The Autel X Star drone was a game-changer in the drone industry upon its release in 2016, offering impressive features and performance at a competitive price point. While no longer in production, understanding its capabilities and pricing provides valuable context for evaluating current drone models. This review delves into the Autel X Star’s features, comparing it to the DJI Phantom series and examining its overall value.
Autel X Star: Features and Performance
The Autel X Star boasted a robust feature set designed for both beginners and experienced drone pilots. Key features included:
4K Ultra HD Camera:
The integrated 4K camera, equipped with a 3-axis gimbal and a 108-degree field of view, captured stunning aerial footage and 12MP still photos. This camera quality rivaled that of the DJI Phantom 3 Advanced, making the X Star a strong contender in aerial photography.
User-Friendly Flight Modes:
Autel designed the X Star with intuitive flight modes, making it accessible to beginners. A “beginner mode” with a geo-fence limited the drone’s range and speed for safer initial flights. Advanced features like Follow Me, Orbit Me, and waypoint navigation provided greater creative control for experienced users.
Removable Gimbal and Camera:
A unique advantage of the Autel X Star was its removable gimbal and camera system. This modularity allowed users to upgrade components or potentially use the drone for other applications beyond photography, offering flexibility not found in the DJI Phantom series. This feature also potentially reduced long-term costs by allowing component upgrades instead of full drone replacements.
Powerful RC Transmitter and Starlink App:
The X Star’s RC transmitter, paired with the Starlink mobile app, provided comprehensive flight control and a first-person view (FPV) experience. Dedicated buttons for functions like return-to-home and takeoff simplified operation, enhancing the user experience. The controller also included a built-in screen displaying vital flight information.
Autel X Star vs. DJI Phantom: A Comparative Analysis
The Autel X Star often drew comparisons to the DJI Phantom series, particularly the Phantom 3 Advanced. While visually similar, there were notable differences:
Flight Performance:
The X Star felt more agile and responsive than the Phantom, providing a more engaging flying experience. However, this also meant slightly less stable hovering and less smooth takeoffs and landings compared to the Phantom’s refined flight characteristics.
Modularity and Upgradability:
The X Star’s removable gimbal and camera system was a significant differentiator. This design offered potential long-term cost savings and flexibility, lacking in the Phantom’s fixed camera setup.
Autel X Star: Price and Value Proposition
The Autel X Star’s price point, generally under $1,000 at launch, offered excellent value considering its features and performance. While the DJI Phantom 3 Advanced was slightly cheaper, the X Star’s removable gimbal provided a unique value proposition for long-term ownership. The inclusion of a 64GB memory card and hard case further enhanced its value.
Conclusion
The Autel X Star, though discontinued, remains a significant drone in the industry’s history. Its competitive pricing, robust feature set, especially the 4K camera and removable gimbal, made it a viable alternative to the dominant DJI Phantom series. While prospective buyers can no longer purchase a new X Star, its legacy informs the features and performance expected in modern consumer drones. The X Star demonstrated Autel’s commitment to innovation and provided a compelling option for aerial photographers and enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, feature-rich drone.
