Is the new HOVERAir X1 PROMAX the perfect entry-level drone? We took a closer look at the successor to the HOVERAir X1 in our test. The new model scores with 8K video recording, particularly low weight and beginner-friendly features.
Technical data
| The name | X1 PROMAX |
| Drone class | C0 |
| drone weight | 192,5 g |
| Dimensions | 105 mm x 149 mm x 34 mm (folded); 173 mm x 149 mm x 39 mm (unfolded) |
| Features | – App control (iOS + Android) – 10 autonomous flight modes |
| Maximum flight distance | 1 km |
| Maximum speed | 12 m/s (in calm conditions) |
| Maximum take-off altitude | 5.500 m |
| Max. Wind resistance | 10.7 m/s (wind force 5) |
| Flight time | up to 16 minutes |
| Camera | mechanical 3-axis gimbal |
| Video resolution | 8K at 30/25/24 fps; 4K at 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps; 1080p at 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps; 4K vertical at 30/25/24 fps; 2.7K vertical at 60/50/30/25/24 fps; 1080p vertical at 60/50/30/25/24 fps |
| Photo resolution | 48 megapixel; 12 megapixel |
| Operating temperature | -5°C to 45°C |
| Memory | 64 GB internal memory (expandable via microSD card) |
| Price | € 759.00 * |
HOVERAir X1 PROMAX Review: Compact lightweight
- incredibly small and light
- almost indestructible
- impressive speed
If you are looking for a particularly compact and lightweight drone, the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is the right choice. The flying lightweight weighs just 192.5 grams – significantly less than the DJI Flip, for example (our test).
This is made possible by the material used, as the manufacturer relies on a particularly light and flexible plastic that is virtually indestructible and keeps the weight low. Another advantage is the compact size. When folded, the X1 PROMAX is just 149 mm long and 105 mm high. When unfolded, it is only around 30 mm high.
Visually, the new model is very reminiscent of the X1. The rotors are surrounded by a robust plastic cage, which not only protects them but also allows them to be launched by hand. Both cages are folded down at the factory, allowing the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX, which is in the C0 drone class, to be transported in a particularly compact manner.
If you want to use the drone, simply fold the rotor cages outwards and the PROMAX is ready for use. The magnetic lock of the X1 model is also used here to prevent accidental unfolding.
However, the hinges do not feel quite as robust as in the case of the DJI Flip, but there is not really much to complain about.
Improvements can be seen above all in the drone’s base unit. Compared to its predecessor, it is not only noticeably more streamlined, which in practice allows impressive subsequent speeds of up to 60 km/h.
The controls have also been replaced by a single button and a compact ring for menu navigation. There is now also a small display that provides information about the battery status, flight mode and many other parameters.
HOVERAir X1 PROMAX Review: Camera and memory
- 8K videos!
- Excellent tracking
- 64 GB internal memory
The camera is undoubtedly the most impressive feature of the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX and has been given a major upgrade compared to the X1. There is a camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and a focal length of 16mm, which is stabilized on a gimbal. The field of view is quite wide at 107° – so a lot fits into the shot.
The camera records at a maximum resolution of 8K – a significant increase compared to the 2.7K of the X1 – and even at 30 frames per second. The X1 PROMAX is not only capable of 4K recordings at 60 fps, but also with slow motion recordings at 120 fps.
Of course, you can also record in portrait format, ideal for social media. The drone now even records vertical videos in 4K at 30 frames per second. Of course, the drone can also take photos. And at a maximum of 48 megapixels for particularly high-resolution images.
Also included is the revised SmoothCapture 2.0 stabilization, which is designed to enable particularly shake-free recordings. Exclusive to the PROMAX is OmniTerrain, an absolute selling point for the more expensive version: this should enable flights even in the roughest terrain – for example on water, in snow or rough terrain.
In addition, the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX now has a whopping 64 GB of internal memory. More than enough for long videos and recordings. If that’s not enough, the drone can be fitted with a microSD card to expand the memory. Great – after all, we missed this on the X1.
Setup and operation
- Quick and easy to set up via the app
- Clear design,…
- … but not quite as convenient and intuitive
The HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is set up via the HOVER X1 app, which is available to download free of charge on Android and iOS. When starting up for the first time, the battery must first be activated by briefly charging it. The same applies to the drone, which needs to be activated within the app.
Once this is done, the app welcomes you with a short tutorial that explains the most important functions in five steps.
The map is clearly laid out and self-explanatory. You also have the option of adjusting all video and photo parameters individually for each intelligent flight mode. For example, if you want to record follow shots in 8K, but orbit shots in slow motion at 4K, you can easily set this.
But what really annoyed me: There is no option at the beginning to fly the drone in manual mode via the app. This must first be unlocked by using the intelligent modes for five minutes. However, neither the app nor the operating instructions provide any indication of this.
Once this is activated, however, it allows flawless and very precise operation. You can even choose whether you want to fly with virtual joysticks or button control.
Even though everything works well here, I have to admit that DJI’s operating concept and app are much better and more user-friendly.
HOVERAir Beacon – Useful accessories
- Beacon with practical features
- motion control
- Successful joystick control
If you don’t want to control the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX via smartphone alone, the beacon and joystick bundle is a practical accessory that significantly expands the possibilities. One downside: while the DJI Flip already comes with the excellent remote control for almost the same price as the PROMAX, the bundle must be purchased separately.
An additional 278.00 euros (or 248.00 euros in the current offer) will be charged in the manufacturer’s online store.
The accessories give you various options. On the one hand, there is the Beacon, which can also be used individually. It has a small touch display that not only provides a real-time preview of the drone image, but also allows you to adjust the settings.
Thanks to the built-in microphone, sound recordings can also be made with noise suppression. The manufacturer even promises voice control, which will be added at a later date via an OTA update. The Beacon can also be easily attached to a rucksack, jacket, bike and much more with the help of accessories, which are also included in the bundle.
The second option is to use it with a joystick for one-handed operation. Using the dedicated button on the back of the right joystick, you can even activate motion control and operate the drone using hand movements – almost like the Nintendo Wii controllers of the past.
Thanks to haptic feedback, you are informed of the maneuvers at all times by vibrations.
The third option is to use the beacon with both handles, i.e. left and right. You can then fold them down and insert your smartphone into the resulting holder to control the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX using two joysticks. The scope of delivery includes two different types of joystick, which are simply inserted into the openings provided.
The Beacon alone has a battery life of 120 minutes. In combination with the joysticks, the runtime is extended to up to 150 minutes. However, when used together with the smartphone display, the bundle only has a runtime of just under 60 minutes.
Nevertheless, the control options are very cool. Everyone is guaranteed to get their money’s worth.
Battery life of the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX
- meagre 16 minutes runtime
- two batteries included (bundle only)
The battery life of the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is certainly the biggest criticism of the drone. One battery lasts just 16 minutes. This is the same value as in the case of the DJI Neo (our test), while the DJI Flip lasts twice as long with 31 minutes per battery.
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As always, the values apply to ideal conditions. If the drone has to fight against wind and other adversities, for example, the runtime is further reduced. The bundle comes with a second battery and a practical charging station that can be used to charge both batteries at the same time.
However, if you prefer, you can also simply charge the battery in the drone via USB-C. The flight time is undoubtedly somewhat disappointing, especially as DJI offers three batteries for the same price.
This is how the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX flies
- outstanding flight characteristics
- 10 intelligent flight modes
The flight characteristics of the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX are excellent. At its core, the drone offers three different options. On the one hand, there are 10 intelligent flight modes such as hovering, circling, a ski mode and much more, with which the part automatically flies in the corresponding mode.
In addition to the familiar modes, there are some particularly successful follow modes, including “Dolly Track” where the drone follows you from the front or Side Track for tracking from the side. It starts from the palm of your hand and automatically returns there at the end of the flight.
The second option for flying is the smartphone. You can use the HOVER X1 app to select flight modes, adjust the settings and also fly manually using virtual joysticks. In practice, this works very well and reliably.
However, the third and undoubtedly best option is with beacons and joysticks. Here, a precise, very accurate flying experience is possible that leaves nothing to be desired. Compared to the HOVERAir X1, a lot has changed here too.
The drone can now follow you at up to 42 km/h and can even reach 60 km/h for a short time if required. This means that nothing stands in the way of particularly fast action shots. Even on a tight and rough MTB course, the drone should always keep you perfectly in view. Wind resistance has also been greatly improved. The X1 PROMAX can now withstand wind gusts of up to level 5 (10.7 m/s) and impresses with a stable, reliable flight.
However, the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX has another point of criticism when it comes to range. In crowded environments, the drone has a maximum range of 30 to 100 meters. In open terrain, the range is up to 500 meters, but in conjunction with the beacon it is a maximum of 1 kilometer.
That’s decent, but rather weak compared to DJI’s entry-level drones. For comparison: The DJI Flip offers a flight distance of up to 14 kilometers and can therefore fly to the neighboring town or the shops.
If you want to fly particularly far and long, you probably won’t be happy with the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. However, the drone delivers excellent results when taking pictures from shorter distances. It is therefore important to weigh up what is important to you before buying.
HOVERAir X1 PROMAX Review: Conclusion
The HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is a new, particularly exciting entry-level drone on the market. The model scores points with its extremely robust design and intelligent flight modes, which make the flying camera particularly interesting for those who want to take solo shots.
Thanks to hover, follow or bird view flight modes, the drone follows you reliably and precisely wherever you go – even through rough terrain, thanks to the successful obstacle detection. The tracking works very reliably and is so fast in terms of speed that even cycling tours or other sporting activities always remain in focus.
The image quality is outstanding, not least thanks to the 8K resolution, but the PROMAX also takes photos in excellent quality. Operation via the app works quite well, but if you really want to have fun with the drone, you should definitely use the beacon and joysticks. This makes the flying experience that much better.
And yet there are a few points about the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX that I don’t like quite so much. In terms of range and battery life, the model falls well behind the strong competition in the entry-level drone segment. 16 minutes, of which only 8-10 minutes realistically remain, is rather poor. The app and operation of the competition, for example from DJI, are also somewhat more intuitive.
However, anyone who gets to grips with it a little will also have a lot of fun with the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. Especially as comparable image quality for videos is currently only available from significantly more expensive, larger drones.
- Impressive image quality
- Incredibly small and light
- Great flight characteristics
- Weak battery
- Low range
- High price
- Beacon/joysticks cost extra
HOVERAir X1 PROMAX
Design and Workmanship
Hardware
Ease of use
Battery
Camera quality
Value For Money
89/100
The X1 PROMAX impresses with its outstanding image quality, great flight characteristics and practical intelligent modes. However, the battery life and range are disappointing and the price is very high.
