Hubsan Zino 2 drone: Price, release date and features

Hubsan’s new drone, the Zino 2, follows the nice foldable design of its predecessor while bringing some cool new features. Hubsan hasn’t officially announced Zino2, but it hasn’t done a great job of keeping it a secret, either. Today, FirstQuadcopter – Your favorite Drone News provider, revealed all the essential details about this very capable GPS 4K drone. Also, we already requested a testing unit to make an in-depth Hubsan Zino 2 review.

Over the last two years, Hubsan has continuously upgraded its epic Zino series. Actually, even if it is named “Two”, it is the 3rd generation, Zino. Initially, it was the H117S (aka Zino I), then the Zino Pro, and now the Zino II.

In addition to the extended control range (8Km vs 1Km) and longer flight time (33min vs 23min), the Zino Two comes with an upgraded camera that is capable of recording 4K videos with up to 60fps. Yes, this is the feature we probably expected the most!

The new Hubsan Zino 2 measures about 32.6 x 26 x 9.49 mm and weighs almost 1 kg (915 grams). By comparison, it is 215g heavier than its predecessor (H117S) and four times the DJI Mavic Mini. For sure, Hubsan didn’t focus on being FAA-friendly :)

Hubsan Zino 2 features & specs

• Compact size with foldable arms;
• Remote controller with built-in screen;
• GPS positioning system;
• Multiple flight modes (GPS, Optical Flow, or Alttittude);
• 4K camera with up to 60fps recording (100Mbps bitrate);
• Sony 1/2.3″ 12MP CMOS image sensor (80° FOV);
• Ambarella H22 image processor;
• 3-axis mechanical stabilization;
• Up to 72 kph flight speed;
• About 33 minutes of flight time (in windless conditions);
• LEAS 2.0 transmission protocol;
• Up to 8Km FPV range.

Price & Availability

As I previously mentioned, the global launch of the Zino Two will be on December 12. GB is among the first online retailers that listed it for pre-orders at $399.99 promotional price – valid for the first 1000 orders. Deliveries will start after January 3rd. Note: The regular price will be $499! Update: Price changed to $591 and the order status is “Arrival notice”. It looks that they out of stock. Update: GB has it again ready for order, this time for $591.90 with one battery and without a storage bag.

After Valentine’s Day, Banggood also listed the Zino 2 for pre-orders. Using this coupon code “BGRCZINO2,” you can have a 10% discount – the regular price with one battery without a storage bag is $US 599.

Remote controller

The image below shows that the Zino 2 has an upgraded remote controller. In addition to the extended control range, it has an integrated LCD monitor. It is unclear whether the status screen will provide live view or flight data (flight time, flight distance, battery level, and GPS data).

The controller comes with a built-in retractable phone holder. Your phone needs to be connected to the RC via the included USB cable. BTW, as Apple is thinking of giving up on the charging/data port on the upcoming iPhone 12, this wired connectivity approach will be a big issue.

X-Hubsan 2 APP

The app for Zino 2 has just been published. The X-Hubsan 2 is available for both popular mobile operating systems (Android and iOS). Find below the main features of the APP:

• GPS positioning function keeps track of the aircraft’s position;
• Map navigation function, view map, and flight route planning;
• Real-time HD image transmission, real-time flight telemetry display;
• Online preview interface upgrade;
• New editor features;
• Flight playback: record the course of your flight;
• Zino 2 vs Zino Pro vs H117S: Evolution of Hubsan Zino series.

Bottom line

If you are searching the market for a new drone with 500 bucks in your pocket, the Hubsan Zino 2 could be an excellent choice. It is probably the only GPS drone in this budget that features such a versatile camera – most drones under $500 have only 30fps at 4K.

Official updates (02 January 2020) from Hubsan

“Glad to inform you that Hubsan will ship the Zino 2 to Gearbest before this sat for them to distribute to buyers. All our products undergo several stages of quality checks before we dispatch them. We can confirm that if you pre-ordered Zino 2 and your form of payment has now been charged, they are now moving in sequence through the orders placed on or after December 12th.

I appreciate your patience. We know it can be frustrating when a delivery date is uncertain. We trust we have taken sufficient measures to remedy this situation. Thank you for your understanding and patience. We will post further updates here and on our social channels.”

Zino 2 videos

1. Range test

2. Low light performance

3. Active tracking features test

4. Hubsan Zino 2 max altitude test (500 meters)

5. Zino 2 firmware upgrade tutorial