With the release of the Phantom 3 SE, you may be pondering which drone you should get out of a choice of Phantom 3 Standard $499 or the Phantom 3 SE $599. This buying guide aims to make the differences between the two of them clear so that you can make the right decision based on your needs. So let’s take a look at Phantom 3 SE vs Phantom 3 Standard.
General Specifications
There isn’t much difference between the two drones in this category, so we shall look at what’s the same first. Both drones have a max flight time of about 25 minutes and a max speed of 57 kph. The only real difference is the weight as the Phantom SE weighs a slightly heavier 1236g vs the Phantom 3 Standard 1216g.
Transmission Distance and Remote Controllers
Here the differences become clearer as the Phantom 3 SE has a max transmission range of 4 km vs the Phantom 3 Standard’s of 1 km. This, of course, means you can fly the Phantom 3 SE much further giving you more flexibility when it comes to getting the shots you want. Also, the Mobile Device holders have different aesthetics with the Phantom 3 SE having a cool mechanical sliding clamp while the Phantom 3 Standard just has a regular clamp.
Cameras
Phantom 3 Standard is one of the best camera drones for beginners. When looking at Phantom 3 SE vs Phantom 3 Standard this is where the big differences between the drones become apparent as the Phantom 3 SE has a max video resolution of 4k at 30fps while the Phantom 3 Standard has 2.7k at 30fps. So the Phantom 3 SE can obviously record much higher quality videos. In terms of photographs, both drones are equal with their 1/2.3’’ CMOS Effective pixels: 12 M camera sensors providing sharp picture quality.
Vision Positioning Systems
Another difference in Phantom 3 SE vs Phantom 3 Standard is VPS systems. To put it simply the Phantom 3 Standard has none and the Phantom 3 SE has a downward Vision System. This lets the Phantom 3 SE with or without a GPS signal hover precisely in place and waits for your next command. This gives you ample time to plan, adjust your camera, and capture shots that match your creative vision.
Final Thoughts of Phantom 3 SE vs Phantom 3 Standard
Overall, both are good first drones for new buyers as they are very similarly matched. However, the Phantom 3 SE has the edge with its 4k camera, VPS and better transmission range than the Phantom 3 Standard. This table gives a summary of the key difference between the two drones.
| Phantom 3 SE | Phantom 3 Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 599 | 499 |
| Weight (Battery & Propellers Included) | 1236 g | 1216g |
| Max Flight Time | Approx. 25 minutes | Approx. 25 minutes |
| Vision System | Downward Vision System | |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.3’’ CMOS Effective pixels: 12 M | 1/2.3’’ CMOS Effective pixels: 12 M |
| Max. Video Recording Resolution | 4K 30P | 2.7K 30P |
| Max Transmission Distance | FCC: 2.5 mi | FCC: 0.6 mi |
| Video Tramsmission System | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4 GHz/5.8 GHz | RC Signal: 5.8G Liveview Signal: 2.4G |
If you want a closer look at the Phantom 3 SE, then check out our unboxing of it.
If you have any questions, please contact us at DJI Support:
