Introduction
Autel Robotics has been steadily gaining ground in the consumer drone market, and their latest offering, the EVO Lite+ II, released in February 2025, aims to challenge the dominance of industry giants like DJI. This review will examine the key features, performance, and overall value of the Autel EVO Lite+ II, exploring how it stacks up against its competitors in the increasingly crowded drone market.
Body
The Autel EVO Lite+ II builds upon the success of its predecessor, maintaining the sleek orange design that has become synonymous with the Autel brand. The drone weighs 720g, placing it in the mid-size category for consumer drones. While not as compact as some ultra-portable options, the EVO Lite+ II still folds down to a manageable size for easy transport.
One of the most significant upgrades in the EVO Lite+ II is its camera system. Autel has equipped this model with a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 50MP stills and recording video at up to 6K/30fps or 4K/60fps. The larger sensor size provides excellent low-light performance and impressive dynamic range. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, ensuring smooth and stable footage even in challenging conditions.
A standout feature of the EVO Lite+ II is its adjustable aperture, ranging from f/2.8 to f/11. This level of control over depth of field is relatively rare in consumer drones and allows for greater creative flexibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the drone supports 10-bit color and includes several picture profiles, including a Log profile for more advanced color grading in post-production.
Autel has made significant strides in its obstacle avoidance technology with the EVO Lite+ II. The drone features a comprehensive obstacle detection system with sensors on all sides, including upward and downward-facing sensors. This 360-degree obstacle avoidance provides peace of mind during flight, especially when using the drone’s autonomous flight modes.
Speaking of autonomous flight, the EVO Lite+ II comes equipped with a range of intelligent flight modes. These include Dynamic Track 3.0 for subject tracking, Orbit for circular shots around a point of interest, and Waypoints for pre-programmed flight paths. A new addition is the “Cinematic Shots” mode, which offers a selection of pre-programmed flight patterns designed to capture professional-looking footage with minimal pilot input.
Flight performance is another area where the EVO Lite+ II shines. The drone boasts an impressive maximum flight time of 40 minutes, putting it at the top of its class in terms of endurance. This extended flight time allows for longer shooting sessions and reduces the need for frequent battery swaps. The EVO Lite+ II can reach speeds of up to 68 km/h (42 mph) in Sport mode and maintains stability in winds up to 13.8 m/s.
The controller for the EVO Lite+ II has been redesigned with user comfort in mind. It features a built-in 3.26-inch OLED screen, providing essential flight information without the need for a connected smartphone. For those who prefer a larger display, the controller can also accommodate a smartphone or tablet. The transmission range has been improved to 15 km, utilizing Autel’s SkyLink 3.0 technology for a reliable, high-quality video feed.
One area where Autel has traditionally excelled is customer support, and the EVO Lite+ II continues this tradition. The drone comes with a 2-year warranty, double the industry standard, reflecting Autel’s confidence in their product. Additionally, Autel offers free replacement parts for the first year of ownership, a significant benefit for new pilots who may experience mishaps as they learn to fly.
Conclusion
The Autel EVO Lite+ II represents a significant step forward for Autel Robotics and a worthy competitor in the high-end consumer drone market. Its combination of excellent image quality, long flight time, and advanced features make it a compelling option for both amateur and professional aerial photographers and videographers. While it may not have the brand recognition of some competitors, the EVO Lite+ II’s performance and Autel’s commitment to customer support make it a drone worth serious consideration. As the drone market continues to evolve, the EVO Lite+ II demonstrates that there’s room for innovation and competition beyond the established market leaders.
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