Tom’s Guide Verdict
The Potensic Atom 2 is a fantastic drone for budget-conscious pilots.
It records smooth 4K/30fps video and captures detailed 48MP stills.
This drone gives DJI a serious run for its money.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)
Well, I think Ive just found the perfect travel buddy in the Potensic Atom 2.
This drone is so good that it goes toe-to-toe with the likes of DJI and HoverAir.
Ive fallen in love with the smooth 4K video and detailed 48MP stills that I captured with this drone.
I also had a lot of fun with its many AI intelligent flight modes and tracking skills.
Potensic has improved the controller and the app which makes flying much more enjoyable too.
Should you buy it?
Will it break the bank?
For the complete breakdown, read my full Potensic Atom 2 review.
And its a big improvement over the first-gen Atom.
The Atom 2s propellers fold easily and stay securely locked in place.
Its arms are sturdy and its body is made of high quality plastic that doesnt look or feel cheap.
Controller
Whether you get the standard or bundle variant, the new AT2-RC controller will be included.
Its brand new and it feels far better than the old DSRC02A controller.
It sports a dark grey colorway and feels more durable and premium too.
The controller extends to fit most modern smartphones.
I was able to use myGoogle Pixel 7 Pro(with its case on) easily.
Potensic says the Atom 2 is 40% quieter than the Atom and it shows.
I immediately noticed that it didnt sound too loud or piercing, making it enjoyable to fly.
The Atom 2, though, introduces slow-motion video which can be recorded at 120fps.
However, the Atom 2 cant shoot RAW 48MP photos, allowing little room for post-production.
Potensic recommends a U3 or V30 rating or higher to ensure 4K recording.
I really like Parallel mode.
Color reproduction is accurate and faithful, as you’re able to see in the images above.
The photos were shot on a sunny day in Bath, U.K. with the drone in auto mode.
I really like the first photo of the Royal Crescent.
Even when I zoomed into it on my laptop, a lot of the detail and sharpness was retained.
I could clearly see the individual window panes and even the patterns in the grass.
If you want to take charge of the Atom 2s camera, theres a manual shooting mode too.
All three tweaks and white balance can be adjusted in manual photography mode.
it’s possible for you to see the difference between 1x zoom and 2x zoom in the photos above.
All footage in this review was shot in 4K at 30fps.
you might also shoot in 4K at 25/24fps, 2.7K at 30/25/24fps, and 1080P at 120/60/50/30/25/24fps.
In the sample footage above, you’re able to see how crystal scrub the recording is.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)
The colors look stunning while the clips themselves are smooth.
My favorite clip is the one of the Atom 2 flying over the river.
The transition between panning and stopping abruptly is almost effortless.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)
There are no shakes and the scene is immediately back in focus.
Its like the list is never-ending!
Heres another new addition to the Atom 2: AI Night Mode.
Not just that, but the footage you get at night wont always be of the best quality.
The Atom 2s ISO range is also boosted.
it’s possible for you to also see rows and rows of houses in the far distance.
1x zoom.(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)
Remember to familiarize yourself with them before heading out to fly.
Thats one minute more than the DJI Mini 2 SEs and the DJI Mini 4Ks 31-minute flight times.
The bundle includes two spare batteries so youll be able to bump the total flying time to 96 minutes.
2x zoom.(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)
Each battery also has a USB-C port for direct charging.
Potensic Atom 2 review: Verdict
The Potensic Atom 2 is well worth the money.
Its a massive improvement over its predecessor which helps it face off against the likes of DJI and HoverAir.
Featuring a larger sensor, the Atom 2 captures beautiful, detailed 48MP stills and 4K/30fps video.
It also comes with an AI Night Mode which makes flying in dimly lit environments easier.
And how about that controller and app, huh?
Both have been improved as well.
Its lightweight, durable, and succeeds in a lot of the same areas as DJI its the bomb.
(Image credit: Potensic)
(Image credit: Potensic)
