Autel X-Star Premium vs DJI Phantom 3

Discussion in 'Specific Models of Quadcopters and Drones' started by DigitalH, Jan 22, 2017.

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  1. DigitalH

    DigitalH New Member

    Hi Folks,
    Been researching this into the ground and am torn. Can anyone tell me which DJI Phantom 3 model (4k, Pro) is equivalent to Autel's X-Star Premium? I see that if it IS just the DJI 4K version (~$600 at B&H), the Autel is a bit more expensive (~$750). I also see that, at least on Amazon, Autel gets consistently higher marks for customer service/tech support. (I also see that they are based in Washington State.)
    Lastly, is it true that the camera is upgradeable on the Autel? This would be a big factor too as I'd like to be able to do so when the 1" eventually gets released...
    Thanks in advance!
     
    DigitalH, Jan 22, 2017
    #1
  2. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    DJI 4K is not the model you want!
    Phantom 4's have been as low as $800 or lower - refurb from DJI with full warranty. Or, you can find a deal on the P3 Pro (not the 4K) or the P3 Advanced - the advanced is fine if you don't do 4K video.

    Some facts:
    1. Autel is not based in Washington State - that is a US office and customer service - DJI has many more US employees and customer service centers here.

    2. Camera upgrade - the Autel has a removable camera. However, that differs from upgradeable. Frankly, you are likely to have one choice - if Autel follows through - and we have no idea of the price, quality or features. You would probably end up spending as much as if you saved up for the P4 Pro with the 1" sensor and all kinds of fancy other stuff (obstacle avoidance).

    The Autel isn't a bad machine - and it's a decent deal. However, you are buying one product from a one product company. They do not have, for example, the 3rd party apps which allow fancier waypoints and all kinds of other stuff you may use.

    In the end it's your choice - neither are bad machines. I tend to stick with DJI because - like apple or android - there are vastly more out there which means everything from 3rd party apps to information to parts, etc. are more available over the long run.
     
    webman, Jan 23, 2017
    #2
    Sapper23 likes this.
  3. Sapper23

    Sapper23 New Member

    I'm with Webman on this. DJI is on a roll with proving time and time again that they are the market leaders with innovative and quality products. I was in the same boat as you, I did look at Autel and even Parrot, but the more I researched, the better DJI sounded to me. I eventually went the refurbished route and purchased a Phantom 3 Pro. Couldn't be happier. Here is a link to the forum thread where I gave a review on the quad. Good luck
     
    Sapper23, Jan 24, 2017
    #3
  4. DigitalH

    DigitalH New Member

    Thanks, much webman and sapper23. This is the sort of perspective I needed. You've both sold me on DJI. Now I am stuck on whether to wait for the Mavic (which is easier to hide from the household "Chancellor of the Exchequer") or the more obtrusive Phantom. Though it does now appear that Mavic can now be bought direct from DJI for the same price with a 2 week shipping delay. (Not sure if I believe that though given the well-known shipping delays-like 3 months-that this hot product is going for.)
     
    DigitalH, Jan 24, 2017
    #4
  5. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    Phantom 3 Pro 4K - Refurb - with warranty is $599 today on New Egg - that's the best deal I've seen - http://bit.ly/2jZL07g
     
    webman, Jan 24, 2017
    #5
  6. DigitalH

    DigitalH New Member

    Wow! Thanks, webman. Just found a comparison chart for all 4 Phantom 3 models. Thanks again. Now I am torn between this and biting the bullet for the Mavic...
     
    DigitalH, Jan 24, 2017
    #6
  7. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    The DJI shipping delay is correctly stated. I just ordered one on Jan 19 and it has shipped. It may take a few days longer for you due to Chinese New Year, but it's still pretty quick...
    In the case you want to help support this site - if you use our link we get a small commission (you don't pay any more!) -
    http://bit.ly/2duSux4
     
    webman, Jan 29, 2017
    #7
  8. DigitalH

    DigitalH New Member

    I found it interesting (and perhaps misleading?) that the response I got from Autel customer service regarding the DJI equivalent to the X-Star Premium was the Inspire 1. Comments? Opinions?
     
    DigitalH, Feb 1, 2017
    #8
  9. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    How can one comment on that? I guess people can say anything.
    If you are going to ask customer service people (or, really, anyone) such things you are going to have a lot of BS to wade through. My suggestion is to weight tangibles (range, weight, size, speed, software capabilities) and then guess at some of other stuff (reliability, future of the company, etc.).

    It's very generous to say the X-Star is similar to the Phantom 3 Pro. The systems on the P3P are much more tested and mature (VPS, 3d party stuff, etc.)...so that ends up being the biggest difference.
     
    webman, Feb 1, 2017
    #9
  10. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    webman, Feb 2, 2017
    #10

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