The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium quadcopter drone was a game-changer when it was released in 2016, offering photographers and videographers a powerful and easy-to-fly platform with a stunning 4K camera. While it’s no longer in production, this review explores the X-Star Premium’s features, performance, and how it compared to the dominant DJI Phantom series at the time.
This drone arrived ready to fly out of the box, packaged in a light and portable carrying case. After a quick battery charge and propeller installation, it was ready for takeoff.
Autel X-Star Premium: Price and Value
With a price tag under $1,000 at launch, the Autel X-Star Premium offered incredible value. This included the drone itself, a controller, and a built-in, gimbal-stabilized camera, making it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced drone pilots.
4K Camera Performance
The X-Star Premium boasts a 4K Ultra HD camera capable of capturing breathtaking footage. Its 108-degree field of view provides a wide perspective, while the integrated 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth, stable video even in challenging conditions. The camera also captures 12-megapixel still photos, providing excellent image quality for both aerial photography and videography.
Intelligent Flight Modes for Ease of Use
Autel designed the X-Star Premium with user-friendliness in mind. Its “beginner mode” incorporated a geo-fence to limit range and speed, enhancing safety for new pilots. Beyond basic flight controls, the drone featured intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, Orbit Me, and Waypoint navigation, allowing for creative and automated flight paths.
Autel X-Star Premium vs. DJI Phantom: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The X-Star Premium drew inevitable comparisons to the DJI Phantom series, particularly the Phantom 3 Advanced. While visually similar, key differences set the Autel drone apart.
Flight Performance: Agile and Responsive
The Autel X-Star Premium offered a more agile and responsive flight experience compared to the Phantom. This zippier performance made it more engaging for experienced pilots but potentially more challenging for beginners. Both drones shared a similar top speed of approximately 16 m/s.
Modular Design: Removable Gimbal and Camera
A standout feature of the X-Star Premium was its removable gimbal and camera system. This modular design offered significant advantages over the fixed camera system of the Phantom. Users could potentially upgrade their camera in the future or even remove it entirely for lighter flights and extended battery life. This flexibility was a major selling point for the Autel drone.
User-Friendly Controller and App Integration
The X-Star Premium’s RC transmitter mirrored the functionality of DJI’s controller, requiring users to download the Autel Starlink app and connect their smartphone for a first-person view (FPV) feed. However, dedicated buttons for functions like Return-to-Home and takeoff simplified operation, enhancing the user experience. The included 64GB card ensured ample storage for capturing high-resolution photos and videos. A 14.8V LiPo battery provided up to 25 minutes of flight time on a single charge with a recharge time of approximately one hour.
Conclusion: A Consumer-Focused Drone
The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium quadcopter drone provided a strong challenge to DJI’s dominance in the market. Its combination of a high-quality 4K camera, intelligent flight modes, responsive performance, and a consumer-friendly modular design made it a standout option for aerial photography and videography enthusiasts. Features like the removable gimbal, allowing for potential upgrades, and a light, portable case highlighted Autel’s focus on user needs. Though discontinued, the X-Star Premium remains a testament to Autel’s commitment to innovation and quality in the drone market.
