I’ve been exploring the world of drones for a while, but the HOVERAir X1 ProMax caught my attention as something different. Unlike traditional drones that require manual piloting, this compact device is designed to follow you autonomously, capturing dynamic shots without the need for a controller.
For this review, I tested the HOVERAir X1 ProMax Basic Combo, which is available in Australia for $879. This package includes the drone with a pre-installed battery, an additional smart battery, a USB-C cable, a charging hub, a 65W power adapter, and a compact carry case.
HOVERAir X1 ProMax – Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 192.5g |
| Folded Size | 105 × 149 × 34 mm |
| Unfolded Size | 173 × 149 × 39 mm |
| Max Flight Speed | 42 km/h (Auto-Follow), 60 km/h (Manual) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 5,500 m (18,000 ft) |
| Wind Resistance | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) |
| Video Resolution | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps, 1080p @ 120fps |
| Vertical Video | 4K @ 30fps (10-bit HLG), 2.7K @ 60fps |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP / 48MP (8000 × 6000 px) |
| Field of View (FOV) | 107° |
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3″ CMOS |
| Stabilization | 2-axis gimbal + EIS |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 2× |
| HDR Support | 10-bit HLG |
| Storage | 64GB onboard + microSD up to 1TB |
| Battery Capacity | 1920 mAh |
| Flight Time | Up to 16 minutes |
| Charging Time | ~45 minutes (single battery via hub) |
| Obstacle Detection | Rear vision-based sensors |
| Control Methods | On-device, App, Beacon, Joystick |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (up to 1.2 Gbps) |
| Operating Temp | -20°C with Thermo Battery |
| AU Price (Basic Combo) | AUD $879 |
| Warranty | 12 months (Australian warranty) |
Built for adventure
Weighing just 192.5 grams, the HOVERAir X1 ProMax is remarkably lightweight and compact. Its foldable design allows the propellers to tuck neatly into the body, transforming it into a pocket-friendly package. The included carrying bag adds convenience, making it easy to take the drone on the go.
The drone features a protective guard encasing the propellers, constructed from a specially engineered Highly-Elastic Material (HEM). This guard offers flexibility and durability, effectively absorbing impacts and safeguarding the blades during minor collisions.
At the front, the camera system is mounted on a two-axis mechanical gimbal. This setup, combined with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), ensures smooth and stable footage by mitigating vibrations during flight.
User-friendly controls and smart flight modes
The X1 ProMax offers a suite of pre-programmed flight modes, allowing the drone to autonomously position itself relative to you. Utilizing advanced object tracking, it maintains focus on your movements, enabling you to capture dynamic footage without manual piloting.
Whether you’re jogging, cycling, or even navigating tight indoor spaces, modes like Follow, Orbit, Dolly Track, Indoor Follow, Ski Mode, and Cycling Mode cater to various scenarios.
I’ve also just noticed a new addition from the latest firmware update – 360 Spin, where the HoverAir X1 ProMax will spin in place and capture the full surroundings such as when you have a group of friends sitting round the campfire (just don’t put the drone too close to the fire!)
Customization is straightforward via the HoverAir app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. Adjust parameters such as altitude and distance to suit your specific needs. However, the drone’s design also supports complete operation without a smartphone. Built-in buttons and a small display on the device itself allow for mode selection and initiation.
Launching the drone is as simple as placing it on your palm, selecting the desired mode, and letting it recognize you. Once locked in, it takes off seamlessly. Upon completion, it hovers back, ready to land gently on your outstretched hand.
Responsive flight with some limitations
The HOVERAir X1 ProMax is a nimble little drone, capable of reaching speeds up to 42 km/h in its auto-follow mode, with bursts up to 60 km/h in manual mode. This is a noticeable improvement over the standard X1 model, allowing it to keep pace with faster activities like cycling or skiing.
Unlike many drones that rely on GPS, the X1 ProMax uses an inertial tracking system combined with visual sensors to determine its position and navigate back to you. While this approach helps maintain the drone’s compact size and reduces cost, it does have its limitations. For instance, without GPS, the drone may struggle to find its way back when using the manual mode or in very low lighting.
The drone is equipped with rear sensors for obstacle detection, which can prevent collisions by halting the drone when an object is detected. However, it doesn’t actively navigate around obstacles. In my experience, during a side-tracking maneuver, the drone failed to detect a tree and collided with it. So while the sensors provide a basic level of protection, they aren’t foolproof, especially when the drone is moving laterally.
8K video and shooting options
The HOVERAir X1 ProMax’s ability to shoot in 8K is undeniably impressive, especially for a drone that fits in your pocket. When I tested this feature on a bright, sunny day, the resulting footage was remarkably detailed and crisp. However, I found that 4K at 120fps was more practical for everyday use, delivering smooth, high-quality video that’s easier to manage and edit.
For a closer look at some of the footage, check out my quick summary video of the standard X1 model below (note that the X1 ProMax model is shown):
The drone’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, combined with a 107° field of view, captures expansive scenes with clarity. It also supports 10-bit HLG HDR, enhancing dynamic range and providing richer colors in both highlights and shadows. In lower light conditions, the footage does exhibit some noise and graininess, which is expected for a sensor of this size.
For still photography, the X1 ProMax offers up to 48MP resolution, and you can configure it to take photos simultaneously while recording video or independently. The two-axis mechanical gimbal, combined with electronic image stabilization, ensures smooth footage, with a tilt range from -90° to +15°, allowing for versatile shooting angles. There’s also up to 2x digital zoom available, providing additional framing flexibility.
Overall, I was impressed with the X1 ProMax’s camera performance, delivering smooth and reliable footage that didn’t disappoint.
Short flight time requires planning
In my experience, the HOVERAir X1 ProMax offers a flight time of approximately 16 minutes per charge, which is adequate for brief sessions but necessitates planning for extended shoots. The included charging hub is a convenient addition, allowing for recharging two batteries at once and minimising downtime.
Given the limited flight time, I found it essential to carry multiple spare batteries, especially when operating in remote areas without immediate access to mains power. Additionally, bringing along a portable power station, like those we’ve reviewed, ensures you have ample power during your adventures.
Charging the batteries via the hub takes about 45 minutes, enabling quick turnarounds between flights. According to HOVERAir, each battery supports approximately 20 intelligent flight shots, so you can capture quite a bit.
Testing tracking, wind and manual control
Using the HOVERAir X1 ProMax during a hike in the Blue Mountains and on park runs, I found its tracking capabilities impressive. Even when navigating vertical terrains with overhanging branches, the drone adeptly avoided collisions and kept me centred in the frame.
The variety of flight modes added a fun dimension to my outings, allowing for creative shots that would be challenging to capture otherwise. However, its lightweight design means that gusty conditions can pose a challenge. On particularly windy days in the mountains, I was a little worried about its ability to return safely for a hand landing, but it managed none-the-less.
Some advanced flight modes that are intended to keep the drone at a certain distance from you have a slightly different landing process. You’re required to remain stationary for a few seconds before the drone can be approached. Before I figured this out, I must have looked pretty odd scrambling after my drone, with it flying just out of my reach.
When testing in the Blue Mountains, there were moments when I flew the drone over some significant drops, and while I had initial reservations about its return capability, it consistently made its way back. The companion app is fairly intuitive, offering manual control options and a live camera feed as well.
Given that the manual flight mode relies on Wi-Fi from the drone to the app, it was pretty responsive, but it would only be limited to the Wi-Fi’s range, unlike a radio controller, which is much better. I didn’t want to test its limits given where I was flying, but it’s a handy option should you want to do some flying within a limited range. You can also monitor what the camera sees without actually flying it.
However, the standout features for me was the X1’s portability. The drone folds neatly into its carry case, and within seconds, it’s ready for deployment. This ease of setup means I can capture spontaneous moments without the usual hassle associated with larger drones.
Should you buy it?
The HOVERAir X1 ProMax is a compact and user-friendly selfie drone that excels in capturing high-quality footage with minimal effort. Its 8K video capability and intelligent flight modes make it a standout choice for content creators and enthusiasts alike.
While its lightweight design enhances portability, it does make the drone susceptible to strong winds, and the absence of GPS limits its utility for long-distance flights.
However, for those seeking a reliable and convenient drone for close-range shooting, the X1 ProMax is both a compelling and fun option. However, if you want to focus on manual flying, drones equipped with GPS, like DJI’s Neo or Fly series, might be more suitable.
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