Tablets

The tablet used with Pilot is the hub of the DroneSense platform and is responsible for a tremendous amount of processing and data transmission. Because of this, you will want to use a device that has plenty of computing power.

DroneSense currently supports smart controller style devices, many Android tablets and phones, and iOS/iPadOS devices for some drone models. Most newer Android tablets and phones will work, but device specific technical support may not be available for all devices while we evaluate the minimum specs required for those devices given the wide range of hardware available in the marketplace.

Android Smart Controllers, Tablets, and Phones

Smart controller devices that come with the drone manufacturers are Android-based devices and are likely the best long-term solution for agencies needing Android support.

Most currently available Android tablets are designed primarily for the consumer market which generally means that the less expensive or older devices will likely lack the computing power sufficient for the rigors of UAS operations, and therefore caution is recommended before investing in those devices. In generally, opt for newer Android devices that are designed for rugged use or for more robust media capabilities.

iOS/iPadOS

For iOS/iPadOS, the newest version of the iPad Pro is the most robust device available, so if budget is not a concern this device is going to be your optimal choice. Either the 11- or 12.9-inch sizes will work well, but do keep in mind the added bulk and weight of the larger device.

The next best options are the newest iPad Air and iPad Mini 6. These devices have similar specs to the iPad Pro, but at a significantly lower price point. The newest "generic" iPad has specs just slightly below the Air and Mini 6 and should provide more than adequate performance as well.

Our Recommendation

In recent years, most drone manufacturers have devoted most of their attention and feature development on the Android platform rather than iOS/iPadOS. As such, we recommend that UAS programs standardize on Android devices for their UAS piloting needs.

With any tablet or phone, the latest hardware is always going to be the best bet.

Many commercial market Android tablets and phones are often underpowered for use with DroneSense, and therefore we recommend careful consideration and testing before investing in them for your fleet. TriplTek and Samsung are two manufacturers that make reliable Android tablets that meet most if not all requirements of Public Safety applications. Otherwise, the smart controller style device that comes with most drones will be the best option for agencies that rely on Android support.