If you’re searching for a budget-friendly drone with professional features, the Xiaomi Z104 Drone is a strong contender. Priced at around $55, it offers specifications that you’d normally expect from higher-end models—making it a great option for beginners, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to experience aerial photography without overspending.
In this review, we’ll cover the design, camera quality, performance, and key features of the Xiaomi Z104 Drone to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
The Xiaomi Z104 is a foldable, lightweight drone weighing just 210g. This is an advantage because in many countries, drones under 250g don’t require registration, making it easy to fly without extra hassle.
It comes with brushless motors, which are more durable, quieter, and provide smoother performance compared to brushed motors. The included propeller guards add extra safety for beginners.
One of the highlights of this drone is its 8K front camera with a 120° wide-angle lens. It also has a secondary bottom camera for additional shooting perspectives.
Front Camera: 8K photo resolution, 4K video resolution
Stabilization: Optical, gimbal, and electronic image stabilization (EIS)
Adjustable Lens: Up to 90° tilt control via remote
Bottom Camera: 1080P photos and 720P videos
While the photos look sharp for a budget drone, keep in mind that video resolution is interpolated, meaning it may not match the true quality of high-end drones like DJI. However, for casual use, it performs impressively well.
The Z104 Drone comes equipped with several intelligent flight modes that make flying smooth and beginner-friendly:
Flight Time: Around 20 minutes per battery
Control Range: Up to 800m with interference-free conditions
GPS Features: Automatic return-to-home, low-battery return, and signal-loss return
Stability: Optical flow positioning + altitude hold for steady hovering
Speed: Max ascent/descent speed of 18 m/s
Wind Resistance: Up to 10 km/h
The drone also supports custom flight paths, gesture photography, and headless mode, which makes orientation control easier for new pilots.
With omnidirectional sensing, the Z104 can detect obstacles in multiple directions and stop before collisions occur. This feature is usually found in much more expensive drones, so it’s impressive to see it at this price point.
The lightweight design and brushless motors also add durability and reduce the risk of mid-air malfunctions.
The Xiaomi Z104 comes with a 4.5-inch screen display remote controller, meaning you don’t need a smartphone to see the live camera feed. This is a big advantage over many budget drones that require app-only control.
Transmission Range: Up to 500m WiFi video feed
Control Methods: App + remote control
Connectivity: 2.4GHz & 5G WiFi for stable transmission
The Xiaomi Z104 Drone is ideal for:
Beginners & hobbyists who want an affordable entry-level drone
Travelers & casual photographers looking for lightweight gear
Kids & teens (7+) under supervision, thanks to easy controls and safety features
Budget-conscious buyers who want GPS, obstacle avoidance, and 8K photography under $100
Pros:
Affordable price (~$55)
8K photo resolution with stabilization
Lightweight (210g, no registration in most regions)
GPS with auto-return functions
Obstacle avoidance & brushless motors
20-minute flight time
Remote with built-in display screen
Cons:
Video quality is interpolated (not true 8K)
Limited wind resistance (<10 km/h)
Flight range is shorter than premium drones
For just $55, the Xiaomi Z104 Drone packs a surprising amount of value. With 8K photo capability, GPS auto-return, obstacle avoidance, and brushless motors, it’s a solid choice for beginners and casual drone enthusiasts.
While it won’t replace professional drones like DJI or Autel for serious filmmakers, it’s an excellent budget drone for learning, practicing aerial photography, or capturing casual travel shots.
👉 If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-rich, and beginner-friendly drone under $100, the Xiaomi Z104 Drone is definitely worth considering