The Ryze/DJI Tello, full review, unboxing, inspection and flight testThe Ryze/DJI Tello, full review, unboxing, inspection and flight test

Ryze, in conjunction with DJI and Intel, released Tello earlier this year, a budget brushed drone with an impressive initial feature-set which even includes being programmable, but is it good enough for a beginner and to impress an experienced drone operator?

Shot of the Tello hovering, also showing the live stream direct from the drone to the smart device, streaming in 720p resolution.
Shot of the Tello hovering, also showing the live stream direct from the drone to the smart device, streaming in 720p resolution.

Priced at only $100/£100, the Ryze Tello is the cheapest drone that DJI have retailed so far. It doesn’t have the regular GPS feature-set common to most DJI autonomous quadcopters (Mavic, Phantom, etc), nor a high resolution camera, but it does have an impressive optical flow implementation which keeps this tiny brushed drone in position, even with your hands off the controls, the 720p live stream is also satisfactory.

Watch our video review…

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Part 1: Unboxing, Inspection & Setup

YouTube thumbnail for the Ryze/DJI Tello Review, Unboxing, Inspection and Setup

Part 2: Connection & Flight Test/Modes Test

YouTube thumbnail for the Ryze/DJI Tello Review, Flight Test and Modes Test

Where to buy…

It is best to buy the Ryze Tello direct from DJI to ensure that you receive the latest hardware revision

The positives…

❍ Good value considering functionality and technical specification
❍ Lithium on battery allowing cold-weather usage without sag
❍ Great flight time considering the size of the drone and battery
❍ Development kit available for programming Tello
❍ Nice app, easy to control, simple to learn
❍ Integral prop-guards mean risk-free indoor or outdoor flights
❍ Good quality photos with nice clarity/sharpness

The negatives…

❍ Accessories required to charge battery outside of drone
❍ Limited to 10m ceiling altitude due to optical flow sensors
❍ Camera has no capability for tilt and is at a fixed angle
❍ Adjusting flight speed sensitivity turns off EIS
❍ No inbuilt storage, footage/photos are stored directly on phone

The Ryze/DJI Tello, full review, unboxing, inspection and flight test
The Ryze/DJI Tello, full review, unboxing, inspection and flight test

Full specification…

The full technical specification for this drone is as follows, based on their current published technical information:

  • Weight: Approximately 80 g (Propellers and Battery Included)
  • Dimensions: 98×92.5×41 mm
  • Propeller: 3 inches
  • Built-in Functions: Range Finder, Barometer, LED, Vision System, 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, 720p Live View
  • Port: Micro USB Charging Port
  • Max Flight Distance: 100m
  • Max Flight Height: 10m
  • Detachable Battery: 1.1Ah/3.8V
  • Photo: 5MP (2592×1936)
  • FOV: 82.6°
  • Video: HD720P30
  • Format: JPG(Photo); MP4(Video)
  • EIS: Yes
  • Max Speed: 8m/s
  • Max Flight Time: 13min

 


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