If you click a link on this page and make a purchase we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Anyone who wants to buy a Phantom model 4 meets the same question: Which drone should I buy the 4 or 4 Pro? What is the difference between the DJI Phantom 4 PRO (Professional) and DJI Phantom 4?
I will show all the differences between the two Quadrocopter camera drones in this comparison Phantom 4 PRO vs. Phantom 4.
DUEL – DJI Phantom 4 vs Phantom 4 Pro
Phantom 4 Pro is probably no successor to the Phantom 4, and its aim is not to supersede it completely. Rather, the “Professional” can be seen as an enhanced Phantom 4 model, which aim is to make the Phantom 4 interesting to photographers and professional users. And of course for tech-savvy amateur pilots who are not on a budget and just want to buy the best possible technical equipment. For many of you, the question arises: should I buy DJI Phantom 4 or should I buy DJI Phantom 4 Pro?
In summary, significant differences in the camera / image quality and in the field of sensor technology are anticipated and expected.
Let’s first look the external appearance changes that catch the eye. At first glance, the two models are similar as peas in a pod – the front view in detail shows no differences:
What are the benefits of these additional sensors? And who needs them? Interesting fact is that the side infrared sensors are working only in a beginner mode (Beginner mode) or in a Tripod mode (Tripod mode). Otherwise, they are disabled.
These lateral sensors are therefore interesting only for beginners – and even the novices leave the beginner mode relatively quickly, as the radius of this mode limits the quadrocopter to 30 meters reach.
For this reason, the Phantom 4 PRO gets no point and the overall score remains:
The rear sensors, however, are – just like the front sensors – almost always active. They identify obstacles and show them graphically and acoustically in the app, and thus ensure a safer flight. You should indeed never rely solely on the sensors, but they do provide a certain foresight.
Rear stereo cameras are especially useful in obstacle detection with features such as “Follow Me” or “Active Track”. The reverse fly function was disabled in the regular DJI Phantom 4 by default in these modes – track and follow (to prevent blind backward flying), this function is now active and only in combination with the sensors halfway useful.
But it is not only the number of sensors that is different in these 2 models. The effectiveness and accuracy has improved significantly in the Phantom 4 PRO model. The sensors work much better now and can detect obstacles from further away. In regular DJI Phantom 4 the maximum sensor reach was about 10 meters – the Phantom 4 Pro , however detects obstacles at further distance, which allows the quadrocopter to detect and use optional advanced evasion technology even at higher speeds.
Differences are also evident in the lower ultrasonic sensors, it appears that other materials were used for the components. We could not determine any effects of these materials in the overall performance. Both models, have a combination of ultrasound and two stereo camera sensors used for monitoring the ground under the drone:
Not for lateral infrared sensors but for the rear sensors and the overall improved detection range , there is the first point for the “PRO” and thus the overall score is:
We continue with the topic of “camera” and “image quality” and ” video quality “. This is where the DJI Phantom 4 Pro with it 1 “(1 inch) CMOS image sensor dominates . This sensor isv4x larger than the image sensor of the Phantom 4 with a size of “only” 1 / 2.3 inch . The DJI Phantom 4 Pro comes with 20 megapixels camera. It is able to produce much higher image quality mainly thanks to the larger sensor that provides a larger dynamic range and above all a better contrast and results in low light conditions. Both cameras can deliver RAW image data (images in raw format).
In addition, the Phantom 4 PRO has a mechanical shutter . The “rolling shutter” (distortions in fast moving images / high speeds) at the photo and video recording is a thing of the past. And finally, the Phantom 4 PRO has (as well as advance the first time ever the Dji Mavic PRO ) a manual focus . The “camera / image quality / video quality” point clearly goes to the newer DJI Phantom 4 Professional:
0:2Now we come to the issue of features. The equipment is almost identical in both models .The basic set for both models contains the remote controls, all necessary cables (except Apple iPhone / iPad USB cable with Lightning connector), propeller and spare propellers . In addition, yu get a foam-made case, that can serve as a carrying case (to a limited extent). This case is not as robust as a hard case or a solid backpack. The structure of the case is also identical – the DJI Phantom 4 PRO case has an additional foam cover to protect the spare battery shafts. Of course, both also have power supplies / chargers – identical with an output of 180 watts. The basic package has only one battery included but the case could store up to four batteries. The batteries topic will be discussed later on.
The result therefore remains unchanged:
0:2Coming to aforementioned batteries. – together with the Dji Phantom 4 Pro DJI introduced a high performance battery / High Capacity Battery. This battery can also be retrofitted to the Phantom 4 . With Phantom 4 Professional this high capacity battery, however, is already included in the basic package, thus ensuring an even longer flight time. The standard battery of the Phantom 4 has a capacity of 5,350 mAh – the High Capacity Battery of Professional model has 5,870 mAh – each at 15,2V.
Battery is a further point for the DJI Phantom P4 Pro and the score is:
0:3All other features such as airspeed, rate ascend, descent, motors, housing / dimensions etc are identical and thus have no effect on our comparison and the Duel.
Ultimately, of course, price also plays a decisive role in the buying decision. In this segment is the regular Phantom 4 clearly forward, as this offer price directly DJI for 1,399 euros (200, – Euro discount over the original launch price) is available. The Dji Phantom 4 Pro currently costs directly DJI 1,699 Euro and is therefore 300 euros more expensive.
This point is clearly to the regulard P4:
Conclusion DJI Phantom 4 vs 4 Pro:
Phantom 4 Professional is superior to its rival in many segments – it is technically better and has enhanced equipment. However, these enhancements are limited to the:
- a better battery
- a better camera / image quality
- better sensors
However, all these segments are already very good on the Phantom 4 as well (or at least not bad). With Phantom 4 PRO these elements are just a little better. The question now is simple: what do you set your priorities to and whether these improvements are worth the extra price to you.
Our recommendation:
Should the extra cost not “hurt” your budget too much, then the recommendation is clearly the DJI Phantom 4 Professional. Should the price play an important role, the regular Phantom 4 is not bad at all.
Check out our other comparisons between Phantom 4 and:
- Phantom 4 Pro vs Inspire 1 Pro
- Phantom 4 Pro vs Mavic 2 Pro
- Phantom 4 vs Yuneec Typhoon H
- Phantom 4 vs Mavic Pro
We also did a head to head duels between other drones:
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Skydio 2
- DJI Mavic Air 2 vs DJI Mavic Mini – Which Drone Wins The Battle?
- DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Ryze Tello: Which Beginner Drone To Go For?
- DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Air vs DJI Spark
- Autel Evo 2 vs Mavic 2 Pro – Which drone is better?
DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 20MP Camera 1" CMOS Sensor 4K H.265 Video 3-Axis Gimbal, Remote Controller with 5.5" Screen, White (CP.PT.00000234.01)
4 used from $2,198.99
Features
- The Phantom 4 Pro plus V2.0 camera drone comes equipped with a 3-axis motorized gimbal and a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor with a mechanical shutter that eliminates rolling shutter distortion.
- With the 5.5-inch 1080p LCD screen built into the optional remote controller, your images are easily visible even in direct sunlight.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a beast when it comes to flight performance. It has a maximum flight speed of 72 kph and an 8km transmission range with 1080p livestreaming and automatic frequency switching thanks to OcuSync 2.0.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, Draw mode, Gesture mode, and more. Draw lets you control the flight path with a fixed altitude simply by creating a route on the screen.
- What you get: DJI Phantom 4 Pro plus V2.0, Remote Controller with 5.5 Screen, Intelligent Flight, Battery, Charger, Power Cable, 4x Propellers (pair), Gimbal Clamp, microSD Card (32GB), Micro USB Cable, Carrying Case
DJI Phantom 4 PRO Professional Drone, Hobby RC Quadcopter & Multirotor, White, CP.PT.000488
Features
- Camera with 1-inch 20MP sensor the onboard camera has been redesigned to use a 1-inch Megapixel CMOS sensor.
- Five-directions of obstacle sensing. Please refer the Instructional Video and the User Manual before use.
- More powerful video processing supports H.264 4K videos at 60fps or H.265 4K at 30fps, both with a 100Mbps bitrate
- Note: Refer the Instructional Video and the User Manual before use which is highly recommended.
- Max Flight Time Approx. 30 minutes
DJI Phantom 4 Advanced+ (Plus) Drone Quadcopter 4K camera Built-in LCD on Remote
1 used from $1,149.00
Features
- In the Box DJI Phantom 4 Advanced+ Quadcopter GL300E Remote Controller with 1080p Display 4 x DJI 9450S Quick Release Propeller Pair for Phantom 4 / Phantom 4 Pro / Phantom 4 Pro+ Quadcopter DJI Intelligent Flight Battery for Phantom 4 Pro/Pro+ (Standard Edition) DJI 100W Power Adapter for Phantom 4 Quadcopter (Without AC Cable) DJI 100W AC Power Adaptor Cable for Phantom 4 Quadcopter (USA & CA) Gimbal Clap USB OTG Cable Micro-USB Cable 16GB microSD Memory Card Carry Case
- 30 Minute flying time, 4.3 mile range, 4K camera
- Remote includes LCD Screen
- 1" 20MP CMOS Sensor, Gimbal-Stabilized 4K60 / 20MP Imaging
- Obstacle Avoidance / Indoor Flying
