Compact and Lightweight
The HoverAir X1 drone, made by 00 Robotics, is a tiny yet powerful device that weighs just 127g. In comparison, popular DJI mini drones can weigh around 250g, plus an additional 400g for the controller, making the X1 a more convenient and portable option.
Simple and User-Friendly Design
The X1 has been crafted with simplicity in mind, allowing even beginners to use it with ease. Unlike other drones that require extensive knowledge and practice, the X1 can be operated by anyone without prior experience. The straightforward concept involves unfolding the propellers, turning on the device, selecting a flight mode, and launching it into the air with a press of a button.
Hands-Free Takeoff
One unique feature of the HoverAir X1 is its hands-free takeoff capability. By simply placing the drone on your hand and pressing the power button, it will lift off effortlessly within seconds. This convenient function eliminates the need for manual takeoff procedures, adding to the overall user-friendly experience.
Performance and Maneuverability
Despite its small size, the HoverAir X1 delivers impressive performance and maneuverability. With responsive controls and stable flight capabilities, users can enjoy smooth flying experiences both indoors and outdoors. The X1’s compact design allows it to navigate tight spaces and perform intricate movements with precision.
HoverAir X1 Flight Modes
At that point, three things are going to happen. It will start tracking you, it will get in position to perform the flight mode that you chose and at the same time it will start recording, and all of this is done automatically. There are five basic modes that you can select. For example, you can make it hover and this will make it stay in the same position, but it will turn turn around to keep you inside. The frame zoom out will make the X1 go backward while gaining some altitude and then come back to you.
Follow and Orbit Modes
Follow mode is most likely the most popular mode that people are using with this drone, the tracking always felt on point, and it was not disappointing, and then we also have orbit shots, which were also performing really well all the way to the right side. This is the custom mode which you have to unlock by using the basic ones first, and then you can select them inside the hover app on your smartphone. The ones I kept using the most are Dolly track and also side tracking, which are just variations of the Follow mode where Dolly track is going to be facing you and with sidetracking, the Drone will be following next to you, either to your left or right side.
Customizable Settings
What I like about all these modes besides being easy to use, is that you can change some of the settings inside the app, for example the distance and altitude in most cases, but nothing crazy to make it fly too far away from you. That’s a good thing because you have to remember that you’re not really in control of the X1 and there are no sensors to avoid obstacles except one at the bottom that helps to set the altitude and for the landing as well.
Comparison with DJI Mini Drone
Many users wonder if the HoverAir X1 is better than a DJI Mini Drone. While the X1 offers a range of flight modes and ease of use, the DJI Mini Drone is known for its advanced features and obstacle avoidance capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user’s priorities and preferences when it comes to drone flying.
Video Quality
I don’t want to judge what others have been saying about the video quality, but I will say that the X1 does not have great awesome or excellent video quality. It doesn’t have 4K capabilities and has a maximum resolution of 2.7k at 30 frames per second. There is no option to record at 24 frames per second, and if you want to shoot at 60 frames per second, you will need to change the resolution to 1080p. The camera has a small sensor with low dynamic range and the video bit rate seems to cap at 35 megabits per second, which is relatively low. The videos appear oversaturated with high sharpness and there is no option to adjust these settings.
Video Performance
The video quality also shows heavy digital processing, especially when capturing scenes with trees or grass in the background. Despite these shortcomings, the video quality is not necessarily bad or useless. It can be considered decent and suitable for sharing on social media platforms. However, if video quality is a top priority for you, the X1 may not be the best choice.
User-Friendliness
One of the most appealing features of the HoverAir X1 is how incredibly easy it is to use. For example, when I tried to fly the DJI Mini 4 in a restricted airspace in Santa Monica, California, I was unable to do so without proper clearance. In contrast, the X1’s user-friendly design and intuitive controls allowed me to start flying right away without any hassle or complications.
X1 Performance and Features
The HoverAir X1 is a compact and lightweight drone that is easy to use, making it a great option for beginners or those looking for a simple and straightforward flying experience. With a maximum height of 15 meters and a maximum distance of 30 meters, the X1 may not have the longest range, but it is more than enough for casual flying and capturing basic aerial footage.
Stabilization and Wind Resistance
One area where the X1 falls short compared to some other drones on the market is its lack of a mechanical 3-axis gimbal. Instead, the X1 relies on electronic stabilization to provide smooth footage. During a test flight on a windy day, the X1 struggled to maintain stability and often drifted around in response to the gusts of wind. The drone even displayed warnings about the challenging wind conditions, which could be a concern for those looking to fly in less-than-ideal weather.
Battery Life and Flight Time
The X1’s battery is located at the top of the drone and weighs a mere 40 grams. While the battery life is advertised as lasting for about 11 minutes, in practice, this seemed to be accurate during testing. It is important to pay close attention to the battery level while flying the X1, as once it drops to around 5%, the drone will automatically land without much warning. This short flight time may be a limitation for users hoping for longer aerial sessions.
Comparison with DJI Mini Drones
When comparing the HoverAir X1 to popular drones from DJI, such as the Mini series, there are some clear distinctions. While the X1 may lack the advanced features and longer flight times of the DJI Mini drones, it offers a simpler and more budget-friendly option for those who are new to drone flying or simply want a compact drone for occasional use. The X1’s ease of use and low-profile design make it a convenient choice for quick and easy flights without drawing too much attention.
Overall, the HoverAir X1 is a decent entry-level drone with basic features and a user-friendly design. While it may not offer the same advanced capabilities as some of its competitors, it is a solid option for those looking for a straightforward drone for recreational flying and simple aerial photography or videography.
Charging and Battery
You can charge the battery directly on the Drone with a USB-C cable, but using a charging Hub to charge two batteries overnight or on the go with a power bank is more convenient. Extra batteries are available for around $40, which may seem a bit pricey for storage purposes.
Memory and Storage
The Dx1 drone does not have a memory card slot, but it comes with an internal memory of 32 GB. However, about 9 GB of that is used for system and firmware updates, leaving you with approximately 23 GB of usable memory. Transferring content to your smartphone via the app or directly to your computer is quick and easy.
Capacity for Videos
A 1-minute video taken with the Dx1 drone will take up around 250 megabytes of memory. With 23 GB of available space, you should be able to store around 90 minutes of videos shot at 2.7K resolution.
Pricing
The retail price of the HoverAir X1 starts at around $400. However, purchasing it from Amazon can get you a significant discount, bringing the price down to $350 for the standard version or $400 for the combo that includes an extra battery and the charging hub. Comparatively, DJI recently released the Mini 4K drone at only $300, which boasts features like a controller with high resolution, a three-axis gimbal, longer flight time, and more advanced capabilities.
Size and Weight:
The HoverAir X1 stands out due to its small size and low weight, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. This is a great advantage for users who are always on the go and want to capture moments on the fly without lugging around a bulky drone.
User-Friendly Operation:
One of the best features of the HoverAir X1 is its hands-free operation, which makes it simple and easy to use even for beginners. In just a few minutes, you can learn how to control the drone effectively, allowing you to focus on capturing stunning aerial footage without worrying about complicated controls.
Video Quality and Stabilization:
Despite its small size, the HoverAir X1 offers decent video quality with good stabilization. This means that your footage will not be shaky or blurry, giving you clear and crisp images and videos. The stability of the drone while flying is also impressive, even in windy conditions, ensuring smooth and professional-looking shots.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a compact and lightweight drone that is easy to use and offers good video quality and stabilization, the HoverAir X1 is definitely worth considering. Its user-friendly operation and portability make it a great option for both beginners and experienced drone users. Check it out using the link below to see for yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HoverAir X1 drone offers a user-friendly and convenient flying experience for drone enthusiasts of all levels. Its compact size, lightweight design, and easy operation make it a compelling choice for those looking for a portable and hassle-free drone solution. While it may not have all the advanced features of a DJI mini drone, the X1 excels in simplicity and accessibility, making it a worthy consideration for anyone seeking a reliable and easy-to-use aerial device.
Overall, the HoverAir X1 may not offer the best video quality compared to other drones on the market, but its ease of use and user-friendly design make it a convenient option for beginners or casual users. If you prioritize simplicity and straightforward operation over advanced video features, the X1 could be a suitable choice for you.
