Holy Stone HS165: A Thorough Review and User Guide (2024)

As soon as I unboxed my Holy Stone HS165, I knew I was in for a treat. This small but powerful drone astonishingly packs quite a punch between its impressive flight time and high-quality camera. The Holy Stone HS165 is proof that great things can indeed come in small packages. Designed with both beginners and pros in mind, this drone is the perfect companion for explorations or even just backyard fun.

Over the first few flights, it’s astounding how immersive the whole experience feels. With GPS Return Home, Follow Me Mode, and a 2K HD FPV camera – all encapsulated in its compact design – this device offers more than you could ask for from any high-end drone. You’ll be left astounded at how much potential such a compact package holds!

What You’ll Discover with Us:

• An unbiased, thorough analysis of Holy Stone HS165
• Key features and specifications explained
• Detailed guide on setting up your own Holy Stone HS165
• Tips on maximizing your flying time
• How to fully exploit the wonders of its high-resolution 2K HD FPV Camera

Unveiling the Holy Stone HS165 Review

In the ever-evolving world of drones, there are few models that have managed to capture my attention, quite like the Holy Stone HS165. Packed with a multitude of features, this trusty companion has proven itself to be an exceptional choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. Ready to explore its specifications? Let’s dive in!

A Closer Look at the Specifications

To give you a clear picture, here is a detailed breakdown of all its spectacular features:

Specifications	Details
Flight Time	28 minutes with two modular batteries
GPS Return Home	Ensures precise return when low on power or connection is lost
Camera	2K HD FPV camera with a 90° field of view
FPV Transmission	5G Wi-Fi with an 820ft transmission range
Follow Me Mode	The drone follows your steps and captures your movements
Circle Fly	Drone flies along a path you draw on the app.
Tap Fly	Allows you to set waypoints on the map for automatic flight
Battery Capacity	880mAh battery with two included, providing up to 28 minutes of flight time
Compact Design	Foldable and easy to carry in a carrying case provided
Live Video Transmission	5GHz Wi-Fi for real-time video transmission quality
Weight	171g (6oz)
Dimensions (Folded)	262 x 180 x 51 mm
Charging Time	120 minutes
FPV Distance	590-820 feet
Flight Distance	984-1312 feet
Camera Frequency	5GHz
Camera Angle	Adjustable from 0° to -90°
Video/Photo Resolution	HD 2048x1152P stored on TF card
Max Expansion	Supports up to 32GB TF Card (not included)

Overview of the Holy Stone HS165

Being a drone enthusiast, I had the chance to experience and try out impressive drones, but my recent interests have been mainly on mid-sized and compact drones. There’s something truly remarkable about these mini marvels; how they pack so much power, advanced features, and functionality into a small body is beyond me. Speaking about compact powerhouses, let me introduce you to my recent favorite, the Holy Stone HS165.

What’s in the Box?

Unpacking new drones is arguably one of the exciting parts of being a drone hobbyist or a professional. That thrill as you remove the seals and lift open that lid for your first glimpse—it’s priceless! So here’s what I found upon unboxing my brand-new Holy Stone HS165:

• The Holy Stone HS165 itself
• Two modular batteries (880mAh each)
• An HD 2K FPV camera with an adjustable angle mount
• One Remote controller with a GPS feature
• A user-friendly manual for beginners
• Some spare propellers just in case safety is compromised.
• Landing pads for soft landings
• Screws and screwdriver for assembly

The packaging was not only appealing but also ensured that delicate components like the HS165 drone were well protected during shipping.

On a brief side note: If you’re interested in learning how these intricate machines tend to operate, you may want to read How Do Drones Work?

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, I was blown by this humble toy-grade drone called holy stone HS165:

Design & Build Quality:

• The design hits on elegance – it doesn’t make loud statements, but subtlety announces its presence.
• The folding style is quite similar to many other ‘portable’ drones in the market, which means it is compact and easy to carry around.
• It seemed robust yet lightweight (171g or 6oz). So, there’s absolutely no worry about having to register it with the FAA before taking your first flight.
• The build quality – it had me! It definitely falls into the category of well-made drones, especially considering its price point.

Camera & Battery Life:

• The onsite camera offers a 2K HD FPV camera with a 90° field of view. Not too many drones at the same price as Holy Stone HS165 offer this feature.
• The announced battery life for each module is about approximately 14 minutes. This evidence backs up that great things come in small packages. I mean, two of these modules sum up to give you almost half an hour of air time!

At first glance, Holy Stone HS165 appeared to me as a great entry-level drone that had some serious potential. But then again, only airtime could confirm its true capabilities. With my experience with waterproof drones, I was curious how this little master would fare under various conditions.

Also Read: Unveiling the Holy Stone HS110D: A Comprehensive Review

The Specifics of Holy Stone HS165

Today, I am going to dive deep into the specifics of an exceptional drone that captured my attention recently – the Holy Stone HS165. I will walk you through its impressive performance during flight, analyze the camera’s exciting features, and evaluate its battery life and charging times.

Performance

When it comes to drone flight performance, what really matters are speed, stability, and overall ease of use. The Holy Stone HS165 has demonstrated impressive capabilities on these fronts.

• Speed: Even though it’s not designed as a racing drone, the Holy Stone HS165 surprised me with its nimbleness in cutting through air currents. The maximum flight distance is around 984 to 1312 feet. A decent range for those who love exploring the open skies.
• Stability: This little machine also won me over with its incredible stability in various weather conditions: windy days didn’t seem to bother it, thanks to its sturdy design and effective altitude hold feature.
• Ease of Use: With features like ‘Follow Me Mode,’ ‘Circle Fly,’ and ‘Tap Fly,’ anyone from beginners to pros can maneuver this drone effortlessly and capture some breathtaking shots or videos on the fly.

Camera Quality

For many drone enthusiasts, I included camera quality is a decisive component influencing their purchase decision. And let me tell you that Holy Stone HS165 doesn’t disappoint at all.

• It boasts a 2K HD FPV camera with a 90° field of view, which lets you take sharp images without sacrificing any details.
• Its live video quality transmitted via 5GHz Wi-Fi astounded me with the vividness in color reproduction & clarity even at distances upending 820ft.

Also Read: Best Mini Drones

Battery Life & Charging

One of the key features to analyze before buying a drone is battery life and charging time. Thankfully, the Holy Stone HS165 comes equipped with two 880mAh modular batteries, providing up to 28 minutes of flight time altogether. This outperforms many other drones in the same price range.

Recharging these power cells takes approximately 120 minutes for each battery. The dual batteries included in the package allow users either extended playtime or a swift swap once one gets drained.

And that’s not all! Even on low battery or when the connection is lost, the GPS Return Home feature ensures a precise return to home. No more anxiety over losing your investment!

Also Read: How Much Does Drone Weight?

Noteworthy Features of Holy Stone HS165

When we talk about drones, the Holy Stone HS165 always comes to mind. This drone doesn’t just look sleek; it’s packed with features that make it stand out in a crowded market. Let’s dive into some of the main features that set the HS165 apart from its competitors.

GPS Assisted Flight

One feature I love about the Holy Stone HS165 is its GPS-assisted flight. This capability takes the worry out of flying and makes it a breeze, even for beginners. How does it work? Well, with a built-in GPS module, the drone is aware of its position at all times.

When I set flight paths on my mobile device using their app, this autopilot mode kicks in and the drone follows my set route perfectly. For those interested in aerial photography or videography, this feature allows for some incredibly smooth camera moves and eliminates common issues such as shaky footage.

This feature also integrates well with the 5GHz FPV transmission, making real-time transmission clearer and smoother up to around 820 feet – more about this later!

Smart Return Home Feature

Nothing gives peace of mind like knowing your drone won’t get lost during flights. The Smart Return Home feature on the Holy Stone HS165 ensures a precise return home when power is low or if the connection is lost.

Personally, I found this autopilot function extremely handy when I get too absorbed in capturing photos or videos and fail to keep an eye on my battery levels or if I lose sight of my drone! With a simple tap on your screen or automatic activation when needed (for instance, when losing signal), your drone will fly back without any hitches.

Follow Me Mode

Follow Me Mode is another ingenious feature of the Holy Stone HS165 that I can’t get enough of. This feature allows the drone to track and follow me or whoever controls it automatically. It’s like having a personal cameraman at your disposal!

Whether I’m biking through a trail or simply walking around my neighborhood, the Follow Me mode makes capturing dynamic footage hassle-free. By following my movement relative to my mobile device location, this drone does an impeccable job of keeping me in the shot while capturing smooth footage.

Also Read: Holy stone HS440 Review: A Perfect Drone To Start With

Pros And Cons of Holy Stone HS165

Just like any other drone in the market, the Holy Stone HS165 has its strengths and weaknesses. I experimented with this drone extensively to give you an unbiased review.

Pros

Here are some of the outstanding features that I can vouch for:

• Impressive Flight Time: One standout feature of the Holy Stone HS165 is its flight time. It offers up to 28 minutes of flight time with two modular batteries included. This is more generous than many drones in a similar price range offer.
• Return Home Feature: The drone’s GPS Return Home feature ensures a precise return to home when low on power or if the connection is lost; this feature gives peace of mind while flying.
• Quality Camera and Transmission: The 2K HD FPV camera offers an excellent 90° field of view that provides high-quality images and videos. On top of this, its live video transmission uses 5GHz Wi-Fi that assures real-time, high-quality video transmission within a range of 820 feet.
• User-friendly Features: Functions such as Follow Me Mode, Circle Fly, and Tap Fly add amazing awesomeness to your flight experience! These features make it easier for beginners or hobbyist pilots to operate the drone smoothly without much hassle.
• Compact Size: With just a weight of 6oz (171g) and dimensions (Folded): 262 x 180 x51 mm it is very compact, making it super portable.

Cons

As much as I enjoyed testing out the Holy Stone HS165, there were also a few shortcomings:

• Charging Time: For one battery alone, you’ll have to wait up to 120 minutes. Compared to other drones on the market, this charging time is a little long.
• Limited FPV and Flight Distance: Although the FPV distance of 590-820 feet and flight distance of 984-1312 feet can seem quite a stretch, it might still limit those who need to fly their drones farther for professional purposes.
• Limited Storage: The maximum expandable storage supports up to only 32GB TF Card (not included). This might not be enough if you’re looking at recording longer high-res footage.

Also Read: Holy Stone HS510: An In-Depth Review With Pros & Cons

FAQs

Conclusion

After flying the Holy Stone HS165 for a few weeks now, I’ve found it to be one of the most reliable drones on the market. Its advanced features and flawless performance surpass my expectations every time I use it. Whether it’s the sharp 2K camera or its smart ‘follow me mode’, this drone proves itself to be worth every penny.

Key Takeaway Points

• The Holy Stone HS165’s flight time of 28 minutes with two modular batteries is quite beneficial
• Enables GPS Return Home for safety
• Its compact design makes it travel-friendly
• “Follow Me Mode” and “Tap Fly” are handy features