Looking for a HOVERAir camera? This comparison covers the X1 Smart, X1, X1 PRO, X1 PROMAX, and the all-new AQUA.
We’ll walk you through the key specs, features, and differences – so you can easily find the best model for your needs.
Feature | X1 Smart (Only Available in JP/UK/KR/HK) | X1 | X1 PRO | X1 PROMAX | AQUA |
Positioning | Ultra‑light point‑and‑shoot | Versatile point-and-shoot device | Ideal for action-packed adventures | Perfect for ultimate photography experiences | Water-native self-flying camera for aquatic adventures |
Price | – (region‑only) | from $299/329€ | from $499/549€ | from $699/759€ | from $999/€1624 |
Weight | 99g | 125 g | 191.5 g | 192.5 g | 249 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) | Unfolded only: 142×114×27 mm Not foldable | Folded: 86×127×31 mm<br>Unfolded: 145×127×30 mm | Folded: 105×149×34 mm<br>Unfolded: 173×149×39 mm | Folded: 105×149×34 mm<br>Unfolded: 173×149×39 mm | 202×206×64 mm Not foldable |
💧 Waterproof Rating | — | — | — | — | IP67 (fully waterproof, buoyant, takes off/lands on water) |
🌊 Buoyancy | — | — | — | — | Positive – floats, self‑rights |
📍 RTK Positioning | — | — | — | — | Yes (via Lighthouse) – cm‑level precision |
Lighthouse Controller | — | — | — | — | Included – 100 m range, IPX7, 5h battery, VirtualTether auto‑recall |
Video Resolution | 2.7K@30fps 1080p@60fps 1080p@30fps HDR Vertical 1080p | 2.7K@30fps 1080p@60fps 1080p@30fps HDR Vertical 1080p | 4K@60fps 1080p@120fps Vertical 2.7K@60fps | 8K@30fps 4K@120fps 10‑bit HLG vertical & HDR | Horizontal: 4K@100fps（Slow-mo）, 4K@60FPS（Default） 1080p@100fps Vertical: 4K@30fps, 2.7K@60fps |
Slow Motion | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@120fps | 4K@120fps，1080p@120fps | 4K@100fps, 1080p@100fps |
Photo Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP / 48MP | 12MP (4000×3000) |
Image Sensor | Sony IMX476 | Sony IMX476 | 1/1.3″ CMOS | 1/1.3″ CMOS | 1/1.28″ CMOS |
FOV | 90° | 90° | 104° | 107° | 95° (24mm equiv.) |
Battery | 690 mAh | 1050 mAh | 1920 mAh Smart / Thermo | 1920 mAh Smart / Thermo | 2013 mAh (21.62 Wh), 89g |
Max Flight Time | 10min | 11.5 min | 16 min | 16 min | 23 min |
Max Horizontal Speed | 25 km/h (auto‑follow) | 25 km/h (auto‑follow) | 42 km/h | 42 km/h | 55 km/h (34 mph) |
Max Ascent / Descent | 1.5 m/s | 1.5 m/s | — | — | 10.8 km/h (6.7 mph) |
Wind Resistance | Level 4 (7.9 m/s) | Level 4 (7.9 m/s) | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) | Level 7 (up to 33 knots / 18.3 m/s) |
Max Takeoff Altitude | 5000 m | 5000 m | 5500 m | 5500 m | 5500 m |
Max Flight Height | 15 m | 15 m | — | — | 120 m (394 ft) |
Transmission Range | App: up to 50 m | App: up to 50 m | App: 500 m / Beacon: 1 km | App: 500 m / Beacon: 1 km | Lighthouse: up to 100 m |
Video Bitrate | 32 Mbps | 32 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 160 Mbps | 160 Mbps |
Internal Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB + microSD up to 1TB | 64 GB + microSD up to 1TB | 128 GB UFS 2.2 (no SD card) |
Video Stabilization | Single‑axis gimbal + EIS | Mechanical (pitch axis) +EIS | SmoothCapture 2.0 2‑axis + EIS | SmoothCapture 2.0 2‑axis + EIS | SmoothCapture 3.0 1‑axis gimbal + EIS + horizon leveling |
Gimbal Controllable Range | -90° ~ 15° | -90° ~ 15° | -90°~15° | -90°~15° | -90° to 30° |
Collision Detection | Downward only | Downward only | Rear active + proximity | Vision + proximity rear | No obstacle avoidance (water‑optimized) |
OmniTerrain | — | — | Available | Available | Available |
Special Flight Modes HOVERAir has three flight modes: Basic, Skilled and AQUA-exclusive Water Mode. Basic suits beginners; Skilled unlocks automatically via accumulated flights for advanced controls. | 13 modes Basic: Hover, Zoom out, Follow, Orbit, Bird’s eye Skilled: Snapshot, Manual control, Dolly track, Angle track, Indoor follow, 360° Spin Advanced: Smart control | 13 modes Basic: Hover, Zoom out, Follow, Orbit, Bird’s eye Skilled: Snapshot, Manual control, Dolly track, Angle track, Indoor follow, 360° Spin Advanced: Smart control | 15 modes Basic: Hover, Zoom out, Follow, Orbit, Bird’s eye Skilled: Snapshot, Manual Control, Dolly track, Angle track, Dolly zoom, Ski Mode, 360° Spin, Spiral, Cycling Mode Indoor follow | 15 modes Basic: Hover, Zoom out, Follow, Orbit, Bird’s eye Skilled: Snapshot, Manual Control, Dolly track, Angle track, Dolly zoom, Ski Mode, 360° Spin, Spiral, Cycling Mode Indoor follow | 14 modes Basic: Hover, Zoom out, Follow, Orbit, Bird’s eye Skilled: Manual Control, Dolly track, Angle track, ,360° Spin, Spiral, Orbit Follow Watermode: Kayak Mode, SUP Mode, Foil Mode |
Companion Devices | Beacon+Joystick, Charging Hub, 18Wadapter | Beacon+Joystick, Charging Hub, 18Wadapter， ComboCase | Beacon+Joystick, Power Case, Thermo Battery, 65W adapter, ND filters, HandleBar Mount, Carry Bag, Combo Case | Beacon+Joystick, Power Case, Thermo Battery, 65W adapter, ND filters, HandleBar Mount, Carry Bag, Combo Case | Lighthouse (wearable), Beacon+Joystick, waterproof battery bag, Charging Hub, WetSuit |
Note on RTK & Lighthouse: The AQUA uses Real‑Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning via the included Lighthouse wearable. Lighthouse provides cm‑level GNSS accuracy (GPS+Galileo+BeiDou+GLONASS) and enables functions like VirtualTether (auto‑recall if you move too far), Co‑Pilot (direction adjustment), and reliable water‑surface tracking. Without Lighthouse, AQUA relies on standard GNSS + VIO. The Lighthouse itself is IPX7 waterproof and positively buoyant – it can float if dropped in water.
Note on Tracking Technology: The HOVERAir X1 series uses advanced face and body recognition to track human subjects. This means it won’t be able to follow if a person isn’t clearly visible (for example, inside a vehicle).
Dive into the Details
Weight & Size
The X1 Smart is the absolute featherweight at 99 grams. It does not fold – its unfolded dimensions are 142×114×27 mm. This makes it even lighter and smaller than the standard X1, but you lose foldability.
The X1 is the lightweight champ at just 125 grams. It folds down to 86×127×31 mm and opens to 145×127×30 mm – perfect for tossing in a bag.
The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX are a bit heftier at 191.5 g and 192.5 g, but they're still travel‑friendly. Both fold to 105×149×34 mm and unfold to 173×149×39 mm.
The AQUA weighs 249 g and measures 202×206×64 mm. It doesn't fold – the sealed, buoyant body is built for water.
If portability is king, the X1 Smart is the lightest, but the X1 folds smaller. For water, only AQUA works.
Video Resolution & Slow‑Motion
- X1 Smart & X1: Both shoot 2.7K@30fps (X1 Smart: 2904×1520, X1: 2704×1520), 1080p@60fps, and 1080p HDR. Slow‑motion: 1080p@60fps. Vertical video: 1080p.
- X1 PRO: 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps, vertical 2.7K@60fps.
- X1 PROMAX: 8K@30fps, 10‑bit HLG HDR – perfect for pro grading.
Slow‑motion lovers get 1080p@60fps (X1), 1080p@120fps (X1 PRO), and buttery 4K@120fps (X1 PROMAX).
- AQUA: Horizontal 4K up to 100fps, vertical 4K@30fps, 10‑bit H‑Log/HLG, 4K slow‑motion at 100fps.
The X1 Smart and X1 are great for casual vlogging; the PRO and PROMAX for action and pro work; the AQUA for high‑frame‑rate water sports.
Battery Life & Field of View
- X1 Smart: 690 mAh battery → 10 min flight time (hover: 9.5 min)
- X1: 1050 mAh → 11.5 min flight
- X1 PRO / PROMAX: 1920 mAh → 16 min
- AQUA: 2013 mAh → 23 min (longest)
When it comes to field of view:
- X1 Smart / X1: 90°
- X1 PRO: 104°
- X1 PROMAX: 107° (widest)
- AQUA: 95° (24mm equivalent) – narrower, but paired with a hydrophobic lens and self‑heating anti‑fog for clear water shots.
Video Stabilization & Collision Detection
- X1 Smart / X1: SmoothCapture 1.0 (1‑axis gimbal + EIS), downward‑only sensing.
- X1 PRO / PROMAX: SmoothCapture 2.0 (dual‑axis gimbal + EIS), rear active collision detection (PRO: proximity; PROMAX: vision+proximity).
- AQUA: SmoothCapture 3.0 (1‑axis gimbal + EIS + horizon leveling) with downward VIO + millimeter‑wave radar – no obstacle avoidance, but can detect water surface from 5 cm.
For collision avoidance, the PRO/PROMAX offer rear detection; the AQUA relies on open‑water design.
A Note on Obstacle Avoidance
You might notice that the X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX don’t have forward‑facing obstacle avoidance sensors. That’s by design.
Our goal is to give you the smoothest, most responsive following experience possible. Traditional obstacle avoidance systems have limitations—like detection speed, distance lag, and trouble with certain textures—that can get in the way of close‑range, high‑speed following. They can even make it tricky to follow through narrow paths and may affect overall tracking performance and video smoothness.
In situations where obstacle avoidance works well, our advanced Backside Following Technology already delivers a similar—or even lower—collision rate. We’re always exploring new technologies, and when a solution meets our high standards for performance and reliability, we’ll bring it to future products.
So, what do the current sensors do?
- Rear vision sensor + TOF module: helps with rear collision detection
- Bottom VIO module: handles positioning
- Bottom TOF sensor: keeps track of ground height and helps maintain minimum altitude
In practice, the X1 PRO (with TOF proximity sensors) supports obstacle avoidance at speeds up to 1.5 m/s, while the X1 PROMAX (with TOF and vision sensors) can handle it at speeds up to 3 m/s. All of this works quietly in the background, so you can focus on getting that perfect shot.
OmniTerrain & Auto‑Follow Speed
Both the X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX and AQUA come with OmniTerrain for varied environments.
Max auto‑follow speeds:
- X1 Smart / X1: 25 km/h (16 mph)
- X1 PRO / PROMAX: 42 km/h (26 mph)
- AQUA: 55 km/h (34 mph) – the fastest tracker, perfect for wakeboarding, jet skis, and fast boats.
If you need mixed terrain (grass, gravel, snow), the PRO/PROMAX win. For pure speed over water, AQUA leads.
Flight Time & Wind Resistance
- X1 Smart 10 min/ Level 4 wind (7.9 m/s)
- X1: 11.5 min / Level 4 wind (7.9 m/s)
- X1 PRO / PROMAX: 16 min / Level 5 (10.7 m/s)
- AQUA: 23 min / Level 7 (up to 33 knots / 18.3 m/s / 61 km/h)
The AQUA’s wind resistance is a huge leap – it can handle strong sea breezes that would ground the others
Transmission Range & Video Bitrate
- X1 Smart / X1: App up to 50 m, bitrate 32 Mbps
- X1 PRO / PROMAX: App up to 500 m, Beacon up to 1 km, bitrate 100 Mbps (PRO) / 160 Mbps (PROMAX)
- AQUA: With the included Lighthouse wearable, control range is up to 100 m; without Lighthouse, phone range is ~50 m. Bitrate: 160 Mbps (same as PROMAX).
👉 Why is the shorter range on AQUA? It’s optimized for close‑range water sports where you’re never 500 m away from your drone. The Lighthouse provides reliable connection even with waves and reflections.
Storage & Accessories
- X1: 32 GB built‑in
- X1 PRO: 32 GB + microSD up to 1 TB
- X1 PROMAX: 64 GB + microSD up to 1 TB
- AQUA: 128 GB UFS 2.2 – no microSD slot. Enough for ~1 hour of 4K@100fps H.265 footage.
Accessories:
- X1 Smart：Beacon+Joystick, Charging Hub, 18W adapter
- X1: Beacon+Joystick,Charging Hub, 18W adapter, Combo Case,Beacon+Joystick
- X1 PRO / PROMAX: Beacon+Joystick, Power Case, Thermo Smart Battery, 65W adapter, ND filters, HandleBar Mount, Carry Bag, Combo Case
- AQUA: Lighthouse (wearable controller, IPX7, buoyant), waterproof battery bag, Charging Hub (supports dual‑battery parallel charging)
So, Which One Is for You? (Final recap)
- X1 Smart – Ultra‑light, non‑foldable, great for Japan/UK/Korea/HK users who want the lightest carry.
- X1 – Ultra‑light, simple, everyday adventures, best portability.
- X1 PRO – Balanced performance, action‑ready, higher speeds.
- X1 PROMAX – Flagship for highest resolution (8K), pro color, and best slow‑mo.
- AQUA – The water specialist. If you paddleboard, kayak, surf, jet ski, sail, or love the water – AQUA’s IP67 waterproofing, buoyancy, RTK+Lighthouse precision, 23‑min flight, 55 km/h follow speed, and water‑optimized modes make it the only drone that truly belongs over (and on) the water.
We hope this friendly comparison helps you find the perfect flying camera for your journey. Happy flying!
Comments
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Will you be exhibitor on coming CES in January at Las Vegas ?
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