MicroDrone 4.0 – Is it better than the Tello?

The Extreme Fliers Microdrone 4.0 looks to be an exciting new offering in the entry-level drone market. This palm-sized micro drone features a two-axis gimbal as well as electronic image stabilization to go along with its 1080p HD camera. This little drone looks to be a step ahead of one of our favorite drones the Ryze Tello ($99) and a step behind the impressive DJI Spark ($399). Let’s take a closer look.

Microdrone 4.0

There are a lot of drones out there for less than $200. Very few of them come with good cameras. Those that do have good cameras lack image stabilization. Early bird pricing for this Indiegogo campaign has the Microdrone 4.0 priced at $125.  Armed with a Sony sensor, a two-axis gimbal, and electronic image stabilization, Microdrone 4.0 looks to be an exception to the rule.

Extreme Fliers has built interesting drones before, but the Microdrone 4.0 is different. This will be their most advanced drone to date. The earlier Microdrone models focused on modularity, however, Microdrone 4.0 will aim to give their pilots an all-in-one beginner aerial photography drone on a budget.

Microdrone 4.0 vs Ryze Tello and other sub-$200 drones

Right now there are a lot of options if you want an inexpensive beginner drone. We would recommend either the JJPRO Epik or the Ryze Tello. The Microdrone camera seems to have both of these drones beat. The Epik camera is good but unstabilized. The Tello camera utilizes electronic image stabilization but is limited to 720p. The Tello does not have onboard storage and all video is recorded on your phone via a WiFi link. The Microdrone 4.0 utilizes onboard storage via an SD card. That means the quality of the footage you record should be superior to the Tello.

The biggest drawback to the Microdrone 4.0 (and the Tello) is its brushed motors. Brushed motors tend to be less efficient and powerful than brushless motors like those of the Epik. Brushed motors have a limited life span and need to be replaced over time. The reason the Microdrone utilizes brushed motors is because they are less expensive. Adding brushless motors would have added cost to the project and would make it difficult to keep the cost of the drone under $200.

Microdrone 4.0 features

While the most impressive feature of the Microdrone 4.0 is definitely its HD camera and gimbal it does have some other interesting features. It boasts a top speed of 30 mph and a solid 13 minute flight time.  Its batteries are hot-swappable so you can quickly change them and keep flying. Microdrone 4.0 utilizes altitude hold as well as optical flow technology to help keep it stable up to 10 meters off the ground. Microdrone 4.0 will utilize AI powered by Neurala to add intelligent flight features like orbit, follow me and more.

Right now the Microdrone 4.0 is still an Indigogo project and whether or not it comes to fruition will depend on its backers. It looks promising for sure but time will tell. Check back soon. We are hoping to get our hands on a Microdrone 4.0 so we can put it to the test.  Click here to learn more about the Microdrone 4.0 Indiegogo campaign.

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