Cheerson CX-OF review: Unmatched hovering stability

In the past, mini drones were nice but with no fancy features. Now, the Cheerson CX-OF, with an optical-flow sensor and intelligent flight modes, changes the rules. Of course, besides all these, it’s equipped with a WiFi FPV camera, which allows you to enjoy first-person view flying using your smartphone.

The CX-OF is a great successor of Cheerson Hobby’s CX-10 Nano drone series. It incorporates all the features of its predecessors and many cool extras. Frankly, it is a miracle how they succeeded in integrating so many functionalities into such a miniature flying machine.

Cheerson announced the CX-OF in two package variants. RTF (Ready to Fly) with included transmitter and BNF (Bind and Fly) without RC. Both versions have two color options – Red and Blue. Perfect for girls and boys :)

Cheerson CX-OF Highlights

• Optical flow sensor;
• 0.3Mp camera with WiFi real-time video transmission (FPV);
• 640 x 480 @ 16 fps video resolution;
• Precise auto-hover;
• One key Take off & Landing;
• “Intelligent” flight modes (Dance mode, Selfie mode and Trajectory mode);
• 3D flips and rolls;
• Multiple control modes (RC and mobile APP);
• About 5 minutes of playtime.

Cheerson CX-OF quadcopter review

Disclosure: I received this drone for a product review collaboration with Geekbuying. Although the product was offered for free, all opinions in this article remain my own and the sponsor in no way influenced me.

This time I need to be a bit more expeditious with my review because the package included two more quads that are waiting to be tested :)

Cheerson CX-OF review: At a glance

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, a USB charging cable, a micro USB cable, blade removing tool, and an English instruction manual.

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

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

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

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

Cheerson CX-OF review: Camera and WiFi FPV

As you can expect from such a small toy, the camera is integrated and allows no angle adjustment.

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

Image quality is pretty good for such a small toy, but nothing impressive. The frame rate is only 16 fps. Your selfie videos will definitely 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 CX-OF review: Remote controller and Mobile APP

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

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

Besides the usual control sticks (centered in the middle) and power switch, there are only 4 buttons (Take off, Land, Speed switch, and 3D flips)—no shoulder button or trimming switches.

In addition to the physical remote controller, you can opt to control the aircraft through your smartphone – using a 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.

Cheerson CX-OF review: Test flight

Regarding drones as small as the Cheerson CX-OF-TX I recommend for newbie pilots to practice indoors first. Outdoors, the slightest breeze can take away their new toy.

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

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

The built-in 150 mAh Li-Po allows about 4 minutes of playtime. When the battery is nearly empty, the quad will land automatically.

Pricing and availability

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