Lens Logic Verdict
The Ryze Tello is an excellent choice for beginners, kids, and casual users. It’s simple to set up, easy to fly, and budget-friendly. The Tello is lightweight, which makes it great for flying indoors or outdoors on calm days. The controls are easy to understand, letting new users learn to fly with confidence. It’s also a good learning tool since you can use Scratch coding to program basic moves. This adds an educational element that most starter drones don’t offer. If you want a safe, fun, and affordable drone, the Ryze Tello is a solid choice.
Pros
- Affordable
- Light and easy to carry
- Simple controls for beginners
- Coding compatibility
- VR-compatible
Cons
- Low camera quality
- Limited range
- Short battery life
- Not for high-quality photos or videos
Why you can trust Lens Logic? we put hours into testing each product or service we review. This way, you know you’re getting the best. Learn more about our testing process.
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Mason knows photography inside and out. With 15 years of hands-on experience, he’s written about cameras, lenses, and gear of all kinds. He even spent five years as a journalist, diving deep into music and writing sharp, engaging stories. Now, Mason shares his photography knowledge, helping readers find the right gear and perfect their skills. He’s also proud of his unbeatable Wordle streak!
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Drones are everywhere now… They’re fun, easy to fly, and perfect for anyone who wants to explore the skies. Kids and adults use drones to learn new skills, snap cool pictures, and see the world from up high.
The Ryze Tello is small but powerful… It’s the perfect starter drone, and it won’t break the bank. With DJI’s smooth flying tech and Intel’s fast processor, it’s stable and performs great. The Tello has a lot of big features packed into a tiny, beginner-friendly drone.
This review covers everything you need to know… The best features, who should try it, and what to expect. If you’re thinking about a first drone, the Ryze Tello might be the one for you.
Specifications of the Ryze Tello
- Camera: 5MP photos and 720p HD video
- Photo Resolution: 2592 x 1936 pixels
- Video Resolution: 1280 x 720 at 30 fps
- Flight Time: Up to 13 minutes
- Max Distance: 100 meters
- Max Speed: 8 meters per second
- Weight: 80 grams
- Dimensions: 98 x 92.5 x 41 mm
- Battery: 1100mAh LiPo, replaceable
- Controller: App-based, with Bluetooth remote compatibility
- Coding Support: Works with Scratch for basic programming
- VR Support: Compatible with VR headsets for FPV
- Additional Features: Auto takeoff/landing, vision positioning, low battery alert, failsafe protection
These specs make the Tello a great choice for beginners who want simple flying and basic photo features.
Key Specifications and First Impressions of the Ryze Tello
Core Specifications
The Ryze Tello is small, light, and loaded with fun features. It has a 5MP camera that takes clear photos and records 720p HD video, so you get solid shots and videos. It weighs just 80 grams—easy to carry but strong enough to stay steady in the air. The Tello flies up to 13 minutes on a single charge and has a range of about 100 meters. These specs make it a smart pick if you’re new to drones and want something easy to handle but not too basic.
Affordable and Fun Features
This little drone brings big fun… It’s VR-compatible, so you can feel like you’re really flying. You can control it straight from your smartphone, and it has simple tricks like flips and circles with one tap. Its camera grabs bright, sharp photos and videos, perfect for making quick memories. For the price, the Tello packs a lot, giving you the excitement of a drone without the big cost.
First Impressions
Flying the Tello feels smooth and safe… Even if you’re new, you’ll feel in control. Most drones in this range lack the steady flight and picture quality the Tello offers. It combines DJI’s flight tech and Intel’s fast processor, making it one of the best budget drones out there. With its strong features, the Tello makes it easy for anyone to explore the world from above.
Design and Build Quality of the Ryze Tello
Lightweight and Compact Design
The Ryze Tello is small and light… You can fit it in your hand, and it weighs about the same as an orange. This makes it perfect for beginners who want something simple and easy to control. Its tiny size helps it fly smoothly without needing a lot of space. If you’re just getting started with drones, the Tello’s compact shape lets you jump right into flying without feeling overwhelmed.
Durability and Safety
Even though it’s small, the Tello is tough… It has strong propeller guards that protect it during minor bumps and scrapes. These guards shield the propellers if you hit a wall or tree, keeping your drone safe and steady. Since it’s so light, the Tello doesn’t take much damage if it falls. This is great for new pilots who are still learning. You can try new moves without worrying about breaking anything.
Portability
Taking the Tello with you is easy… Its compact design makes it simple to slip into a bag or even a big pocket. You can carry it to the park, the backyard, or anywhere you want to fly. Its small size and light weight mean you can bring it along without any hassle. Wherever you go, the Tello’s design makes it fun and easy to get started.
Camera Quality and Photo/Video Performance of the Ryze Tello
Camera Specs and Image Quality
The Ryze Tello comes with a 5MP camera that takes clear pictures. It records 720p HD video, so you get decent quality for fun and learning. The camera works well for simple shots—perfect if you’re just starting out with drone photography. You won’t get pro-level photos, but you’ll capture bright, colorful images that are great for sharing.
Image Stability and Indoor Use
The Tello stays steady, especially indoors… It hovers well, so your shots don’t look shaky. This drone also uses basic processing to smooth out photos and videos, making your images look a bit sharper. It’s a good pick if you want to try flying in small spaces like your home. You get a stable, easy experience that’s perfect for beginners taking quick shots.
VR Compatibility
The Tello works with VR headsets, giving you a cool view from above… With VR, you can feel like you’re flying with the drone. Just put on a headset, and you’ll see what the drone sees. This makes flying the Tello even more exciting and fun, especially if you’re new to drones. It’s a great way to dive in and feel like a real pilot!
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Flight Performance and Battery Life of the Ryze Tello
Flight Stability and Control
The Ryze Tello flies smoothly. It’s easy to control, even indoors where there’s no wind. You don’t need special skills to fly it. Just use the app on your phone, and you’re ready to go. The Tello responds fast to every move you make. Beginners can start flying right away. You don’t need a lot of practice to get smooth, steady flights. With just a few taps, you can even make it do tricks. It’s fun and simple.
Battery Life and Charging
The Tello’s battery lasts up to 13 minutes per flight. While this isn’t a lot of time, it’s enough for short flights and quick photos. If you want to fly longer, you can bring extra batteries. They’re small and light, so carrying a few spares is easy. Just swap them out when one runs low. With a few extra batteries, you can keep the fun going without needing long recharge breaks.
Range and Response Time
The Tello has a range of 100 meters. That’s enough space to explore, take pictures, and try tricks. The drone stays responsive and quick, even at its range limit. Beginners can fly without worry, knowing they have plenty of room. The Tello’s range makes it perfect for open spaces, like parks or fields, and it’s easy to bring along wherever you go.
How to Use the Ryze Tello: Step-by-Step Guide
Using the Ryze Tello drone is easy and fun! Let’s go through the steps to get you flying. Also here’s the user manual for you.
1. Charge Your Tello
Start by charging your Tello drone. Plug in the charging cable and wait until the light stops flashing. It will take about 1-2 hours to fully charge. Make sure it’s fully powered up before flying.
2. Attach the Propellers
Next, put the propellers on. Match the colors of the propellers to the motors. Twist them gently until they’re snug. Don’t twist too hard.
3. Turn On the Drone
Press the power button on the Tello for a few seconds. The lights will blink, showing it’s on and ready.
4. Install the Tello App
Download the Tello app from the App Store or Google Play. After it’s installed, open the app to get started.
5. Connect to the Tello
The drone makes its own Wi-Fi network. Go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and connect to “Tello-XXXX” (it will show up in the list). Once you connect, open the Tello app again, and you’ll see the live camera feed.
6. Calibrate the Drone
Now it’s time to calibrate the drone. Place the Tello on a flat surface. Follow the steps in the app to calibrate. Usually, this just means rotating the drone in a figure-eight motion. The app will tell you when it’s ready to fly.
7. Take Off
Tap the “Take Off” button in the app. The Tello will lift off automatically and hover. You can control the height by moving the left joystick up or down.
8. Fly the Tello
Use the right joystick to move the drone forward, backward, or side to side. Practice making gentle movements until you get the hang of it.
9. Take Pictures and Videos
Tap the camera button in the app to take photos or start recording a video. You can switch between the front and bottom cameras for different views.
10. Land the Tello
When you’re done flying, it’s time to land. Tap the “Land” button in the app, and the Tello will slowly come down to the ground. You can also control the landing yourself by gently pulling the left joystick down.
Ryze Tello Controller: Enhance Your Flight
The Tello controller changes the way you fly the drone. It’s better than using the app because it gives you full control with real buttons and joysticks.
Why Choose the Controller?
The controller makes flying the Tello easier. Instead of tapping on your phone screen, you move joysticks and press buttons. This gives you faster and smoother control. It also feels more comfortable, especially for longer flights. With the controller, you won’t have to worry about touching the wrong spot on your phone. It’s perfect for anyone who wants better control and more fun while flying.
Setting Up the Controller
Setting up the controller is quick. Turn it on, connect it to your Tello using Bluetooth, and you’re ready to fly. It takes just a few seconds.
How It Feels to Hold
The Tello controller is easy to hold. It fits well in your hands, and the buttons are simple to press. You can control the drone’s height, direction, and speed with ease. The joysticks move smoothly, so the drone flies exactly how you want it.
How It Improves Flight
The controller makes the drone respond faster. The app sometimes adds a delay, but with the controller, there’s no lag. This means your drone will move exactly when you want it to. Whether you’re flying slowly or doing flips, the controller helps keep everything steady and in control.
User Experience and Educational Value of the Ryze Tello
Simple Setup and Easy Controls
Setting up the Ryze Tello takes just a few minutes. You download the app, connect your phone, and you’re ready to fly. The app makes it easy to learn because each button has a clear purpose. You can take off, land, and even do flips with just a tap. Beginners feel in control right away, without needing any special skills. The Tello’s simple setup and easy controls make flying fun from the start.
Learning Coding with Scratch
The Tello isn’t just a flying tool—it’s a way to learn coding too. It connects with Scratch, a beginner-friendly coding program. With Scratch, you can create custom moves for the Tello, like flying in patterns or doing tricks. This makes coding exciting and hands-on. Kids and teens can see their code come to life as the drone follows their commands. The Tello turns coding into a fun, interactive experience.
Perfect for Indoor and Outdoor Use
The Tello works great indoors and outside. It’s light and safe to use in small spaces, like your living room. Outdoors, it flies best when there’s little wind. You can practice flying at home or take it to a park. This flexibility makes the Tello ideal for new pilots who want a simple and safe experience, wherever they choose to fly.
Comparison of Ryze Tello, DJI Mini SE, and Hubsan X4
Feature | Ryze Tello | DJI Mini SE | Hubsan X4 |
---|---|---|---|
Camera | 5 MP, 720p Video | 12 MP, 2.7K Video | 4K (12 MP) |
Video Resolution | 720p HD at 30 fps | 2.7K at 30 fps | 4K at 30 fps |
Max Flight Time | 13 minutes | 30 minutes | 21 minutes |
Max Speed | 18 mph (8 m/s) | 35 mph (16 m/s) | 22 mph (10 m/s) |
Max Range | 328 feet (100 meters) | 2.5 miles (4 km) | 328 feet (100 meters) |
Safety Features | Propeller guards, simple modes | GPS, Return to Home | GPS, Return to Home, 6-axis gyro |
Other Features | VR support, 3-axis stabilization | QuickShots, GPS | 6-axis gyro, Auto-Hover |
Price Range | Budget (~$99) | Budget (~$299) | Budget (~$100) |
Key Takeaways:
- Hubsan X4 provides 4K video and good features at a low price. It’s a solid choice for beginners who want something more than basic.
- Ryze Tello is a beginner-friendly drone. It’s simple, light, and fun for first-timers or kids.
- DJI Mini SE offers great value with better camera quality, GPS, and longer flight time. It’s perfect for anyone wanting quality without spending too much.
Ideal User and Use Cases for the Ryze Tello
Who It’s Best For: The Ryze Tello is perfect for beginners, kids, and anyone looking to try a drone for the first time. Its simple controls and low price make it easy to learn without a big commitment. Kids enjoy the fun of flying, and the coding feature adds a new layer, letting them program simple commands. Casual users will find the Tello fits their needs well, giving them an easy way to learn flying basics and take casual photos.
Best Situations for Use: The Tello works well for learning to fly, practicing indoors, and trying simple photos. It’s light and stable, so it’s safe to use in small spaces like your living room or even a classroom. You can also take it outside on calm days. The Tello is flexible and fits anywhere you need a simple, easy-to-control drone experience. It’s a great pick for basic flying and exploring some coding skills.
Final Verdict and Recommendation on the Ryze Tello
The Ryze Tello is a great pick for beginners. It’s simple to set up, easy to fly, and fun to use. The Tello’s controls make it perfect for kids and first-time users. You can take off, land, and try tricks with just a tap. Its lightweight design helps it fly smoothly, whether indoors or on calm days outside. The Tello’s 5MP camera is also good for snapping casual photos and short videos, adding extra fun to each flight.
Recommendation
The Tello is more than just a drone; it’s a learning tool. You can even learn coding with it by using Scratch to make it do custom moves. This mix of flying and coding makes it a great choice for kids and teens who want a fun, hands-on experience. If you’re new to drones and want something safe and affordable, the Tello is an excellent start. It’s built to help you learn, explore, and enjoy each flight.