This is the SkyRover X1 compact GPS drone, boasting 4K 60fps video recording and 48-megapixel image capture. It offers an advertised flight time of 32 minutes and a signal range of up to 15 km. With its regulation-friendly design, vibrant color, and high-quality camera, it closely resembles the DJI Mini 4 Pro—but with some unique differences. Welcome to 51 Drones, where I’ve been reviewing drones and consumer tech since 2017. This drone has recently stirred some excitement in the drone community. I’ll avoid political discussions until the end of this review. I purchased the FlyMore bundle from Amazon for just over $800, and it arrived in four days. Spoiler alert: I’m very pleased with it.
Comparison to DJI Mini 4 Pro
At first glance, the SkyRover X1 looks nearly identical to the DJI Mini 4 Pro, except for its bright color. However, closer inspection reveals differences. The X1’s fuselage is smoother and more rounded, unlike the Mini 4 Pro’s sharper edges. The plastic feels thinner, and the X1 is slightly more flexible when pressed. Both drones weigh 248 grams, which is surprising given the X1’s lighter feel. The X1’s propellers are thinner and lack the rubber tips found on the Mini 4 Pro, potentially affecting noise levels.
GET ONE TODAY! SkyRover X1 Amazon Sale – $644 For A DJI Mini 4 Pro Mini Drone Essentially
The batteries are similar but not interchangeable, and no components between the two drones are compatible—except, surprisingly, the propellers. I discovered this after crashing my DJI Mini 4 Pro into a power line, damaging three propellers. I used X1 propellers as replacements, and they worked perfectly. The X1’s motor shrouds are plastic, while the Mini 4 Pro’s are metal, indicating a sturdier design. The X1 lacks a landing light but has the same sensors as the Mini 4 Pro. The gimbals are nearly identical, though the X1’s lacks a removable cover, suggesting no ND filters are currently available. However, the SkyRover Amazon page hints at future ND filter support, as there are slots on the lens for potential mounting. Without ND filters, the fixed aperture could be a drawback for professional use.
Video Quality
A common question is how the X1’s video quality compares to the Mini 4 Pro. The Mini 4 Pro supports D-Log M, a flat color profile that offers greater editing flexibility for color and dynamic range. The X1 supports only normal and HLG profiles. For a fair comparison, I recorded footage from both drones in normal color profile at 4K 60fps, exported at 30fps, with no editing. Links to download the original 4K 60fps files are in the video description for a more accurate comparison. Watch the clips and share your thoughts in the comments on whether you notice a difference.
Performance and Tracking
I tested the X1’s ActiveTrack and FocusTrack capabilities while walking, riding an e-bike, and driving a vehicle. While walking, the X1 tracked me flawlessly, responding instantly to directional commands. On the e-bike, it performed well, navigating around trees and regaining me quickly if it lost track. However, vehicle tracking was less impressive compared to the Mini 4 Pro. The X1 struggled to maintain consistent speed and follow commands, especially at 10–20 mph. During point-of-interest tests, it couldn’t keep up and fluctuated in distance and speed. Switching tracking directions (e.g., from behind to in front) was also challenging, requiring gradual adjustments. While not as responsive as DJI drones, the X1’s tracking is decent but needs firmware updates for better consistency. For casual use, like tracking a bicycle or scooter, it performs adequately, but it’s less practical for fast-moving vehicles.
Obstacle Avoidance and Signal Strength
The X1’s obstacle avoidance worked perfectly during ActiveTrack tests, skillfully dodging trees even in dense areas. For signal strength, I conducted a side-by-side test with the Mini 4 Pro under identical conditions. The X1 lost signal about 200 feet before the Mini 4 Pro but regained it quickly, while the Mini 4 Pro struggled to reconnect initially. On the return flight, the X1 maintained a full signal, outperforming the Mini 4 Pro slightly. Overall, their signal strengths are comparable.
SkyRover X1 Flight Modes and Battery Life
The X1’s intelligent flight modes, like QuickShots, are similar to the Mini 4 Pro’s and work well. However, it lacks a waypoint hyperlapse feature, which is a significant omission for creating dynamic hyperlapse videos. This could potentially be added via a firmware update. In my battery life test, flying at 50 mph in cruise control from 99% to 5% battery, the X1 achieved 27.5 minutes—86% of the advertised 32 minutes, an excellent result compared to other drones. A hover test yielded only 20 minutes, which is lower due to the energy required for hovering.
SkyRover X1 Drawbacks
The X1 has no onboard storage, so forgetting an SD card means no recording. The Mini 4 Pro offers limited onboard storage as a backup. The X1 comes only with a basic controller, requiring a mobile device to fly, and there’s no option for a screen-equipped controller. It also uses a single 2560 mAh battery with no extended flight options. The absence of an AR landing indicator makes precise landings harder, and starting the motors requires two stick inputs, unlike DJI’s single input, which is a minor inconvenience.
Advantages and Availability
The SkyRover X1’s key strengths include its availability on Amazon with no tariffs, fees, or border delays, and it’s priced lower than the Mini 4 Pro with a coupon. At under 250 grams, it’s regulation-friendly, requiring no registration or remote ID for recreational use (commercial use requires a remote ID module). For those seeking a compact drone with a great 4K camera and most intelligent flight modes, the X1 is a strong contender. If you already own a Mini 4 Pro or Mini 3 Pro, it may not justify an upgrade, but it’s a solid choice for a new or additional drone.
Final Thoughts on the SkyRover X1
Some speculate the SkyRover X1 is DJI’s attempt to bypass U.S. tariffs or potential bans. Regardless of the truth, my focus is on enjoying drones, capturing stunning aerial media, and creating content affordably. The X1 delivers on these fronts. While national security is a valid concern, I don’t believe compact drones like the X1 pose a significant risk to warrant restricting an entire brand. I hope more drones like the X1 emerge to keep this hobby thriving. Check the video description for a link to purchase the X1. Share your thoughts in the comments, and as always, fly safe and fly smart.
