Are DJI and other drone apps better on iOS than Android?

General Drone Discussion
1

I’ve been using a Galaxy S7 as my dedicated “drone phone” for the Mini. It’s not activated as a phone and doesn’t even have a SIM card. I wanted a bigger screen, so I bought a cheap Android tablet for $30 on eBay, but it’s just not cutting it.

I’m thinking about switching to an iOS/iPadOS device just for the Mini, maybe a larger iPhone like the 6+/7+/8+ or an iPad Mini 4. One of the big reasons for the switch is because DJI doesn’t offer DJI Fly on Google Play anymore, and you have to sideload it every time for updates.

Is the experience better on iOS for drone apps like DJI Fly, Litchi, AirMap, or KittyHawk?

Thanks!

2

This kind of gets into the whole iOS vs Android debate, but honestly, most apps are smoother on iOS because of how the platforms are run. I personally prefer Android since I’m a Java developer, but I’ve worked with both, and iOS is more consistent. The hardware is more uniform, fewer surprises, better documentation, and it’s easier to get the latest updates across all devices.

When it comes to DJI apps, since any app issues could mean losing your drone, I’d say it might be worth using iOS for your drone flights, even if you prefer Android for everything else.

3

@Ari
I’m not anti-Apple at all. I’m pretty neutral when it comes to tech. I just tend to use Android for my phones.

4

Willow said:
@Ari
I’m not anti-Apple at all. I’m pretty neutral when it comes to tech. I just tend to use Android for my phones.

Gotcha! I wasn’t trying to imply you were, just wanted to give a balanced response in case you didn’t like Apple.

5

@Ari
No worries! All good. I’m definitely open to trying different platforms.

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[deleted]

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Ari said:
[deleted]

Thanks! I’m looking into iOS options now. I’ve found iPad Air 2, Mini 4, and iPhone 7+ and 8+ all around the same price. I’ve seen the 7+ for under $200, but I’m wondering if the screen size will be enough or if I should go for the iPad Mini 4.

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@Willow
[deleted]

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Ari said:
@Willow
[deleted]

Good point, especially about the iPad being larger and needing adapters. Thanks for that insight!

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Willow said:

Ari said:
@Willow
[deleted]

Good point, especially about the iPad being larger and needing adapters. Thanks for that insight!

[deleted]

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Ari said:

Willow said:
Ari said:
@Willow
[deleted]

Good point, especially about the iPad being larger and needing adapters. Thanks for that insight!

[deleted]

I currently use a Pixel 4a (5G) as my daily driver, upgraded from a Pixel 2 XL.

An iPhone would definitely be easier to carry around than an iPad Mini, and I might be able to fit it in the same case I use for the Mavic Mini.

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Ari said:
@Willow
[deleted]

I am a bit concerned about DJI not offering updates via Google Play anymore. Not sure what that means for the future.

13

Ari said:
@Willow
[deleted]

The nice thing about iPhones after the X is that even with the ‘notch,’ you get more usable screen space because there’s no home button or huge bezels. I have an iPhone 8 Plus, and it barely fits in the Mini controller—it’s a bit annoying. My wife’s iPhone 11 fits better and still has a bigger screen.

Also, keep in mind that a device with a bright screen is crucial for flying outside in the sun.

14

With DJI Fly, I don’t really notice much difference between my Pixel and my iPhone. Both work great.

15

You should check out ‘Android One’ phones. My Pixel 3a works perfectly with all apps.