Introduction
If you’re like me, you’ve probably scrolled through endless drone options online, wondering if that shiny little quadcopter is going to live up to the promises. Today, we’re diving deep into the Chubory F89 drone review. I’ve been tinkering with drones for years – from cheap toys that crash on takeoff to fancier models that cost an arm and a leg. The F89 caught my eye because it’s pitched as a super affordable drones for beginners, with features like a decent camera and long flight times. But does it really deliver? Let’s break it down step by step, like we’re chatting over coffee. I’ll share my honest thoughts based on hands-on testing, user feedback, and what I’ve learned from the drone world.
First off, what’s the big deal with the Chubory F89? It’s a foldable quadcopter designed for folks new to flying, but it packs enough punch for casual fun too. Think of it as your entry-level ticket to aerial adventures without breaking the bank. Priced around $80 to $120 depending on where you shop, it’s aimed at kids, adults, and anyone who wants to capture cool photos or videos from the sky. In this Chubory F89 drone review, I’ll cover everything from unboxing to real-world performance, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth adding to your cart.
Chubory F89 Drone Review: What’s in the Box?
Picture this: The package arrives, and it’s compact – perfect for not taking up much space. Inside, you’ll find the F89 drone itself, which folds up nice and small, about the size of your palm when collapsed. It’s lightweight at just over 4 ounces (115 grams), so no need to worry about FAA registration in the US since it’s under 250 grams. That makes it super portable – toss it in a backpack for a hike or park outing.
Along with the drone, you get two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a remote controller, a USB charging cable, spare propellers, propeller guards (a must for beginners to avoid crashes), and a screwdriver for any tweaks. There’s also a user manual, which is straightforward but could use more pictures for visual learners. Oh, and don’t forget the carrying case – it’s basic but keeps everything organized.
Setting it up is a breeze. Charge the batteries (takes about an hour each), download the “CHUBORY FLY” app from the App Store or Google Play, and pair the drone via WiFi. The app lets you see live video feed, control features, and even calibrate the drone. I had it ready to fly in under 10 minutes. If you’re new to this, watch one of the tutorial videos online – they’re super helpful for getting the hang of things.
Design and Build Quality: Tough Enough for Newbies?
The F89 looks sleek in dark gray, with foldable arms that make it easy to store. The body is made from durable plastic composites, which Chubory says helps it survive drops and bumps. In my tests, it handled a few accidental crashes into bushes without breaking – those propeller guards are lifesavers. It’s not indestructible, though; avoid high winds or rough landings if you can.
Brushless motors are a highlight here. Unlike cheaper brushed motors that wear out fast, these are quieter, more efficient, and better at handling breezes. The drone weighs so little that it’s great for indoor practice too, but always fly responsibly – no buzzing around people or pets.
One thing I noticed: The build feels budget-friendly. Joints have small gaps, and the battery clips in but can feel loose if you’re not careful. It’s not a DJI-level polish, but for the price, it’s solid for starters.
Key Features: What Makes the F89 Stand Out?
This drone isn’t bare-bones. Here’s a quick rundown of what it offers:
- Dual Cameras: A front 1080p HD camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens for photos and videos, plus a bottom optical flow camera for better positioning. You can switch between them in the app. The quality? Decent for social media – clear shots of landscapes or group pics from above, but not pro-level 4K sharpness. Gesture control lets you snap pics by waving your hand, which is fun for selfies.
- Flight Modes: One-key takeoff and landing makes it idiot-proof. Altitude hold keeps it steady without constant input, and optical flow positioning helps it hover accurately, even indoors. Headless mode means you don’t have to worry about which way the drone is facing – great for beginners. There’s also trajectory flight (draw a path on the app, and it follows), follow-me mode, and 360-degree flips for showing off.
- WiFi FPV (First Person View): Stream live video to your phone up to about 100 meters away. The app is responsive, but expect some lag in crowded WiFi areas.
- Safety Stuff: Auto-return if the battery gets low or signal drops, plus those guards. It’s got level 3 wind resistance, so light breezes are fine, but skip windy days.
Compared to other budget drones, the F89 borrows ideas from popular models like the Eachine E58 but adds brushless motors for better longevity. It’s not GPS-equipped like pricier ones, so no super-precise tracking, but for casual use, it’s plenty.
Performance in the Air: How Does It Fly?
Alright, let’s talk flying. I took the F89 to a local park on a calm day. Takeoff is smooth – press one button, and it’s up. It hovers steadily thanks to the optical flow and altitude hold, making it easy to line up shots. Controls are responsive: forward, backward, left, right, up, down – all via the remote or app.
Flight time is a big selling point. With two batteries, you get about 40 minutes total (20 per battery). In reality, I clocked around 15-18 minutes per charge with camera on and some maneuvers. That’s still impressive for a budget drone – way better than 5-10 minutes on cheaper toys. Range is solid at 100 meters, but walls or interference cut it short.
In light wind, it holds up okay, but it drifts if gusts pick up. Not ideal for outdoor pros, but perfect for learning in open spaces. I tried flips and rolls – fun and easy, no crashes. Follow-me worked decently for short distances, like following a slow walk.
One downside: It can be twitchy at higher speeds. Start slow if you’re new. Overall, it’s stable and forgiving, which is why it’s great for kids or first-timers.
Camera and Video Quality: Worth the Hype?
The 1080p camera is the star for many buyers. It captures wide-angle views – think sweeping park scenes or family gatherings from 50 feet up. Colors are vibrant in good light, but low-light shots get grainy. Video is smooth at 30fps, and you can adjust the angle slightly via the app.
Compared to phone cameras, it’s not as sharp, but for a drone under $100, it’s solid. I got some cool footage of my dog running around – clear enough for Instagram. Gesture photos worked about 80% of the time; just pose and wave.
If you’re into editing, export files easily from the app. No 4K here (despite some listings saying “upgraded” – stick to 1080p specs), but it’s fine for hobbyists.
Battery Life and Charging: Keep Flying Longer
Two batteries mean less downtime. Each lasts 15-20 minutes, totaling 30-40 minutes of fun. Charging takes 60-90 minutes via USB – plug into a power bank for on-the-go. Tip: Buy extra batteries if you plan long sessions; they’re cheap.
Users rave about this compared to single-battery drones. But some report shorter times if flying aggressively. Always calibrate before flights to maximize efficiency.
Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Meh
Let’s list ’em out for easy reading:
Pros:
- Super affordable and beginner-friendly.
- Long flight time with two batteries (up to 40+ minutes total).
- Foldable and portable – fits in your pocket.
- Decent 1080p camera with fun features like gestures and flips.
- Brushless motors for quieter, more durable flights.
- No registration needed (under 250g).
- Easy app integration for FPV.
Cons:
- Camera quality drops in low light or wind.
- Can drift in breezes; not great for pros.
- Build feels a bit cheap – loose parts sometimes.
- App can lag; no advanced GPS.
- Battery life shorter than advertised in real use (15-18 min per).
- Limited range in crowded areas.
From what I’ve seen, the pros outweigh the cons for casual users.
Who Should Buy the Chubory F89?
This drone is ideal for:
- Beginners wanting to learn without big risks.
- Kids (with supervision) for outdoor play.
- Budget hobbyists who want camera fun without spending $200+.
- Travelers needing a portable flyer for quick shots.
If you’re a pro photographer or need 4K/GPS, look at DJI Mini or similar – but that’ll cost more. The F89 shines as a starter or gift.
Alternatives: Better Options If It Doesn’t Fit
If the F89 isn’t quite right, check these:
- Holy Stone HS175D: Similar price, adds GPS for better tracking.
- Potensic ATOM SE: A step up with longer range, around $150.
- DJI Mini 2 SE: If you can splurge ($300+), unbeatable quality.
- Eachine E58: Cheaper alternative, but shorter battery.
The F89 holds its own in the under-$100 category.
Final Verdict: Should You Get the Chubory F89?
After flying it multiple times, I’d say yes – if you’re on a budget and new to drones. It’s fun, easy, and delivers solid value with its long flight time and camera perks. Sure, it’s not perfect (drifts a bit, average build), but for $80-120, it’s a steal. I’ve had a blast capturing backyard views and practicing flips. If you’re eyeing it on Amazon or the Chubory site, go for it – just read the manual first!
Score: 4/5 stars. Great starter, room for improvements.
FAQs About the Chubory F89 Drone Review
Q: Is the Chubory F89 good for kids? A: Yes, with adult help. It’s simple and has guards, but supervise to avoid accidents.
Q: How far can it fly? A: Up to 100 meters, but real-world is 50-80 depending on interference.
Q: Does it have 4K? A: No, it’s 1080p. Some listings exaggerate; check specs.
Q: Battery life too short? A: It’s decent at 15-20 min per, but extras help for longer sessions.
Q: Where to buy? A: Amazon, Chubory’s site, or sites like RC Drone Top. Watch for deals!
