The Tello Drone is an affordable, user-friendly quadcopter designed for beginners and enthusiasts. Featuring a 5MP camera with 720p HD video capability, intuitive controls, and flight stability, it's perfect for capturing aerial footage and exploring the world of drones. Although it lacks professional-grade features and may struggle in windy conditions, its intelligent functions, compact design, and suitability for educational purposes make it an excellent choice for hobbyists and educators.
Key Features
- 5MP camera with 720p HD video capability
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Flight stability for easy maneuvers
- One-touch takeoff and landing
- Altitude hold function
- Automated flight modes
- Compatible with Tello app and programmable with Scratch
- Up to 13 minutes of flight time
- 100-meter range
The Tello drone, designed by Ryze Tech and powered by DJI technology, has made quite a splash in the world of compact and affordable drones. This review aims to provide an in-depth look at the Tello drone’s features, performance, and overall value. This review is intended for drone enthusiasts, beginners, educators, and parents who are looking for an affordable, user-friendly, and educational drone for themselves or their children.
Tello Drone Review – Design
The Tello drone measures 3.9 x 3.6 x 1.6 inches and weighs a mere 80 grams, making it perfect for on-the-go adventures. The drone is Constructed from high-quality plastic with a sleek, modern design. The Tello drone is both visually appealing and durable. If you purchase the combo package, you will also get propeller guards, which will help minimise any damage to the drone should you bump into stuff.
Remote Controller
The drone can be controlled with your smartphone via the Tello App; you can also purchase the TD1 controller from GameSir.
I prefer the controller as it is more intuitive and easier to fly the drone. The TD1 is a solid controller that looks like a video game controller. It has buttons for take-off/landing and recording videos and photos.
Although the official Tello app is good, there is an excellent alternative you can try.
Tello FPV: This is a highly rated app with over 50k downloads on the Google Play Store; however, it is a paid app costing $5.99 or £4.99 in the UK. There is also a free demo version of this app that you can try for free. For many Tello Pilots, this is better than the official app.
Tello Drone Camera
The drone is equipped with a 5MP camera capable of capturing 720p HD videos, perfect for casual aerial photography and videography. Electronic image stabilisation helps reduce blur, while the FPV (First-Person View) compatibility allows users to experience real-time video through VR goggles. This is a very nice camera, and the videos and photos are exceptional, especially for its price.
Flight Performance
With a flight time of up to 13 minutes and a replaceable battery, the Tello drone offers a decent flight experience for its price range.
The drone can reach up to 17.9 mph and has a maximum control range of 100 meters, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Its Vision Positioning System and gyroscopic sensors enhance the drone’s stability, allowing for smooth flights even in light winds.
Setting up the Tello drone is straightforward, and the automatic take-off and landing features make it accessible for beginners.
The user-friendly smartphone app provides intuitive controls and allows users to switch between different flight modes, while the optional Bluetooth controller offers a more tactile experience.
Pre-programmed flight modes like Circle, 360, Up & Way and Bounce offer creative ways to capture footage, and built-in safety features like the low battery warning and auto-landing ensure a worry-free flight experience.
Tello Drone Educational Value
The Tello drone offers exceptional educational value, making it popular among parents, educators, and students. The Tello drone fosters a fun and engaging learning environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking by integrating coding, programming, and STEM-related applications. Here are some aspects that highlight its educational value:
Scratch programming: The Tello drone is compatible with Scratch, a visual programming language developed by MIT. Scratch is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it an ideal introduction to coding for kids and beginners. Users can create custom flight patterns, behaviours, and interactive games by dragging and dropping code blocks. This hands-on approach to learning programming concepts helps develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
Python SDK: The Tello drone also provides a Python-based Software Development Kit (SDK) for more advanced users, enabling more sophisticated programming and customisation. This allows students to explore more complex programming concepts, work on real-world projects, and further develop their coding skills.
STEM learning: The Tello drone is an excellent tool for teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts. By combining the excitement of drone flying with educational content, the Tello drone helps students explore topics such as aerodynamics, physics, and engineering practically and interactively. This hands-on learning approach can boost engagement and retention of complex concepts.
Problem-solving and creativity: The Tello drone encourages students to troubleshoot issues, find creative solutions to challenges, and think critically about their projects. Experimenting with different flight patterns, coding sequences, and drone behaviours allows students to develop their problem-solving skills while also fostering their creativity.
Collaboration and teamwork: Working with the Tello drone in group settings or classroom environments promotes student cooperation and teamwork. They can work together to solve problems, create custom flight patterns, or compete in friendly drone races. This collaborative experience helps students develop essential communication and teamwork skills that are valuable in various aspects of life.
Real-world applications: The Tello drone provides a practical and engaging platform for students to explore real-world applications of drone technology. They can learn about the various industries that utilise drones, such as agriculture, search and rescue, and aerial photography, and understand the importance of responsible drone usage and safety.
In summary, the Tello drone offers a unique combination of fun, educational, and practical experiences. Its compatibility with programming languages like Scratch and Python and its ability to teach STEM concepts, problem-solving skills, and teamwork make it an invaluable educational tool for children and students alike.
Pros
The Tello drone’s affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of users without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Its user-friendly design and intuitive controls make it an ideal choice for beginners looking to learn the basics of drone flying.
The drone’s educational features and compatibility with coding languages like Scratch create a fun and engaging learning experience for kids and students.
The compact and lightweight design allows users to transport and fly the drone in various environments easily.
Cons
The limited flight time of 13 minutes may require users to invest in extra batteries for extended flight sessions.
The lack of GPS functionality limits the drone’s navigation capabilities and makes it less suitable for advanced users.
The basic camera capabilities will not meet the needs of users looking for professional-grade aerial photography and videography. The limited range and wind resistance might restrict the drone’s usability in certain conditions.
Use Cases and Scenarios
Casual aerial photography and videography – Capture memorable moments from a unique perspective with the Tello drone’s 5MP camera and 720p HD video capabilities.
Learn to code – Learn how to code and develop your problem-solving and creative skills
Exploring and sightseeing – Experience new environments from above, and share your discoveries with friends and family through social media or personal videos.
Racing and acrobatics – The Tello drone’s speed and agility make it suitable for casual drone racing or performing aerial tricks in open spaces.
Final Thoughts
The Tello drone offers an excellent balance of affordability, ease of use, and educational value, making it an excellent choice for beginners, educators, and those looking for a fun, casual flying experience. While the drone may not be suitable for advanced users or those seeking professional-grade camera capabilities, it excels as an entry-level drone with unique features and educational applications. For those considering purchasing the Tello drone, we recommend evaluating your specific needs and comparing it to other options in the market to ensure it meets your expectations and provides the best value for your investment.