Potensic Atom 2: Everything you need to know!

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Potensic Atom 2 is a standout competitor to the DJI Mini 4K!

A few days ago, we received a Potensic Atom 2 from a new drone brand, Potensic. This has emerged as a compelling choice for drone enthusiasts, particularly those looking for an affordable yet feature-rich alternative to the more expensive models.

Here’s a look at what makes the Atom 2 stand out!

The Potensic Atom 2 is the latest in the line of sub-250g drones, designed to offer a blend of performance, quality, and affordability. This, to me, seems like a gateway to aerial photography and videography for noth beginners and seasoned pilots, promising to deliver high-quality footage without breaking the bank.

Unboxing

Upon unboxing the Atom 2, you’re greeted with a compact, foldable design that’s easy to transport. The package includes the drone, a remote controller, batteries, propellers, and necessary accessories like a gimbal protector. The setup process is straightforward, requiring activation through the Potensic Eve app, which guides you through linking the drone to your mobile device and controller.

Ease of Use

The Atom 2 is remarkably user-friendly. As someone who is used to other products of more seasoned brands, this device provides intuitive controls and the new Potensic Eve app make flying accessible even for those new to drones. The app provides an easy-to-navigate interface, with features like flight record playback and smart reminders to enhance safety and ease of operation.

Picture and Video Quality

Equipped with a 12MP/48MP Sony 1/2-inch CMOS sensor, the Atom 2 captures stunning 8K photos and 4K HDR videos at up to 30fps. The F1.8 aperture and 4-in-1 pixel technology significantly improve low-light performance, ensuring vibrant colors and detailed imagery. 

While the maximum video bitrate has been adjusted from 100Mbps to 80Mbps, this change might not be noticeable for most viewers, especially on smaller screens or lower resolutions. However, for those looking to stream or share content online, this reduction in bitrate can lead to smaller file sizes, making it easier to upload and share footage without compromising too much on quality.

Sensors

The drone features a 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth footage, and while it lacks collision avoidance, its downward vision system helps with stable hovering, though it might not be as effective over uneven terrain.

Remote Controller

The controller for the Atom 2 is surprisingly comfortable to use, offering a good grip and intuitive controls. While its design might not be as modern as some competitors, it’s functional and provides a solid flying experience.

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It also introduces a unique and convenient feature called Takeoff with One Hand, designed to simplify the process of getting your drone airborne. This feature can be enabled or disabled in the Potensic Eve App by navigating to Settings > Safety > General Settings. Once activated, users can unlock the motors and take off the drone with a single hand, making it particularly useful for quick launches or when operating in tighter spaces. Honestly, I find this a very important feature especially to those who wish to simply wish to start flying their drone without having to fiddle too many controls.

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The process for using this feature depends on the control stick mode:

  • Mode 1 (Right Hand Throttle): Press the C2 button while simultaneously pulling down the right control stick for two seconds to unlock the motors. To take off, release the control stick first; if you release the C2 button first, the propellers will stop spinning.
  • Mode 2 (Left Hand Throttle): Press the C1 button and pull down the left control stick for two seconds to unlock the motors. Similarly, release the control stick first to take off, or release the C1 button first to stop the propellers.

It’s worth noting that this feature is unavailable when using a custom control stick mode. The Takeoff with One Hand functionality is a thoughtful addition that enhances ease of use, particularly for beginners or those looking for a more streamlined flying experience.

Potensic Eve App

The Potensic Eve app is a significant upgrade, offering not just control but also features like AI Quickshots, AI Track for subject tracking, and SmartTransfer for quick downloads of footage to your phone. It’s designed to work seamlessly with iOS 13.0 or later and Android 7.0 or later, ensuring broad compatibility.

Flight Features

The Atom 2 packs impressive flight capabilities with Level 5 wind resistance, allowing for stable flights in winds up to 23.6mph. It offers various flight modes including Video, Normal, and Sport, with the latter providing a top speed of 35.8mph. Features like Dynamic Home Point, AI subject tracking, and a 10km video transmission range powered by PixSync 4.0 technology make it a versatile tool for aerial photography.

Thoughts about the Drone and how it competes

The Atom 2 positions itself as a strong contender against the DJI Mini 4K, offering similar features at a more accessible price point. Its AI capabilities, particularly in tracking and night shooting, provide a creative edge, making it not just a tool for capturing footage but also for storytelling through dynamic aerial shots.

FeaturePotensic Atom 2DJI Mini 4K
Camera Sensor1/2-inch Sony CMOS1/2.3-inch CMOS
Photo Resolution48MP12MP
Video Resolution4K at 30fps, HDR4K at 30fps
Digital ZoomUp to 4x (varies by resolution)Up to 4x (varies by resolution)
Flight TimeUp to 32 minutesUp to 31 minutes
Video Transmission RangeUp to 10km (PixSync 4.0)Up to 10km (OcuSync 2.0)
Weight<249g~249g
Wind ResistanceLevel 5 (up to 38kph)Level 5 (up to 38kph)
Flight ModesVideo, Normal, Sport, AI Tracking, QuickShots, etc.Sport, Normal, QuickShots (Dronie, Helix, etc.)
Gimbal3-axis mechanical3-axis mechanical
Battery Capacity2,230mAh2,250mAh
Dimensions (Folded)143 x 88 x 58mm~138 x 81 x 58mm
Price (Standard Kit)~$330 / ~PhP18,800~$249 / ~PhP17,190

Key Differences:

  • The Potensic Atom 2 offers higher photo resolution (48MP vs. DJI’s 12MP) and HDR video.
  • Both drones have similar flight times and wind resistance but differ slightly in battery capacity.
  • The DJI Mini 4K is more beginner-friendly with intuitive features like QuickShots and tutorials.
  • The Potensic Atom 2 includes advanced AI tracking and creative modes like AI Night and Dolly Zoom.

The drone’s design, while not groundbreaking, is practical and well-suited for its intended audience. The reduction in video bitrate might be a point of contention for some, but for the majority, the trade-off between file size and quality is acceptable, especially given the drone’s other strengths.

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Availability

The Potensic Atom 2 is available in two kits: the Standard Kit at $339 and the Fly More Combo at $459, which includes additional batteries and a charging hub. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a drone without the hefty price tag of higher-end models.

Should you get it? The Potensic Atom 2 is a testament to how far drone technology has come in terms of accessibility and quality. It’s not just about flying; it’s about capturing life’s moments from a new perspective, making it an excellent choice for anyone from beginners to those looking to expand their aerial photography toolkit. With its blend of performance, ease of use, and affordability, the Atom 2 is indeed a drone that punches above its weight class.

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Gian Viterbo
Founder, Chief Editor, and Sales Lead at Gadget Pilipinas | Website

Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.

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