Drones

DJI Spark vs. Yuneec Breeze

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It's a mini-drone face-off: DJI Spark vs. Yuneec Breeze
The DJI Spark is lighter than the Yuneec Breeze 
The battery on the DJI Spark is bigger than the Yuneec Breeze 
Flight time will vary based on weather conditions 
The Spark is much faster than the Breeze 
The camera on the Yuneec Breeze takes marginally better stills than the Spark 
The Breeze will shoot 4K footage 
The Spark has proper image stabilization, compared to the software-based Breeze 
Both drones cost the same if you're happy to use your smartphone as a controller
Ticks for both 
Release dates for the Breeze and Spark 
There's no obstacle avoidance on the Breeze 
The range on the Spark is significantly better than the Breeze when it's paired with the optional controller
Pricing for the DJI Spark and Yuneec Breeze
It's a mini-drone face-off: DJI Spark vs. Yuneec Breeze
View gallery - 14 images

DJI has played a huge role in delivering drones to the mass market, but there was one noticeable hole in the range. With a sub-US$500 price and an amateur friendly feature set, the Spark is aimed directly at lightweight competitors from its rivals. How does it stack up compared to the Yuneec Breeze?

Weight

The DJI Spark is lighter than the Yuneec Breeze 

The DJI Spark is 85g (3 oz) lighter than the Breeze, but neither drone is particularly heavy.

Battery

The battery on the DJI Spark is bigger than the Yuneec Breeze 

Although it's slightly lighter than the Breeze, the Spark actually has 29 percent more battery capacity. As we'll soon see, that translates to a handy increase in flight time.

Flight time

Flight time will vary based on weather conditions 

The larger battery in the smallest DJI drone affords it 25 percent more flight time. It's worth bearing in mind, these figures will vary wildly depending on weather conditions – the wind tends to have a big impact on lighter drones, so don't go flying either of these quadcopters in a hurricane.

Range

The range on the Spark is significantly better than the Breeze when it's paired with the optional controller

Connected up to the (optional) DJI flight controller, the Spark transmits over 2km (1.2 mi). There's no proper controller for the Breeze, which instead connects directly to your smartphone for a pretty limited max range.

Max speed

The Spark is much faster than the Breeze 

Another comprehensive win for the Spark, which would blow the Breeze away in a drag race.

Camera

The camera on the Yuneec Breeze takes marginally better stills than the Spark 

The Spark has a slightly lower maximum resolution on stills, and its sensor is smaller than the one in the Breeze.

Video resolution

The Breeze will shoot 4K footage 

Another mark to the Breeze, which can shoot 4K at 30 FPS. Although DJI does have drones capable of shooting at 4K, they're significantly more expensive (and larger) than the Spark and Breeze.

Image stabilization

The Spark has proper image stabilization, compared to the software-based Breeze 

Whereas the DJI has a two-way stabilized gimbal, Yuneec relies on software to stabilize its images. What's more, the Breeze can only stabilize footage shot at HD 1080p, meaning the smoothness of any 4K footage will be linked directly to your skill as a pilot.

GPS

Ticks for both 

Both drones have GPS as standard.

Follow me

Ticks for both 

Both drones come with follow-me capability, but the Spark also includes a function that allows pilots to manipulate it with one hand.

Return home

Ticks for both 

DJI and Yuneec have both included the ability to return home in their drones.

Obstacle avoidance

There's no obstacle avoidance on the Breeze 

Nervous (or easily distracted) pilots will want the Spark, because the Breeze doesn't have obstacle avoidance.

Release date

Release dates for the Breeze and Spark 

The Spark launched in May this year. The Breeze hit the market in September 2016.

Price

Pricing for the DJI Spark and Yuneec Breeze

Both drones start at US$499, although buying the Spark with a flight controller costs $699.

Verdict

Although the Yuneec Breeze has 4K video capability, the Spark has it covered in essentially every other category. Not only does the little DJI drone fly further and faster, it will return smoother footage courtesy of proper, mechanical image stabilization. Add the fact you can get a dedicated controller with the Spark, and the result is clear.

Buy the Spark here from US$499

Buy the Yuneec Breeze here from US$499

View gallery - 14 images
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1 comment
Brian M
The trouble is both are pretty useless devices, and expensive for what they do. Adding a controller to the spark will help, but then why not spend a little more and go for a DJI Mavic. Still small but better flight time, control etc.