As an indispensable tool in the vehicle maintenance industry, automobile fault diagnosis instrument not only greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of fault detection, but also promotes the intelligent and systematic development of automobile maintenance technology.
There are many mainstream brands of automobile fault diagnosis instruments on the market, ranging from entry-level portable products to high-end multi-functional platforms, each with its own advantages.There are so many brands of vehicle diagnostics tools,such as Launch,Foxwell,Bosch,Autel,Topdon and so on.
When you want to buy a car diagnostic scan tool, you always face the same question: which brand should I choose? Autel VS topdon, they are both excellent car diagnostic scanner brands on the market. This blog will compare these two brands' high-end diagnostic scanners of more than $4,000, Topdon Phoenix Max and Autel MS Ultra. Hope it can help you make a better choice.
| Topdon Phoenix Max | Autel MS Ultra | |
| Price | $4000 | $3999 |
| Hardware | ||
| Screen | 13.3 inch | 12.9 inch |
| Processor | MT8788, 8-Core | Samsung Exynos8895V Octa-core |
| Battery capacity | 18600mAh | 18000mAh |
| Memory | 8G+256G | 4G+256G |
| Camera | Rear 13 Megapixel | Rear 16 Megapixel Front 5 Megapixel |
| 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 |
| Weight | 2.92kg | 2.18kg |
Topdon Phoenix Max uses a 13.3-inch screen, slightly larger than the 12.9-inch screen of MS Ultra.The Phoenix Max weighs nearly 3kg, which is heavier than the MS Ultra.
If you need more screen space for diagnostic work, a 13.3-inch device may be more suitable for you; if you pay more attention to portability and lightness and do not need too much screen space, a 12.9-inch device may be a good choice.
The Autel MS Ultra has powerful hardware
In terms of memory, the Phoenix Max has twice as much RAM as the MS Ultra, which makes it run faster and less likely to freeze when multitasking. But unlike the Phoenix Max, the MS Ultra can also get additional storage memory via an SD card.
In terms of camera pixels, MS Ultra pixels are better than Phoenix Max. This makes the photos taken when using MSUltra for diagnostic work clearer, and also ensures that the camera can be used normally when working at night without being unable to be used due to lighting problems.
| Topdon Phoenix Max | Autel MS Ultra | |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 | Android 7.0 |
| Software Updates | 2 Years Free | 1 Year Free |
| Auto Vin | ✔ | ✔ |
| FCA Secure Gateway | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent Diagnostic | ✘ | ✔ |
| Full-System Diagnostic | ✔ | ✔ |
| Component Activation | Bi-Directional Control | Bi-Directional Control |
| Daily Maintenance Functions | 41 | 40+ |
| Diagnostic Topology Mapping | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cloud-Based Programming | 13 Brands | 2 Brands |
| Relevant Cases | ✘ | DTC Troubleshooting |
| ADVANCED VCMI 5-IN-l DEVICE | ✘ | VCI, Oscilloscope, Multimeter Waveform Generator, CAN BUS Check |
| Upgrade Fee (End User) | $795/Year | $855/Year |
The MS Ultra has intelligent diagnostic function.It can provide rapid fault location, maintenance assistance, and reference information,relevant case library, helping users identify and solve problems faster.
Factory-level ecu programming of MS Ultra
There are big differences between MS Ultra and Phoenix MAX in terms of cloud-based programming functions. The Phoenix MAX supports programming for 13 vehicle brands, including Benz, BMW, Audi, VW, SKODA, SEAT, Porche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, Subaru, Renault, Hyundai. However, the MS Ultra only supports ECU programming for BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
As a VCI device innovatively developed by Autel,it provides simultaneous and in-depth analysis of net components, which can help you troubleshoot various problems, diagnose more comprehensively and in detail, and improve the accuracy of your work.
VCMI 5-IN-l device of MS Ultra
From a Reddit post about Topdon Phoenix Max vs. Autel Maxisys MSULTRA, there are some comments:
"For me, nothing beats Autel. It has the better software, organized UI/UX and the best looking tool of all of them out there. Its scope has a feature to quickly check CAN network integrity, and now all MS ultra line up come with service info, wiring diagrams and TSBs."
A comment from Facebook:
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 general, Topdon Phoenix Max and Autel MS Ultra are both excellent diagnostic scanning tools. They both have advanced diagnostic functions including bidirectional control, ecu programming, OE-level full system diagnosis, comprehensive maintenance services, and powerful hardware configuration.
If you have higher requirements for ECU programming and hardware configuration and have sufficient budget, you can consider buying Topdon Phoenix Max. If you want smart diagnostic functions and need a more lightweight and portable diagnostic scanner, then MS Ultra will be your best choice.
In the promotion of the functions of the car fault diagnosis scan tools, we can always see the words'bi directional control'. So what is bi directional control for cars? How is this function applied in the process of car diagnosis? What are the products of Autel that can be controlled in both directions? What benefits can bidirectional control bring us? Today's blog will answer your questions.
TPMS is the abbreviation of Tire Pressure Monitoring System. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a critical vehicle safety feature that continuously tracks air pressure levels in pneumatic tires.
The Autel MaxiSys Ultra S2 takes automotive diagnostic accuracy to the next level with its higher level of performance advantages, advanced VCMI2 devices and enhanced oscilloscopes, upgraded Topology Map 3.0, and AI-assisted diagnosis.
