Autel Evo Lite+ drone review

Autel Evo Lite+ drone review.Drones have revolutionized the way we capture aerial views and explore the world from above. The Autel Evo Lite+ is one such drone that promises to take your flying experience to new heights. In this drone review, we’ll dive deeper into the features, performance, and overall experience of this impressive gadget.While DJI is still the leading manufacturer in this space and offers some of the best drones on the market, the Autel drone can be a worthy alternative if you’re looking for variety. With impressive flight times, high-quality image and video capabilities, and obstacle avoidance sensors, the Autel Evo Lite+ is a great drone for first-time drone users as well as enthusiasts with a little more experience.But will the Autel Evo Lite+ suit your needs? Let’s find out.

Autel Evo Lite+: first impressions and characteristics

If you’re looking for a consumer drone, you’ve probably come across many DJI options as the manufacturer continues to dominate the market. Even our guide to buying the best drones under $500 shows this, since the first three options are all DJI drones.A few years ago, Autel released several different drones in the Autel Evo (or Autel Robotics Evo) series, all designed to compete with existing DJI models and offer an alternative to those looking for something different. Autel Evo drones include the Autel Evo Nano+ drones (a competitor to the DJI Mini 2), the Autel Evo Lite+ drones (compared to the DJI Air 2S), and the Autel Evo II drones, which are aimed at more experienced drone operators.In this review, I’m looking at the Autel Evo Lite+ drone, which takes on the DJI Air 2S. My first impression was that the Evo Lite+ is a better choice in many areas here. It offers longer flight time and range, allowing you to cover more ground while filming, and also has a larger battery capacity and higher maximum charging power. Both drones are similar in terms of camera stabilization and gimbal. The Air 2S’s only big advantage is its size: 21 oz (595 g) compared to 29.4 oz (835 g).Before diving into the Autel Evo Lite+ review, here is the complete list of features of this drone:

• Dimensions (folded): 8.2 x 4 x 3.3 inches (210 x 104 x 85 mm)
• Dimensions (unfolded): 16.9 x 20.3 x 3.3 inches (430 x 517 x 85 mm)
• Weight: 29.4 oz (835 g)
• Maximum flight time: 40 minutes
• Maximum flight distance: 24 km
• Maximum take-off altitude: 4000 m
• Camera: 20 MP , type 1 (13.2 x 8.8 mm), 29 mm equivalent. F2.8-F11
• Video resolution: 6K/30p, 4K/60p
• Video bitrate: 120 Mbps
• Video transmission: Skylink, 12 km , 2.7K/30p
• Video Log: 8-bit A-Log, HDR Auto (Pro N/A) (8-bit)
• Zoom: Digital 16x zoom, lossless 4K, 1.3X 1080p, 3X
• Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal
• Obstacles: stopping in front of obstacles, avoiding obstacles, forward, backward and down motion sensors
• GPS : GNSS
• Aircraft battery: Li-Po 3S, 6175 mAh
• Remote control battery: 3930 mAh battery, maximum battery life 3.5 hours
• Color: Classic Orange, Deep Space Gray
• Price: Starts at $1,149 on Autel (drone + Premium package), Starts at $979.99 on Amazon (drone only), and Starts at $1,399 on Amazon (drone + Premium package).
• The Autel Evo Lite+ comes with some impressive features and capabilities. What immediately catches your attention is the 20-megapixel camera with a CMOS sensor and the ability to record video at up to 6K/30 resolution. Apart from 6K video capture, some of the features that make this drone stand out are the variable aperture, clear images, the ability to record voices and ambient sounds while flying, and of course, the impressive flight time of up to 40 minutes.There are many factors that make the Lite+ a great drone. Let’s start with what you’ll encounter first – the drone’s design and overall construction.Whether you buy the Standard or Premium package, there’s a lot to unpack here. Autel is currently running a great promotion so you can get the Lite+ with a premium package for the price of a single drone.
  

  What’s in the box

  For the purposes of this review, I received the premium package, which includes everything I need. Here’s everything you’ll find in the box when you unbox the Autel Evo Lite+:

  • • Autel Evo Lite+ Camera Drone
    • Three flight batteries + 1 charger
    • 5 pairs of propellers (3 included as standard)
    • Charging hub for all three batteries (premium kit)
    • Remote control + USB-C remote control charger

  RC cables (lightning, type-C, micro USB)

• ND filters (ND4/8/16/32) (premium set)
• Shoulder bag
• Quick guide and warranty card

Opening the box, you will find a special bag for carrying the drone and all accessories. Although I prefer to travel light and carry only the drone and one battery, the design of the shoulder bag is very well thought out. The bag has a variety of pockets, some of which are ergonomically shaped to fit specific parts of the drone, making the drone and all its parts look compact.The Lite+ has a similar design to DJI drones. The drone body and the way the drone wings are folded are exactly the same. The drone weighs 835g, which is a significant difference if you’ve ever owned one of the mini drones that sometimes weigh less than 300g. If the compact size isn’t your thing, then the Lite+ may not be the model to buy. However, one of the benefits I have found of this drone is that the larger body makes it more wind resistant and easier to keep in place if the weather is not ideal. Another thing I immediately liked about the Lite+ was the bright orange color. Unlike the typical gray or black drones, it’s a little easier to spot in the sky, as well as on the ground if you ever need to look for it after a crash. The color combined with the smooth matte finish is very aesthetically pleasing (though its main purpose is to minimize glare during flights).On the front of the drone you will find a camera gimbal. The gimbal has a slightly awkward lid, which I struggled with at first. But the biggest drawback is how low the camera gimbal is located on the drone. Every time I take off and land, I worry about the camera getting scratched or accidentally damaged by obstacles on the ground. Speaking of crashes, Autel included a few extra sets of propellers in the box, and unless you’re a careful/experienced drone pilot, you’ll thank them for that. I needed to replace my first pair a week after my first flight.To control the drone, you get a remote control that looks and feels like an Xbox controller. There’s no internal memory or LED screen to view important flight information. Instead, you will need to connect your phone and access the drone during the flight through the Autel Sky app. Additionally, I found the remote to be comfortable to hold while flying the drone thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design. You can also unscrew the joysticks for easier transport and then screw them back on to control the drone.

Performance

When it comes to flight performance, the Autel Evo Lite+ does not disappoint. As a drone enthusiast, I was surprised at how many different flight modes and functions this little drone has. This aircraft definitely makes the flying experience superior. It’ll take me a while to talk about every aspect of this drone, so here’s a quick rundown of the most interesting features and settings you can try on the Evo Lite+.Flight modes and dynamic trackingThe Lite+ has several different flight modes to suit drone pilots of all levels. When you take your drone on its first flight, the Autel app will put you into Beginner Mode and limit the maximum altitude and distance you can fly your drone. . It’s best to stay in this mode while you become familiar with the controls and all the features it offers. Once you feel comfortable in Beginner mode, you can try out Autel’s different flight modes: Smooth, standard and ridiculous.However, one of my favorite features of the Lite+ is the Dynamic Track mode. It allows you to specify a video subject and the drone will automatically follow its movements while maintaining a safe distance. I’ve found that this feature works best with a single vehicle, person, and even an animal (as long as it’s not in a crowd). Using Dynamic Track, I was able to capture amazing footage of me following my husband on his mountain bike down a hill, as well as driving my car across a bridge over a beautiful alpine lake. If you are a speed freak, you will love flying in Ludicrous mode. The Autel Evo Lite+ boasts an impressive top speed of 42.5 mph (68.4 km/h), making it an ideal choice for action-packed shots. And for those looking for an adrenaline rush, Funny mode unleashes the full power of the drone, taking your flying experience to a whole new level of excitement. At the same time, I recommend scouring the area ahead of time for any obstacles your drone might encounter, especially at top speed. Remember that the Lite+ can stop at an obstacle, but cannot avoid it, so you need to take into account any possible obstacles your drone may encounter.

Security features

Safety is a priority and the Autel Evo Lite+ ensures your drone stays within its boundaries. Unfortunately, there is no geofencing technology to prevent your drone from flying into restricted areas. Therefore, you will have to do your own research to ensure that you are flying your drone in permitted areas. One way to do this is to check the FAA B4UFLY website or app, especially for those flying within the US.When flying internationally, I recommend checking local regulations to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Lite+ lacks an ADS-B receiver, a feature that alerts pilots to nearby manned aircraft, so that’s something to be aware of, too. The Return Home function acts as a fail-safe mechanism. It returns your drone to its take-off point in the event of signal loss or low battery, ensuring a safe and secure landing. And as I mentioned earlier, once your drone lands, you can easily find it thanks to the bright orange color and lights on the front and rear wings.

Photo and video quality

When it comes to capturing stunning images and breathtaking videos, the Autel Evo Lite+ doesn’t hold back. This drone offers a number of features that will quickly improve your visual storytelling.Autel Evo Lite+ has advanced features that are suitable for both professional and amateur pilots. Having a variable aperture lens adds an extra level of control as you can choose the shutter speed you want for video recording. This feature is a boon for those who want precise control over their footage, such as video professionals or content creators. With resolution options including 6K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, the Autel Evo Lite+ delivers impressive video quality. You can choose the perfect resolution for your specific needs, ensuring crisp, detailed images that really stand out. You can also use Pro mode to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to get the best image quality. If you purchase the premium package, you will also receive a set of ND filters included with the drone. These filters act like sunglasses for your drone’s camera lens. When shooting in bright conditions, you can use them to dim the light hitting the camera sensor to achieve the proper blur that human eyes are accustomed to. The brighter it is outside, the stronger the filter you will have to choose. Of the four ND filters included, the ND32 will be the strongest. Many countries prohibit flying a drone with a camera at night. If you’re lucky enough to be in a location where it’s not illegal, you’ll enjoy shooting with the Lite+ in low light conditions and even at night. The drone’s exceptional low-light performance allows you to capture stunning images even when the sun dips below the horizon. You can fly at dusk and capture unique night scenes with the same clarity and detail.

Software

You can download the AutelSky app for iOS and Android for free. The app is essential for filming your aerial adventures, but it’s also like a magic wand that will help you get the most out of your Autel Evo Lite+ drone. It’s easy to use and packed with cool features to help you fly better and take amazing photos and videos. Let’s see what this app can do.1. All the necessary information about the flight. The app shows you all the important information while your drone is flying. There’s a small map in the bottom corner so you know where your drone is and what direction it’s facing. In the top corner you can see how much battery power is left and how long your drone can fly. If your drone gets too far from where you started, the app will change color, prompting you to bring it back. 2. Smart GPS and returning home. The app uses GPS to help your drone know where it is in the world. The drone can also hover in one place without touching the controls. Convenient Return to Home is a useful safety feature that automatically tells the Evo Lite+ to return to its take-off location if communication between the aircraft and the remote control is lost.3. Shooting modes that expand your creativity The AutelSky app is not only flight control, but also creativity. Autel Sky offers four automatic shooting modes that let you take professional-quality photos with just the touch of a button. These modes include slow motion, panoramic shots, subject tracking, portrait and more. This way, you can add an artistic touch to your aerial photography and videography.4. Editing has become easier. The fun doesn’t stop when your drone lands. You can use the app’s features to make your videos look even better. The app has ready-made video templates and soundtracks for you to add. You can also use the app to record your own voice or ambient sounds while shooting video, and then add them to the footage.

Battery life

Autel Evo Lite+ is equipped with a powerful 6157 mAh battery that allows your drone to operate for up to 40 minutes at a time. It can be extended by using 2 spare batteries. If you change them and continue flying, it will allow you to fly continuously for up to 2 hours with short breaks.Charging one battery takes approximately 90 minutes. You can do this while you’re on a break or getting ready for your next flight.However, the most convenient way to charge batteries is to use the 3-in-1 charger included in the premium kit, which allows you to charge all the drone’s batteries at the same time.

Is the Autel Evo Lite+ drone worth buying?

The Autel Evo Lite+ Combo is a great choice if you want a cool drone with a lot of features, but don’t want to spend a ton of money. This kit gives you everything you need in one package: a drone with a 6K camera for professional shooting, a compact controller for smooth shooting, extra batteries for long shoots, and an app that will take your photos and videos to the next level.The only problem you may face is the size and weight of the drone. However, if you don’t mind carrying around a drone that’s a little larger than other consumer-grade drones, the Autel Avo Lite+ has everything to help you have fun and capture cool moments from above.

Autel Evo Lite+ drone review

Autel Evo Lite+ drone review