Comparing the Different Phantom 3 drones

Mention “DJI Phantom 3” to any drone enthusiast and he or she would likely have good words for it. Truth to be told, the DJI Phantom 3 has established itself as perhaps the most popular range of consumer quadcopters today.

And while DJI has recently announced the release of the last model in the Phantom 3 series, the Phantom 3 SE, many drone observers believe that the Phantom 3 will remain a fan favorite even in the years to come.

DJI Phantom 3 Standard

The Phantom 3 Standard is the base model of the Phantom 3 series. It’s a great choice for beginners who are looking for an easy-to-fly drone. It is a stripped-down version of the Phantom 3 Professional and Advanced models. While not as features-packed as its cousins, the Phantom 3 Standard is still a very excellent drone by any definition.

The most glaring difference between the Phantom 3 Standard and the other models in the Phantom 3 range is the camera that can only shoot 2.7K video.  While it doesn’t shoot ultra-high definition video (4K) video, the Phantom 3 Standard still captures high-resolution photos and videos.

However, the Phantom 3 Standard has a simpler controller compared to the other models in the series. The design of the controller was actually borrowed from the very popular DJI Phantom 2.

DJI Phantom 3 4K

This is basically the DJI Phantom 3 Standard with a 4K camera.  It is one of the most affordable drones with a 4K camera that you can buy today.  The controller is also slightly more advanced than that of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, plus it has vision positioning.

Phantom 3 Advanced

The Phantom 3 Advanced has the same features as that of the Phantom 3 4K. While it lacks a 4K video (it uses a 2.7K camera),  the Phantom 3 Advanced is better than the Phantom 3 4K in terms of range and video streaming reliability thanks to the use of Lightbridge technology. Without getting too technical, the said feature enables the Phantom 3 Advanced to have better video and control signal.  The Phantom 3 Advanced also streams 720-pixel video unlike the Phantom 3 4K which can only do 480p video.

Phantom 3 Professional

The Phantom 3 Professional is also equipped with Lightbridge technology.  It shoots 4K videos, streams video at superior quality 720 pixels, and comes with GPS. A major selling point, though, is its larger charge that allows it to charge the battery faster than those of other models.

Phantom 3 SE

The last model of the series, the Phantom 3 SE, is an upgraded version of the Phantom 3 Standard.  Both drones have a maximum speed of 57 kph and a maximum flight time of around 25 minutes. The SE, though, is slightly heavier at 1236 grams.

The main difference between the Phantom 3 SE and the Phantom 3 Standard is the camera resolution.  The Phantom 3 SE features a 4K camera compared to the 2.7K camera of the Standard model.

The Phantom 3 SE closes out one of the most successful lines of drones in history.