Ruko has officially launched the U11MINI 4K, a compact yet powerful aerial pocket drone designed for beginners, travelers, and photography enthusiasts. With ultra-clear 8K imaging, 20,000ft long-range transmission, up to 96 minutes of flight time from triple batteries, and highly equipped kit, it offers the best value and highest configuration in its class.
We reviewed the original Ruko U11MINI drone last year – it offers a good balance of features and performance for its price point. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or casual users who want to explore drone photography and videography without breaking the bank – value for the money. Perfect for getting started in aerial photography and learning how to fly a drone. Read the full review here.
What is different?
The new U11MINI 4K is a ‘professional’ version of the original U11MINI in a compact package – many upgrades including a better camera (8K picture, 4K@30fps video, 48MP 1/2″ CMOS sensor), higher capacity batteries, and a 3-axis brushless gimbal with EIS. These features were only available in two of the professional drones we also tested last year: Veeniix V11 PRO and Ruko F11PRO 2.
Ultra-Portable Design
The U11MINI 4K redefines convenience with its palm-sized, foldable design, allowing users to carry it effortlessly in a pocket or backpack. Weighing less than 249g, the U11MINI 4K is FAA registration-free, offering effortless portability and hassle-free flying anywhere.
Comprehensive Flight Package
It comes with a full set of accessories, including 3 data cables for compatibility with different smartphones, 3 intelligent batteries, 3 PD3.0 fast charging cables, and a set of spare propellers. It also features an exquisite storage bag and packaging box, making it an ideal gift for anyone eager to explore the world of aerial photography.
The 3 intelligent batteries provide a total flight time of up to 96 minutes (32 minutes per battery). The 3 charging cables, allowing all batteries to charge simultaneously, thus saving valuable time and keeping you ready for longer aerial adventures. Supporting PD 3.0 fast charging, it allows users to recharge quickly and conveniently, whether at home or on the go.
Note
My experience with these batteries is that I get a shorter battery life since I’m flying in super windy weather at my testing grounds – less than 25 minutes with each battery. But having three batteries certainly helped with range anxiety!
For outdoor trips, pair it with the Ruko R299 Portable Power Station (sold separately) for easy charging anytime, anywhere-an ideal combo for uninterrupted aerial shooting. Whether filming vast landscapes or dynamic aerial sequences, the extended battery life ensures you never miss a moment.
High-Performance Image and Video
Despite its compact size, the U11MINI 4K boasts premium imaging capabilities, featuring an 8K photo resolution and 4K/30fps video recording.
With the U11MINI 4K, my iPhone and SD card records photos and videos at the same time but in different resolutions and formats.
Recorded Videos
On my SD card, it records 5-minute 4K segments (separate files). You will need to edit/join them later if you want a longer video sequence. It also makes it easier to edit smaller video files.
The Ruko U11MINI 4K camera is a Sony 48MP 1/2″ CMOS sensor f/1.8 – identical to the Veeniix V11 PRO which we reviewed last year. The 8K photos are high resolution (8000×6000) but you can see the surrounding areas off-centered pixelating when zooming in.
8000×6000 (SD Card)3840×2160 (iPhone)
Click to Zoom In
Watermarks
Watermark only shows up on the iPhone photos – the SD card versions will not have them. Also, none of the recorded videos have watermarking.
A 3-axis brushless gimbal and EIS provide smooth, stable footage, while enhanced digital zoom unlocks new creative perspectives, making it ideal for recording precious moments and fun adventures.
AI Takeoff/Landing System & Safe Flight
The U11MINI 4K’s AI-powered Takeoff/Landing system, combined with a four-way intelligent positioning system (GPS, barometric altitude hold, TOF positioning, and optical flow), ensures smooth and stable high-altitude and low-altitude flights. It offers multiple return-to-home options, including one-click, low-battery, and signal-loss returns, along with the feature to update the return point (see Mobile App section below for details on this new feature).
Additionally, the built-in beeper helps quickly and accurately locate the drone when it’s hard to spot.
Ruko U11 Mobile App
A new and improved application with some outstanding but needed features.
Return-To-Home (RTH) Action *
With the RTH feature, the aircraft will automatically return to the take-off point (the last recorded home point) due to manually requesting RTH, low battery, or signal disconnection. But what if you decide to land it somewhere else? With the new Return Update feature, you can select a new return point on the map or set the latest location of the aircraft or remote controller as the new return point location.
Alert Action *
To find your drone, in previous versions, you must press & hold the RTH button to activate the aircraft buzzer which is used to locate the aircraft or assist in finding it. You can also go through the Track screen and then press the Find Drone to show the location of the aircraft on a map – it does not sound the buzzer though.
In the latest version, you just press the Alert icon in the app. Press it again to turn off the buzzer. The Alert function will be locked and unavailable when the drone is flying at high altitude, only after the drone lands and stops flying can the sound effect be used to find its position.
Track Action *
You can access the tracking information or flight records screen via the ellipsis button on the top right of the app. Select the Track screen.
Then select ‘All Flight Records’ and pick any of the recorded flights.
You will see the breadcrumbs version of your complete flight path!
PRO Button *
I didn’t change the factory settings but if you choose, you can adjust image parameters like the White Balance, Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, and Saturation.
Extended Range & Seamless Connectivity
The U11MINI 4K sets a new standard with its 20,000ft maximum flight and transmissionrange, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for long-range aerial exploration. Equipped with a high-performance transmission chip and dual antenna design, it delivers smooth, stable, and lag-free video transmission at longer distances. Plug-and-play wired connection technology enhances user convenience, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Vertical Mode for Social Media
Select the Switch function to get into ‘Social Network‘ mode – ideal for platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Snapchat. By capturing footage in a 9:16 aspect ratio, it eliminates the need for post-processing adjustments. The aerial photos and videos are framed in a way that looks natural on mobile devices and social feeds.
Note:
Videos are recorded as 1216x2160p (9:16) on the mobile phones but are recorded as 3840x2160p (16:9) on the SD card (30 fps). Photos are recorded as 1215x2160p on the mobile phones but are recorded as 8000x6000p on the SD card.
Vertical – iPhone (9:16)Vertical – SD card (16:9)
Observations & Conclusion
Firstly, the upgraded camera and addition of a gimbal system made a huge difference in the stability and quality of the recorded video especially in windy conditions – night and day comparison in the videos taken by the two aircrafts (original U11MINI and new U11MINI 4K) I have.
Secondly, the images taken with the new U11MINI 4K are also higher resolution, 8000x6000p, versus the original 3840x2160p resolution.
Thirdly, the new flight distance of 20,000 ft versus the original 9,843 ft just opened major additional airspace for exploring! You are now able to capture scenes that are not possible with the original restricted flight distance – think of all the possibilities for content creators.
Lastly, all the upgraded electronic parts used to be available only in professional and larger aircrafts like the Veeniix V11 PRO and Ruko F11PRO 2, are now in a comparable but compact form that is less than 249g with no FAA registration needed, the Ruko U11MINI 4K is a bargain and out of this world!
The recorded drone videos are impressive, but I have a nit with the photos – when I zoom in to evaluate the sharpness across the frame. The edges are much softer or grainy compared to the center sharpness. Speckles (roughness) show up when I zoom in. This is highly likely because images were saved in high compression JPEG (instead of RAW/DNG) on the SD card and iPhone, zooming will show graininess and compression artifacts especially off-center. I wish there would be an option to save images in uncompressed formats (at the expense of storage space).
Which DJI model is the U11MINI 4K comparable to?
The closest model is the premier entry-level DJI Mini 3 (Fly More Combo) at around $590 (MSRP) versus around $470 (MSRP) for the Ruko U11MINI 4K (3 Battery Combo). The Ruko U11MINI 4K is a value buy – entry level, budget friendly.
Whether you’re filming your kids playing in the backyard, celebrating a family picnic at the park, or documenting a weekend road trip, this pocket-sized drone brings a new perspective to everyday memories. Its lightweight, foldable design makes it easy to take anywhere, while its smart features and stable footage ensure anyone can fly with confidence – whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring content creator. From family fun to stunning outdoor views, the Ruko U11MINI 4Kturns ordinary days into shareable, unforgettable scenes.
One nit – Ruko is missing a remote controller with a built-in screen thus eliminating the need to connect to a smartphone, making takeoff more focused and aerial photography more enjoyable.
Ruko now provides dedicated 24/7 customer service, 30 days of return or exchange and 90 days free warranty.
