The Autel X-Star Premium drone was a game-changer when it was released in 2016, offering impressive features and performance at a competitive price point. While it’s no longer in production, understanding its original pricing and comparing it to modern alternatives can be valuable for drone enthusiasts. This article examines the Autel X-star Premium Drone Price, its key features, and how it stacked up against the competition, particularly the DJI Phantom series.
Autel X-Star Premium Drone: Original Price and Value
Upon release, the Autel X-Star Premium boasted a price tag under $1,000, making it a significantly more affordable option compared to some of its competitors. This price included the drone itself, a controller, and a built-in camera on a gimbal, offering excellent value for both beginners and experienced pilots.
Key Features of the Autel X-Star Premium
The X-Star Premium’s attractive price point didn’t come at the cost of performance. It offered a range of impressive features, including:
4K Ultra HD Camera:
The drone was equipped with a 4K Ultra HD camera capable of capturing stunning aerial footage and still photographs. With a 108-degree field of view and a 3-axis gimbal for stabilization, the X-Star Premium delivered high-quality results.
Intelligent Flight Modes:
Beyond basic flight controls, the X-Star Premium included several intelligent flight modes designed to enhance the user experience. These modes included a beginner-friendly geo-fence, Follow Me, Orbit Me, and waypoint navigation.
Removable Gimbal and Camera:
A standout feature of the X-Star Premium was its removable gimbal and camera. This modular design allowed for potential upgrades and customization, a feature not found in competing drones like the DJI Phantom at the time. This potentially saved users money in the long run, as they could upgrade components individually instead of purchasing an entirely new drone.
Autel X-Star Premium vs. DJI Phantom: A Comparison
The X-Star Premium was often compared to the DJI Phantom series, particularly the Phantom 3 Advanced. While visually similar, there were notable differences in flight performance and overall design.
Flight Performance:
The Autel X-Star offered a more agile and responsive flight experience compared to the Phantom. While this made it slightly more challenging for beginners, experienced pilots appreciated the added control and maneuverability.
User-Friendly Features:
The X-Star Premium included user-friendly features such as dedicated buttons on the controller for functions like return-to-home and takeoff. The included hard case and a flight time of up to 25 minutes further enhanced its usability.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on the Drone Market
While the Autel X-Star Premium is no longer available for purchase, its competitive price, innovative features, and user-friendly design made a significant impact on the drone market. It demonstrated that high-quality drones could be accessible to a wider audience, challenging the dominance of DJI and paving the way for future advancements in drone technology. Those seeking a current Autel drone might consider the Evo Lite or Evo Nano drones.
