Dji mavic pro platinum vs phantom 4 pro

If you’re taking to the skies with a new drone, the China-based DJI makes some of the best products available. And its higher-end drones, the DJI Mavic Pro and the DJI Phantom 4, are among its best.

The differences between the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 are quickly apparent. They have decidedly different designs — and decidedly different price tags. But if you take a deeper dive into their unique features, you might quickly find that they’re awfully similar. And in some cases, you can get away with the cheaper option if you don’t mind sacrificing a few features here and there.

But if you’re not sure which drone to opt for, read on for our guide. From design differences to video quality, the following details will help you decide which DJI drone is best:

Design

The Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 are clearly two very different looking drones.

The Mavic Pro is a more compact option with a silver design that makes it easy to fly both indoors and outdoors. While both drones come with four propellers, the Phantom 4 is decidedly larger and comes with a white finish.

On the design side, then, you’ll need to determine what matters most. Do you want something that’s lightweight, easier to carry around, and won’t be so big in the air? Or do you not mind the larger size of the Phantom 4?

For my own taste, I prefer the smaller Mavic Pro, since it affords more flexibility in using it in different tight environments.

Winner: Mavic Pro

Ease of Use

Both the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 are sophisticated drones that are not designed for beginners. The drones are expensive, have expensive parts to replace, and can be difficult to maneuver for those new to the drone world.

The Mavic Pro is controlled from your phone. You’ll need to download an app to your Android device or iPhone and insert your smartphone into the controller that comes with the unit. When you fly, you’ll use your phone’s screen to see your device, access controls, and change settings. It can be a little cumbersome, so beware.

The Phantom 4, meanwhile, comes with its own controller that doesn’t require additional devices like your smartphone. The controller has a big screen for you to see everything that’s happening with the device without needing a separate smartphone. But like the Mavic Pro, the Phantom 4 has several automated features that make it easy to control your device without your own input.

Still, if you want the simplest method for controlling your drone with all the features you’d expect, the Phantom 4 is tops.

Winner: Phantom 4

Features

Apps

Both the Mavic Pro and the Phantom 4 are compatible with DJI’s own mobile apps. And when you’re controlling the software from your controller, the experience is nearly identical.

On the apps side, there isn’t much difference.

Winner: Draw

Automation Tools

Both the Mavic Pro and the Phantom 4 come with outstanding automation tools.

For instance, both drones will allow you to lock onto a person and follow that person wherever they go at the height and distance of your choosing. And when you enter a No Fly Zone, the drone will automatically detect where it is and return you to safe haven. When your battery starts to run low, your drone will come back to you and land safely.

Better yet, you can set the drones to track you and wherever you go, they’ll follow. The sheer number of automation tools inside the Mavic Pro and will impress you.

Winner: Draw

Indoor vs Outdoor Flying

When it comes to outdoor flying, the Phantom 4 might take a slight edge. The device is capable of being controlled several miles away and up to nearly 20,000 feet in the air. And since it comes with a battery life of 28 minutes, you should be able to take exceptional shots for quitter some time.

The Mavic Pro, meanwhile, offers a controllable range of over 4 miles. It, too, can be flown thousands of feet in the air. The main difference outside, however, is that the Phantom 4 is slightly larger and can fly at nearly 45 miles per hour.

If you’re flying indoors — something you only want to do in big rooms or warehouses and only with ample practice and know-how — the Mavic Pro is the clear winner here. It’s smaller, more versatile, and doesn’t fly as fast.

Winner: Mavic Pro

Battery Life

According to DJI, the Mavic Pro comes with up to 27 minutes of flight time on a single charge. After that, you’ll need to recharge or replace its battery.

The DJI Phantom 4 will offer 28 minutes of flight time.

Winner: Phantom 4

Camera Quality

Video

If you’re looking for an outstanding visual experience with your new DJI drone, the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 will get the job done.

The Phantom 4 offers up to 4K video recording at 24 frames per second. Its maximum video bitrate is 60Mbps. You can adjust its ISO from between 100 and 3200 and with a 94-degree field-of-view, you’ll be able to see quite a bit.

The Mavic Pro can similarly record video at up to 4K resolutions. However, it can only record at 30 frames per second. So, if you want to capture fast movement, like sports, the Phantom 4 will be the better option. Other than that, it’s nearly all the same here, with a 60Mbps bitrate and ISO of 100 to 3200.

The Mavic Pro’s field-of-vision, however, tops out at 78.8 degrees.

Winner: Phantom 4

Photo

If you’re hoping to snap some photos from the Mavic Pro, you’ll find a camera that works quite well. The shooter has a 12-megapixel sensor that can deliver ISO ranges from 100 to 1600. You can save your photos in JPEG and DNG. Speaking of those photos, you have the option of single-shot, burst shooting, auto exposure bracketing, EV bias, and interval.

The Phantom 4 is a similar story with a 12-megapixel camera that offers an ISO range of between 100 and 1600. It offers single short and burst shooting, as well as auto exposure bracketing, EV bias, and time lapse. It adds HDR shots for better-looking photos.

You can store photos in JPEG or DNG (RAW)

Winner: Phantom 4

Price

If you’re looking for an affordable drone, neither the Phantom 4 nor the Mavic Pro is an ideal option. But if you want to save a few bucks, go with the $999 Mavic Pro. The Phantom 4 will cost you $1,199.

Winner: Mavic Pro

Final Verdict

It’s not so easy to choose between the Mavic Pro and the Phantom 4. They both come with similar features, offer outstanding controls for beginners and professionals, alike, and are guaranteed to deliver outstanding value.

In one case, you have the Phantom 4, which comes with more features, but has a $200 higher price tag. And in the other, you can opt for the Mavic Pro, which offers a cheaper price, but a few setbacks that might detract some customers.

Still, when it’s all said and done, the Phantom 4 is just a bit better than the Mavic Pro. And for that reason, it’s our top pick.

Overall Winner: Phantom 4

Is the Mavic Pro better than the Phantom 4?

Which drone is better Phantom or Mavic?

Is DJI Mavic Pro Platinum discontinued?

Is the Phantom 4 Pro worth it?