Exploring the Sky: A Comprehensive Review of the Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone

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The last time I reviewed a drone was back in 2023 with the Powervision PowerEgg X, which no longer appears to be trading. It was a decent drone, but the pricing wasn’t that different from the superior DJI Air 2S.

So, when Ruko reached out to review the Ruko U11MINI 4K, I was eager to try it. Priced at £330 on Amazon UK, it is a well reviewed drone with an impressive specification including 4K/30fps, 32 minute flight time per battery and a 6km flight range.

Specification

The Ruko U11MINI 4K packs a considerable number of features into its compact frame. The specifications are aligned with what one might expect from a more expensive drone, which makes it an interesting proposition for those on a budget.

• Mini pocket size, easy to put in a pocket
• 8K Picture & 4K@30fps Video
• 48MP 1/2″ CMOS sensor
• 3 Batteries for 96mins Flight Time
• 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal with EIS
• Quadruple positioning system ensures smooth takeoff
• 6 km / 20000 ft ultra long distance image transmission

Features

Cinematic 8K Photos & 4K Video

This drone’s camera captures high-resolution imagery, suitable for a variety of projects. It can take detailed 8K still photographs and record smooth 4K video at 30 frames per second. These specifications allow you to document your flights, from scenic landscapes to urban architecture, with considerable clarity. 📸

Pro-Level Stability, Made Effortless

To produce steady footage, the drone is fitted with a 3-axis brushless gimbal and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS). These systems work together to counteract movement and vibration during flight. The result is smoother video, whether you are flying along a coastline or following a subject on a path.

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Hands-Free Cruise Control

The cruise control function allows you to set a constant speed and direction for the drone. With flight management automated, you can concentrate on controlling the camera to frame your shot, adjust the zoom, or simply observe the surroundings without needing to manage the throttle continuously.

Extended Long-Range Transmission

The drone maintains a stable HD video feed from a distance of up to 6 kilometres (approximately 3.7 miles). This long-range transmission capability lets you explore and film locations that are further away, providing a reliable live view directly to your controller.

Exceptional Flight Duration

Three intelligent batteries are included, providing a total flight time of up to 96 minutes. With each battery offering around 32 minutes of air time, you can conduct longer flights or multiple shorter ones without the immediate need to stop and recharge. 🔋

Ultra-Lightweight Pocket Design

This drone weighs under 249 grams and has a foldable, palm-sized design, making it very portable. In the UK, because it has a camera, you must register for a Flyer ID. However, its low weight means you are not required to complete the A2 Certificate of Competency test. A carrying case is also supplied for convenient transport.

Reliable Return-to-Home

The drone features an automated Return-to-Home (RTH) system for safety. You can manually bring the drone back by pressing a single button. The RTH function also activates automatically if the battery level becomes critically low or if the connection to the controller is lost, helping to prevent the loss of the drone. 🏠

Tailored App Exploration Modes

The companion app includes several flight modes to suit different skill levels. A Beginner Mode helps new users learn to fly in a controlled setting. For more experienced pilots, the app offers advanced options like Waypoint Planning, Follow-Me, and Orbit Flight. Additional camera features include a 5x digital zoom and a dedicated night mode for low-light conditions.

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Unboxing

The Ruko U11MINI 4K typically arrives in a compact package that includes a high-quality semi-rigid carrying case. Inside the case, all the components are securely housed in custom-moulded compartments. The standard package contains the U11MINI drone itself, a remote controller, and one or three intelligent flight batteries depending on the bundle purchased. Also included are several data cables with Lightning, USB-C, and Micro-USB connectors to ensure compatibility with a wide range of smartphones. A USB-C cable is provided for charging the drone batteries and the remote controller. The package is rounded out with a set of spare propellers and a user manual.

The addition of a durable carrying case is a great feature, as it provides excellent protection and makes it easy to transport the drone and its accessories. The setup process is straightforward, but beginners may encounter a few challenges. Before the first flight, make sure to charge both the drone battery and the remote controller, install the propellers correctly, and remove the protective cover from the gimbal. Calibration is essential for proper flight behavior, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. The Ruko app, available for both iOS and Android, may have some connectivity issues but provides essential information such as altitude, distance, speed, battery level, and GPS satellite count. The controls for the Ruko U11MINI 4K drone are relatively intuitive, with slide buttons used for takeoff and landing to prevent accidental presses. Camera controls include options for photos, videos, and a 5x digital zoom feature.

The app also has a built-in screen recording function, which is handy for capturing flights with telemetry data overlaid. However, the in-app zoom feature does not appear in screen recordings, only in footage saved to the microSD card. This inconsistency can be frustrating and is not well documented.

Accessing intelligent flight modes requires navigating through a buried menu system, which works but is not as polished as DJI’s interface. Settings allow for adjustments to return-to-home altitude, enabling beginner mode, and configuring various camera parameters.

One useful feature is the ability to fly the drone without a connected phone. All essential functions are available on the controller itself, although you will lose the FPV feed. This feature is convenient for quick flights or when your phone battery is low.

The remote controller is budget-friendly and reasonably well-constructed, with pull-out smartphone grips and an integrated cable holder. The controller’s build quality is acceptable, with a logical button layout once you become familiar with it. The controller also features a variety of buttons for different functions, such as gimbal tilt control, photo, video, cruise control, GPS toggle, and return-to-home.

The speed slider on the controller offers three positions, but actual speeds may be lower than claimed. Battery life on the controller is excellent, lasting through multiple flight sessions without needing a recharge. It also has the capability to charge your phone while connected, although this will drain the controller battery faster.

Overall, the Ruko U11MINI 4K drone delivers a stable and responsive flight performance, with some minor inconsistencies and limitations in its features and controls. The drone’s quadruple positioning system ensures stable positioning even in light wind conditions. It offers three speed modes for different scenarios: Cinema Mode for smooth video capture, Normal Mode for a balance of speed and control, and Sport Mode for dynamic flight. The controls are responsive, with quick yaw rates in Normal and Sport modes. However, there is an occasional issue of the drone losing altitude unexpectedly, especially during fast manoeuvres.

The intelligent flight modes, such as GPS Follow Me and Point of Interest, perform well, offering smooth and automated shots. The video and photo quality of the drone is acceptable for a budget option, with sharp footage in good lighting conditions. However, dynamic range and low-light performance are limited due to the small sensor.

The battery life of the drone is around 25-28 minutes of usable flight time, despite the claimed 32-minute run time. Charging the battery takes approximately 90-120 minutes. In terms of range, the drone performed well, with stable video transmission even at extended distances. The Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone impressed me with its reliable transmission system, which is often a weak point for budget drones.

When it comes to pricing and alternative options, the Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone is available on Amazon for £330 for the standard model, or £450 for the model with three batteries. In comparison, the DJI Mini 4K is priced starting from £269 for the drone alone or £329 for the combo kit. Another alternative is the Potensic ATOM GPS Drone, which offers similar specs to the Ruko but includes three batteries with a longer flight time per battery.

Overall, the Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone offers decent performance for its price, but it faces tough competition from the DJI Mini 4K. While the Ruko has some strengths such as a smooth 3-axis gimbal and reliable cruise control, it falls short in areas like flight speed and app connectivity. The DJI Mini 4K’s more mature ecosystem and better resale value make it a more sensible choice in the long run.

In conclusion, the Ruko U11MINI 4K is a solid budget drone with good stability and a capable camera, but it may struggle to compete with the DJI Mini 4K in terms of overall value. Buyers should carefully consider their options before making a purchase decision.

Pros of the Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone include a smooth 3-axis gimbal, good flight time with the three-battery bundle, reliable cruise control and return-to-home functions, a superior 1/2″ sensor, and impressive transmission range and video feed stability.

On the other hand, the Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone falls short in areas such as flight speed, occasional altitude fluctuations affecting footage quality, aggressive yaw even in cinema mode, dated app interface, temperamental connection, poor low-light performance, and image quality that doesn’t quite match up to DJI’s standards.

Overall, while the Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone is a decent option, buyers should carefully weigh it against alternatives like the DJI Mini 4K to make an informed decision.