Potensic isn’t known for making high-end drones, but its budget-friendly Atom series is the go-to for many first time pilots, as well as real estate photographers and photographers who simply don’t need some of the high-end video features that DJI puts into its pricier camera drones. The Atom 2 earned high marks in PCMag’s review because of this, as a value proposition it’s hard to find a lot of faults.
(Credit: Potensic)
The Atom 3, launching today for the European market, looks like a solid upgrade for the same audience. It includes some good upgrades versus the Atom 2, including a longer standard battery (up to 40 minutes per flight) and an all-new camera with a Type 1/1.3 sensor, 4K60 HDR video, and 50MP photos. The sensor’s surface area is nearly two and a half times the size as the Atom 2, which translates into better overall picture quality, and enables a lossless 2x zoom for pictures and video too. Potensic provided us with some sample footage captured with the drone, and it looks great, with crisp detail, saturated colors, and superb stability.
The drone makes weight too. With its standard battery, it comes in at 249g takeoff weight, which reduces regulatory restrictions in most regions, including Europe. An extended range battery pushes the drone into the next weight class, but pushes flight times up to 50 minutes. Potensic hasn’t yet announced pricing for the Atom 3, but we expect it to appeal to the same value audience as the Atom 2, which is presently selling in the US for $299.99.
The Atom 3 is available in two configurations. The standard edition includes the drone, a remote control that requires you to connect your smartphone, and a flight battery. There are several bundles available too, including the Fly More Combo, which comes with three extended-range batteries and a triple charger, and a Fly More Combo Plus that trades the standard remote with the PTD2, a controller with a built-in 900-nit display and flight app.
Top to bottom: Accessories included with the Fly More Combo and Fly More Plus kits (Credit: Potensic)
But US drone pilots won’t be able to get the Atom 3. The FCC added all forthcoming foreign-made drones to its Covered List in late 2025, meaning Potensic can’t sell the Atom 3 stateside.
A representative from the company tells me that it nonetheless submitted the Atom 3 for certification. “We are actively pursuing FCC certification for Atom 3 and continue to work through the relevant regulatory processes. […] We remain optimistic about future opportunities in the US market and are encouraged by the ongoing dialogue between the US and Chinese governments.”
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But even though Potensic is optimistic about the Atom 3 coming to the US, its outlook may be unrealistic. The FCC hasn’t approved any new foreign drones since it added the category to the Covered List, and has since added another product category, foreign-made internet routers, to its list of disallowed electronics.
For more information on the drone ban and how it affects companies like Potensic, read our FAQ. And if you’re shopping for a new drone, check out our list of the best ones that are still available to purchase stateside.
About Our Expert
Jim Fisher
Principal Writer, Cameras
Experience
Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I’ve covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.
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