Smartphone controlled drones are almost a must for any professional, and many enthusiasts prefer them over the basic radio controllers that are included with most lower-end drones.
Smartphone controlled drones are almost a must for any professional, and many enthusiasts prefer them over the basic radio controllers that are included with most lower-end drones. In the following article, we'll review some of the top drones for Android powered smartphones and smart devices, and look a bit into their benefits and drawbacks.
DJI Phantom 3
The DJI Phantom 3 is, undoubtedly, the most popular drone on the market, and is also compatible with Android devices. According to DJI, it can be used with any Android-powered device running 4.1.2 or later, and it recommends the following devices be used for optimal performance: Samsung tabs 705c, Samsung S6, Samsung S5, Samsung NOTE4, Samsung NOTE3, Google Nexus 9, Google Nexus 7 II, Ascend Mate7, Nubia Z7 mini, SONY Z3 EXPERIA, MI 3, MI PAD. The DJI Phantom 3 series offers some great features, including a 12MP camera, Zenmuse gimbal for smooth filming, and follow me functionality, to name a few. If you're interested in checking out the Phantom 3, be sure to view our reviews here on the Phantom 3 Standard, Advanced, 4K, and Professional!
DJI Phantom 3
The DJI Phantom 3 is, undoubtedly, the most popular drone on the market, and is also compatible with Android devices. According to DJI, it can be used with any Android-powered device running 4.1.2 or later, and it recommends the following devices be used for optimal performance: Samsung tabs 705c, Samsung S6, Samsung S5, Samsung NOTE4, Samsung NOTE3, Google Nexus 9, Google Nexus 7 II, Ascend Mate7, Nubia Z7 mini, SONY Z3 EXPERIA, MI 3, MI PAD. The DJI Phantom 3 series offers some great features, including a 12MP camera, Zenmuse gimbal for smooth filming, and follow me functionality, to name a few. If you're interested in checking out the Phantom 3, be sure to view our reviews here on the Phantom 3 Standard, Advanced, 4K, and Professional!
Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite
If you're looking for something a little bit cheaper, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition is compatible with Android devices using Parrot's FreeFlight Android app. The AR.Drone 2.0 Elite can film in 720p 30fps. Additionally, the FreeFlight app allows users to easily upload nav data and videos, and displays live flight information, much like the DJI GO app for the Phantom series.
If you're looking for something a little bit cheaper, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition is compatible with Android devices using Parrot's FreeFlight Android app. The AR.Drone 2.0 Elite can film in 720p 30fps. Additionally, the FreeFlight app allows users to easily upload nav data and videos, and displays live flight information, much like the DJI GO app for the Phantom series.
DJI Inspire 1
The Inspire 1 is one of DJI's most popular drones for commercial uses, and features a truly amazing
upgradable camera that can shoot in full 4K. Much like the DJI Phantom 3, the Inspire 1 supports the same set of Android devices.
The Inspire 1 is one of DJI's most popular drones for commercial uses, and features a truly amazing
upgradable camera that can shoot in full 4K. Much like the DJI Phantom 3, the Inspire 1 supports the same set of Android devices.
Parrot Bebop 2
The Parrot Bebop 2, a higher-end version of the previously mentioned AR.Drone 2.0 Elite, can also be controlled using Parrot's FreeFly app on Android. The Bebop 2 features 25 minutes of flight time, a 14MP camera, 1920x1080p 30fps filming, and a 300m flight range. All these features make it a great mid-level drone for Android.
3DR Solo
The 3DR Solo continues to be a popular higher-end drone, and is compatible with Android 4.3 or later. 3DR states that the best phones are the Galaxy S5, S6, Nexus 5, 6, 6P, and Moto X, and the best tablets are the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and Nexus 9. The 3DR Solo can record up to 4K, depending on which GoPro is mounted on it, and can take up to 12MP photos. It streams 720p video to mobile devices, with 1080p streaming available from its HDMI out.
The Parrot Bebop 2, a higher-end version of the previously mentioned AR.Drone 2.0 Elite, can also be controlled using Parrot's FreeFly app on Android. The Bebop 2 features 25 minutes of flight time, a 14MP camera, 1920x1080p 30fps filming, and a 300m flight range. All these features make it a great mid-level drone for Android.
3DR Solo
The 3DR Solo continues to be a popular higher-end drone, and is compatible with Android 4.3 or later. 3DR states that the best phones are the Galaxy S5, S6, Nexus 5, 6, 6P, and Moto X, and the best tablets are the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and Nexus 9. The 3DR Solo can record up to 4K, depending on which GoPro is mounted on it, and can take up to 12MP photos. It streams 720p video to mobile devices, with 1080p streaming available from its HDMI out.
