Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Autel Robotics is a well-known name in the world of drones. Although they have a limited number of models, all their drones offer powerful features and versatility. As a result, Autel drones are suitable for hobbyists and professional drone flyers.
And that is why we have decided to compare two of their popular models in today’s article – Autel Evo Nano and Autel Evo Lite.
Autel Evo Nano + and Autel Evo Lite + are the latest versions in the Evo line-up, launched in January 2022. Autel has released these plus versions with an upgraded camera as a value addition to their earlier versions.
If you have a passion for photography and enjoy drone adventures, these new additions to the line-up will fascinate and impress you. In addition, you can take creativity to another level – beyond your imagination through intelligent flight modes.
But if you wonder which of these models is better or more suited to your requirements, you are in the right place. So, here we are with a quick comparison and review of these latest versions after testing and flying these for some time to guide you in your important purchase decision.
So, before we got started here is a quick comparison,
Table of contents
Overview of Autel Evo Nano+:
Autel Evo Nano and its upgraded version is the perfect beginner-friendly drone with excellent features.
The main reason for these drones’ popularity is their ability to shoot 4K videos. However, some other unique features like impressive battery life and lightweight make these drones well-liked among drone lovers.
In terms of features, this drone is very much similar to DJI Air 2. Nevertheless, you can identify subtle differences between these two drones, particularly regarding camera configuration.
The only downside to this drone is its price, which is more than most similar drones available on the market.
However, that can be a non-issue for people looking for a highly lightweight drone. With Evo Nano, you won’t have to register the drone or even follow those strict drone laws because it weighs under 250g.
Overview of Autel Evo Lite+:
The most distinctive feature between Autel Evo Nano Plus and Autel Evo Lite Plus is the difference in their weight.
Autel Evo Lite Plus is the larger of the two drones. Its camera quality and other configurations are better than Evo Nano because of its size.
While Evo Nano Plus is recommended for beginners, Evo Lite Plus is more suited to professional drone flyers and people who want to capture high-quality still images and videos. There are some similarities between the two drones as well, which we will be discussing shortly.
Autel Evo Nano+ and Autel Evo Lite+
So, let’s get started with the comparison
Autel Evo Nano + vs. Autel Evo Lite +: The Comparison
In this section, we are going to compare the two drones in terms of design, flight performance, and camera quality. After reading this section, you will be able to decide which of these drones is better suited to your needs and budget.
Design:
Autel Evo Nano Plus:
Explore the world with this smallest pocket-size drone, weighing less than 250 grams. Its 249 grams weight qualifies it to be exempted from the drone pilot certificate.
This is particularly helpful for countries like Canada, which requires drones weighing more than 250 grams to be registered with the transport department.
Autel Evo Nano + has become the drone of choice for novice photographers and avid travelers who are always ready for their next adventure. There are 4 color variations for Nano +: blazing red, arctic white, deep space grey, and classic Autel orange.
Considering its weight and size, Nano + is a smart miniature drone with an almost similar overall design as that of Autel Evo Lite +. It has been built with lighter materials to make it featherlike.
Autel Evo Lite Plus:
Autel Evo Lite + is the drone of choice for professional photographers who are certified to fly the drones. It weighs slightly above 850 grams and falls in the midsize folding drones category.
However, this extra weight makes it more stable in wind. When compared by size, it falls in between Evo 2 and Evo nano + in the latest Evo line-up launched in 2022.
Autel Evo Lite + is available in 3 colors: arctic white, deep space gray, and classic Autel orange. This drone has a more robust, excellent build and feels as compared to Nano + which feels more like plastic.
Camera and Shots:
Autel Evo Nano +:
The Nano + is paired with 3-axis camera gimbals, which prevents vibrations, ensuring stable and smooth videography and photography.
Capturing low-light 50MP still images has been made possible by a 1/1.28″ CMOS sensor. With a large aperture of f/1.9 and an RYYB color filter array, you can capture crisp pictures even in low light. Equipped with superior noise reduction capabilities, 4K/30 fps HDR videos can be effortlessly recorded, even in low light conditions.
And with the 16x Digital Zoom, you enjoy capturing quality images and life’s finer details.
Autel Evo Lite Plus:
Still images of 20MP and HDR videos with a resolution of 6K/30fps can now be recorded through this Lite + version. Lite + offers 2x and 4x digital zoom.
The adjustable aperture from f/2.8 ~ f/11 allows you to flaunt your creativity as it allows your shot in focus to have sharpness and depth of field. Its defog mode penetrates the fog by automatically adjusting its settings for more vibrant images and videos.
Autel Evo Lite + is equipped with 4-axis camera gimbals, making it the only drone to offer this feature. As a result, it is now possible to capture vertical images and footage. This impressive feature makes it the world’s first drone to introduce vertical photography.
Both Nano + and Lite + are equipped with a PDAF+CDAF autofocus system, which provides precision in capturing fast-moving objects.
Both these models offer four automatic shooting modes, taking photography to another level with the touch of a button.
These four modes, namely Flick, Rocket, Fade Away, and Orbit, would leave everyone impressed with memorable captures.
Flight Performance:
Autel Evo Nano +:
In our flight test, Nano + surprised us with its 28 minutes of flight time. We were able to fly it at a top speed of 33 miles per hour. The maximum distance covered in our flight test was 6.2 miles.
It is packed with a battery with a rated capacity of 2250mAh, fully charged in 90 minutes.
With the enhanced Level 5 wind resistance feature in Nano +, a stable and accident-free flight is possible within the manufacturer’s recommended range. You can fly Nano + at a top speed of 33 mph in a wind speed of 19–24 mph.
Autel Evo Lite +:
In the flight test, Lite + impressed us with its top speed of 40 miles per hour. It covered a range of 7 miles within its maximum flight time of 40 minutes.
Its battery, with a rated capacity of 6175mAh, takes 90 minutes to fully charge. It is the only drone in its size category to give you a flight time of 40 minutes.
As compared with Nano +, Lite + offers 12 additional minutes of flight time with the same charging time but with a larger rated battery capacity. This means 30% more flight time to enjoy exploring further.
Autel Evo Lite + can handle Level 7 wind resistance, meaning more control over strong winds. You can fly Lite + at a top speed of 40 mph with a wind speed of up to 32-38 mph.
Similarities between Autel Evo Nano and Autel Evo Lite:
Both Nano + and Lite + offer an advanced automatic three-way obstacle avoidance system. Their three-way obstacle avoidance system enables a safe flight with an automatic brake and hovers to avoid a collision in front, below, and behind it.
Through this feature, Autel Evo will first slow down on detection of any obstacle, and in case of any potential collision, it will stop completely. So now No need to worry about crashes because of these intelligent collision sensors with ultra-wide angles.
We were pretty impressed by the safe and reliable Return to Home (RTH) feature, which is available in both Nano + and Lite +. The Ready to Home feature combines GPS data and imaging sensors. Once activated, it would send the drone back to where it took off.
Autel Evo Nano Plus and Autel Evo Lite Plus are solid drones with a massive potential for capturing highly professional videos. They are pretty pricey, but considering the quality of their construction and the way they compare to today’s most advanced drones makes them desirable and well-liked.
Read our next section to decide which of these drones will be better suited to what you’re looking for in your next drone.
Final Verdict:
So, do you have a passion for photography and are a novice in drone flying, Nano + would be your best option. It is one of the best beginner-level drones offering a camera with excellent results of still images at 50 MP. We would call Nano + a smart miniature selfie drone.
As its name suggests, Nano + is a compact yet intelligent drone. For travelers and adventurers who like to travel light, they can carry this featherlight Nano + in their pocket. Being one of the most miniature and most lightweight drones, a folded Nano + fits almost anywhere – even in the palm of your hand.
Moreover, as it qualifies in the below 250-gram subcategory of drones, you do not require having a drone pilot certificate and with the features being offered for the price, Nano + is value for money.
However, if you are a professional photographer and love capturing the beauty of life, then we recommend going for Lite+. It has superb results in night photography as it captures low-light images with its night mode. Furthermore, due to its 4-axis camera gimbals, the video result is smooth and perfect.
And if you are not sensitive to price and want a powerful drone with attention to detailed images, Lite + should be the choice. Professional photographers would term it a great investment for pursuing their passion.
Whichever Autel Evo you purchase, make sure you opt for the premium bundle. Autel Evo models are available in Standard Kit and Premium Bundle with a price variation.
Although the premium bundle offers a few additional components, the two additional batteries make it attractive. While the Standard Kit offers 28 minutes of flight time for Nano + and 40 minutes of flight time for Lite +. Whereas the Premium Bundle offers you a total of 84 minutes of flight time for Nano + and 120 minutes of flight time for Lite +.
Purchasing a drone may be complex as many features must be considered. However, an informed purchase always leaves the consumer contented with making the right decision.
I hope this review helps you to decide and own the desired one soon.
Wish you good luck!
HAPPY FLYING!
