Drones have often been perceived as devices that only professionals can operate. With this in mind, DJI has introduced a drone aimed at a broader audience by simplifying the skills required for operation. We had the opportunity to review this new model, the DJI Neo before its launch. In this article, we’ll share our experience with the DJI Neo.
Before we begin our review of the DJI Neo, we’d like to give a heads-up that the DJI Fly app used during this review is beta software. There may be changes in the final version once it is fully released.
Table of Contents
The Packaging
The DJI Neo we received is the Fly More Combo, which includes a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a charging hub capable of charging three batteries (two in the box and one already in the drone), a small screwdriver, a remote controller (RC-N3), and a USB Type-C to Lightning cable for the remote controller, which can be swapped if you’re using an iPhone with a Lightning port. It also comes with a set of A and B spare propellers, the drone itself, along with some documents and stickers.
If you will be buying the DJI Neo standalone model, it comes only with the drone itself and one battery.
Build Quality
The DJI Neo weighs just 135 grams, making it DJI’s lightest and smallest drone to date. Because of its size, it requires no certifications or training, making it accessible to everyone. Despite being the smallest and lightest DJI drone, it doesn’t compromise on build quality, remaining sturdy and durable.
The DJI Neo features a cinewhoop design, with four propellers that come with pre-installed propeller guards, which can be easily removed if you need to access or replace the propellers. The battery is located underneath the drone, while the sensors are positioned above it.
Operating The Drone
Operating the DJI Neo is simple, with plenty of options for controlling the drone. You can choose between RC Control, Mobile App Control, and Palm Control. You can also use DJI Goggles, which are sold separately. Before starting, make sure to remove the gimbal protector by pressing it down and pulling it out. To power on the DJI Neo, press and hold the power button. However, if this is your first time operating it, you’ll need to charge it first to activate the intelligent flight battery.
To fully operate the drone, you must install the DJI Fly App on your phone. The app allows you to access video recordings and other controls for the drone. The Neo comes with 22GB of internal storage for videos, but there is no option to expand this storage.
You can control the drone using voice commands. The DJI Fly app responds to the wake words “Hey Fly” and supports voice commands, allowing the DJI Neo to execute your spoken flight instructions.
When using Mobile App Control or Palm Control, you can choose from the following modes: Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, DirectionTrack, and Manual Control (available only with Mobile App Control). You can select a mode by pressing the button just above the drone’s camera, with both light indicators and voice prompts confirming your selection.
When using the mobile app, the app will remind you to fly in open areas, avoid water, steer clear of drop-offs, and observe local laws.
If you’re using the remote controller, you’ll need to attach your phone to the controller using the included cable.
Flight Performance
Flying the DJI Neo is incredibly easy. Simply tap and hold the power button located on the back of the drone, then select the flight mode. To start flying, briefly press the button. To stop, hold your hand beneath the drone, and it will automatically land in your hand. It consistently lands perfectly this way.
The drone may occasionally land automatically if the area is too dark or if the altitude changes drastically. It’s important to be mindful of your surroundings, which is why DJI recommends flying the drone in open areas rather than indoors.
The flight range supports up to 30 meters when paired with the mobile app. When paired with a remote controller, it uses DJI O4 video transmission, providing a maximum range of 20 km. Its Wind Resistance is rated at Level 4, comparable to the DJI Mavic Mini.
Camera Quality
The DJI Neo camera uses a combination of stabilization techniques, including y-axis mechanical and electronic stabilization. You can manually adjust the camera when using manual or remote control, or it will automatically adjust during flight features.
When capturing photos, it takes images at 4000 x 3000 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio. You can switch to a 16:9 aspect ratio for a resolution of 4000 x 2256 pixels. The image quality is decent in well-lit environments, with good sharpness and neutral colors, which I prefer. However, at night, noticeable graininess appears in the photos.
For video recording, it can capture up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps. You also have the option to switch between H.264 or H.265 encoding formats. For audio, it records via the mobile microphone and effectively reduces background noise, including the drone’s loud noise. As for the video quality, it’s decent, though the stabilization is just alright due to its single-axis mechanical stabilization paired with electronic image stabilization (EIS).
Battery Life
The battery for the DJI Neo has a rated capacity of 1,435 mAh, and you can check the battery percentage using the four LED indicators located around the top corner of the drone.
We tested the drone using different flight modes, including connecting our mobile phone to the drone and its remote controller. We achieved approximately 13 minutes of flight time while recording in 4K.
To charge the drone, there is a USB Type-C port on the back. According to the manual, it is recommended to use a charger rated at less than 10W or 5V, 2A or you can charge the three batteries simultaneously with its charging hub.
DJI Neo Verdict
The DJI Neo is a great new drone for beginners or amateur drone operators, offering flexible control options. You can operate it via the drone itself, its phone app, or a remote controller. Additionally, its price is the most affordable among DJI’s current offerings.
Its build quality, camera, and features are all well-executed. However, some users may be disappointed by its limited range of just 30 meters or around 100 feet when using only the drone or the mobile app control. With the remote controller, though, you can extend the range, allowing for greater flight distance.
The DJI Neo is priced at Php 10,799 for the drone alone and Php 18,999 for the Fly More Combo. The DJI Googles 3, DJI RC Motion 3, DJI RC 2, and DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 are available for separate purchase.
