Cheerson CX-OF review: Unmatched hovering stability

Inside the box, besides the tiny aircraft and its surprisingly stylish transmitter with phone holder I found the following: a complete set of spare propellers, USB charging cable, micro USB cable, blade removing tool and English instruction manual.

Probably many will consider the paint job on top of the aircraft childish, but I actually like it because reminds me about my favorite action-horror movie, the Resident Evil.

The aircraft measures 40 * 40 * 35 mm and weights about 24 g. Quite small you might think, but just perfect for indoor fun.

On the bottom part is located the optical flow sensor, which actually seems to be a 2nd minuscule camera. According to the specs, the sensing distance is about 3 ~ 4 meters.

In order to allow better view on the orientation of the aircraft, in front has blue propellers and white ones on rear. During night flights, you will be guided by 4 tiny LEDs (blue in front and red on rear).

As you can expect from such a small toy, the camera is integrated and does not allow any angle adjustment.

The camera allows to capture photos and videos with resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Two minutes of video occupies about 5 MB. The captured files are stored on smartphone’s flash memory, in the folder named “Drone”.

Image quality is pretty good for such a small toy, but nothing impressive. Frame rate is only 16 fps. Definitely, your selfie videos will not be crispy as shown in advertising videos.

The camera’s real-time video feed can be displayed on your mobile-phone through the “CX-OF” APP. The application is available for both popular mobile operating systems (iOS and Android). FPV range is about 20~30 meters.

Cheerson Hobby opted to completely redesign the transmitter compared to the predecessor model (find more on my CX-10WD review). The RC is no more expandable but still conformable for kids as well as for adults.

The remote controller is powered by built-in 120 mAh battery, which can be charged conveniently with the included micro USB cable.

Besides the usual control sticks (both centered in the middle) and power switch, there are only 4 buttons (Take off, Land, Speed switch and 3D flips). No shoulder button nor trimming switches.

Additional to the physical remote controller, you can opt to control the aircraft through your smartphone – using gravity sensor or virtual sticks.

Through the APP you can also access the intelligent flight modes. There are few preset dancing choreographies that you can play with.

When it comes to drones as small as the Cheerson CX-OF-TX I recommend for newbie pilots to practice indoor first. Outdoor, the slightest breeze can take away their new toy.

Starting the flight is very simple, after binding you just need to push the “Take off” button. The aircraft raises for about 1.5 meter and waits for your controls.

Thanks to the optical flow sensor, the Cx-OF quadcopter is more stable compared to its predecessors – which is essential for taking selfies. BTW, the sensor can be disable by long pressing the “H/L” button.

The built-in 150 mAh Li-Po allows about 4 minutes of play time. When the battery is near empty the quad will land automatically.

Those who are interested to start their journey into the word of multi-rotors with this versatile micro drone should know that it can be ordered with 16% discount and free shipping from here. You can also order the BNF package which costs only $46.99.

Updates 04.08.2017

Using this “GEEKCXOF” discount coupon you can buy the CX-OF for only $39.99. Thanks Alice!

The good

• Super stable hovering;
• Lots of features;
• Multiple control modes;
• Transmitter comes with built-in battery;
• On/Off power switch.

The bad

• Too slow;
• Camera quality could be better (low frame rate);
• Poor wind resistance.

The ugly

• Battery is not swap-able.