DJI Phantom 3 SE Review | 95 Data compared
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DJI Phantom 3 SE Review | 95 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£530
  • Avg. price in US: ~$600
  • Max flight time: 25 min
  • Video resolution: 4K/30 fps
  • Max transmission distance: 4 km

DJI Phantom 3 SE review. Compare 95 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.1

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

6.1

Flight

24.0%

6.0

Camera

20.0%

6.2

Safety

16.0%

5.5

Connectivity

14.0%

6.9

Battery & Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drone performs in real flights and how reliable it is for stability, video capture, and controls according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

    • No image
    No image

    Best prices in UK

      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.

    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.

    Technical Specifications of drone DJI Phantom 3 SE

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.

    When it matters: When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.

    Score components:

    26.0%

    ?

    Flight

    24.0%

    ?

    Camera

    20.0%

    ?

    Safety

    16.0%

    ?

    Connectivity

    14.0%

    ?

    Battery & Design

    6.1
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a technical score of 6.12 points, which is lower than that of 57.8% of products in this category.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drone.

    When it matters: When you want to know how a drone performs in real flights and how reliable it is for stability, video capture, and controls according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    0.0

    User reviews

    30.0%

    1.0

    Popularity

    ?
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drone.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a drone reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    1.0
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 57.8% of products in this category.
    Ratio quality/price

    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 components:

    60.0%

    6.1

    Overall score

    40.0%

    7.7

    Price

    6.6
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 74.7% of products in this category.
    Brand name
    What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
    When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

    Importance: LOW

    DJI
    Max flight time
    What it is: The quoted endurance shows how long the drone can stay airborne on one battery in ideal conditions.
    When it matters: When you want longer flights from each battery.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=30

    25 min
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a max flight time of 25 min, longer than 53.3% of drones and equal to 3.3% of drones.
    Max flight distance
    What it is: The range figure indicates how far the drone can travel while maintaining control and telemetry.
    When it matters: When you plan longer routes and want more range margin.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10

    4 km
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a max flight distance of 4 km, farther than 55.5% of drones and equal to 3.4% of drones.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    Max flight speed
    What it is: The maximum horizontal speed defines how quickly the drone can move across a scene.
    When it matters: When you want quicker movement or smoother tracking of fast subjects.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=16

    16 m/s
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a max flight speed of 16 m/s, faster than 45.5% of drones and equal to 12.2% of drones.
    Value reflects maximum mode speed (for example Sport/Manual mode).
    Max wind resistance
    What it is: The wind resistance rating shows how much wind speed the drone can handle while staying controllable.
    When it matters: When you fly in windy conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10.5

    10 m/s
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has max wind resistance of 10 m/s, lower than 64.9% of drones and equal to 6.3% of drones.
    Show more
    Video resolution
    What it is: Shows the highest recording resolution and supported frame-rate combinations for video capture.
    When it matters: When you want more room for cropping, downsampling, or delivering sharper footage.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4K+

    4K/30 fps
    DJI Phantom 3 SE records video at 4K/30 fps, higher than 52% of drones and equal to 23.4% of drones.
    4K camera
    What it is: Confirms support for recording video at 4K resolution or higher.
    When it matters: When you want sharper footage, more cropping room, or delivery above Full HD.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    DJI Phantom 3 SE supports 4K video. 42.7% of drones support 4K video.
    Sensor size
    What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
    When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 1 inch or larger

    1/2.3"
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a sensor size of 1/2.3", smaller than 58.6% of drones and equal to 13.8% of drones.
    Main camera megapixels
    What it is: The megapixel count states how many millions of pixels the main sensor captures per photo.
    When it matters: When you want more detail for photos or cropping.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=12

    12 MP
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a main camera resolution of 12 MP, higher than 39.7% of drones and equal to 17.5% of drones.
    Max movie bitrate
    What it is: Shows how much video data is recorded each second, usually in Mbps.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner detail retention and fewer compression artifacts in demanding footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=100

    60 Mbps
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a max movie bitrate of 60 Mbps, lower than 75.3% of drones and equal to 9.6% of drones.
    Show more
    Obstacle detection
    What it is: Uses onboard sensors to spot obstacles and warn the pilot or help avoid collisions automatically.
    When it matters: When you fly near trees, facades, cables, or other obstacles that leave little room for error.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Omnidirectional

    no
    DJI Phantom 3 SE does not support obstacle detection. 35.7% of drones support obstacle detection.
    Return to Home (RTH)
    What it is: Can fly back toward the takeoff point or a safe home point automatically when triggered.
    When it matters: When signal loss, low battery, or disorientation could make manual recovery harder.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Smart RTH

    yes
    DJI Phantom 3 SE supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 27.3% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
    GPS
    What it is: Uses satellite positioning to help the drone understand its location and stabilize navigation.
    When it matters: When you want steadier hovering, more accurate return-to-home behavior, and cleaner position hold.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    DJI Phantom 3 SE supports GPS. 29.2% of drones support GPS.
    GNSS systems supported
    What it is: Lists which satellite navigation constellations the drone can use, such as GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS.
    When it matters: When stronger satellite coverage and more robust positioning matter in difficult environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: GPS+Galileo+GLONASS

    GPS, GLONASS
    DJI Phantom 3 SE supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, which are more comprehensive than those of 40.9% and the same as those of 21.4%.
    Obstacle sensing directions
    What it is: The listed sensing coverage shows which directions the drone can monitor for obstacles.
    When it matters: When you fly near trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Omnidirectional

    downward
    DJI Phantom 3 SE senses obstacles in downward directions, which is more comprehensive than that of 51.3% and the same as that of 13%.
    Show more
    Max transmission distance
    What it is: The maximum transmission distance indicates the farthest stable control-and-video link under ideal conditions.
    When it matters: When you plan longer routes and want more range margin.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=10

    4 km
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a max transmission distance of 4 km, farther than 55.6% of drones and equal to 3.3% of drones.
    Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
    Transmission latency
    What it is: The transmission latency measures delay between camera capture, pilot view, and control response.
    When it matters: When you want the live view to feel more responsive.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=130

    220 ms
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has transmission latency of 220 ms, higher than 85.9% of drones and equal to 6.3% of drones.
    Video transmission system
    What it is: Names the radio-link technology used to send live video and telemetry between the drone and controller.
    When it matters: When transmission stability, range behavior, and live-view quality matter during flight.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Digital low-latency

    Wi-Fi
    DJI Phantom 3 SE uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 1.4% and the same as that used by 49.3%.
    Live view quality
    What it is: Defines the resolution and frame rate of the pilot’s live video feed rather than the recorded file itself.
    When it matters: When you need a clearer, smoother view for framing shots and flying accurately in real time.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1080p+

    720p@30 fps
    DJI Phantom 3 SE offers live view quality of 720p@30 fps, lower-quality than 57.9% of drones and equal to 27% of drones.
    Remote control
    What it is: Shows whether a dedicated handheld controller is included or officially supported.
    When it matters: When precise sticks, longer range, and a more stable pilot setup matter more than phone-only control.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Dedicated controller

    yes
    DJI Phantom 3 SE includes a remote controller. 3.9% of drones include a remote controller.
    Show more
    Battery capacity
    What it is: The battery capacity shows how much electric charge the pack can store, commonly in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=3500

    4,480 mAh
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a battery capacity of 4,480 mAh, larger than 79.9% of drones.
    Battery energy
    What it is: The battery energy figure, usually in Wh, describes total available energy in the pack.
    When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=40

    68 Wh
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has battery energy of 68 Wh, higher than 84.9% of drones.
    Charging time
    What it is: The charging time measures how long a depleted battery needs to reach full charge.
    When it matters: When you want shorter turnaround between flights.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=90

    90 min
    DJI Phantom 3 SE charges in 90 min, faster than 45.6% of drones and equal to 18.4% of drones.
    Weight
    What it is: The measured mass of the drone body and flight hardware, usually in grams.
    When it matters: When you want the drone to be easier to carry or pack.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=900

    1,236 g
    DJI Phantom 3 SE weighs 1,236 g, heavier than 94.8% of drones.
    Removable battery
    What it is: Lets the flight battery be removed and replaced by the user instead of being built in permanently.
    When it matters: When you want to swap packs quickly and keep flying without waiting for a recharge.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    DJI Phantom 3 SE has a removable battery. 0.7% of drones have a removable battery.
    Show more

    DJI Phantom 3 SE vs the average drone

    • 50.68 Wh more battery energy
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has higher battery energy than the average drone (68 Wh vs 17.32 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.32 Wh of energy.
      What it is: The battery energy figure, usually in Wh, describes total available energy in the pack.
      When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=40

      DJI Phantom 3 SE has higher battery energy than the average drone (68 Wh vs 17.32 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.32 Wh of energy.68 Wh vs 17.32 Wh
    • 2,250 mAh more battery capacity
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (4,480 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.
      What it is: The battery capacity shows how much electric charge the pack can store, commonly in mAh.
      When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=3500

      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (4,480 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.4480 mAh vs 2230 mAh
    • 2,000 m higher service ceiling
      DJI Phantom 3 SE can fly at a higher max service ceiling than the average drone (6,000 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
      What it is: The service ceiling indicates the maximum altitude where the drone can maintain normal performance.
      When it matters: When you fly at higher elevations.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=4000

      DJI Phantom 3 SE can fly at a higher max service ceiling than the average drone (6,000 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.6000 m vs 4000 m
    • More video format options
      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
      What it is: Lists the video file container formats the drone can save, such as MP4 or MOV.
      When it matters: When your editor, archive workflow, or client delivery format prefers one container over another.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: MP4/MOV

      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.MP4, MOV vs MP4
    • Captures RAW photos
      DJI Phantom 3 SE can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
      What it is: Can save minimally processed RAW image files instead of only compressed JPEG output.
      When it matters: When you plan to edit exposure, white balance, and shadows more aggressively after the flight.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: DNG

      DJI Phantom 3 SE can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
    • Richer manual controls
      DJI Phantom 3 SE offers full manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
      What it is: Describes how much direct manual control the pilot has over camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, or white balance.
      When it matters: When you want more creative control over exposure and image style while filming or taking photos.

      Importance: LOW

      DJI Phantom 3 SE offers full manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.full vs no
    • More polished companion app
      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses the DJI GO companion app, while the average drone uses HFUN.
      What it is: Identifies the app ecosystem used for setup, updates, flight control, and mission tools.
      When it matters: When planning flights, updating firmware, or changing camera settings.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: Stable app with full control

      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses the DJI GO companion app, while the average drone uses HFUN.DJI GO vs HFUN
    • 2 axis more gimbal axes
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.
      What it is: The gimbal axis count describes how many directions the camera is mechanically stabilized.
      When it matters: When you want steadier-looking video.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: 3-axis

      DJI Phantom 3 SE has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.3 axis vs 1 axis
    • 2,000 m higher service ceiling
      DJI Phantom 3 SE can fly at a higher max service ceiling than the average drone (6,000 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
    • 2 km longer flight distance
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a longer max flight distance than the average drone (4 km vs 2 km). The average drone can fly up to 2 km.
    • Captures RAW photos
      DJI Phantom 3 SE can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
    • More video format options
      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    • Richer manual controls
      DJI Phantom 3 SE offers full manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
    • 2 axis more gimbal axes
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.
    • More color profile options
      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports Normal, D-Log color profiles, while the average drone supports Normal.
    • Wider aperture
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a wider aperture than the average drone (f/2.8 f vs f/2.1 f). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.1 f.
    • 4.96x lower takeoff weight
      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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 more flight modes
      DJI Phantom 3 SE offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (5 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    • More polished companion app
      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses the DJI GO companion app, while the average drone uses HFUN.
    • 2.49 km longer transmission range
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (4 km vs 1.507 km). The average drone reaches 1.507 km of transmission distance.
    • 50.68 Wh more battery energy
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has higher battery energy than the average drone (68 Wh vs 17.32 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.32 Wh of energy.
    • 2,250 mAh more battery capacity
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (4,480 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.
    • More modern charging port
      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.

    Total
    Flight
    Camera
    Safety
    Connectivity
    Battery & Design
    • 0.7 m/s lower wind resistance
      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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.
    • 1 m/s slower descent speed
      DJI Phantom 3 SE descends more slowly than the average drone (3 m/s vs 4 m/s). The average drone descends at 4 m/s.
    • Non-foldable design
      DJI Phantom 3 SE does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
    • More basic stabilization
      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical + EIS.
    • Lower video resolution
      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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.
    • 40 Mbps lower video bitrate
      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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.
    • Smaller sensor size
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a smaller sensor than the average drone (1/2.3" vs 1/2"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2".
    • 3 x lower digital zoom
      DJI Phantom 3 SE offers less digital zoom than the average drone (0x vs 3x). The average drone offers 3x of digital zoom.
    • 3,200 ISO lower max ISO
      DJI Phantom 3 SE reaches a lower max ISO than the average drone (3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO). The average drone reaches 6,400 ISO ISO.
    • Fewer GNSS systems
      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    • 1.2 m worse hover accuracy
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has worse horizontal hover accuracy than the average drone (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average drone has horizontal hover accuracy of 0.3 m.
    • No subject tracking
      DJI Phantom 3 SE cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
    • 90 ms higher latency
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has higher transmission latency than the average drone (220 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    • No smartphone control
      DJI Phantom 3 SE does not support smartphone control, while the average drone does.
    • Lower live view quality
      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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.
    • 4.96x higher weight
      DJI Phantom 3 SE is heavier than the average drone (1,236 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.
    • 180 mm higher height
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a greater height than the average drone (250 mm vs 70 mm). The average drone height is 70 mm.
    • 103 mm wider width
      DJI Phantom 3 SE is wider than the average drone (350 mm vs 247 mm). The average drone width is 247 mm.
    • 63 mm longer length
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has a greater length than the average drone (350 mm vs 287 mm). The average drone length is 287 mm.
    • 4 older release date
      DJI Phantom 3 SE is older than the average drone (2017 vs 2021). The average drone was released in 2021.
      March 2017
    • Fewer GNSS systems
      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
      What it is: Lists which satellite navigation constellations the drone can use, such as GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS.
      When it matters: When stronger satellite coverage and more robust positioning matter in difficult environments.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: GPS+Galileo+GLONASS

      DJI Phantom 3 SE supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
    • 90 ms higher latency
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has higher transmission latency than the average drone (220 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
      What it is: The transmission latency measures delay between camera capture, pilot view, and control response.
      When it matters: When you want the live view to feel more responsive.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: <=130

      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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
    • 4.96x higher weight
      DJI Phantom 3 SE is heavier than the average drone (1,236 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.
      What it is: The measured mass of the drone body and flight hardware, usually in grams.
      When it matters: When you want the drone to be easier to carry or pack.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: <=900

      DJI Phantom 3 SE is heavier than the average drone (1,236 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.1236 g vs 249 g
    • 1.2 m worse hover accuracy
      DJI Phantom 3 SE has worse horizontal hover accuracy than the average drone (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average drone has horizontal hover accuracy of 0.3 m.
      What it is: Horizontal hover accuracy states how close the drone can hold its target position sideways.
      When it matters: When you want the drone to hold position more precisely.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: <=0.5

      DJI Phantom 3 SE has worse horizontal hover accuracy than the average drone (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average drone has horizontal hover accuracy of 0.3 m.1.5 m vs 0.3 m
    • No subject tracking
      DJI Phantom 3 SE cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
      What it is: Lets the drone follow a selected person, vehicle, or object automatically.
      When it matters: When you film yourself or moving subjects and cannot manage both piloting and framing manually.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: Reliable AI tracking

      DJI Phantom 3 SE cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
    • More basic stabilization
      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical + EIS.
      What it is: Shows whether stabilization is mechanical, electronic, or a mix of both.
      When it matters: When you want smoother footage and less visible shake during movement or wind.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: Mechanical 3-axis gimbal

      DJI Phantom 3 SE uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical + EIS.3-Axis Mechanical vs 3-Axis Mechanical + EIS
    • Lower video resolution
      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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.
      What it is: Shows the highest recording resolution and supported frame-rate combinations for video capture.
      When it matters: When you want more room for cropping, downsampling, or delivering sharper footage.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: 4K+

      DJI Phantom 3 SE 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
    • No smartphone control
      DJI Phantom 3 SE does not support smartphone control, while the average drone does.
      What it is: Allows the drone to be controlled directly from a smartphone, with or without a separate controller depending on the model.
      When it matters: When you want a lighter field setup or quick control without carrying a full remote.

      Importance: LOW

      DJI Phantom 3 SE does not support smartphone control, while the average drone does.
    Total
    Overall
    Flight
    Camera
    Safety
    Connectivity
    Battery & Design

    Graphic comparison of DJI Phantom 3 SE and other drones

    Attribute category
    Attribute
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    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 dislike 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.

    Expert reviews

    D
    drohnen.de
    01/03/2017
    Summary of the review
    DJI Phantom 3 SE: Günstige 4k-Kameradrohne
    (Translated)Show original
    M
    mein-deal.com
    04/12/2017
    Summary of the review
    DJI Phantom 3 SE im Test(www.drohnen-forum.de) | 04.03.2017 | DJI Phantom 3 SE (Special Edition) Möchtest du zu einem dieser Berichte eine Zusammenfas...
    (Translated)Show original
    D
    drohnen.de
    11/08/2017
    Summary of the review
    DJI Phantom 3 SE – Test / Vergleich / Bewertung
    (Translated)Show original
    S
    smartzone.de
    06/12/2017
    Summary of the review
    DJI Phantom 3 SE Testbericht
    (Translated)Show original
    D
    drone-test.com
    07/10/2019
    Summary of the review
    DJI Phantom 3 SE - Que vaut ce drone haut de gamme ? Le test)
    (Translated)Show original
    D
    drone-store.fr
    15/06/2017
    Summary of the review
    Phantom 3 SE - Test & Avis | Drone-Store).
    (Translated)Show original

    Video reviews

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