With the recent release of the DJI Neo, we’ve already published our full review, which you can read. Now, we want to compare it with the HOVERAir X1, another small drone, and see which one offers the better deal.
Table of Contents
Specifications Comparison
| DJI Neo | HOVERAir X1 | |
| Dimensions | 130 (L)x 157 (W) x 48.5 mm (H) | 127mm (L) x 145mm (W) x 30mm (H) (unfolded) 127mm (L) x 86mm (W) x 31mm (H) (folded) |
| Weight | 135g | 125g |
| Max Flight Time | 18 minutes | 11.5 minutes |
| Storage Capacity | 22GB | 32GB |
| Flight Modes | Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, DirectionTrack, and Manual Control | Hover, Follow, Side track, Dolly track, Zoom out, Bird’s eye, Orbit, Snapshot, Smart control, Manual |
| Maximum Speed | Ascending0.5 m/s (Cine mode)2 m/s (Normal mode)3 m/s (Sport mode) Descending0.5 m/s (Cine mode)2 m/s (Normal mode)2 m/s (Sport mode) Horizontal6 m/s (Normal mode)8 m/s (Sport mode)16 m/s (Manual mode) | Ascending1.5m/s Descending1.5m/s Horizontal7m/s |
| Maximum Wind Resistance Speed | 8 m/s (Level 4) | 7.9m/s （Level 4) |
| Maximum Flight Height | 120m | 15m |
| Maximum Take-off Altitude | 2000 m | 2000m, max 5000m |
| Video Resolution | EIS Off:4K (4:3): 3840×2880@30fps1080p (4:3): 1440×1080@60/50/30fps EIS On:4K (16:9): 3840×2160@30fps1080p (16:9): 1920×1080@60/50/30fps | 2704*1520@30fps, 1920*1080@60fps, 1920*1080@30fps (HDR) |
| Photo Resolution | 4000×3000 (4∶3 12MP)4000×2256 (16∶9 9MP) | 4000*3000 (12MP) |
| Battery | 1435mAh | 1050mAh |
| Price | Php 10,799 (Standalone)Php 18,999 (Fly More Combo) | Php 21,990 (Standalone) |
Build Quality
The DJI Neo has a better build quality however the HOVERAir X1 has a better compact design which is easier to carry throughout your travel. But, the sturdy one for sure is the DJI Neo as it doesn’t have moving parts like HOVERAir X1.
One good thing with DJI Neo is the inclusion of an extra propeller which you can replace with your broken fans. They also included a screw for it, but for HOVERAir X1, it is not included in the packaging and is sold separately.
Both have a USB type-C port in its body for charging and transferring files to your computer. Also, they both don’t have any expandable storage available.
Features
These two devices feature quick modes that allow you to operate them without direct control. The HOVERAir X1 has a higher internal storage capacity of 32GB compared to the 22GB of the DJI Neo.
The DJI Neo is equipped with GPS, enabling a return-to-home feature, while the HOVERAir X1 does not have this feature, requiring a manual return. Additionally, neither drone includes a collision avoidance system, so caution is required when flying them.
Both drones can be controlled via a controller but the DJI Neo has a significant advantage when you purchase the Fly More Combo, which includes a remote controller. This allows the drone to fly up to 120 meters. Without the remote controller, the maximum flying height is around 30 meters, which is still higher compared to the HOVERAir X1.
Additionally, the DJI Neo can also be paired with goggles, making it an FPV drone. I find this feature of the DJI Neo to be an appealing option for people who want to start flying their first drone and eventually upgrade to a drone with a better range with its remote controller or possibly a starter FPV drone with its goggles.
Camera
The DJI Neo can record video up to 4K @ 30fps but HOVERAir X1 is only capable of recording up to 2K @ 30fps. As for the photo resolution they have the same resolution which is 4000 x 3000 or 12 megapixels.
DJI Neo Video Quality
HOVERAir X1 Video Quality
How about the video and photo quality? I tend to like the video quality and even the photo quality we got from the HOVERAir X1 as it has better sharpness and colors are much more vibrant, but, you will notice the grainess is much apparent compared to the DJI.
DJI Neo Picture Quality
HOVERAir X1 Picture Quality
HOVERAir X1 Sample Picture
For the photos it’s like the same with the video quality for the DJI which is under saturated with not that sharp and as for HOVERAir X1 it has a good sharpness and decent colors.
Flight Experience
Both drones need to connect to your smartphone for manual control, even if you have a remote control. The pairing between your smartphone and the drone is done via Wi-Fi. However, if you have a remote control for the DJI, it will pair with the remote control for better range.
Personally, I find that I have better control using the smartphone app with the HOVERAir X1; however, it tends to lose connection to your phone in areas with a lot of Wi-Fi signals. In contrast, the DJI Neo does not experience this issue.
Additionally, the range of the HOVERAir X1 is quite limited in areas with crowded Wi-Fi connections, which reduces your flight area.
Battery
Both drones come with a triple battery and a charging hub in their combo bundles. On the other hand, the DJI Neo has a better design that accommodates all three batteries at once, whereas the HOVERAir X1 can only charge two batteries at a time.
For the duration of flight time as the DJI has a larger battery which means it can also fly much longer compared to the HOVERAir X1 which is around 13 minutes with 4K recording for DJI and only under 10 minutes.
Verdict
In my opinion, the DJI Neo and HOVERAir X1 cater to different niches within the drone market. The DJI Neo is ideal for individuals who want to practice flying a drone. It offers a wider range and more advanced features, making it suitable for both beginners and those looking to improve their piloting skills. This drone provides a more versatile flying experience, allowing users to explore various environments and capture stunning aerial footage.
On the other hand, the HOVERAir X1 is designed for people who prioritize capturing better quality videos of themselves while traveling. Its features are tailored for those who want to take better selfies or create engaging travel vlogs. The HOVERAir X1 excels in providing a user-friendly experience and better camera for capturing personal moments in picturesque locations, making it an excellent choice for social media enthusiasts and travel aficionados.
However, the pricing may be a significant factor for potential buyers. The DJI Neo is generally more affordable while still offering comparable features to the HOVERAir X1. Although the HOVERAir X1 has specific advantages in terms of user experience for selfies and travel videos, it tends to fall short in camera quality compared to the DJI Neo. This difference in camera performance may influence customers who are looking for high-quality footage and overall value in their drone purchase.
In summary, while both drones serve distinct purposes, the choice ultimately depends on the user’s priorities—whether it’s practicing flight skills and enjoying a broader range with the DJI Neo, or capturing memorable travel experiences with the HOVERAir X1.
