DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 3 4K
The Mavic Pro Platinum and the Phantom 3 4k are amongst the best drones that DJI manufactures and sells. Obviously choosing between these two can?t be easy.
The important thing to keep in mind when choosing between both the Mavic Pro Platinum and the Phantom 3 4K is that each has its advantages and disadvantages over the other. Yes! These advantages and disadvantages are subtle but deciding between the two will mainly boil down to how these drones will be used.
In our DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 3 comparison, we’ll compare and contrast all the features that both these drones have to offer, before crowning the one offering the best value for money.
But first…
JAMES DAVIS
Drone Riot Founder
Meet Your Reviewer
Hey I’m James, the founder of Drone Riot. I’ve been a passionate drone enthusiast for years and years and created Drone Riot so share my UAV Knowledge. I’ve made my fair share of aerial films as well as being a judge at the DFF ANZ Film Festival.
?Read more about James / Find Out How We Review
?DJI Mavic Pro Platinum vs DJI Phantom ?3 4k: Overview
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum | DJI Phantom 3 4k |
|---|---|
 |  |
Flight Time:Â 30-minutes | Flight Time: ?25-minutes |
Maximum Control Range:Â 7km | Maximum Control Range: 1.2km |
Camera (Video):Â 4k @ 30fps, 2.7k @ 30fps, 1080p @ 96fps | Camera (Video): ?4k |
Camera (Photo):Â 12.35 megapixels | Camera (Photo):Â ?12 Megapixels??? |
Maximum Speed:Â 65kph | Maximum Speed:Â ?57.6kph |
Weight:Â 734g | Weight: 1300g |
Gimbal:Â 3-axis | Gimbal: ?3-axis |
Obstacle Avoidance:Â Yes | Obstacle Avoidance: ?No |
Our Rating: | Our Rating: |
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 3 4K: Camera
First up is the most important comparison. We will compare the cameras of both the Mavic Pro Platinum and the Phantom 3 4K to determine which is the best of the two.
The DJI Mavic Pro Platinum boasts of a 1/2.3? CMOS sensor rated at 12.25 megapixel. It also has a wide 78.8o field of view (FOV).
Video recording on the Platinum is in 4K at 30fps; you can also drop the resolution down to 1080p at 96fps. Plus, it offers a 60Mbps max bitrate.
Moving to the DJI Phantom 3 4K?s camera and a number of similarities are instantly apparent. The Phantom 3 4K records at the same 4K resolution as the Mavic Pro Platinum with a similar 3-axis gimbal.
The Phantom 3 4K also has the same 12 Megapixel camera. However, the camera on the Phantom 3 4K has a slightly wider 94o degrees field of view.
?Dropping the resolution down from 4K to 1080p allows owners to shoot video at 60 fps, ?which is slightly less than the Mavic Pro platinum.???
Key takeaways:
- ?The cameras on both drones are very similar.
- ?A side by side comparison of photos and videos taken from both drones are nearly indistinguishable.
- ?The only win for the Phantom 3?s camera is perhaps a slightly wider field of view.
Specification | DJI Mavic Pro Platinum | ?DJI Phantom 3 4k |
|---|---|---|
| ?Gimbal | 3-axis | ?3-xis |
| ?Sensor | ?1/2.3″ CMOS | ?Sony EXMOR 1/2.3″ CMOS |
| ?Megapixels | ?12.25MP | ?12 |
| ?FOV | ?78.8? | 94? |
| ISO Range (Photo) | 100-1600 (auto) 100-1600 (manual) | 100-1600 |
| ?ISO Range (Video) | ?100-3200 | 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speed | ?Electronic Shutter: 8 – 1/8000s | ?8s – 1/8000s |
| Photo Resolution | ?4000?3000 | ?4000?3000 |
| Photo Format | ?JPEG/DNG (RAW) | ?JPEG, DNG |
| ?Video Format | ?MP4/MOV (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) | ?MP4, MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) |
Check Out the Mavic Pro Platinum in Action:
?Check Out ?the DJI Phantom 3 4k in Action:
Battery & Flight Time
The most noticeable difference between the Mavic Pro Platinum and the Phantom 3 4K, is in flying time.
The DJI Mavic Pro Platinum offers a whopping 30-minutes of flight time. Which is significant considering that it packs a smaller 3830 mAh battery.
The DJI Phantom 3 4K is slightly behind with 25-minutes of flight time despite it packing a larger 4480 mAh battery.
Here is where it all boils down to size. The Mavic Pro?s smaller size delivers the win in the battery department. Though the older Phantom 3 4K isn?t too far behind.
?My suggestion is to always have an extra battery on hand regardless of which drone you own. Anyone who is serious about flying should have at least one fully charged spare since it takes over an hour to change either of these two batteries.
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum vs. DJI Phantom 3 4K: Maximum Flight Distance
Choosing between the DJI Phantom 3 4K Vs. The Mavic Pro Platinum for some may boil down to flight distance. The longer your drone?s range, the more freedom you have in the air, so it is an important consideration.
The Phantom 3 4K boasts of a pretty average 1200-meter range. However, this range can be extended with what is called a DBS Mod, to change the CE to the FCC settings and get another 1000 meters of range. Though there is a chance, it might void your warranty.
The Mavic Pro Platinum uses DJI?s latest OcuSync technology which gives it an astounding 7km of range without loss of signal.
On the topic of range let?s not lose sight of the fact that you should only pilot a drone within the line of sight. Both these drones are not going to be visible at 1200 meters and 7km respectively. However, if a longer range is what you want, then the Mavic Pro Platinum is an excellent choice.
Mavic Pro Platinum Vs. Phantom 3 4k: Size & Design
When you?re in the market for a drone size does matter. The Phantom 3 4K is the larger of the two drones measuring 350mm diagonally and weighing 1300g.
The Mavic Pro Platinum is 2x lighter at just 734g. It also measures 19 x 8.3 x 8.3cm (LxWxH) when completely folded. Unfold it, and it expands to just 30.5 x 24.4 x 8.5cm.
While the DJI Phantom 3 4K is obviously larger, it is also harder to transport as it does not fold. The folding design of the Mavic Pro Platinum makes it easier to travel with as it can fit in any box or bag.
Another interesting distinction and one that may matter is their propeller noise.
The Mavic Pro Platinum is quieter owing to the use of electronic speed controllers and new propeller design.
Both drones have a micro SD card slot. Though if you?re going to use an SD card makes sure to get at least a Class 10 card.
It’s safe to say, if you’re planning on travelling with your drone, the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum is by far the better option due to its compact design and lower noise level.
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 3 4k: Maximum Speed
As someone who loves flying fast drones and wagering against friends, the speed test is my favorite.
The DJI Phantom 3 4K reaches a top speed of 35.8mph. It also ascends at 11.2 mph and descends at 6.7 mph.
The Mavic Pro Platinum is slightly faster, reaching speeds of up to 40.3 mph in sport mode. One reason for its higher top speed is a lighter frame and an improved propeller design.
If I were someone who wanted to film fast moving objects like a boat, motorcycle or car, the Mavic Pro Platinum?s speed would matter a lot to me.
Intelligent Flight Modes
The intelligent flight modes are a set of features that help drone pilots set the drone to operate autonomously. These can make capturing jaw-dropping aerial photographs and videos a lot easier since the drone pilot does not need to actively focus on flying.
DJI Phantom 3 4K Intelligent Flight Modes
- Point of Interest
- Waypoints
- Home Lock
- Follow Me
- Course Lock
DJI Mavic ?Pro Platinum Intelligent Flight Modes:
- ActiveTrack
- QuickShot
- SmartCapture
- TapFly
- Tripod Mode
- Cinematic Mode
- Point of Interest
The thing about DJI is that they keep introducing new autonomous pilot features. So, even though the Phantom 3 4K may appear to be a little light on these features, an update or two should fix things drastically.
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 3 4K: Obstacle Avoidance & VPS
The DJI Mavic Pro Platinum is the latest offering by DJI, and so it wins in the obstacle avoidance & VPS category with forward facing sensors capable of sensing obstacles between 0.7-15m away.
Unfortunately for the Mavic Pro the sensors only face forward so if you?re flying backward be extra careful.
The Phantom 3 4K appears is dated in comparison with no forward or backward facing sensors except for a Vision Positioning System. The VPS allows for the drone to hover steadily and accurately thanks to the two sensors underneath.
DJI Mavic Pro VS DJI Phantom 3 4K: Price
So how much do the Mavic Pro and the Phantom 3 4K cost?
The prices of both drones tend to fluctuate but are mainly dependent on the introduction of newer models. However, the DJI Phantom 3 4k is almost half the price of the Mavic Pro Platinum.
The Phantom 3 4K is on the path to becoming scarce since DJI recently started selling the updated Phantom 4.
Regardless of which drone you decide to buy, ?you can always get the ‘Fly More Bundles’, which come with everything you would need to have a successful flight.
DJI ?Mavic Pro Platinum Bundle:
DJI Phantom 3 4k Bundle:
Useful Accessories
If you’re not interested in buying your drone in a bundle, I’ve listed out some helpful accessories below for each drone that will make your flying experience easier and more enjoyably.
?DJI Mavic Pro Platinum Accessories:
?DJI Phantom 3 ?4k Accessories
- Case
- Spare Battery (no longer for sale)
- Spare Propellers
- ND Filters
- SD Card
?Recommended Reading: DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Possible Alternative ? DJI Spark
Now if the DJI Phantom 3 4K is too large for you and the Mavic Pro Platinum is too expensive, then why not buy the Spark?
The DJI Spark is one of the smallest, most compact drones available today.
It is also cheaper than the DJI Phantom 3 4K and the Mavic Pro Platinum. But it kind of offers the best of both worlds.
?As a matter of fact, it is smaller than the Mavic Pro making it easier to carry around.
If you are an amateur photographer or simply want to an affordable drone capable of taking decent shots, then the Spark?s 1080p is more than adequate.
Also, the two-axis gimbal ensures steady shots even in somewhat windy conditions. The Spark also boasts of a similar quality 12-megapixel camera for stills.
Most of all the Spark is easier to fly. Perhaps the only drawback is its short 16-minute flight time.
At the end of the day, if you?re not a professional, the Spark offers the best bang for your buck.
Specs
- Flight Time: 16-minutes
- Maximum Range: 2km with a controller
- Camera: 1080p @ 30 fps
- Camera (Photo): 12 megapixels
Features:
- Gesture control
- Follow me
- Quick launch
- Other autonomous flight modes
- Obstacle avoidance
- 2-axis gimbal stabilization
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum VS DJI Phantom 3 4k: The Verdict
The DJI Mavic Pro Platinum and the DJI Phantom 3 4k are some of the best drones in their class. However, the Platinum is a newer drone and naturally boasts of a better set of features.
The extra features make flying and using the Mavic Pro a blissful experience. Though the experience also comes at a premium.
The bottom line is that if you?re looking for a budget-friendly 4K drone and you don?t mind the extra heft, then the Phantom 3 4K is an excellent buy.
On the other hand, if you want a great 4k drone which is easy to fly, compact and boasts of excellent range, then the Mavic Pro Platinum is a no-brainer.
Thank you for posting such a great comparison video. However, the only thing lacking of interest to me was performance in wind. I have heard the mabic can perform well in 14 mph wind. Any input?? Again thanks for the great comparison.
Pat