Is there a quick way to tell a p4 pro from a p4 or a p4 adv. Is so what is it can it be done by the serial number or some visual difference.

Standard p4 does not have the side sensors.

Here are some visual differences:

• The Phantom 4 Pro has rear and side sensors.
  

• The Phantom 4 Advanced only has front sensors and the grills underneath the arms look like this:
  
  
  

• The Phantom 4 only has front sensors and the grills underneath the arms look like this:
  
  
  

You can also tell by the camera, since that's the most important part. The P4 has the DJI logo below the sensor, the Advanced has it above it.