OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Drones Methodology v3.0
Drones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Drones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Drones Methodology v3.0

DJI Phantom 3 SE review: 97 specs compared

Avg. price:~£530Max flight time:25 minVideo resolution:4K/30 fpsMax transmission distance:4 km

DJI Phantom 3 SE Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

DJI Phantom 3 SE
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

35%

6.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.2

Reviews score

10%

6.2

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 62% of drones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

26%

6.1

Flight

24%

6.1

Camera

20%

6.4

Safety

16%

5.5

Connectivity

14%

7.1

Battery & Design

â–²Better than 53%
6.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

6.2

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

6.5

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
2 reviews + 2 videos, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.1: (7.5 × 4 + 8.1 × 1) ÷ 5 = 7.6. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 69%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • dji-phantom-3-se
dji-phantom-3-se
Where to buy
    N/A~ £530
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the DJI Phantom 3 SE

Based on 3 · 1

The few reviewers praise its long range, steady flight and good camera, with hardly any complaints.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the DJI Phantom 3 SE

Based on 65 owners sharing their experience in online comments

42%positive10%mixed48%negative

Extended range and clear footage earn praise, but short range and connection dropouts dominate the experience.

What owners dislike

  • Many owners get only about 150 to 400 m, with some reporting a 200 m cap in CE mode.13
  • Owners lose the connection between about 60 and 500 m, sometimes right after going behind a building or near other Wi-Fi networks.11
  • Owners see video lag or freeze at a few hundred feet, and some lose the picture at 200 m, while controls still work.5
  • Owners report the drone switching back to CE mode in mid-air, and the new app prompting them to change settings again.4
  • The DJI Go apps do not run on the newest Android versions, so owners need an older Android device to fly.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of drone DJI Phantom 3 SE

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components:

26%

6.1

Flight

24%

6.1

Camera

20%

6.4

Safety

16%

5.5

Connectivity

14%

7.1

Battery & Design

6.2
Reviews score
6.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

6.9
Max flight time
25 min
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 25 min, longer than 54.5% of drones and equal to 4.5% of drones.
Max flight distance
4 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 4 km, farther than 60.2% of drones and equal to 3.3% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
Max flight speed
16 m/s
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 16 m/s, faster than 54.4% of drones and equal to 10.8% of drones.
Value reflects maximum mode speed (for example Sport/Manual mode).
Max wind resistance
10 m/s
Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 10 m/s, lower than 59.7% of drones and equal to 5% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
6,000 m
Market range: <120 m – >6k m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 6,000 m, higher than 81.3% of drones and equal to 12.7% of drones.
Show more
Video resolution
4K/30 fps
This drone records video at 4K/30 fps, higher than 58.4% of drones and equal to 20.3% of drones.
4K camera
yes
This drone supports 4K video. 46% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
1/2.3"
This drone has a sensor size of 1/2.3", smaller than 52.8% of drones and equal to 12% of drones.
Main camera megapixels
12 MP
Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 12 MP, higher than 41.3% of drones and equal to 16.7% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
60 Mbps
Market range: <40 Mbps – >180 Mbps
This drone has a max movie bitrate of 60 Mbps, lower than 75% of drones and equal to 9.2% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
no
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS
This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, which are more comprehensive than those of 49.8% and the same as those of 17.1%.
Obstacle sensing directions
downward
This drone senses obstacles in downward directions, which is more comprehensive than that of 57.3% and the same as that of 12.1%.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
4 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 4 km, farther than 59.2% of drones and equal to 3.1% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
Transmission latency
220 ms
Market range: <100 ms – >220 ms
This drone has transmission latency of 220 ms, higher than 87.3% of drones and equal to 5.6% of drones.
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 8.2% and the same as that used by 47.7%.
Live view quality
720p@30 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@30 fps, lower-quality than 56.8% of drones and equal to 22.9% of drones.
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
4,480 mAh
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 4,480 mAh, larger than 83.9% of drones.
Battery energy
68 Wh
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 68 Wh, higher than 85.9% of drones.
Charging time
90 min
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 90 min, faster than 43.8% of drones and equal to 18.8% of drones.
Weight
1,236 g
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 1,236 g, heavier than 95.4% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

DJI Phantom 3 SE vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • 50.82 Wh more battery energy
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (68 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    68 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 2,280 mAh more battery capacity
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (4,480 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    4,480 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • Captures RAW photos
    This drone can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
  • Supports waypoint flight
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Richer manual controls
    This drone offers full manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
    full vs no
  • More advanced stabilization
    This drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    3-Axis Mechanical vs EIS (Digital)
  • More video format options
    This drone supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, MOV vs MP4
  • 2,500 m higher service ceiling
    This drone can fly at a higher max service ceiling than the average drone (6,000 m vs 3,500 m). The average drone reaches 3,500 m.
    6,000 m vs 3,500 m
  • 3 km longer flight distance
    This drone has a longer max flight distance than the average drone (4 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    4 km vs 1 km
  • 5 min longer flight time
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (25 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    25 min vs 20 min
  • 1 m/s faster flight speed
    This drone reaches a higher max flight speed than the average drone (16 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    Value reflects maximum mode speed (for example Sport/Manual mode).
    16 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • Captures RAW photos
    This drone can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
  • More advanced stabilization
    This drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    3-Axis Mechanical vs EIS (Digital)
  • Richer manual controls
    This drone offers full manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
    full vs no
  • More video format options
    This drone supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, MOV vs MP4
  • More color profile options
    This drone supports Normal, D-Log color profiles, while the average drone supports Normal.
    Normal, D-Log vs Normal
  • Supports burst mode
    This drone supports burst mode, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports panorama mode
    This drone supports panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports waypoint flight
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • 4.96x lower takeoff weight
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (1,236 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    1,236 g vs 249 g
  • 1 more flight modes
    This drone offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (5 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    Follow Me, POI, Waypoint Flight, Course Lock, Home Lock
    5 vs 4
  • More polished companion app
    This drone uses the DJI GO companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    DJI GO vs HS FPV
  • 3 km longer transmission range
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (4 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
    4 km vs 1 km
  • 50.82 Wh more battery energy
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (68 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    68 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 2,280 mAh more battery capacity
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (4,480 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    4,480 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • More modern charging port
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • 5.02x higher weight
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (1,236 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    1,236 g vs 246 g
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • Narrower aperture
    This drone has a narrower aperture than the average drone (f/2.8 vs f/2). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.
    f/2.8 vs f/2
  • 90 ms higher latency
    This drone has higher transmission latency than the average drone (220 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    220 ms vs 130 ms
  • 0.7 m/s lower wind resistance
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 12.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

    6.2

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    6.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews + 2 videos, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.1: (7.5 × 4 + 8.1 × 1) ÷ 5 = 7.6. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.2 vs 7.1
  • 18.4% lower sentiment score
    6.2 vs 7.6
  • 2.65x more expensive
    DJI Phantom 3 SE is more expensive than the average drone (£530 vs £200).
    £530 vs £200
  • 8% worse value for money
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has worse value for money than the average drone (6.93 vs 7.5).
    6.93 vs 7.48
  • 0.7 m/s lower wind resistance
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 6 years older release date
    This drone is older than the average drone (2017 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    March 2017
    2017 vs 2023
  • 1 m/s slower descent speed
    This drone descends more slowly than the average drone (3 m/s vs 4 m/s). The average drone descends at 4 m/s.
    3 m/s vs 4 m/s
  • Non-foldable design
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • Narrower aperture
    This drone has a narrower aperture than the average drone (f/2.8 vs f/2). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.
    f/2.8 vs f/2
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 40 Mbps lower video bitrate
    This drone supports a lower maximum video bitrate than the average drone (60 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    60 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • 3 x lower digital zoom
    This drone offers less digital zoom than the average drone (0 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    0 x vs 3 x
  • 3,200 ISO lower max ISO
    This drone reaches a lower max ISO than the average drone (3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO). The average drone reaches 6,400 ISO.
    3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Lower photo resolution
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (4000x3000 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    4000x3000 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No headless mode
    This drone does not support headless mode, while the average drone does.
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 90 ms higher latency
    This drone has higher transmission latency than the average drone (220 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    220 ms vs 130 ms
  • Lower live view quality
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • More basic controller
    This drone uses the GL358wD controller, while the average drone uses LiteRadio 4 SE.
    GL358wD vs LiteRadio 4 SE
  • 5.02x higher weight
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (1,236 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    1,236 g vs 246 g
  • 187.5 mm taller body height
    This drone is taller than the average drone (250 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    250 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 109 mm wider width
    This drone is wider than the average drone (350 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    350 mm vs 241 mm
  • 75 mm longer body length
    This drone is longer than the average drone (350 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    350 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
SimRacer101
≈ estimated
25/11/2017
Range test · stock and range booster flights
Verdict
DJI Phantom 3 SE reached about 3.5 km with video the whole way; a strong pick, though 4 km needs ideal conditions.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
smartzone.de
≈ estimated
06/12/2017
Review summary · Older 4K model
Verdict
The DJI Phantom 3 SE is a capable 4K drone with 25-minute flights, but its Wi-Fi link and bulky frame show its age, and DJI no longer supports it.
9.0
sotactile.fr
≈ estimated
18/12/2020
Flight test · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Phantom 3 SE holds its position well and flies up to 22 minutes, but its Wi-Fi live view and soft footage let it down.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about DJI Phantom 3 SE

  • Excellent 4K video quality at 30 fps, providing a significant upgrade over the Standard model's 2.7K.
  • Very easy to fly and beginner-friendly with automated features like auto-takeoff, landing, and return-to-home.
  • Improved transmission range of up to 4 km (2.5 miles), which is a major boost compared to the Phantom 3 Standard.
  • The addition of a Vision Positioning System (VPS) allows for stable hovering and flight indoors or in areas without GPS.
  • Exceptional value for the price, offering high-end features like 4K recording in an entry-level package.
  • Sturdy build quality and durability, often surviving minor bumps or crashes during the learning process.

What customers don't like about DJI Phantom 3 SE

  • Average battery life of roughly 20-25 minutes, which users often find limiting for longer sessions.
  • Occasional signal or live view lag, particularly in areas with high Wi-Fi interference.
  • Higher noise levels compared to some more modern or compact drone models.
  • Bulky, non-foldable design makes it less portable and more difficult to transport without a dedicated large backpack.
  • Lack of advanced obstacle avoidance sensors (only features a bottom sensor for positioning).
  • No official SDK release for the SE model, which limits its compatibility with certain third-party flight apps.

Verdict

The DJI Phantom 3 SE is a user-friendly quadcopter designed for beginners, featuring a 4K camera capable of 30 fps video and 12-megapixel JPEG or RAW photos stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal. It offers a maximum flight time of approximately 25 minutes and an enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi transmission system that extends its control range to 4 km (2.5 miles). Key characteristics include a Vision Positioning System for stable indoor hovering without GPS, a top flight speed of 57 km/h (35 mph), and intelligent flight modes like 'Point of Interest' and 'Course Lock.' Main pros include its exceptional video quality for the price and reliable GPS/GLONASS navigation; however, cons include a relatively high noise level during operation, a bulky non-foldable design, and a Wi-Fi-based transmission that can suffer from higher latency and signal interference compared to DJI's Lightbridge system.

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