The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium drone is a popular choice for aerial photography and videography. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its video quality, ease of use, flight performance, video downlink, customer service, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right drone for you.
Video Quality: Crisp 4K Footage with Minor Color Saturation Issues
The X-Star Premium boasts a high-quality 4K camera capable of capturing crisp and detailed images. However, our testing revealed a slight blue tint in many shots, indicating minor color saturation issues. While the gimbal effectively stabilizes footage during straight flight paths, noticeable shake occurs during turns or aggressive maneuvers. Propeller intrusion can also be an issue in fast or aggressive flights, a common problem in drones with similar designs. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for most shots, it’s worth considering if you prioritize pristine footage in challenging flight conditions.
The X-Star Premium’s camera delivers crisp 4K footage but suffers from minor color issues and potential propeller intrusion.
Ease of Use: Intuitive Controls and User-Friendly App
The X-Star Premium offers a generally positive user experience. Setup is straightforward, although locating the Autel Starlink app might require a bit more effort compared to other drone manufacturers. Once downloaded, pairing the drone, controller, and smartphone is seamless. The controller is comfortable to hold, features responsive joysticks, and includes a convenient “pause” button for hovering, ideal for beginners. A small LCD screen displays essential flight information, freeing up space on the smartphone or tablet screen for the video downlink.
The X-Star Premium comes with a convenient carrying case for easy transport and storage.
Flight Performance: Stability Issues at Low Altitudes
The X-Star Premium’s flight performance is a noticeable weakness. Takeoffs and landings feel unstable, with frequent drifting and bobbing. The drone occasionally tips over during landing, increasing the risk of propeller damage. At altitudes below 20 feet, the drone exhibits erratic altitude fluctuations, making low-altitude shots challenging. While autonomous flight modes like orbit point of interest and cable cam produce usable footage, they lack the smoothness of higher-end models. The 25-minute maximum flight time is commendable, however.
Video Downlink: Adequate but Not Exceptional
The video downlink provides reasonable quality for framing shots, but the resolution is lower compared to some competitors. While generally smooth during long-range flights, occasional pixelation can occur. This downlink quality is sufficient for most purposes but doesn’t offer the immersive experience of premium drones.
Customer Service: Outstanding Support from Autel Robotics
Autel Robotics excels in customer service. Our experience with their support team was exceptional, with prompt and knowledgeable assistance provided for a battery issue. The responsiveness and helpfulness of Autel’s customer service are a significant advantage.
Value: A Decent Drone but Outperformed by Competitors
Priced at $900, the X-Star Premium offers decent value for its features. However, considering its performance limitations, especially compared to the DJI Phantom 4, which often retails at a similar price point and offers superior performance, the Phantom 4 represents a better value for most users seeking high-quality footage.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice with Some Drawbacks
The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is a capable drone with a good camera and user-friendly features. However, its flight performance issues, particularly at low altitudes, and the superior value proposition of competitors like the DJI Phantom 4, make it a less compelling choice for demanding users. If budget is a primary concern and stable low-altitude flight isn’t crucial, the X-Star Premium remains a viable option.
