The Holy Stone HS175D tops our list of the best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days drone deals in 2026 because it ships with two batteries for 46 minutes of total flight, a 4K camera with a 90-degree adjustable angle, and GPS auto return in a sub-249g body that skips FAA registration. The Potensic ATOM SE is the long-flight alternative with 62 minutes across two packs and a Sony 4K sensor, and the Holy Stone HS360S stretches range to 10,000 ft for pilots who want more distance than price. Prime Big Deal Days runs October 6-7, 2026, and these ten picks cover every budget from a kids’ play quad to creator-grade 4K kits worth watching during the sale.
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Picks for Best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Drone Deals (October 2026)
Holy Stone HS175D
- Best for: most buyers
- Dual batteries 46 min
- 4K adjustable camera
- Sub-249g GPS
Best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Drone Deals Compared
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Holy Stone HS175D |
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Potensic ATOM SE |
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Holy Stone HS360S |
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HASAKEE Q9s |
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DJI Neo |
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Hiturbo S20 |
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DJI Mini 4K |
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DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo |
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Ruko U11MINI 4K |
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DJI Neo 2 |
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How We Chose
We compared the specs and owner reviews that matter most for drone buyers during a sale: weight and FAA registration status, camera resolution and stabilization, flight time per battery, transmission range, and skill level. Amazon ratings and review counts were checked in October 2026 for every model in this list. No hands-on testing claims here; everything comes from the manufacturer listings and verified owner feedback.
1. Holy Stone HS175D: Editor’s Choice
- Two batteries totaling 46 minutes of flight
- GPS auto return works reliably
- 4K camera with adjustable 90 degree angle
- Beginner-friendly brushless motors
- Comes with carrying case
- Electronic image stabilization only
- GPS lock can take a minute
- Range drops in real-world use
The dual-battery pack is what sets the Holy Stone HS175D apart at this price tier, and it’s the reason it leads the list. 46 minutes of total flight out of the box means a Saturday morning of practice without recharging, and the 4K camera is a 110-degree wide-angle with a 90-degree adjustable tilt, which is a rare spec at this entry price. With 7667 owner reviews and a 4.1 rating, it has the deepest track record of any drone in this roundup, and the consensus is that it overdelivers for first-time flyers.
Stacked against the Potensic ATOM SE in slot 2, the HS175D gives up some total flight and lacks the Sony sensor, but the out-of-box dual-battery experience is friendlier for a first-time buyer. Against the Holy Stone HS360S in slot 3, the HS175D is heavier on flight time and lighter on range; choose based on whether you want more time in the air or more distance from the controller.

What it cannot do is gimbal-smooth fast pans; without a 3-axis gimbal or strong EIS, quick movements show up as wobble in the video, and the DJI Mini 4K in slot 7 is the right call for cinematic work. The 500 m range spec also drops to around 200 m in real-world testing, per multiple reviewers, so this is a backyard-and-park drone rather than a long-distance explorer.

The included carrying case is roomy enough for the drone, both batteries, the remote, and a charging cable, which makes this a clean travel kit. Owners also note that Holy Stone’s support is responsive when the GPS takes a long time to lock on first flight; a quick firmware update usually fixes it. With a forgiving ABS body and brushless motors that survive a few learning-curve crashes, this is the kind of drone you can hand to a relative on a holiday weekend without flinching.
2. Potensic ATOM SE: Best Value
- 62 minutes total flight across two batteries
- Sony sensor delivers strong 4K detail
- Level 5 wind resistance for the weight
- 4 km PixSync 2.0 transmission
- Comes with carry bag and spare props
- Electronic image stabilization only
- SD card not included
- App setup takes a few tries
Flight time is the headline on the Potensic ATOM SE, and 62 minutes across two batteries is the highest in this roundup. For many buyers that translates to a full afternoon of shooting without recharging. Owners repeatedly mention this as the reason they picked it over the HS175D, and the Sony sensor helps the 4K footage hold up well in good light.
The trade-off shows up against the DJI Mini 4K in slot 7. The ATOM SE gives up a mechanical gimbal for electronic stabilization, which means fast-moving shots or windy days can introduce some warping. In return you get 31 extra minutes of total flight and a noticeably lower ticket. For casual travel, family events, and learning to fly, the value math works out in the ATOM SE’s favor.

Where it falls short: cinematic panning shots or any work where the client expects gimbal-smooth footage. The Mini 4K in slot 7 covers that ground better, and the Ruko U11MINI 4K in slot 9 also has a true 3-axis gimbal at a similar weight. The ATOM SE is also not the best pick for very tight indoor spaces; its GPS lock is excellent outdoors, but it can drift indoors without GPS.

A microSD card is not in the box, so factor one in before your first flight. Potensic recommends a U3-rated card for 4K recording, and reviewers mention that cheaper cards can cause recording dropouts. The carry bag is included, which is a real plus for travel and storage between sessions.
3. Holy Stone HS360S: Best Range
- 10000 ft range at the price
- 213g body skips FAA registration
- Beginner mode with optical flow positioning
- Follow Me
- Waypoint and Point of Interest modes
- Carrying case included
- Single battery in the box
- No 3-axis gimbal
- Can drift in stronger wind
Range is the Holy Stone HS360S’s claim to fame in the sub-250g class. The 10,000 ft transmission is unusually generous for the price, and it gives new pilots more headroom to learn positioning and framing without losing the link. Owners consistently mention the range as the feature that sold them on this model.
Set against the DJI Mini 4K, the HS360S trades stabilization and ecosystem polish for a much lower entry price. Footage won’t look as smooth in wind, but for a learner who wants to focus on flying skills rather than post-production color grading, the gap is smaller than the price suggests. Against the older Holy Stone HS175D in slot 1, the HS360S adds the longer range and a sleeker foldable body.

Windy days expose the limits: without a 3-axis gimbal, footage can drift and tilt in gusts, and for stable video in wind the DJI Mini 4K in slot 7 is the safer pick. The HS360S also ships with a single battery, and reviewers note the included charger is slow, so budget for a spare pack if you want a full afternoon of practice.

The optical flow positioning system helps the drone hold its hover indoors where GPS doesn’t reach, which is a real plus for first-time pilots practicing in a basement or garage. Holy Stone’s customer service is consistently rated well by owners, and replacement parts like propellers and batteries are easy to find. A U3 microSD card is worth picking up at the same time so you are not stuck waiting on a recharge after 20 minutes.
4. HASAKEE Q9s: Best for Kids
- Propeller guards make crashes survivable
- Bright LED lights look great at dusk
- Two batteries in the box
- One-button takeoff and landing
- Headless mode is friendly for new pilots
- 6-10 minute battery life per pack
- Too light for outdoor wind
- 720p camera is basic
The full propeller guards and ABS body are the HASAKEE Q9s’s main feature, and they take hit after hit without breaking. For a first-time pilot under 12 or a learning-toy use case, that durability is the spec that matters most. The neon LED lights are bright enough to follow at dusk and make orientation easy when the drone is at the other end of a yard.
Against the Hiturbo S20 in slot 6, the Q9s is built more for fun than for camera work, with a basic 720p camera versus the S20’s 1080p. The Q9s also has the tougher body and the brighter lights. If the priority is letting a kid learn the controls without anxiety about damage, the Q9s is the safer pick.

Aerial photography is not the Q9s’s job; the 720p camera and short range make this a play toy, not a content tool. For a drone that takes usable video and still tolerates beginner mistakes, the Holy Stone HS175D in slot 1 is the better step up. The Q9s is also light enough that even a mild breeze pushes it around, so outdoor flying is limited to calm days.

Charge time is about an hour per battery, so plan around that when buying for a kid. The headless mode is genuinely helpful for first flights, because it keeps “forward” relative to the pilot rather than the drone, which removes a lot of early confusion. Keep hair tied back and fingers clear of the props, even with the guards, since reviewers note that long hair can still get caught in the props if the guard is removed.
5. DJI Neo: Most Portable
- Weighs just 135g and fits in a jacket pocket
- Palm takeoff and landing
- 4K stabilized video
- Built-in 22GB storage
- AI subject tracking and QuickShots
- Battery life shorter than the spec sheet
- No SD card slot
- App setup is awkward on Android
At 135g, the original DJI Neo disappears in a jacket pocket or a small sling, and palm takeoff means you can have it in the air before anyone pulls out their phone. For travel days when you don’t want to commit to a larger kit, the Neo is the easiest drone in this list to bring along just in case.
Next to the DJI Neo 2 in slot 10, the original Neo lacks omnidirectional obstacle sensing and the more advanced ActiveTrack refinement, but it costs less and shares the same palm-launch and QuickShots DNA. If you don’t need the latest tracking or the obstacle net, the original Neo is the better deal. Against the Potensic ATOM SE, the Neo wins on portability and ecosystem but loses on total flight time.

Real-world battery life lands around 14-15 minutes, well under the headline spec, and the head-tracking range with the phone as a controller is much shorter than the 10 km figure, which requires the dedicated RC controller. For longer sessions, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo in slot 8 is the right tool. The original Neo also lacks a vertical video mode, so it is not the first choice for TikTok-native shooters.

The Neo stores footage on 22GB of internal memory, so you never need to buy or lose a microSD card, but you do need to offload files regularly. The propeller guards are built in, which makes this one of the safer drones to hand-launch indoors. The modular props and screws are easy to swap after the inevitable indoor bump, which is one of the reasons this drone is a popular pick for first-time pilots.
6. Hiturbo S20: Best Budget Starter
- Voice control and gesture selfie work as advertised
- Two batteries included for back-to-back flights
- 1080p camera is a step up from toy quads
- Altitude hold helps new pilots
- Compact foldable design
- Short range and short flight time
- Wi-Fi connection can drop
- Not stable in any wind
The 1080p camera, voice control, and gesture selfie on the Hiturbo S20 are unusual at this level; most drones in this bracket ship with 720p cameras and basic remotes. For a first-time adult who wants to learn the basics without spending much, the S20 is a fair first step.
Next to the HASAKEE Q9s in slot 4, the S20 has a better camera and a more “adult” feature set, with less focus on bright LEDs and crash protection. Next to the Holy Stone HS175D, the S20 is much cheaper but lacks GPS, brushless motors, and 4K. The right way to think about it is as a “learn the controls, then upgrade” drone.

The footage ceiling is the main limit; the 1080p is fine for sharing with family but won’t hold up to cropping or color grading, and the DJI Mini 4K in slot 7 is the right move when image quality matters. Wind and range are the other weak spots: the S20 drifts in anything but calm air, and the Wi-Fi link drops at the edge of its range.

The voice control requires the app to disconnect from the remote, so the experience is more “phone-first” than “remote-first.” Reviewers suggest keeping the remote nearby as a fallback when the Wi-Fi link wobbles. Two batteries in the box help, but plan on charging the second pack while flying the first to keep the session going.
7. DJI Mini 4K: Best 4K Gimbal
- 3-axis gimbal delivers cinematic 4K footage
- 10 km transmission range
- Level 5 wind resistance at 240g
- 31-minute single-battery flight
- GPS return-to-home for peace of mind
- No obstacle avoidance sensors
- 4K capped at 30fps
- Base kit ships with one battery
The DJI Mini 4K is the drone that handles almost everything: travel video, family moments, real estate walkthroughs, and social content all sit comfortably in its skill range. The 3-axis mechanical gimbal is the headline feature at this weight class, and it’s the main reason footage looks smooth instead of janky when the wind picks up. Owners regularly point to that gimbal as the difference between a “drone video” and a “video you can actually use.”
Set against the Potensic ATOM SE in slot 2, the Mini 4K trades flight time for stabilization. The ATOM SE stretches to 62 minutes total across two packs, but its footage relies on electronic image stabilization alone, so high-speed pans or windy passes can look a little rubbery. The Mini 4K stays clean through the same moves and reaches 10 km versus 4 km, which matters if you fly near trees, cliffs, or large open fields.

Where the Mini 4K falls short is vertical video for TikTok or Instagram Reels; it shoots horizontal-first and you crop in post. For true native vertical capture, step up to the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo in slot 8. The Mini 4K is also not a kids’ drone: it has no propeller guards, and owners warn that a first crash is a real possibility for new pilots.

At 240g the Mini 4K is FAA-exempt for recreational flying, but the FAA’s Remote ID rules still apply if you add accessories that push it over 250g. Keep the stock battery and you’re clear for hobby use without registration. DJI also sells the Mini 2 battery as a compatible spare, which is the cheapest way to double your flight time without buying a Fly More bundle.
8. DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo: Best for Creators
- True vertical shooting for social media
- 4K HDR video with 1/1.3 inch sensor
- 114 minutes total across 3 batteries
- DJI RC controller with built-in screen
- 10 km HD transmission
- No obstacle avoidance on this model
- Higher price than the Mini 4K
- Some units have reported electronic quirks
Vertical video is the Mini 3 Fly More Combo’s reason to exist. The Mini 3’s true vertical shooting rotates the camera physically rather than cropping, so a 4K vertical clip keeps full resolution instead of a downscaled horizontal crop. The Fly More combo also includes three batteries, a charging hub, and the DJI RC controller with its own screen, which is a meaningful upgrade from the standard remote.
Against the DJI Mini 4K, the Mini 3 has a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor and adds HDR video, which means better dynamic range in tough lighting. In trade, it costs more, doesn’t have obstacle avoidance, and at 248g is still under the FAA threshold but closer to the line. If your output is mostly vertical-first social content, the Mini 3’s sensor and gimbal combo is worth the jump.

Where it underdelivers is obstacle avoidance, which is absent on this model. The Mini 4 Pro and higher tiers carry that safety net, not the Mini 3. For casual flyers who don’t need the DJI RC controller or the third battery, the Mini 4K in slot 7 covers the same weight class and leaves the Fly More bundle cost on the table.

The Fly More combo shoulder bag is one of the nicer travel cases in the sub-250g class and fits the three batteries, the controller, and the drone with room for charging cables. Reviewers also mention the DJI RC’s built-in screen works well in bright sun, which solves the usual phone-screen-glare problem. For anyone building a creator kit, this bundle is the cleanest one-stop option.
9. Ruko U11MINI 4K: Best Touchscreen
Ruko U11MINI 4K (RC3) Camera Drone for Adults with 5.5″ Touchscreen Remote
- 5.5 inch touchscreen remote removes phone tethering
- 8K photo and 4K/30fps video
- 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage
- 20000 ft transmission range
- 64 minutes total across two batteries
- Pricier than DJI Mini 4K
- Touchscreen can wash out in bright sun
- Some learning curve for first-time flyers
Phone-free flying is the Ruko U11MINI 4K’s whole pitch, and it delivers. The 5.5-inch touchscreen controller is the standout here: you see the live feed, change settings, and frame shots directly on the remote. For buyers who don’t love mounting a phone every flight, or who want to keep their phone free for calls, this design is a real quality-of-life win.
Side by side with the DJI Mini 4K, the Ruko U11MINI matches on the 3-axis gimbal and beats it on stated range (20,000 ft vs 10 km) and total flight time across two batteries. It also ships with a 1/2-inch sensor for 8K stills. The DJI ecosystem still has stronger software and longer-term support, but the Ruko is no longer the “second-tier” option it once was; several owners note it as a legitimate DJI alternative.

The touchscreen can wash out in direct midday sun, forcing you to cup a hand over it or hunt for shade. The DJI Fly app ecosystem also has a more polished feel for share-to-social moments, with deeper QuickShots integration than the Ruko companion app offers. If those are dealbreakers, the Mini 4K in slot 7 is the steadier pick.

At 248g the U11MINI is FAA-exempt for recreational flying, but the touchscreen controller itself is a separate flight control unit and not subject to the drone weight rules. Ruko’s customer service gets consistent praise from owners, which is uncommon in this segment and a real plus if you ever need a replacement part or a firmware fix.
10. DJI Neo 2: Best for Vloggers
- ActiveTrack subject tracking works reliably
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing adds safety
- Gesture and palm takeoff for hands-free flying
- 151g C0 certified (no FAA registration)
- 4K video with stabilized footage
- Drone-only package ships with one battery
- Higher price than original Neo
- Gesture control can falter in bright sun
For solo creators, the DJI Neo 2 changes the math. The Neo 2’s ActiveTrack is a clear step up from the original Neo, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing means it can dodge branches and signposts on its own. Vloggers post solo hiking videos, bike rides, and beach runs with this kind of hands-free setup; the drone does the framing while you do the activity.
Versus the DJI Neo in slot 5, the Neo 2 adds obstacle sensing, gesture control refinement, and Apple Watch integration for live preview on your wrist. The original Neo is cheaper and still very capable, but it lacks the safety net that matters when the drone is following you at speed. If you only need a tiny drone for static tripod-style shots, the older Neo is the better bargain.

The main trade-off owners report is battery endurance: the Neo 2 is built for short, smart flights, not marathon sessions. For longer creator days, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo in slot 8 gives you 114 minutes across three batteries. Midday sun is also a weak spot, where several owners note the gesture sensor can struggle to pick up hand signals.

This listing is the drone-only package, so it ships with one battery and no controller. The Fly More Combo version is worth watching if you want extra packs and the DJI RC controller with a built-in screen. Either way, the 151g weight keeps it under the 250g threshold where FAA registration kicks in for recreational pilots.
How to Choose Drones During Prime Big Deal Days
Weight and FAA Registration
Drones under 250g (about 8.8 oz) are exempt from FAA recreational registration in the US, which is why so many of these drones cluster around the 240-249g mark. Every sub-249g model in this list (the Holy Stone HS175D, Potensic ATOM SE, Holy Stone HS360S, DJI Mini 4K, DJI Mini 3, and Ruko U11MINI 4K) keeps that exemption. The DJI Neo at 135g and the Neo 2 at 151g are well under the line. Anything that pushes past 250g with accessories triggers registration.
Camera Quality and Stabilization
If smooth footage matters, look for a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, which the DJI Mini 4K, DJI Mini 3, and Ruko U11MINI 4K all have. Electronic image stabilization is cheaper and lighter but warps in fast pans and wind. For social video, 4K at 30fps is the practical sweet spot; the Mini 3 adds HDR and true vertical shooting, which is the difference between a usable Reel and a cropped 1080p clip.
Flight Time and Battery Strategy
Single-battery flight time ranges from about 14 minutes (DJI Neo) to 31 minutes (DJI Mini 4K). Total kit time is what really matters: the Potensic ATOM SE delivers 62 minutes across two packs, and the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo stretches to 114 minutes across three. During a sale, the Fly More bundles usually see the steepest markdowns, so they are often the best value even if you only need one extra battery.
Transmission Range and Where You Fly
Backyard pilots don’t need 10 km; open-field and travel pilots do. The Holy Stone HS360S pushes 10,000 ft on a budget body, and the Ruko U11MINI 4K claims 20,000 ft. Specs are upper bounds; real-world range drops with interference, and the listed numbers are tested in wide-open areas. Match the range to the spaces you actually fly in rather than chasing the biggest number.
Skill Level and Smart Modes
Beginner-friendly features to look for include GPS return-to-home, optical flow positioning for indoor hover, headless mode for orientation, and one-button takeoff and landing. The DJI Neo and Neo 2 add palm takeoff and subject tracking, which let you fly without a controller at all. Intermediate flyers benefit from QuickShots and Panorama, which the Mini 4K and Mini 3 include out of the box.
How to Shop Drone Deals During the Sale
During Prime Big Deal Days, the same model can appear in multiple listings: a base kit, a Fly More combo, a “with extra battery” bundle, and a “renewed” version. Check the exact bundle contents before adding to your cart, because a Fly More combo at a slightly higher price often beats a base kit plus an aftermarket battery. Most offers need a Prime membership; a free trial counts. Also check who sells and ships the listing: Amazon-fulfilled DJI listings are easier to return than third-party marketplace listings, especially for first-time drone buyers. If you are picking up a sub-250g model for the first time, consider adding a small FPV drone repair tool kit to your cart at the same time, since a screwdriver and spare props are useful the first time you bend a prop.
Quick checklist before you buy:
- Confirm the weight stays under 250g if you want to skip FAA registration
- Decide between a 3-axis gimbal (smoother) and EIS only (cheaper, lighter)
- Pick a bundle that includes at least two batteries if you can
- Match the transmission range to the spaces you actually fly in
- Check that a U3 microSD card is in the box or budget for one separately
- Verify the listing is sold and shipped by Amazon for easier returns
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 run?
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days runs October 6-7, 2026, and most of the drone deals we cover here will be live during that window. The best offers usually need a Prime membership, though a free trial counts if you sign up before the sale begins.
Are drones under 250g really free of FAA registration?
Yes, drones under 250g used for recreational flying are exempt from FAA registration in the US, and every sub-249g model in this list (Holy Stone HS175D, Potensic ATOM SE, Holy Stone HS360S, DJI Mini 4K, DJI Mini 3, Ruko U11MINI 4K) keeps that exemption. Adding accessories that push the drone over 250g changes the rule.
Which DJI drone should I buy in 2026?
The DJI Mini 4K is the best 4K gimbal pick in our list, with a 3-axis gimbal, 4K/30fps video, and 31 minutes of flight in a sub-250g body. The DJI Neo 2 is the right call for solo creators who want palm takeoff and ActiveTrack, and the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is the better fit if you publish vertical video for social.
Is DJI actually better than Holy Stone?
DJI generally delivers stronger stabilization, longer range, and a more refined app, while Holy Stone offers much lower prices and beginner-friendly features. If you need gimbal-smooth 4K footage and a 10 km link, DJI is the safer pick; if you want a budget-friendly 4K drone for learning, Holy Stone holds up well.
Are Holy Stone drones any good for beginners?
Yes, the Holy Stone HS175D and HS360S are both strong beginner picks in this list, with reliable GPS return-to-home, dual-battery options, and forgiving controls. Owners note that the 4K camera is solid for the price, though you give up the gimbal stabilization that DJI offers.
Should I wait for Prime Big Deal Days or buy now?
Prime Big Deal Days is one of the deepest sale windows of the year for drones, so it is usually worth waiting unless the model you want rarely goes on sale. Watch the listings for these ten drones during the event and compare to the typical everyday price before you check out.
Final Verdict: Best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Drone Deals
Buy the Holy Stone HS175D if you want the single safest bet in this list during Prime Big Deal Days: the dual-battery 46-minute kit, 4K adjustable camera, and GPS return-to-home cover almost every flying style without forcing you to learn a more expensive system. Buy the Potensic ATOM SE if you want the best bang for the buck, with 62 minutes of total flight and a Sony 4K sensor at a noticeably lower price. Buy the Holy Stone HS360S if range matters more than anything else, with 10,000 ft of transmission on a 213g body. Buy the DJI Mini 4K if you want cinematic 4K footage with a 3-axis gimbal, and pick the DJI Neo 2 if you want a pocket-sized drone that follows you without a controller.
For learning on a budget, the Hiturbo S20 and the HASAKEE Q9s are the right starter picks, and the DJI Neo is the right call if you want the original palm-launch experience at the lowest DJI price. The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is the one to watch for vertical-first creators who want three batteries plus the DJI RC controller, and the Ruko U11MINI 4K is the cleanest pick for pilots who want a built-in touchscreen remote. Watch all ten during Prime Big Deal Days, compare bundle contents before checkout, and add a microSD card and a spare battery to your cart if the listing doesn’t include them.








