Skyrover X1 Outshines DJI Mini 4 Pro in Canada Range Test

Good day, folks! Shawn here from Air Photography. Today, we’re conducting a signal strength and range test of the new Skyrover X1. Many of you have requested this, so we’ll focus primarily on the Skyrover X1 in this video. After completing the flight, we’ll perform the same flight with the DJI Mini 4 Pro for a direct comparison of signal strength between the two drones. I suspect the Mini 4 Pro may perform slightly better due to its O4 transmission system, rated for 20 km, compared to the Skyrover’s Skybridge system, rated for 15 km.

Drone Specifications and Expectations

In reality, you’re unlikely to fly these drones to their maximum rated distances. However, signal strength is critical, especially when navigating obstacles or dealing with interference. A solid connection is essential for safe and reliable operation. Before we begin, I want to clarify that I’m in Canada and follow Transport Canada drone regulations, not FAA rules. In Canada, sub-250 g drones can be flown beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) if done safely, unlike in the US where this is prohibited. This distinction is important to avoid confusion about rule compliance.

Skyrover X1 Flight Test

Let’s get the Skyrover X1 in the air. For consistency, we’ll fly it to 120 meters altitude, the same height we’ll use for the Mini 4 Pro. We’re in sport mode, flying at 16 m/s, with the battery at 93%. This test isn’t about pushing the drone to its absolute limit but evaluating signal strength and FPV feed quality at a distance. So far, everything looks smooth, though there’s slight twitching in the FPV feed.

At 1.5 km, we experienced a brief drop in signal strength, but it’s holding steady. The FPV feed shows minor glitching, though it remains smooth overall. The temperature is around 28°C, so heat isn’t a significant issue. One common critique is the lack of a controller with a built-in screen, which would improve visibility compared to using a phone. At 2.4 km, the feed remains decent, with occasional glitching and signal strength fluctuating between yellow and white, maintaining four bars.

At 3 km, the signal continues to bounce between yellow and white, but we still have four bars, and the battery is at 74%. I’ll initiate a return-to-home (RTH) when the battery prompts it. At 4 km, the feed is slightly choppy but fully controllable. At 5 km, with some breakup in the feed, I’m satisfied with the performance and initiate RTH. The drone could likely reach 6 km, but 5 km is a solid benchmark.

The Skyrover X1 is now 200 meters from home, traveling at 10 m/s during RTH. It automatically lowers its altitude as it approaches, similar to DJI drones, and lands almost exactly on the landing pad, off by only a few inches—impressive precision.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Flight Test

Now, let’s test the Mini 4 Pro at the same 120-meter altitude for a fair comparison. We’re using the RC-N2 controller to match the Skyrover’s setup. The Mini 4 Pro’s top speed is 16 m/s, equivalent to the Skyrover’s, though displayed in kilometers per hour. When the Skyrover landed, its battery was at 27%, with RTH triggered around 62%. We’ll compare battery performance as well.

At 1.5 km, the Mini4 Pro’s FPV feed is smooth, though the phone screen is hard to see in bright conditions. A controller with a built-in screen, like the RC2 or RC Pro 2, would be ideal. At 2.5 km, we’ve lost one signal bar, and the signal fluctuates between white and orange. The FPV feed is smoother than the Skyrover’s at this distance, though the Skyrover’s was still usable.

At 3.5 km, the Mini 4 Pro’s battery is at 65%, notably lower than the Skyrover’s at a similar point. The Skyrover’s battery may be more efficient, possibly due to fewer charge cycles. At 4.3 km, the signal drops to red, and the drone nearly disconnects, prompting an RTH. This is surprising, as the Mini 4 Pro’s O4 system is rated for 20 km, yet it underperformed compared to the Skyrover.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is now 150 meters from home, descending automatically. It lands almost exactly on the landing pad, matching the Skyrover’s accuracy.

Comparison and Conclusion

The results are surprising. The DJI Mini 4 Pro offered a consistently smoother FPV feed but only reached 4.3 km before triggering RTH due to low battery and signal issues. The Skyrover X1 reached 5 km, with a slightly choppier feed but more battery life (27% upon landing vs. the Mini4 Pro’s lower capacity). The Skyrover could likely have extended to 6 km.

Both drones excel at RTH and landing precision. The Skyrover X1 is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance sub-250 g drone, especially where regulations or availability limit access to the Mini 4 Pro. However, the lack of a controller with a built-in screen is a drawback, and it’s not compatible with DJI controllers. Hopefully, future models will address this.

Thanks for watching, folks! I hope you found this comparison valuable.