CNHL 3S 650mAh & 850mAh 70C: MiniStar for Whoops!

Over the last few years, I’ve reviewed 2S, 4S, and 6S batteries from CNHL, and now it’s time to take a closer look at two of their 3-cell FPV LiPos. The MiniStar 3S 650mAh and 850mAh have a discharge rating of 70C and are suitable for a 2-3 inch FPV quadcopter.

When it comes to the performance of LiPo batteries for FPV drones, one of the most important specifications to consider is the maximum continuous discharge rate, typically marked as C-rating. This number indicates how quickly a battery can safely deliver power relative to its capacity. To calculate a battery’s maximum current, simply multiply the C-rating by its capacity (in amps). For example, a 650mAh 70C LiPo can theoretically deliver 45.5A (0.65 x 70), while an 850mAh 70C pack can supply up to 59.5A (0.85 x 70). A high discharge rate is required, especially during rapid throttle punches, aggressive freestyle moves, or high-speed racing, where consistent voltage under load is critical.

On the other hand, it is equally critical to pay attention to the internal resistance (IR) of the cells. IR directly affects how efficiently a battery can deliver current under load. Even a high C-rated battery, like 150C packs, can underperform if its internal resistance is too high, leading to voltage sag, reduced flight times, increased heat generation, and, not least, a shorter lifespan.

MiniStar 3S 650mAh and 850mAh review

Disclosure: I received these 3S FPV batteries in a product review collaboration with China Hobby Line. Although the LIPOs were offered for free, all opinions in this article remain mine, and the sponsor did not influence me by any means.

China Hobby Line, aka CNHL, is a trusted brand known for producing affordable LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries for FPV drones, RC cars, airplanes, and other remote-controlled vehicles. Founded to deliver powerful yet budget-friendly batteries, CNHL has earned a solid reputation among hobbyists and professionals. The company offers five popular battery series, including the lightweight and efficient MiniStar (MS) series.

CNHL sent me two units of each of these 3S batteries. CNHL batteries are packaged in a simple black box to maintain a competitive price. Each unit is individually bubble-wrapped for added protection during transport.

When placing the 3S 650mAh and 3S 850mAh side by side, you notice a slight difference in dimensions. The 650mAh model measures 22 × 30 × 58 mm, while the 850mAh version comes in at 25 × 30 × 62 mm. There’s also a weight difference of approximately 10 grams between them. Here I should mention that there are a few grams lighter than advertised by the manufacturer (70g vs 64g and 80g vs 76g). Both batteries feature the same signature orange wrap, which is typical of CNHL’s MiniStar series. There is a sticker with safety recommendations on the back of the batteries. All four batteries had an initial charge of 3.80–3.83V per cell, ideal for long-term storage.

Both batteries support a 70C continuous discharge rate and come equipped with XT30U connectors paired with AWG14 wires. With a maximum 5C charging rate, you can charge the 650mAh pack at up to 3.25A and the 850mAh pack at 4.25A. For optimal performance and extended battery lifespan, I recommend charging at 1C or, at most, 2C.

CNHL MiniStar 3S technical specifications

Test results

For my tests, I paired both 3S MiniStar batteries with the DarwinFPV CineAPE20 O4 — a compact, GPS-enabled 2″ CineWhoop-style 4K FPV drone weighing only 80 grams. This lightweight platform is an excellent match for micro LiPo packs, offering an ideal setup to evaluate battery performance under real flight conditions.

Upon landing, the batteries remained relatively cool to the touch, indicating efficient thermal management during the flight. Additionally, cell voltage differences were minimal, within a margin of ±0.02–0.07V, reflecting good cell balance and overall pack health. Consistent cell performance like this is essential for maintaining long-term reliability, maximizing flight times, and ensuring safe operation in high-discharge FPV applications. The 850mAh has a lower internal resistance (IR), which is normal, as capacity increases, IR tends to decrease.

With the 650mAh battery, I recorded an average flight time of 6 minutes and 20 seconds, and around 8 minutes with the 850mAh pack. This demonstrates that flight time isn’t always directly proportional to battery capacity, as other factors like extra weight and lifting power also play a role.

Price and availability

These two 3S MiniStar batteries can be ordered directly from CNHL, and they are available in China/Global, Europe, Canada, the UK, and US warehouses. When publishing my review, a pair of 3S 650mAh LiPo batteries was priced at $19.98, while the 3S 850mAh pair was listed at $25.98. Additionally, four-pack combo deals are also available.

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