DJI Neo Review: A Tiny Drone with a Mighty Punch (and a High-Pitched Whine)
DJI has unleashed a game-changer in the world of consumer drones: the DJI Neo. This ultra-compact, ultra-affordable drone, priced at just $200, packs surprisingly powerful features into a palm-sized package, making it a compelling entry point for both casual users and aspiring aerial content creators. However, as with many things in life, its diminutive size and tempting price tag come with some caveats. This in-depth review will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the DJI Neo, helping you determine if it’s the right drone for you.
A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse:
"The DJI Neo is so compact, so speedy, and so idiot-proof that it honestly makes me concerned for the peace of mind of neighborhoods across the U.S. and beyond." This bold statement from the initial Gizmodo review highlights the drone’s accessibility and surprisingly capable performance. Its diminutive size (135 grams or 0.3 pounds) makes it incredibly portable, easily fitting into a bag or even a large pocket. This portability is a major advantage for on-the-go shooting, a key feature for vloggers and casual users who want to capture spontaneous moments.
The ease of use is another striking feature. Setup is remarkably simple; a single button press on the DJI Fly app allows for quick launch and control. This low barrier to entry is a crucial selling point for beginners intimidated by more complex professional drones. Even using only the phone app, the drone’s preset automatic shot options—such as "dronie," "helix," and "boomerang"—make capturing cinematic shots effortless.
Impressive Performance, Despite Size Limitations:
The DJI Neo boasts a surprisingly quick ascent speed of 3 m/s (6.7 mph) and a horizontal speed of 8 m/s (17 mph) in Sport mode. This agility, combined with the intuitive controls, makes the drone exceptionally maneuverable for its size. However, to unlock its full potential (reaching 16 m/s (36 mph)), you need to purchase the optional RC-N3 controller, a separate $130 accessory. This fact is slightly frustrating given that the top speed is not achievable with the base package. In other words, you could pay more to get faster speed.
While the drone can soar to a remarkable altitude of 120 meters (approximately 394 feet) above the ground, it’s crucial to bear in mind its susceptibility to wind. Its lightweight nature causes instability in strong breezes, making it less suitable for challenging weather conditions. Furthermore, the camera offers up to 4K video resolution and utilizes a three-axis gimbal for surprisingly effective image stabilization. However, the default setting is 1080p, a setting for video with better battery life. Remember the drone only comes with one battery, leaving room for upgrading this aspect of the drone.
Build Quality: A Plastic Proposition:
The DJI Neo’s build quality is a reflection of its price point. Its entire body is constructed of plastic, including the propellers and protective cage. This plastic construction feels somewhat fragile and does not offer the same level of robustness as higher end-models. While the drone withstood minor crashes during testing with only minor scuffs, rough handling or collisions with harder obstacles could easily result in damage. Replacement parts are thankfully affordable, with propellers costing only $5 and entire frames available for $9 from DJI, but these are still additional expenses to factor in.
Controls and Maneuverability: App vs. Controller:
The DJI Neo is the first drone from DJI to incorporate a purely mobile phone-based control system. The app works well enough for basic flight and utilizing its automated shot modes. However, the responsiveness is noticeably less precise compared to using the dedicated RC-N3 controller. There’s a slight but perceptible lag between inputs and the drone’s reactions when using just an app. For optimal control and speed, the extra investment in the controller is highly recommended.
The Follow mode, which tracks your movement, is an excellent app-based feature. The drone uses this technology impressively well, showing the clever implementation of the technological aspect of this drone. While the drone lacks onboard obstacle avoidance sensors, its reliance on facial recognition and downward-facing infrared sensors to maintain ground level works admirably well within a reasonable area, but I would advise against using the drone in a more cramped environment.
Image Quality: A Solid Showing for the Price:
The DJI Neo’s 0.5-inch sensor, 117.6-degree FOV, and f/2.8 aperture deliver decent 4K video quality for its price range. However, as is expected with a sensor of this size at this price, the resulting image quality under different circumstances is not consistent, with bright sunlight tending to wash the image out, and low light resulting in noticeable grain. While the image stabilization is effective, its performance in low lighting could be improved. The lack of vertical shooting mode is also a minor drawback for those creating content specifically for platforms that emphasize vertical.
Battery Life: The Achilles Heel?
The 15-minute flight time on a single charge is a significant limitation. This short flying time necessitates investing in additional batteries, each costing $40, and a charging hub ($40) to streamline the charging process. The “battery package” also includes these options which is worth considering. DJI also offers a bundle including three batteries and a charging hub, which brings the total cost closer to those of DJI’s earlier entry-level model, the Mini. This limited flight time significantly impacts the overall user experience, requiring diligent battery management and potentially disrupting extended shooting sessions.
Final Verdict:
The DJI Neo isn’t without its flaws. Its short battery life, potential fragility, and the necessity of additional accessories to unlock its full potential are significant factors to consider. The drone excels at its purpose, giving a better flight experience than expected. However, the $200 price point is incredibly competitive, putting it in a league of its own against other similarly sized drones.
"For $200, it’s an excellent, zippy drone that’s easy to use and shoots fair-quality video at 4K. It’s only held back by a limited battery life and…" This accurate summary encapsulates the core of the DJI Neo experience. It’s a fantastic entry-level drone with impressive capabilities, especially for its price. If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use drone that can capture dynamic aerial footage in various settings, the DJI Neo is a great option. Just be prepared to invest in additional batteries to extend your flight time and potentially the RC-N3 controller for full control over its speed. It’s clear this small drone has a powerful impact on the drone market with the technological advancement at such a low price.
