HoverAir launched its original X1 selfie drone last year via an Indiegogo campaign. Now the company has announced two follow-up models, the HoverAir X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max. Both new drones offer higher-resolution cameras and advanced flight features.
Self-flying camera
The first thing to point out is that HoverAir’s drones aren’t like other drones. The company describes the X1 as a “pocket-sized flying camera.” You can think of it as a flying selfie camera. The X1 is designed to film you with a range of intelligent flight paths from which to choose. It’s also made to be simple to use with features such as the three-second take-off from the palm of your hand. In addition, the X1 is super-lightweight at only 4.41 ounces (125 g) so it’s exempt from FAA registration.
X1 Pro
The new X1 Pro has a 4K camera which is an upgrade from the 2.7K resolution of the original model. You can record up to 60 fps in 4K or up to 120fps if you drop the resolution to 1080p HD. It also has a larger ½-inch CMOS sensor behind a wide-angle lens with a full frame 17mm equivalent field of view. In addition, the X1 Pro has an auto-follow speed of up to 26 mph (42 km/h), up from 15 mph on the X1. Another improvement is that the X1 Pro can fly over water which the original model couldn’t do.
Size and weight
The HoverAir X1 Pro measures 6.8 inches by 5.9 inches by 1.5 inches deep (173 mm by 149 mm by 39 mm) when unfolded for flight. The new drone is also slightly heavier than the X1 at 192 g. However, this is still under the 250 g limit at which more regulatory controls kick in. Flight time is a reasonable 16 minutes. In addition, the X1 Pro has rear-side active collision detection and a maximum altitude of 3.4 miles (5,500 meters).
X1 Pro Max
The HoverAir X1 Pro Max boosts the drone’s video capabilities even further. You can record video in 8K up to 30 fps and up to 120 fps in 4K. The X1 Pro Max can also shoot in HDR at 4K 60 fps and offers a 10-bit HLG (hybrid log gamma) mode for better grading options. In addition, the drone has a larger 1/1.2-inch sensor and a slightly wider 16 mm equivalent field of view lens. You also get vision-based active collision detection and Wi-Fi 6 with up to 1.2 Gbps download speed. All other specifications are the same as for the X1 Pro model.
What we think
The original HoverAir X1 was unique in the drone world. You couldn’t control it like a regular drone. However, for many people, a flying selfie camera that you don’t need to learn to fly is ideal. The new X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max models improve the cameras for better video. You also get more flight options such as the ability to fly over water. In addition, HoverAir manage to pack all of these features into a design you can keep folded up in your pocket and launch from your hand. The new HoverAir X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max look are likely to be even more popular than the original X1.
Pricing and availability
At the time of writing, HoverAir hasn’t announced pricing or launch dates for X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max drones.
