Drones are fantastic for capturing breathtaking views, such as with the DI Air 3, but they can also be fun toys, especially with a mini drone like the Oviliee S17. Aimed at beginners of all ages, this compact drone is priced under $50.
The Oviliee S17 comes in a lightweight carrying case that weighs less than 350 grams, and the drone itself is small enough to fit in your hand. The kit includes everything you need to start flying: the foldable drone, a plastic controller, propeller guards, replacement propellers, two lithium-ion batteries, and three AAA batteries for the controller. Additionally, it includes a few tools for easy maintenance.
Besides using the physical controller, you can also operate the drone directly from your smartphone through the Oviliee FPV app.
It’s excellent for learning to fly
This drone is well-suited for beginners, responding smoothly to control inputs without overreacting. Its flight characteristics are gentle and predictable, much like flying a Cessna 152, which is known for its ease of handling.
However, since it’s designed for novices, it lacks the power needed to counter strong winds. On several occasions, I had to push the right controller (which controls pitch and roll) to its limits to keep the drone steady against light gusts.
I appreciate how the altitude and yaw controls (on the left controller) allow for precise adjustments, letting me hover just a few centimeters off the ground. That said, maintaining a stable hover is challenging as the drone tends to drift. While trimming adjustments on the left control buttons didn’t prove very effective, the app’s trim control is more refined, though the drone still drifts slightly, even indoors.
This little drone is surprisingly durable
Over the two days I tested it, I crashed the drone into a wall three times, but it barely showed any damage. The propeller guards did a great job of protecting the propellers, so I just needed to reset the drone and continue flying.
If a propeller does break, you can easily replace it with the spares included in the package. This highlights that even experienced pilots can lose control when adjusting to drone flight, so it’s best to fly in open areas away from people and animals.
The controller also features an auto-land button and an emergency cut-off. If you sense you’re losing control, press the auto-land button to make the drone land safely. If the drone is heading in an undesired direction and you can’t regain control, you can press and hold the Emergency Stop button to cut the propellers, causing the drone to drop. Use this feature only as a last resort, as a falling drone can be dangerous and might injure someone on the ground.
Flight Time vs. Charging Time
The S17 drone features a 17-gram lithium-ion battery, which is designed to provide around 10 minutes of flight time. However, this can vary based on usage; for instance, I experienced just seven minutes of flight before the low-battery warning activated. When flying at full power, the battery lasted only about four to five minutes.
The drone package includes two batteries, offering a potential total of 10 to 20 minutes of flight time. However, with each battery requiring at least 90 minutes to charge, the ratio of flying time to charging time is quite poor. To extend your flying sessions, you might consider buying additional batteries, but they are not available for separate purchase on Amazon.
The package does not include a charging adapter but does come with a micro-USB cable that connects to a USB-A port. This can be inconvenient since most modern devices use USB-C. Additionally, the micro-USB cable has a red light that indicates charging and turns off when the battery is full, which can make it harder to monitor the charging status if you use a third-party cable not provided in the box.
Advanced Features to Explore
Once you’re comfortable with the basics of flying the S17 drone, you can dive into its more advanced features. The drone includes a Headless Mode accessible directly from the controller. This mode simplifies navigation by allowing you to fly the drone as if you were controlling a character in a video game, eliminating the need to orient yourself with the drone’s direction. Simply point the right controller where you want the drone to go, regardless of its current facing direction.
The S17 also offers a 3D Flips mode for performing aerial rolls. To use this feature safely, make sure you’re in a spacious area and that the drone is at least two meters off the ground. Hover the drone, press the 3D Flips button on the controller, and push the right joystick left or right to execute a 360-degree roll in the desired direction.
For even more control, download and install the Oviliee app on your phone. This app provides additional features such as Gravity Sensor Mode, which lets you control the drone by tilting your phone, and Trajectory Flight Mode, which allows the drone to follow a flight path you draw on your screen. However, it’s best to familiarize yourself with these features only after mastering the basic drone controls.
This drone isn’t intended for professional use
The Oviliee S17 comes equipped with a built-in Full HD camera that includes FPV functionality, but it falls short in terms of quality. With a 90-degree field of view, the camera delivers substandard images and videos. The recording quality is so poor that it often isn’t worth reviewing. In less-than-ideal lighting conditions, such as backlighting or low light, the results can be particularly disappointing.
While the S17 may produce acceptable photos and videos under the right conditions, it is not suitable for those seeking high-quality drone imagery. If you’re already experienced in drone photography, you’ll likely find the S17 lacking in performance and not up to your standards.
However, for beginners looking for an affordable entry point into drone flying, the S17 is a great option. Priced under $100, it provides a cost-effective way to practice and learn the basics of drone operation. Its ease of use and some advanced features offer a valuable opportunity to develop your skills without a significant financial investment.
Is the Oviliee S17 mini drone a suitable gift for kids and beginners?
Don’t expect much from this budget-friendly mini drone. With a remote control range of about 50 meters (164 feet) and Wi-Fi connectivity limited to around 35 meters (115 feet), its operational distance is quite restricted. The drone’s power is modest, so it’s best flown in calm conditions; even a gentle breeze can make it difficult to control. Additionally, pushing the drone’s capabilities can quickly deplete the battery, offering as little as five minutes of flight time.
Despite these limitations, the Oviliee S17 is an excellent choice for teenagers and adults who are new to drone flying. Priced at $49.99, it’s an affordable entry-level option that’s small and manageable for beginners. As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced features such as trajectory flying, gyroscope control, and FPV (first-person view) flying.
Moreover, if the drone happens to get lost, its low cost means it won’t be a significant financial setback. However, keep in mind that it lacks GPS functionality, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it during flight to avoid losing track of it.
