DJI Phantom 4 vs Phantom 4 Pro

With the Phantom 4 Pro, DJI now offers all drone enthusiasts an improved version of the successful Phantom 4. New features of the Phantom 4 Pro include additional sensors for obstacle detection, a 20 MP camera and a stronger battery. The Phantom 4 Pro Plus version also includes a 5.5-inch display for remote control. So is it worth it to switch from the Phantom 4 to the Phantom 4 Pro? And which of the two versions is recommended for newcomers? Find out in our comparison of the two DJI models.

What’s new about the Phantom 4 Pro?

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is similar to its predecessor in many respects – but that’s not a bad thing when it comes to drones from DJI. On the contrary, the Phantom 4 Pro is just as well-made as its predecessor, suitable for beginners as well as professionals, and equipped with numerous accessories. But what can the Phantom 4 Pro do better than the standard version?

This is what the new DJI Phantom 4 looks like.

The accessories – no big changes

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro comes with a slightly imporoved battery.

The accessories are identical for both drones. Whether in the Standard or Pro version – in addition to the drone, you get the classic accessories. These include a remote control, a battery, a charger and a foam case for transport.

Powerful battery

The battery of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is with 5,870 mAh slightly stronger than the version installed in the DJI Phantom 4 with 5,350 mAh. The more powerful battery, which should lead to a slightly longer flight time, can also be easily retrofitted to the standard version of the Phantom 4. In this respect, one can definitely speak of a small improvement and a point gain in the comparison DJI Phantom 4 Standard vs. Professional.

The sensors – a clear step forward

In addition to the two front cameras of the Phantom 4, the Pro variant now also features two new stereo cameras at the rear of the drone. On the sides of the copter, two new infrared sensors also provide improved obstacle detection. Together with the downward-protecting sensors, the Phantom 4 Pro thus has an anti-collision system in 5 directions.

This means that it is now possible, for example, to have the drone fly backwards with the camera in “Follow Me” mode without having to do any real blind flying. In addition, the two stereo front cameras for detecting obstacles are more powerful than in the standard edition of the DJI Phantom 4. Obstacles are now detected much earlier and the drone can react more reliably in the optionally switchable dodge mode and avoid objects even at higher speeds.

In the overall package, this leads to improved anti-collision technology and thus, on balance, to more safety compared to the DJI Phantom 4 Standard.

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The camera – the showpiece of the Phantom 4 Pro

The camera of the DJI Phantom 4 is already really good. But here, too, the Phantom 4 Pro steps up a notch. Equipped with a 20 megapixel 1 inch CMOS sensor, you get excellent quality footage, even for post-processing. In 4K mode, you can record videos at up to 60 frames per second. In continuous shooting mode, you’ll shoot 14 photos per second. The Phantom 4 Pro camera’s sensor, which is about four times larger, makes quite a splash.

There’s also another new feature of the Phantom 4 Pro: the first DJI camera with a mechanical aperture. Image distortions during fast flights and jerky movements in the air are thus completely a thing of the past. Considering that the Phantom 4 Standard comes with a 12-megapixel camera with a sensor that is only ¼ of what the improved version has to offer and that the “old” camera only allowed movies at 30 frames per second in 4K quality, you can see where the biggest step in development can be found in the comparison between the DJI Phantom 4 Standard vs. Professional.

The camera of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

Phantom 4 Pro Plus

The Plus version of the Phantom 4 includes a 5.5-inch display for the remote control in addition to the regular accessories. This can be used instead of a smartphone or tablet and promises a very bright and crisp image.

Conclusion

Of course, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a good deal more expensive to buy than the standard variant. And of course, you will also have fun with the Phantom 4. But if you want to own a high-tech drone of the latest generation, you will hardly get around the Phantom 4 Pro. The successor is clearly ahead in three points:

  • Improved anti-collision system -> a plus in terms of safety.
  • More powerful battery -> a plus in terms of flight duration
  • Significantly better camera -> a clear plus in terms of movie and photo shooting

The remaining features are largely identical. In our comparison of Phantom 4 vs. Phantom 4 Pro, the successor wins, even if you have to dig a little deeper into your wallet for the new features.