DJI Spark Vs Tello 2023: Which Is Better For You?

DJI Spark and Tello are the two most popular drones for beginners. The DJI Spark is a compact drone that can take amazing photos, videos and has intelligent flight features such as obstacle avoidance. The Tello has a small form factor but includes many of the same features as DJI Spark. Which one to choose? Here we compare them side-by-side to help you decide which one is best for you!

DJI Spark vs Tello

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DJI Spark Drone

The DJI Spark drone is a mini drone that can be carried everywhere. It is likely to appeal to all levels of users due to its small size and robust feature set. However, this diminution comes at a price. It has a shorter battery life than other models, lacks a 3-axis tilt gimbal, and is not compatible with 4K video capture.

Spark’s MSRP is $499. It doesn’t face much competition from other models with similar features and sizes. However, it has the closest rival, the Yuneec Breeze 4K. If you don’t care about size, there are models that offer more impressive specs in the same price range, like DJI’s Phantom 3 Standard or Phantom 3 SE.

For $699, the Spark can also be purchased in a “Fly More” combo, which adds a remote controller and charging hub as well as spare props and propeller guards.

Spark Pros

• Small size.
• Supports gesture controls.
• Smartphone-controlled flight.
• Automated shots
• Tracking subject.
• obstacle avoidance
• GPS stabilization.
• Safety features include return-to-home.
• Easy to fly
• Smooth flight and great pictures
• Durable motor
• indoor flying

Spark Cons

• The battery lasts approximately 12 minutes.
• Phone control is limited in range and speed.
• Video limit to 1080p
• There is no support for high frame rates capture or 24fps.
• It could be simpler to use the app and video editing tools.
• A dedicated remote controller can be a costly add-on.

DJI Tello Drone

It is constructed using many DJI components, and it is marketed on the DJI Website in partnership with all DJI. DJI Tello drone is a great choice if you want to spend some quality time flying drones with your kids. It’s a perfect drone for beginners, and you can even let kids fly it.

The Ryze Tello drone is a true beginner drone designed for kids of all ages as well as a fun mini drone with many functions. It is a high-end toy-class drone that’s both practical and capable. You can fly the drone using a cellular device, remote control, or in the case of the Educational variants of the system. Your operation can be coded.

The Ryze Tello is a great initial drone for parents and potential pilots. There are several partnerships available, including the Iron Man variant Tello.

Characteristics for a DJI Tello Drone

• These are some characteristics of the DJI Tello drone.
• Size DJI Tello drones have a smaller size than other types. They generally measure approximately 3.9 inches wide and 1.6 inches high.
• Weight: They can also be very light. Most Tello drones measure 2.8 ounces which is a third of the average drone weight
• Propeller length DJI Tello drone propellers are approximately 3 inches in length
• Port: These devices come with a micro-USB charging dock
• They have built-in functions: These units come with an LED, Rangefinder, Barometer, and Vision System.

Pros

• Really easy to fly
• Software stabilized video
• Super steady in zero wind
• Decent battery life

Cons

• Remote not included (get Fly More Package).
• Short flight time (13 minutes average)
• Price does not include a controller
• Choppy video output at a distance
• Easily affected by wind

What Makes These Drones Similar?

Best-in-Class Drones

These quadcopters are among the most expensive in their price range. We are not able to find a cheaper $99 quad or a more powerful $399 Spark quad. There are many drones available under $100, but none compare to Tello’s flight time, camera quality, and intelligence. If you’re looking for a high-quality GPS drone with a gimbal-stabilized HD camera in small packages, a Spark drone is your best choice.

Features

These drones also have gesture control capabilities. However, the DJI Spark drone offers more commands. The DJI Spark drone has more commands, but only time will tell if they are well received. However, Scratch sounds interesting and allows you to do more with your drone. It also gives you easy access to all the SDK capabilities of DJI.

One example of SDK’s capabilities would be to set up a series of actions, such as taking a photograph or flying (in the case of DJI Tello).

Size and appearance

These quadcopters can be carried around in small, lightweight, and portable ways. The larger Spark measures 143x143x55mm and weighs 300g. The DJI Tello, which is smaller at 98×92.5×41 mm and only 80g, measures 143x143x55 mm. The DJI Tello is a much smaller version of Spark.

Built with DJI Smarts

DJI is the clear leader of drone technology, and this is crucial when discussing both the Spark or the DJI Tello. When they created the Spark, DJI wanted to create a drone that was accessible to everyone. When they succeeded, they built a tiny GPS marvel. But not everyone can afford a quadcopter that costs $400-700. DJI Tello is the answer. DJI, Intel, Ryze, and Ryze came together to create a smaller drone that is more accessible for everyone. These tiny wonders use DJI technology to stabilize them in flight, and both offer advanced flight modes for pilots.

Time to Fly

The maximum flight time for the Spark is 16 minutes. The DJI  Tello will allow you to fly for a maximum time of 13 minutes of flight time. The Spark flew for 16 minutes before the Tello. This was the longest flying drone they had. Although it’s only 13 minutes, it’s still quite impressive. Few drones can fly longer than 10 or 11 minutes in this price range. It doesn’t matter if 16 vs.13 is a dealbreaker. Depending on the conditions and how high it is, flight time can vary.

What Makes These Drones Different?

Motors

Motors are the most significant difference between the Spark & the Tello. The Spark uses powerful, efficient brushless motors. The Tello uses brushed motors. Brushed motors can be less expensive but may fail due to poor design or low quality.

DJI may not use low-quality motors in their Tellos, but even the most powerful brushed motors can lose performance over time. While brushless motors are more expensive, they are more efficient and generate more thrust. They also have longer life expectancies. You can carry a 360deg camera with the powerful brushless motors of the Spark. Check out our video.

The Tello can reach 18 mph, while the Spark can go 31 mph when in Sport mode. Although the Tello’s top speed is not impressive, it is fast enough for indoor flying.

Camera

Spark has a better camera quality a. It has a 12MP camera that can shoot 1080p video. It can take panoramic photos and create tiny planet 360 images. Smooth footage can be captured by the camera thanks to its two-axis mechanical gimbal.

This camera is far superior to Tello’s 5MP camera. Despite this, it is hard to find a camera for less than $99. The Tello’s camera can record 720p video and has digital image stabilization. This acts as a digital gimbal and smoothens out the video footage. It doesn’t make everything smoother, but it does help.

Image Quality

The Tello shoots incredible images, just like the Spark. It comes with image stabilization so your videos and stills are nice and crisp. It shoots at 720p and you can fly it at FPV.

Obstacle Avoidance

The Spark is equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors. The sensors will alert the pilot if there are objects in its path and then stop the drone to avoid a collision. Spark also has sensors at the bottom to aid it in landing.

Although the Tello cannot avoid obstacles, it does have sensors that can help it land. These include a camera and IR proximity sensor.

Range

The Tello can fly up to 100 meters. The Tello can be flown using your smartphone, or you can buy a Bluetooth controller. You can only fly the Tello with your smartphone, but you have a limit to a maximum range of 100m. In most cases, it will be less. The Spark can also be flown with a smartphone. It has a range of up to 100 meters. If you upgrade to a Spark remote, which we strongly recommend, then the Spark’s range is increased to 2000 meters.

BlueTooth Remotes can be used with the Tello

DJI recommends using the GameVice controller for controlling the Tello. A physical remote allows you to fly a lot more smoothly and gives you additional control. The GameVice controller is worth a look. It can be ordered directly from DJI, or you can get one from Amazon. There are models for Android, iPhones, and iPads. This controller is small and compact and can also be used as a gaming remote for your favorite mobile games.

Programmable

The Tello can be used with Scratch or other computer programming systems. The Tello is programable, so you can use it in many different ways. This feature is not available on Spark, and it’s a good thing. The Spark is small and safe, but it’s not the drone you want to crash into your wall if your computer program isn’t working the way it should.

Flight time

Both DJI Tello vs Spark drones can fly very quickly, in about 13 minutes for Spark and 16 minutes with the Tello. There are many accessories for the Tello that are very affordable. An additional spare battery can be purchased for $29 as opposed to $79 with the Spark.

Cost

The cost is important when purchasing a new drone. The Tello is priced at $99 but does not include $19 for an additional battery or the $40 remote you’ll need to fly. Add all that together, and the price is $158. This is a significantly lower price than the Spark, but it is not prohibitive. The DJI Spark is available for $399. We recommend the Fly More package, which includes the remote, second battery, and other important items. Fly More will set you back $599

CAD Model

You may be curious how we made a 1:1 scale model the DJI Tello. Based on photos and measurements we found, we reverse-engineered the Tello. We printed it on a 3-D printer and then gave it a nice finish. We assembled it with motors, props, and a donation drone as the flight controller. Although the model isn’t perfect, it is quite good. We know that the Tello’s prop is 3 inches in size, so the scale is accurate. Click here to download the 3D model or learn more.

Ease Of Use

These drones are intended for beginners. There are not as many features, complex settings, or video modes available on the DJI Spark and other higher-tier DJI drone models. While the DJI Spark has more features and modes, the Tello is simpler and easier to fly. Both were designed to be easy for beginners. The DJI Tello’s weight and size make it unsuitable for flying in windy conditions. Although the DJI Spark is able to fly in windy conditions, it’s not as stable as the Phantom or DJI Mavic.

Transmission Distance

The DJI Tello has a transmission range of up to 100m, which is about the distance I would be comfortable flying a light drone. The DJI Spark has a variable transmission range. The DJI Spark can transmit up to 500m with its remote controller and 2km when using the remote controller.

DJI Tello Vs. Spark: Which Drone is Better?

Despite appearances, the Tello and Spark are two very different drones. The DJI Spark is a powerful flying machine in a pint-sized package. I have compared the features and characteristics of all three drones to determine that the Spark drone is more functional than the DJI Tello drone. Although the DJI Tello drones are great, they lack some of the essential features that a Spark drone offers.

If you’re a beginner looking to buy a drone, I recommend the Tello drone. It is a simple to use and affordable drone. This drone makes a great gift idea for children. You can also use the Tello drone with a small, sleek design that fits in your palm.

You get extra batteries, extra propellers, and a VR headset when you buy a Tello. All of these are included in your free shipping.

Spark drones offer a more immersive experience than Tello drones, especially when it comes to taking aerial photos or videos. It is amazing to use hand gestures for selfies and taking pictures. The decision to buy a Spark or a Tello is entirely up to you. You will choose the type of drone that suits your needs, preferences, and taste. However, if given the choice, I would choose a Spark drone.

Conclusion

In this article, LucidCam has given you a brief overview of the DJI Tello vs Spark. We hope that by considering these two drones side-by-side in an objective way, you will find it easier to decide which is a great drone for your needs. Which drone do you think suits your lifestyle better? What are some other considerations when making this decision? Let us know in the comments!

Read More: 

• DJI Spark Vs DJI Mavic Pro 2023: Which Drone Is Better?
• DJI Spark VS Parrot Bebop 2: Which Is Better For You 2023
• DJI Phantom 3 Vs Spark 2023: Which Is Better For You?
• DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Mini: Which It Better For You 2023

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API