Summary
The Hubsan X4 Pro (Deluxe) is a robust and rugged system with excellent redundancy, a wide range of advanced capabilities, professional appearance, and substantial endurance (30 min; published). The X4 Pro received above average scores across many of the individual measures, indicating the system is a cost-effective and well-packaged option to gain familiarity with multirotor operation, ensure safety, and support more advanced uses, upon mastery of basic operational skills. The system scored higher than average for maximum speed, endurance (top scorer), utility, critical metrics, constructional quality, operational ease, and availability and accuracy of reported values; but less than average for payload capacity, camera quality, pricing, communication range, and user support. The documentation provided with the system was limited and spread across several manuals. The user base has not yet been established online, which in the future may help with diagnosing common issues or challenges. All equipment required to operate the system is included, as purchased, and the pricing is lower than other similar systems. The controller provided with the Deluxe version features one of the most professional appearances of all those tested and the system is capable of carrying a user-configured payload, as well as an OEM parachute recovery system. However, the system also presents users with some challenges that could be better addressed by the manufacturer, including the need to power-down the integrated tablet and controller separately, difficulty viewing screen in sunlight (even with sunshade), and complex camera communication configuration. The X4 Pro is appropriate for a novice operator, but it may be beneficial to seek assistance from a more experienced operator to configure and setup the system for the first time. It also provides additional features and capabilities that may be useful to advanced operators, such as those planning to conduct operations both indoors and outdoors, in support of aerial filming, training, or research.
Features
- FPV enabled (WiFi/digital, 5.8GHz streaming to controller)
- 2.4/5.8GHz transceiver with integrated 7-inch touchscreen Android tablet
- Actual Direction Control, GPS, Altitude, and Return to Home operational modes and a programmable Waypoints system
- Three-axis gimbal and HD camera
- MicroSD storage
- Three Return to Home fail-safes
- Optional OEM parachute recovery system available
Additional Specs
- Max Speed: 32.46 kts
- Endurance: 30 mins
- Payload Capacity: 0.8 lbs
- Maximum Photo Resolution: 12.2 MP
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Price: $879.97 USD (as tested)
- Communication Range: 3,281 ft
- Battery Capacity: 7,000 mAh
More information at the Hubsan website.
Strengths
- Ready to fly with full system functionality, as purchase
- Very robust system, high quality construction and rugged durability
- Impressive control setup, very professional appearance with functions clearly labelled
- Included high-quality HD camera and gimbal
- Triple-redundant fail-safe options and availability of an OEM parachute recovery system
- Detailed documentation provided (video instructions are a good supplement, but should not be used as a primary documentation source)
Weaknesses
- User must turn ON/OFF discrete elements of controller (controller, tablet, etc.); may present too much complication for a first time user
- Difficult to configure component interfaces (e.g., camera to controller)
- Camera payload is slung very low and close to the ground and has separate power control (button)
- Sunlight makes display screen difficult to read, even with provided sunshade
- Some construction material is questionable (e.g., battery door); designed less for maintenance, repair, or access
- Controller (touchscreen transceiver) and aircraft information presented in two separate documents; primary document depicts stock controller option (not touchscreen)