Potensic Atom 2 Review: A Beginner-Friendly Drone

In a rare departure from reviewing DJI drones, today I’m exploring the Potensic Atom 2, a drone gaining traction on YouTube with plenty of positive feedback. A shout-out to my brother, Eddie Nunez, whose impressive video of this drone sparked my interest. When Potensic offered me a chance to try it, I was eager to see what this affordable, beginner-friendly drone could do. It’s designed for those new to the hobby and looking for an alternative to DJI.

To clarify, the Atom 2 is not a professional-grade drone. It’s a basic, budget-friendly option for beginners or those seeking a non-DJI drone. I’m excited to test its performance, so let’s dive in and explore the Potensic Atom 2.

What Is the Potensic Atom 2?

The Atom 2 is a sub-250g drone positioned to compete with DJI’s beginner models, like the Mini 3 or Mini 4K. It’s not as advanced as the Mini 4 Pro, but its lower price makes it accessible. It captures 4K video and 8K photos, includes a few AI features, and has no no-fly zone restrictions, which may appeal to some users.

Camera Performance

The camera is a key feature of the Atom 2. It boasts a 1/2-inch Sony CMOS sensor, delivering 48-megapixel photos and 4K 30fps HDR video with an f/1.8 aperture. It doesn’t support flat color profiles, so you get the standard color profile displayed on the remote’s screen. The footage looks vibrant, with excellent color reproduction thanks to the Sony sensor. However, the drone applies excessive sharpness, giving shots a digital feel. A setting to adjust sharpness would be a welcome addition. Since no ND Filters are available, most users will likely rely on auto settings, which produce solid results for a drone in this class.

Remote Controller

The remote controller is functional but slightly bulky. It’s comfortable to hold, with a foldable antenna and a slot for your phone. The removable control sticks must be attached before each flight. Potensic claims a 10km range, which I haven’t fully tested, but I experienced no signal or range issues during my flights.

AI Features

The Atom 2 includes AI features like spotlight follow and parallel tracking. These work moderately well but lack refinement. Without obstacle avoidance, caution is needed to avoid crashes. The AI modes don’t deliver smooth, high-quality footage, so I’d recommend manual flying for better results unless automation is essential.

App Experience

The drone pairs with the Potensic Eve app, a straightforward platform similar to DJI Fly. It’s user-friendly, with helpful tips displayed at the bottom—perfect for beginners. These tips can be disabled if they become intrusive.

Battery Life

Potensic advertises up to 32 minutes of flight time under ideal conditions, but real-world usage yields 20–25 minutes depending on conditions. The FlyMore Combo, with three batteries, is a worthwhile investment to extend flying sessions. Each battery has a USB-C port, making it easy to charge on the go with a power bank.

Who Is This Drone For?

Priced similarly to the DJI Mini 4K, the Atom 2 is a strong alternative for those seeking a non-DJI drone. It’s ideal for hobbyists entering the drone world who want 4K video and a few AI features, though the AI modes are not highly polished. The software is reliable and user-friendly, outperforming many past DJI competitors. During a family trip to Italy, I relied on the Atom 2 for drone shots, and it performed admirably for its size and price.

Will I continue using it? Likely not, as I prefer more advanced drones like the Mavic 4 Pro. For occasional portable needs, the Atom 2 could be handy, but it’s not my typical use case.

Recommendation

I recommend the Potensic Atom 2 for beginners or those wanting a DJI alternative. The FlyMore Combo, including three batteries and a high-quality shoulder bag, enhances the experience by allowing longer, more relaxed flights. Extra batteries let you take your time, enjoy the scenery, and avoid rushing shots—a key part of the hobby’s enjoyment.

Check out the Atom 2 on Potensic’s website. I hope you enjoyed this Review. Share your questions about the Atom 2 in the comments, and I’ll respond. Until next time, keep flying and take care. Ciao!