Best Tablets for DJI Spark Controller [Updated 2020]
Updated:
The Spark is one of DJI’s latest masterpieces, especially when you fly it using the controller and not your smart phone. While it may be more convenient to use your smart phone, pairing a tablet with the DJI Spark remote controller gives you the best of both worlds.
DJI released their major improvement to their camera stabilization system through the Spark, which currently sits at a price tag of around $500 dollars. HD videos, a speed of 31 mph, a flight time of up to 16 minutes, and gesture control that uses your fingers and hands to fly perfectly.
With all of this in mind, we went on a quest to find the best tablet for DJI Spark instead of the best smart phone for DJI Spark. Pairing a tablet with the controller gives you a bigger and better picture no doubt, so let’s jump right in.
Best Tablets
Apple iPad Mini 4
The Apple iPad Mini 4 is currently going for approximately $340. Don’t let the price tag sway you, though. This one has some awesome specs and features that are perfect for pairing with your Spark!
Listed below are the specs:
– Comes with 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB
– Able to choose between WiFi or WiFi + Cellular capabilities
– Comes in silver, gold, or space gray
– 7.9” retina display with 20148 x 1536 pixel resolution
– Uses Apple iOS 9, Dual-Core A8 Chip and Quad-Core Graphics
– The 128GB capacity model comes with WiFi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) + MIMO + Bluetooth 4.2
– Has a battery life of up to 10 hours
– 1.2 MP rear camera resolution
– Flash memory size of 128 and a processor count of 2
– Able to take an SD card when an adapter accessory is hooked up for more storage space
– The 128GB capacity weighs 10.4 ounces with a total size of 5.3”x0.2”x8”
You are able to purchase a 2-year multi-device protection plan for $40, which is a great protection deal to have on the field with you.
Nexus 7 Tablet by ASUS
This is a great DJI Spark tablet to pair with the controller for multiple reasons. It’s affordable starting around $275, has a lot of great specs, and offers plenty of options that any drone enthusiast can take advantage of.
Listed below are the specs:
– Comes in 16GB and 32GB
– Has a 7” screen with 1200 x 1920 (321 ppi) and a LED-backlit IPS LCD touchscreen
– Uses a powerful 3950 15Wh mAh LiPo battery that lasts up to 10 hours
– Includes Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 8064 Quad-Core at 1.5 GHz
– The 16GB model offers 2GB in solid memory
– Includes a 1.2 MP front camera, 5 MP rear camera, Auto Focus for the rear, and a large f2.4 aperture for the rear camera, as well
– Uses an output of 5.2V 1.35A/7W for other USB devices that are connected
– The input uses 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
– Wireless charging capabilities are supported
– Uses Adreno 320 for the graphics coprocessor and has a total of 4 processors
– Takes 1 USB 2.0 ports total
– RAM of 2 GB DDR3
– Comes only in the color black for either of the models
– Dual-banded with WiFi and an optional 4G LTE network for internet speeds while in the field
– The 16GB model weighs 10.2 ounces with a total size of 7.9”x4.5”x0.3”
Everything else aside, you can also purchase the 2-year multi-device protection plan for $40, as well!
Samsung Galaxy Tab A
For those who want a great tablet on a budget, this one will definitely be right up your alley. You can buy it used for around $120 on its own! Although, don’t let the low price fool you because this DJI Spark tablet is pretty cool.
Listed below are the specs:
– Uses Android 5.0 Lollipop
– Has an 8” display
– 16GB flash memory with a 1.5GB RAM memory
– Includes a microSD card slot that can hold up to 128GB
– Can be purchased as the tablet alone, tablet + Micro SD with an adapter or the tablet + tablet book cover
– Comes in smoky blue, smoky titanium or white
– Runs on a Samsung Quad Core Processor with 1.2 GHz
– Only supports WiFi, does not support any 3G or 4G LTE network from any carrier
– Includes a display resolution of 1024 x 768 XGA
– Able to share content with other devices using Quick Connect and SideSync
– You are able to use two different applications at one time using Multi Window
– Includes a 5 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera
– Able to use Multi-User Mode to share the tablet with multiple users
– Includes Ultra Power Saving Mode for saving battery life by shutting down non-essential apps to prolong the life of the tablet
– Has a battery life of up to 9 hours
– Weighs under a pound with a total size of 5.4”x8.2”x0.3”
You can opt for the 2-year protection plan here, as well, but this time it’s only $35 instead of $40.
Acer Iconia Tablet
This is another great budget tablet to use with your DJI Spark remote controller. You can buy it used starting at under $100!
Listed below are the specs:
– Able to choose from an 8” and a 10” screen
– Comes in black, pink, silver and white
– Uses Android 4.4 KitKat and Intel Atom Z3745G processor with 1.33GHz
– Has a battery life of up to 7 hours
– 16GB of internal storage with 1GB of DDR3L memory
– Uses 1TB 5400RPM SATA hard drive
– The 8” model uses a 1280 x 800 HD resolution display with IPS LCD and a LED backlight display with integrated 10 finger touch
– Has integrated Intel HD graphics
– Includes a MicroSD memory slot for up to 64GB and is SDHC 2.0 compatible
– Uses two built-in stereo speakers
– 0.3 MP front camera and a 5 MP rear camera
– Uses 802.11b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth 4.0 with 1 Micro USB 2.0 port
– Weighs under a pound with a total size of 8.5”x5.2”x0.3”
Depending on the seller, you may or may not be opted to purchase some warranty protection.
Lenovo Yoga TAB3 Pro
Last, but certainly not least, we have the ultimate high-end tablet for $500!
Listed below are the specs:
– 10” screen
– WQXGA 2-in-1 with Intel Atom x5-Z8550 processor
– Uses 4GB of RAM
– Runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow
– Comes in silver
– Uses WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB
– Has a resolution of 2560 x 1600
– Has a battery life of up to 15 hours
– Includes a 13 MP Auto Focus rear camera and 5 MP Fixed front camera
– Has 64GB of installed memory
– Weighs 1.44 lbs pounds
You can opt for a 3-year data recovery protection plan for $15, or have a 1-year accident protection plan for only $10.
BONUS SKYREAT DJI Spark Tablet Mount
A tablet for your DJI Spark is going to need a good quality mount. We’ve found one that is under $20, works well and will last for as long as you need it to.
Listed below are the specs:
– 120mm-190mm support for a 4”-12” tablet
– Snaps on and off with no tools
– Foldable and very light
– 45-degree up and down movement
– Weighs less than a pound
Now you’ve got all the proper gear you need for your DJI Spark and can hit the skies!
Check out our article on Accessories for the DJI Spark.
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
Hi Dave and thank you for all the great information supplied!
I guess the Lenovo Tab 4 would be ok to use, just want to make sure?
Thank’s again 🙂
Do you need to use a device with LTE with the remote? I have an ipad air 2 with LTE, but its too large and heavy. I can use my phone, but the screen isnt very bright in sunlight. I can try my nvidia shield but its wifi only and i didnt know if i needed LTE or GPS in the device connected to the remote control.
Thanks.