The Autel Robotics X-Star is a popular camera drone known for its capable features and competitive price point. This review delves into its video quality, ease of use, flight performance, video downlink, customer service, and overall value, providing a thorough assessment for potential buyers.
The X-Star Premium’s controller is well designed, but just slightly inferior to the Phantom controllers.
Credit: Katherine Elliott
Video Quality of the Autel X-Star
The Autel X-Star Premium boasts a 4K camera capable of capturing crisp, high-quality images. However, some minor color saturation issues were observed during testing, resulting in a slightly cool, blue tint in certain shots. While the gimbal effectively stabilizes shots on straight flight paths, noticeable shake can occur during turns or aggressive maneuvers. Similar to the DJI Phantom series, propeller intrusion can be an issue in fast or aggressive flights that tilt the drone. This is unlikely to affect most shots but is worth noting.
Ease of Use and Setup
The Autel X-Star Premium offers a user-friendly experience. Setup is straightforward, and while the Starlink app might require a bit of searching, pairing the drone, controller, and smartphone is seamless. The controller is comfortable to hold, features a solid mount for smartphones or tablets, and includes a prominent pause button for added safety. A small LCD screen displays essential flight information, freeing up space for the video downlink on the on-screen display. First-time flights are generally intuitive, although some flight stability issues (discussed below) might add a bit of stress for beginners. Takeoff and landing procedures are simple, utilizing dedicated buttons on the controller.
Flight Performance and Stability
The X-Star Premium’s flight performance is where it falls slightly short of competitors like DJI. While takeoffs and landings are achievable, they can feel unstable, with the drone occasionally drifting or bobbing. The drone was observed tipping onto its side during landing more frequently than other tested models. Additionally, the X-Star Premium struggles to maintain a steady hover at low altitudes (below 20 feet), exhibiting random altitude fluctuations. This issue resolves at higher altitudes but can be frustrating for low-angle shots. The drone also tends to drift slightly when turning. Autonomous flight modes, including orbit point of interest and cable cam, produce relatively stable footage, though not as smooth as top-performing models. The automatic return-to-home function performed as expected, with the same landing instability noted earlier. The maximum flight time of 25 minutes is commendable.
Video Downlink Range and Quality
The video downlink of the Autel X-Star Premium offers reasonable video quality, albeit with a slightly lower resolution. The live stream remained smooth during a 3000-foot test, with only occasional pixelation. While not as immersive as some high-end drones, it’s sufficient for framing shots effectively.
Autel Customer Service Experience
Autel’s customer service received high marks. Responsive and knowledgeable representatives provided prompt solutions to issues encountered during testing. This positive experience contributes significantly to the overall ownership experience.
The X-Star Premium comes with a nice carrying case.
Credit: Katherine Elliott
Value and Price Consideration
The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is priced competitively. However, considering its performance, particularly in comparison to the DJI Phantom 4, which often retails at a similar price point and offers superior performance, potential buyers should carefully weigh their options.
Conclusion: Autel X-Star vs. the Competition
The Autel X-Star is a good camera drone capable of producing decent footage. However, its flight stability issues and performance compared to similarly priced competitors, especially the DJI Phantom 4, should be considered before making a purchase. While the X-Star offers a user-friendly experience and good customer service, those seeking top-tier performance might find the Phantom 4 a better investment.
