I think it's hard to really compare the Q500 to 'THE' Phantom. For a start, 'THE' Phantom has been around for a long time, whilst the Q500 has not. Being a leader in this hobby, DJI are bound to have had issues compared to Yuneec. I think you can compare the Q500 to the Vision Plus specifically. But again, the Vision Plus has been around for more then twice as long as the Q500. So it's bound to have SOME features that the Vision Plus doesn't. Ultimately, the Phantom range together is better then the Q500 alone in my opinion. Depending on the beholder, both the Q500 and Vision Plus can be seen as 'better' really.
As far as I know..
Q500 Pros:
- Built in monitor
- Can film in 1080P @ 60FPS
- Can link another device to the camera
- Up to two kilometres range
- Comes with two batteries
- Good customer service through Yuneec
Q500 Cons:
- Pricier transmitters
- Slower maximum accent, decent and speed
- No ability to customise
- Awkward calibration process
- Minimal photo and video settings
I wont state 'THE' Phantoms pros and cons as we all pretty much know them. As someone else on here would do, I'd buy a Q500 as well as a Phantom. But I'd not buy it instead of a Phantom. I'd possibly buy a Q500 instead of a Vision Plus, but then I'd buy a Phantom 1 or 2 and attach my own Gimbal, Camera, VTX and OSD.