The Ryze Tello is a small, affordable drone created by Ryze Tech in collaboration with DJI and Intel. It is designed for beginners, hobbyists, and students interested in learning how to fly drones and explore basic programming. With a price of around $99, the Tello offers features that are usually found in more expensive drones.
In this article, we will explore the Tello’s features, performance, pros and cons, and determine if it is a good choice for you.
Key Features of the Ryze Tello
The Ryze Tello is packed with features that make it stand out among entry-level drones.
1. Lightweight and Compact Design
Weighing only 80 grams, the Tello is extremely portable and easy to carry. Its compact size makes it suitable for indoor flying and convenient for travel.
2. Camera Capabilities
The Tello comes with a 5-megapixel camera capable of capturing 720p HD video. While it doesn’t have a gimbal, it uses electronic image stabilization to reduce shakiness in videos. However, since the video is streamed directly to your smartphone over Wi-Fi, the quality can be affected by signal strength and may appear pixelated at times .
3. Flight Performance
The Tello offers a flight time of up to 13 minutes on a single charge, which is impressive for a drone in its price range. It has a maximum flight distance of approximately 100 meters, although real-world performance may vary depending on environmental factors .
4. Stability and Safety Features
Equipped with a Vision Positioning System, the Tello can hover precisely and maintain stability during flight. This system uses a downward-facing camera to detect patterns on the ground, helping the drone stay in place .
Additional safety features include:
- Auto Takeoff and Landing: Easily launch or land the drone with a single tap.
- Low Battery Protection: Alerts you when the battery is running low.
- Failsafe Protection: Ensures the drone lands safely if the connection is lost.
5. Programmable with Scratch
One of the standout features of the Tello is its compatibility with Scratch, an MIT-developed visual programming language. This allows users, especially students and beginners, to learn basic coding concepts by programming the drone’s movements and actions .
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable Price: At around $99, the Tello offers great value for its features.
- Easy to Fly: User-friendly controls make it suitable for beginners.
- Educational Tool: Supports programming with Scratch, making it ideal for learning.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry and fly indoors.
- Decent Flight Time: Up to 13 minutes of flight on a single charge.
Cons
- Limited Video Quality: 720p video can appear pixelated, especially at greater distances.
- No GPS: Lacks GPS functionality, so it doesn’t have features like return-to-home.
- Affected by Wind: Due to its lightweight design, it can struggle in windy conditions .
- Limited Range: Effective control range is shorter than some other drones.
Who Should Buy the Ryze Tello?
The Ryze Tello is best suited for:
- Beginners: Those new to drones will appreciate its ease of use and stability.
- Students and Educators: Ideal for learning programming and basic drone operation.
- Hobbyists: Great for casual flying and experimenting with aerial photography.
However, if you’re looking for high-quality video recording, advanced features like GPS, or the ability to fly in various weather conditions, you might want to consider more advanced drones.
Conclusion
The Ryze Tello offers a compelling package for its price. With features like programmable flight, decent camera capabilities, and user-friendly controls, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and those interested in learning more about drones and programming. While it has some limitations, such as video quality and lack of GPS, its affordability and educational value make it a worthwhile investment for many users.
If you’re interested in purchasing the Ryze Tello or learning more about its features, you can find additional information and reviews on various tech websites and retailers.
