. Real-world range is affected by environmental factors like interference and obstacles. The Phantom 4 might have a slightly longer range in optimal conditions, but both offer ample distance for most users.
Which drone is better for beginners?
Both drones are relatively easy to fly, but the Mavic Pro’s compact size and ease of transport might make it slightly more appealing to beginners. The Phantom 4’s larger size can provide a more stable flight platform in windy conditions. Both drones have beginner-friendly flight modes and tutorials.
What are the key differences in camera performance?
Both drones capture excellent 4K video and high-resolution photos. The Phantom 4 might have a slight edge in dynamic range and overall image quality in certain situations. The Mavic Pro’s camera is more compact. The Phantom 4 has a wider field of view. Both cameras produce professional-quality results, so the best choice depends on specific needs.
Final Verdict
The Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 are both excellent drones, each with its own strengths. The Mavic Pro excels in portability and offers advanced features like ActiveTrack. The Phantom 4 provides a slightly more stable flight platform and potentially better image quality. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: portability versus potentially enhanced image quality and stability. Both are superb choices.
Winner: Mavic Pro