Phantom 4 Pro vs Phantom 4 Pro+: Which is for You?

In November 2016, DJI launched the Phantom 4 Pro and Pro Plus. These camera drones are a step up from their predecessor, the Phantom 4, especially when it comes to camera and remote controller capabilities.

Let's take a quick look at the Phantom 4 Pro's top features:

• 30 minutes of flight time
• 24 mm lens, 1 inch sensor camera, 20 MP RAW and JPG images, and 60 fps/4K video
• 5 directional obstacle sensing and 4 directional obstacle avoidance
• 7 km of control range
• Draw, ActiveTrack, TapFly, Return to Home, Gesture Mode and more

So how does the Phantom 4 Pro+ differ from the Pro? Why should you choose one over the other?

Both models are identical in features and functionality, except for their remote controllers. The Phantom 4 Pro comes with a remote controller that leverages your smartphone or tablet. You just need to run the DJI Go app for control over your drone's camera and to stream a live video feed. The Phantom 4 Pro+'s remote controller, on the other hand, has an integrated Android tablet.

The Pro+ is the first in the Phantom Series to include an integrated tablet in its remote controller instead of a smartphone/tablet holder. The tablet has 16 GB of internal storage space (with 9.5GB available). It sports an extremely bright (1,000cd/m2) 5.5 inch 1080p screen, overcoming the challenges of glare when shooting outdoors and in direct sunlight. It comes loaded with the DJI Go app, as well as some basic Android apps including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and a web browser.

While both remote controllers support dual frequencies for greater signal stability and interference resistance, the Phantom 4 Pro Plus has a five-hour battery life reducing the stress of re-charging when flying.

The Phantom 4 Pro is priced at $2,599 AUD where as the Phantom 4 Pro+ is priced at $3,099 AUD.

Which is for You?

Though the difference between the two newly released Phantom's is solely in their remote controller features, it is reason enough for one to be a better choice for you over the other. Whether you go for the Phantom 4 Pro or Pro+ depends on which scenarios you fly your drone most often, whether you like to keep your phone on hand at all times, and if you often forget to carry accessories like power cables with you.

So if, for example, you like to capture images in bright sunlight and do not want to be struggling to view your live feed on your phone/tablet screen, the Phantom 4 Pro+ is probably for you.

If, on the other hand, you are more likely to be shooting during early mornings or evenings, and have no worries connecting your own phone/tablet to the remote controller as well as keeping your power cables close the Phantom 4 Pro will do the job fine.

Also consider what phone you have, and for how long it will stay running. An iPhone user may opt for the Phantom 4 Pro+to avoid battery drainage issues when connected to the P4P's remote controller.

If a comparison of the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro Plus was not enough to help you decide which is for you, take a look at the below FAQS for additional information.

Phantom 4 Pro+ FAQs

Can I detach the integrated display from the Phantom 4 Pro+?
No.

Can I connect an iOS device or Android device to the Phantom 4 Pro+ to use DJI GO 4?
No.

Does the Phantom 4 Pro+ have a built-in loudspeaker and microphone?
Yes.

What is the resolution of the Phantom 4 Pro+'s display?
1920*1080

What apps are preloaded on the Phantom 4 Pro+ screen?
A range of social media apps and as well as DJI GO 4.

What operating system does the Phantom 4 Pro+ controller use?
It uses a customized DJI system.

Can I download other apps onto the Phantom 4 Pro+ controller?
No. Currently the Phantom 4 Pro+ controller does not support downloading additional third party apps.