Topdon Phoenix Max and Autel MaxiSys Ultra are advanced diagnostic scanners which one is the better unit, tool, machine, software and support?
First of all, check a table comparison below:
Topdon Phoenix Smart vs Autel Ultra
Topdon Phoenix Smart vs Autel Ultra
| Topdon Phoenix Smart | Autel MaxiSys Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| HARDWARE |
 |
 |
| CPU | MT6761 Core 4, 2.0GHZ | Samsung Exynos8895V Octa-core Processor (2.3GHz Quad-core Mongoose + 1.7GHz Quad-core A53) |
| RAM | 4G | 4G |
| ROM | 128G | 256G |
| Battery Capacity | 12600mAH, 3.8V | 18000mAh, 3.8V |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×800 | 2732 x 2048 |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inch | 12.9 inch |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 & 5 GHz | 2.4 & 5 GHz |
| Camera | Rear 8.0 Megapixel | Rear 16 Megapixel Front 5 Megapixel |
| Weight | 1.567 kg(3.45 lb)) | 2.18kg |
| Communication | Bluetooth MDCI Pro Including CANFD, DOIP, D-PDU, J2534, RP1210 |
Bluetooth v.2.1 + EDR, GPS, USB 2.0, HDMI2 Including CANFD, DOIP, D-PDU, J2534, RP1210 |
| SOFTWARE | ||
| Operating System | Android 10.0 | Android 7.0 |
| Software Updates | 2 Years Free | 1 Year Free |
| Auto VIN | √ | √ |
| FCA Secure Gateway | √ | √ (USA Version only) |
| Intelligent Diagnostic |
X | √ |
| Full-System Diagnostic | √ | √ |
| Component Activation | Bi-Directional Control | Bi-Directional Control |
| Enhanced Functions | √ | √ |
| Daily Maintenance Functions | 35+ Service Functions | 36+ Service Functions |
| Diagnostic Topology Mapping | √ | √ |
| ADAS | Adas Upgrade&Frame Kit Purchase Required |
Adas Upgrade&Frame Kit Purchase Required |
| Cloud-Based Programming |
13 Brands (Benz, BMW, Audi, VW, SKODA, SEAT, Porche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, Subaru, Renault, Hyundai) |
2 Brands Benz, BMW |
| Online FFS Activation (VW, Audi) |
√ | √ |
| Mercedes-Benz DTC Guided Function | √ | √ |
| DTC Guided Function （BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW） |
√ | √ |
| COMPATIBLE ADD-ON TOOLS/SOFTWARE | ||
| Battery Tester | BTMobile Pros Purchase Required |
BT506 Purchase Required |
| Key Programming | T-Ninja Box Purchase Required |
X |
| Tesla Software | Tesla Software Upgrade & Tesla Connectors Purchase Required |
X |
| Heavy Duty Compatibility | HD Software Upgrade & HD Connector Kit Purchase Required |
X |
| Others | ||
| TOPOLOGY MODULE MAPPING |
Yes | Yes |
| RELEVANT CASES |
X | DTC Troubleshooting |
| ADVANCED VCMI 5-IN-l DEVICE |
X | VCI, Oscilloscope, Multimeter, Waveform Generator, CAN BUS Check |
| AUTOMATIC DETECTION |
SCANVIN / AUTO-VIN | SCANVIN / AUTO-VIN / AUTO-SCAN |
| Remote Access | X | Yes |
| Software Languages | 15 Languages English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Turkish, Dutch, Hungarian, Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Finnish |
English |
| Upgrade Fee (End User) | $795/Y, $1099/2Y | $899/Y |
Here are some real user reviews:
1).
I have the Autel Ultra and topdon phoenix smart, always had Autel before so the topdon software at first was difficult to navigate. Issues with both really and pluss’s with both, topdon for the money is a good strong unit and the online functions I was using today worked well, while coding a t6.1 having said that, found manually adding ECU instalations in the gateway if I got it wrong could not take back off, so Autel came to the rescue, several vehicle regeneration in dpf, work better with topdon providing you are online,
Autel still lets you read and delete more codes even without the SGW access and offline than the topdon. If I had to buy again just one, Topdon probably cheaper updates and functions have not been reduced like on the Autel which after the price has been a bitter pill to swallow.
2).
TopDon is just too slow. I use an Autel Ultra and a rep let me borrow the top of the line TopDon. The TopDon took forever to read the vin and scan the car. None of my technicians liked the TopDon.
3).
I use my Topdon as a back up to Autel. The scanning is clunky and the dongle doesn’t seem to fit on Audi VW, too bulky. For the money, a 919 would do what you want. As far as the scope and wanting some help there, you really need a Pico. Once you get it down, then any scope will work, but they guide you pretty well.
In sum:
Most professional Autel scan tools come with one year free updates while TOPDON scan tools usually come with two years free updates.
The cost to update varies per tool but TOPDON is overall cheaper to update.
Overall both are very powerfull and capable tools. Topdon is better value for money.
If you are somebody who needs a User-friendly tool with great coverage take a look at the Autel scan tools.
If you need powerful OEM-level diagnostics and you like value for money take a look at the Topdon scan Tools.
Check also:
Topdon phoenix smart vs Autel MS909
| Topdon phoenix smart | Autel MaxiSys Ms909 | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
| HARDWARE | ||
| CPU | MT6761 Core 4, 2.0GHZ | Octa-core processor |
| RAM | 4G | 4G |
| ROM | 128G | 128G |
| Battery Capacity | 12600mAH, 3.8V | 15000mAH, 3.8V |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×800 | 1536×2048 |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inch | 9.7 inch |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 & 5 GHz | 2.4 & 5 GHz |
| Camera | Rear8.0 mp | Rear16mp |
| Weight | 1.567 kg(3.45 lb)) | 1.66kg |
| Communication | Bluetooth MDCI Pro Including CANFD, DOIP, D-PDU, J2534, RP1210 |
Bluetooth MaxiFlash VCI Including CANFD, DOIP, D-PDU, J2534, RP1210 |
| SOFTWARE | ||
| Operating System | Android 10.0 | Android 7.0 / Android 10.0 |
| Software Updates | 2 Years Free | 1 Year Free |
| Auto VIN | √ | √ |
| FCA Secure Gateway | √ | √ (USA Version only) |
| Full-System Diagnostic | √ | √ |
| Component Activation | Bi-Directional Control | Bi-Directional Control |
| Enhanced Functions | √ | √ |
| cDaily Maintenance Functions | 35+ Service Functions | 36+ Service Functions |
| Diagnostic Topology Mapping | √ | √ |
| ADAS | Adas Upgrade&Frame Kit Purchase Required |
Adas Upgrade&Frame Kit Purchase Required |
| Cloud-Based Programming | 13 Brands (Benz, BMW, Audi, VW, SKODA, SEAT, Porche, Jaguar, Land Rover,Nissan, Subaru, Renault, Hyundai) |
2 Brands Benz, BMW |
| Online FFS Activation (VW, Audi) |
√ | √ |
| Mercedes-Benz DTC Guided Function | √ | √ |
| DTC Guided Function （BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW） |
√ | √ |
| COMPATIBLE ADD-ON TOOLS/SOFTWARE | ||
| Battery Tester | BTMobile Pros Purchase Required |
BT506 Purchase Required |
| Key Programming | T-Ninja Box Purchase Required |
X |
| Tesla Software | Tesla Software Upgrade& Tesla Connectors Purchase Required |
X |
| Heavy Duty Compatibility | HD Software Upgrade&HD Connector Kit Purchase Required |
X |
| Others | ||
| Software Languages | 15 Languages English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian,Polish, Turkish, Dutch, Hungarian, Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Finnish |
English |
| Upgrade Fee (End User) | $795/Y, $1099/2Y | $699/Y |
