The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is a compelling camera drone vying for attention in a market dominated by DJI. This review delves into its performance, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help potential buyers make informed decisions. We’ll cover video quality, ease of use, flight performance, video downlink, customer service, and overall value.
Video Quality: Good, But Not Perfect
The X-Star Premium boasts a 4K camera capable of capturing crisp footage. However, a slight blue tint occasionally affects color saturation. While the gimbal effectively stabilizes shots during straight flight, some shakiness occurs during turns or aggressive maneuvers. Propeller intrusion, similar to the DJI Phantom series, can be an issue during fast or angled flights, potentially marring the footage.
The X-Star Premium’s camera delivers decent 4K footage, but watch out for propeller intrusion in certain flight maneuvers.
User-Friendly Operation
Setting up the X-Star Premium is straightforward. Although locating the Starlink app might require a little effort, the pairing process with the drone, controller, and smartphone is seamless. The controller’s ergonomic design, responsive joysticks, and dedicated pause button enhance the user experience, particularly for novice pilots. A small LCD screen displays essential flight data, allowing more screen real estate for the video downlink.
The included carrying case makes transporting the X-Star Premium convenient and safe.
Flight Performance: Stability Concerns
While the X-Star Premium’s vibrant orange color enhances visibility during flight, its flight performance lags behind competitors. Takeoffs and landings can be unstable, with occasional drifting and bobbing. The drone’s tendency to tip during landing increases the risk of propeller damage. Low-altitude hovering (below 20 feet) presents challenges with erratic altitude fluctuations. Autonomous flight modes, like orbit point of interest and cable cam, function adequately but lack the smoothness of top-tier models. The 25-minute maximum flight time is a positive aspect.
Video Downlink: Adequate for Framing Shots
The video downlink provides reasonable quality, albeit with lower resolution compared to some rivals. During a 3000-foot test, the live stream remained mostly smooth, with only minor instances of pixelation. While not as immersive as higher-end drones, the downlink suffices for framing shots effectively.
Excellent Customer Service
Autel’s customer service shines. Our experience with a faulty battery was met with prompt and efficient support, resulting in a quick replacement at no cost. Autel’s responsive and knowledgeable representatives set a high standard for customer care.
Value Proposition: Price vs. Performance
Priced at $900, the X-Star Premium offers decent value. However, the DJI Phantom 4, often available at discounted prices, provides superior performance for a marginally higher investment. For those willing to spend a bit more, the Phantom 4 presents a compelling alternative.
Conclusion: A Good Drone, But Consider Alternatives
The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is a good drone with a capable camera and user-friendly features. However, its flight instability and video quality shortcomings, compared to competitors like the DJI Phantom 4, warrant consideration. If budget is a primary concern, the X-Star Premium is a viable option. However, for those prioritizing optimal performance and video quality, investing in the Phantom 4 might be a more rewarding choice.
