Potensic Atom SE Review (Updated For 2023)

Potensic Atom SE Review Summary

This review of the Potensic Atom SE has been updated for 2023; it remains one of the best drones in its price range and one of the best alternatives to the DJI Mini 2 and Mini SE.

The Potensic Atom SE stands out as an exceptional drone in the sub-250g category and is a good option for people looking for a cheap drone for photography. Its main feature is undoubtedly the HD camera, equipped with a 1/3-inch Sony image sensor. This allows for the capture of stunning 4K videos and sharp 12MP photos. Enhanced with EIS anti-shake technology, the camera ensures minimal distortion, delivering high-quality imagery. The Potensic Atom SE comes with a suite of intelligent flight modes, such as the follow me feature and an automatic return-to-home function. The drone has an impressive flight time of 31 minutes and a video transmission range of 4km.

Key Features

• HD camera with 1/3-inch Sony image sensor
• 12MP images
• Electronic image stabilisation
• Records 4k videos at 30fps and 2.7k at 30fps
• 40Mbps
• Intelligent flight modes
• 31 minutes of flight time
• 4km transmission range

When I first laid eyes on the Potensic Atom SE, do you know which drone came to mind? Yup, that’s right, the DJI Mavic Mini SE. Potensic won’t be the first company to try and emulate the design of DJI drones. Many have done so, and some to great success; the trick is if they can persuade customers that their product is just as good if not better than the original. So, is the Potensic Atom SE on par with the DJI Mini SE? Well, that is what we are here to find out. In this Potensic Atom SE review, we shall explore the drone’s main features, how it performs and if it’s a worthy alternative to the Mini SE.

Potensic Atom SE Review 

The Atom SE is one of Potensic’s most aesthetically pleasing drones. Compact and lightweight, it’s designed for easy storage and portability. Its appearance draws parallels with the DJI Mini series, notably the Mini SE and Mini 2, characterised by an elegant all-white colour scheme and foldable arms. Each arm is designed with landing legs, with the front ones being slightly elongated compared to the rear, ensuring a safer landing experience.

Under the hood, the drone is powered by robust brushless motors. The propellers are screwed on individually; they don’t come in pairs, so matching each propeller to its designated motor is crucial. The rear houses the battery compartment, neatly positioned above the charging port and micro SD card slot.

It’s worth noting that the package doesn’t include a micro SD card, so investing in a class 10 or U1 card, ranging from 4GB to 256GB, is advisable.

The drone’s underside is equipped with ventilation units for optimal cooling. It also features a couple of optical flow sensors and a ToF sensor. These sensors play a pivotal role in enhancing flight stabilisation, particularly in locales with weaker GPS signal.

Potensic Atom SE Remote Controller

This is a nice small controller that extends from the left-hand side, which creates some space in the middle to insert your mobile device; this is similar to the controller of the Fimi X8 drone. It has a pair of foldable antennas on top and is powered by an internal lithium 1S battery.

There are not a lot of buttons, unlike the RC-N1 controller for the DJI Mini SE; it has a button for power and automatic return to home, as well as a couple of buttons on the top to record videos and images. There is also a dial that will allow you to control the pitch of the camera angle.

To access the drone’s more advanced features, you must download the PotensicPro App. This decent App is easy to use and even comes with some tutorial videos to help you get started. The App provides access to the camera settings and intelligent flight modes and displays the drone’s flight data.

Potensic Atom SE Camera

The camera is one of the main features of any drone, and this is no different for the Atom SE. The camera on the Potensic Atom SE will be one of the reasons why people decide to purchase this drone.

The camera has a 1/3-inch Sony image sensor with a 118° FOV that can capture 12MP images in both RAW and JPEG format and records video footage in 4k at 30fps, 2.7k at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps and has a recording speed of 40Mbps.

You can also stream live video feed to your smartphone at 720p thanks to the PixSync 2.0 transmission technology.

The camera is stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal and comes with an electronic image stabilisation (EIS) feature, which enhances the overall stabilisation feature.

This EIS feature works well and minimises any distortion from the images and photos, although it’s not perfect, and you may notice some shaky effects.

This is a very good camera, especially for its price, and it is one of the best cheap drones that is suitable for photography.

Check out the video quality below; as you shall see, the quality is pretty good; however, there is camera movement that is noticeable in the video. However, this is not a drone for professionals, so these small distortions shouldn’t be an issue.

Flight Features

The drone has 3 speed modes, video, normal and sports; the difference between each flight mode is the speed the drone can reach. In video mode, which is essentially like the Cine mode on the Mini SE, the drone has a maximum speed of 13 mph. In normal mode, it can reach 22 mph; in sports mode, the drone reaches its maximum speed of 35 mph.

Even at its fastest speed, the video feed is very stable for a drone that has no gimbal stabilisation. Potensic has done a very good job with its EIS feature.

There is a beginner mode that limits the drone’s altitude and distance to 30 meters; this is for absolute beginners who want to practice their flying skills before using the drone’s advanced features.

You can also turn off the GPS by flying in altitude mode; however, you should only fly in this mode if you are an experienced drone pilot or if you are flying in a wide-open area.

The maximum video transmission range is 4km, although most people will not be allowed to fly this far out because of regulations.

Potensic Atom SE Intelligent Flight Modes

The drone comes with three intelligent flight modes, they include the following:

Circle/Orbit: The drone locks onto your smartphone and will fly around your position. You can set the speed, height and distance.

Follow me: As the name suggests, the drone will follow you by locking on your smartphone.

Waypoint: This mode allows you to draw a flight path on the App’s map, and the drone will automatically fly along that route.

The drone also has an automatic return-to-home feature that is activated when the battery gets low on charge, or the communication between the controller and drone is lost for a few seconds.

Although these features are fun to use, they should only be used in wide-open areas to minimise the risk of crashing into something.

Potensic Atom SE vs DJI Mini SE

People will inevitably compare the Potensic Atom SE against the DJI Mini SE; they are similar drones in looks and features, but which one is better? That really depends on what you are looking for. The Potensic Atom SE has a camera that can record actual 4k videos and capture 12MP images in JPEG and RAW format.

On the other hand, the DJI Mini SE only records in 2.7k at 30fps, but it does come with a 3-axis gimbal which provides superior stabilisation. However, for images, the Mini SE only captures in JPEG format.

Both drones have similar flight times and transmission ranges; while the Atom SE comes with autonomous flight mode, the DJI Mini SE does not.

There are other differences, but these are the major ones; which one would I recommend? I would personally go for the DJI Mini SE, but that’s probably because it’s a DJI drone, and I’m a huge fan.

The Atom SE is a very good alternative to the Mini SE and, in some areas, has better features.

Related: Best Cheap Drones For Photography

Does Potensic Make Good Drones?

Yes, Potensic is known for producing a range of drones that are generally considered good, especially for their price point. Here’s a breakdown of some aspects of Potensic drones:

• Value for Money: Potensic offers a range of drones that are often more affordable than some of the premium brands. This makes them a popular choice for beginners and hobbyists who might not want to spend a lot on their first drone.
• User-Friendly Features: Many Potensic drones are designed with beginners in mind. Features like one-key takeoff/landing, altitude hold, and headless mode are common in their models, making them easier to fly for novices.
• Camera Quality: While many Potensic drones come with cameras, the quality can be variable. For casual photography and videography, they can be quite adequate. However, they might not match the quality of cameras on more expensive drones.
• Build Quality: For their price range, Potensic drones generally offer decent build quality. They might not be as robust as some high-end drones, but they are suitable for casual flying.
• Flight Time: The flight time of Potensic drones is typical for their price bracket. As always, it’s a good idea to check the specific model’s flight time and perhaps invest in extra batteries if extended flight times are desired.
• Advanced Features: Some of the higher-end Potensic models come with advanced features like GPS, return home functions, and follow-me mode. The effectiveness of these features can vary by model, so it’s essential to check reviews for specific feedback.

In summary, Potensic makes good drones, especially for those who are looking for budget-friendly options with user-friendly features. They might not be the top choice for professional applications or advanced drone enthusiasts, but they serve as a solid entry point for many users. As always, potential buyers should research specific models and read reviews to ensure they’re getting a drone that meets their needs and expectations.

Do You Need To Register Potensic Atom SE?

If you live in the USA and use it purely for recreational purposes, you will not need to register it with the FAA. However, if you are entirely new to drones, you will need to take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).

In the UK, the laws are different; even though the drone weighs less than 250g, you must obtain an Operator and Flyer ID from the CAA.

If you live elsewhere, please check and comply with local rules and regulations.

Final Thoughts

The Potensic Atom SE is a good beginner-friendly drone that is easy and fun to fly. It comes with some advanced features, mainly its 4k camera with EIS anti-shake technology. Although the video and image quality is not as good as the DJI Mini 2 and Mini SE, for its price, it is definitely worth considering.