The PL 516 foldable drone (sold as the PLEGBLE PL-516) is a budget, 140 g brushless toy-grade camera drone. Per the listing, it has a 4K-labeled camera with a 130° lens, two 1,500 mAh batteries and optical flow positioning, not GPS. Expect short range and roughly 14 minutes per battery, so treat it as a beginner or kids’ drone, not a photography tool.
We could only check the PL 516 specs through listing details and retailer pages, so everything below is “per the listing.” Confirm details on the product page before buying.
PL 516 Foldable Drone Specs (Per the Listing)
| Spec | Claimed |
|---|---|
| Brand / model | PLEGBLE PL-516 |
| Weight | About 140 g (0.14 kg) |
| Motors | Brushless |
| Camera | 4K video label, 8MP photos, 130° lens, adjustable tilt |
| Stabilization | Electronic only; no mechanical gimbal |
| Positioning | Optical flow (no GPS) |
| Batteries | 2 × 1,500 mAh |
| Flight time | About 28 min total across both batteries |
| Control | Remote plus smartphone app (Wi-Fi) |
| App extras | Voice control, gesture photos |
| Range | Short; Wi-Fi video limited to roughly 70 m per one summary |
A Note on Conflicting Listings
Earlier versions of this page mixed in claims like GPS return-to-home, a 5-inch screen on the controller and 70-minute flight time. Those match other PLEGBLE GPS drone listings, not the PL-516. If a listing shows those features, it’s likely a different model, so check the model number.
What the PL 516 Does Well
- Light and foldable: About 140 g, small enough for a backpack.
- Brushless motors: Usually more durable and efficient than the brushed motors on most toy drones.
- Two batteries: Doubles your flying time per session.
- Beginner features: Speed settings and app-based modes such as voice and gesture control, per the listing.
Limitations to Know Before You Buy
- No GPS: It can drift outdoors, especially in wind or over plain surfaces. There is no reliable return to home.
- Short range: Wi-Fi video drops quickly. Keep it close.
- Basic camera: No gimbal, and “4K” labels on budget drones don’t guarantee 4K detail.
- Wind: A light drone without GPS struggles in breezy weather.
- Support: No-name brands may have limited spare parts and support. Check the seller’s return window.
Safety and Rules
- Fly in open spaces, away from people, roads and airports.
- In the US, recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test. At under 250 g, recreational registration isn’t required.
- Charge LiPo batteries on a non-flammable surface and never leave them unattended. A LiPo safety bag is cheap insurance.
PL 516 vs Better-Known Alternatives
| PL 516 (listing) | Step-up option | |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Optical flow | GPS + vision sensors |
| Camera | No gimbal | Gimbal-stabilized |
| Support | Seller-dependent | Brand support and firmware updates |
If you want a tiny drone with real stabilization, see our best drones under 100 g, the DJI Neo 2 explainer, or our HoverAir X1 Pro review.
Who Should Buy the PL 516?
Buy it as a low-cost way to learn basic controls or as a supervised gift for older kids. Skip it if you want sharp aerial photos, stable flight in wind, or long range.
FAQ
Does the PL 516 drone have GPS?
Not according to the listing details we found. It uses optical flow positioning, which holds position over textured ground at low height. Without GPS there is no satellite-based return to home, so keep it close and in sight.
How long does the PL 516 fly?
The listing claims about 28 minutes in total across its two 1,500 mAh batteries, so roughly 14 minutes per battery at best. Wind and fast flying reduce that.
Is the PL 516 camera really 4K?
The listing advertises 4K video and 8MP photos with a 130° lens. Budget drones often upscale or use small sensors, so judge image quality from buyer sample footage rather than the resolution label.
Do I need to register the PL 516?
At about 140 g it is under the FAA’s 250 g threshold, so US recreational flyers don’t need to register it but must pass the free TRUST test. Commercial flying requires registration, and rules differ in other countries.
How is the PL 516 controlled?
With the included remote and a smartphone app over Wi-Fi. The app adds features such as voice commands, gesture photos and an adjustable camera view, per the listing.
Is the PL 516 good for kids?
It can be a reasonable first drone for older kids with adult supervision. Use propeller guards if included, fly in open areas, and supervise battery charging.
