DJI Neo, complete review: selfie drone and more!

With the DJI Neo, the drone giant launches into a new range, making a striking entry into the world of selfie drones. This new model, as light as its price tag, promises to revolutionize the way you capture your everyday moments. But what’s really new about it? Does its functionality live up to expectations? And above all, should you take the red pill and fall for this little technological gem? We reveal all in our full review!

DJI Neo : Design

dji neo test design
Weight135 g
Dimensions130 x 157 x 48.5 mm
Internal storage22 Go

The DJI Neo is an incredibly small and lightweight drone. Barely larger than the palm of your hand and weighing just 135g on the scales, it’s ideal for taking anywhere.

Visually, it follows theaesthetics of the DJI Avata 2, with its futuristic look and integrated protective frame permanently encircling the propellers, in the manner of CineWhoop drones, while sporting DJI’s emblematic light gray hue, already used on the Mini drone series. Despite its small size, the Neo gives an impression of robustness, with quality materials.

In addition to this propeller protection frame integrated into the drone’s structure, the Neo is equipped with propeller guards below and above the propellers to protect your fingers when it comes to land in your hand. The upper guards are removable to allow you to change the propellers.

Small tour of the owner :

  • At the front, the camera is mechanically stabilized on the tilt axis (vertical), while horizontal stabilization is managed electronically.
  • On the top, there’s a power button and another for selecting the various autonomous flight modes, with pictograms and indicator lights.
  • Underneath are the removable battery and optical sensors, which help the drone position itself in hovering flight.

Finally, note the absence of a memory card port: in fact, the Neo has 22 GB of internal memory, which will store, according to the manufacturer, 40 minutes of video in 4K at 30 fps or 55 minutes in 1080p at 60 fps.

DJI Neo : Piloting

dji neo test pilotage
Compatible radio controlsDJI RC-N3
DJI RC-N2
DJI RC 2
Radio control 3 DJI FPV
DJI RC Motion 3
Video transmission systemDJI O4
Max. transmission distanceFCC: 10 km
CE: 6 km
Live preview qualityup to 1080p at 60 fps

The DJI Neo can be controlled in five distinct ways, each offering a unique experience:

  1. Autonomous mode: With no need for a smartphone or remote control, simply place the drone in the palm of your hand and select a flight mode by pressing the dedicated button on the top of the drone. The Neo will take off automatically and return to land in your hand when you raise it in front of you.
  2. Via the DJI Fly smartphone app: In the absence of a traditional remote control, you can use the DJI Fly app to access a simplified interface. This interface lets you launch and configure the various modes available, control the drone manually with virtual joysticks, and view images captured by the drone’s camera in real time. Note that the connection between the smartphone and the drone is via Wi-Fi, limiting the flight range to 50 meters.
  3. Via the DJI RC-N3 remote control: using the remote control included in the Fly More package (or the compatible DJI RC 2 and RC-N2 remotes), you can access the complete DJI Fly interface. This gives you all the modes and settings available for the brand’s top-of-the-range drones, such as ActiveTrack and POI tracking modes, as well as cruise control. Transmission is via DJI O4, offering a normal range of 10 km in FCC mode and 6 km in Europe.
  4. In FPV flight with DJI Goggles 3 or Goggles N3: combined with the DJI FPV Radio Remote Control 3 or RC Motion 3 controller, DJI Goggles 3 and Goggles N3 enable first-person view piloting for an ultra-immersive flying experience.
  5. Voice control: The Neo can also be controlled by voice. Simply say “Hey Fly” followed by the voice instructions recognized by the drone to select one of the available flight modes.

DJI Neo: Autonomous flight modes

The DJI Neo offers a number of autonomous flight modes, which you can select directly via the dedicated button on the drone or from the DJI Fly application.

The mode selector button gives you quick access to six different modes, the sixth of which can be customized with three additional options, making a total of eight varied functions. Among these modes are the famous QuickShots, for capturing dynamic videos with pre-programmed flight paths.

Here’s an overview of the eight available modes, two of which are specifically designed for tracking:

  • Intelligent tracking: This mode detects your face and then allows the drone to track you from behind, keeping you in the center of the image. You can adjust the tracking distance and altitude in the settings. Note that this mode is designed to track humans only, and not vehicles or animals, for example.
  • DirectionTrack: Unlike intelligent tracking, this mode places the drone in front of the subject. Simply position the drone at the desired angle to you (front or three-quarter, for example), and the Neo will maintain this position continuously.

The DJI Neo’s main function is subject tracking. It’s smooth and efficient, even over varied terrain with climbs, descents and turns. Although the drone may lose the subject if you exceed its maximum speed, for example, it quickly recovers it and resumes tracking as soon as you return to its field of vision.

The DJI Neo also features six QuickShots modes:

  • Dronie: the drone flies away to capture an overview, then returns to its starting point.
  • Circle: as the name suggests, the drone circles the subject, offering a dynamic perspective.
  • Rocket: the drone climbs vertically while keeping the camera pointed at you.
  • Spiral: the drone spirals around the subject, creating a captivating visual effect.
  • Boomerang: this mode causes the drone to circulate around the subject like a boomerang, offering an interesting panoramic view.
  • Spotlight: more a tracking mode than a simple QuickShot, this mode keeps the subject in view by adjusting the drone’s orientation and camera tilt. Ideal for vloggers who want to stay in front of the camera while on the move.

Depending on the mode you choose, you can adjust parameters such as flight distance and altitude, or decide whether the drone should rotate.

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DJI Neo: In-flight performance

Maximum speed6 m/s (Normal mode)
8 m/s (Sport mode)
16 m/s (Manual mode)
Max. ascent speed0.5 m/s (Cine mode)
2 m/s (Normal mode)
3 m/s (Sport mode)
Max. descent speed0.5 m/s (Cine mode)
2 m/s (Normal mode)
2 m/s (Sport mode)
Max. wind resistance8 m/s (level 4)

As a small drone, the DJI Neo is equipped with motors proportional to its size. With a maximum speed of 8 m/s (28.8 km/h), whether in autonomous mode or controlled via a radio remote control, it’s not designed to break speed records. However, it is fast enough to keep up with a person walking, running or even pedaling a bike.

In fact, the Neo still has speed in reserve thanks to its Manual mode, which can reach up to 16 m/s (57.6 km/h), double its normal speed. However, this mode is reserved for FPV flying, and you’ll need to invest in the necessary accessories to take advantage of it.

In any case, it’s nice to know that FPV mode can give us an extra dose of adrenalin. What’s more, if you choose to fly with the DJI RC Motion 3 remote control – that one-handed gyro-controlled aircraft stick with hand movements – you’ll be able to take advantage of the simplified Acro mode. This mode lets you perform aerial tricks (such as flips, rolls and 180° drifts) with a single touch. Pretty cool!

Aside from a shrill, high-pitched sound that can be unpleasant 😅 , the DJI Neo’s main shortcoming in flight lies in its small dimensions and ultra-light weight: its wind resistance. While the Mini range generally offers level 5 wind resistance, the Neo is rated at level 4 (8 m/s, or 28.8 km/h). This means it tends to pitch quickly when the wind blows a little harder than usual. If you live in a windy region, its use will therefore be fairly limited.

Apart from that, in calm weather, the Neo flies very well: it’s agile in turns and stable in the air, true to the manufacturer’s reputation. In the absence of obstacle detection (with the exception of the downward-facing positioning sensors), you need to remain vigilant, especially in tracking mode. However, the drone is well protected thanks to its propeller guards, and does well even if it has to fly through some foliage.

DJI Neo : Autonomy

Batteries1435 mAh
Autonomy18 minutes (17 minutes with propeller protection)
Recharge timeDirect charge: 50 minutes for one battery
Charging station: 60 minutes for 3 batteries

The DJI Neo is equipped with a 1435 mAh battery, offering, according to the manufacturer’s official data, up to 17 minutes of flight time. By removing the propeller guards, you can gain a further minute, bringing autonomy to 18 minutes.

These figures are, of course, based on optimal flight conditions, and you should expect a slightly shorter range under more realistic conditions. For our part, we obtained flight times of around 13-14 minutes during our various tests.

This may seem a little light, but it all depends on your use. If you’re using the drone in stand-alone mode to take a few QuickShots here and there, with each video taking little time, one battery may be enough to keep you entertained. On the other hand, for longer tracking sessions or if you’re manually piloting the drone, the minutes can go by quickly. In this case, it would be wise to invest in a Fly More pack or a few extra batteries.

For recharging, allow around 50 minutes to recharge a battery by connecting it directly to the drone. The charging station included in the Fly More pack is particularly practical: it allows you to charge three batteries simultaneously, unlike other Fly More stations which charge batteries one after the other. This means you can recharge three batteries in just 60 minutes, a real time-saver.

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DJI NEO : Camera

Sensor1/2 inch
Lens14 mm equivalent format
Aperture: f/2.8
FOV 117.6
StabilizationSingle-axis mechanical gondola (tilt)
Max photo resolution12 MP
Max video resolution4K up to 30 fps
ISO range100 à 6400
Max bit rate75 Mb/s
Photo formatJPEG
Video formatMP4
Color profileNormal

Sensor and resolution

The DJI Neo is equipped with a 1/2-inch, 12 MP sensor. To give you an idea, this sensor is slightly larger than the 1/2.3-inch sensor on the Mini 2, Mini 2 SE or Mini 4K, but smaller than the 1/1.3-inch sensor on the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro. It has a fixed aperture of f/2.8, a focal length of 14 mm and a field of view of 117.6 degrees, perfect for getting a wide view when following a subject.

In terms of resolution, the Neo’s camera can take 12 MP photos, film in 4K at up to 30 frames per second, or in 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats.

As mentioned in the design section, the Neo is equipped with a cradle that is stabilized only on the tilt axis, i.e. the upward or downward movement of the cradle. Stabilization on the other axes is digital, using the Rocksteady and HorizonBalancing technologies already used on DJI’s action cameras.

Image quality

Let’s not beat about the bush: the DJI Neo’s image quality is not its strong point. In daylight and with good light, images are quite beautiful, but the sensor struggles with strong light, such as backlighting, and darker areas where noise can appear. What’s more, sharpness can sometimes seem a little digitally forced.

Digital stabilization is no match for 3-axis stabilization, and the drone’s low wind resistance can lead to parasitic movements that affect the quality of shots.

To get the most out of the Neo’s camera, we recommend dynamic images in motion, such as in tracking mode or FPV, rather than hovering. For still shots, try to choose windless days with good light conditions, and avoid backlighting.

Of course, as image enthusiasts, we have to admit that we’re a bit demanding. With a price tag of less than 200 euros, you can’t expect the image quality of a Mavic 3. However, for capturing pretty memories and sharing them on social networks, the Neo does the job. On the other hand, if you’re a professional or a very demanding amateur looking to create high-quality content, you might be a little disappointed, and that’s understandable when you know DJI’s potential.

Photo and video features

In addition to the automatic flight modes described above, the DJI Neo offers a number of other functions and settings, although most of these can only be accessed via the full DJI Fly application, which requires a compatible radio control system. The simplified version of the application, available only with the drone itself, does not allow access to these advanced options.

When using the drone in stand-alone mode or via the app only, all shots will be taken automatically. However, with a remote control, you can access manual settings, such as ISO and shutter speed, for more precise control of your photos and videos.

As far as photo options are concerned, they’re pretty basic: you can choose between a single photo or photos taken at regular intervals. Unfortunately, only JPEG format is available, with no RAW option for those who like to edit their images on the computer. On the video side, the only color profile available is the standard profile, with no flat profile option for those wishing to do post-production color grading.

Good news for content creators: since a post-release update, the DJI Neo now offers a vertical format capture mode, ideal for social networking. This mode enables 1080p filming at up to 60 frames per second.

In terms of storage, the Neo is equipped with 22GB of internal memory. This can store around 40 minutes of video in 4K at 30 frames per second or 55 minutes in 1080p at 60 frames per second. Although this may seem a little short, the QuickTransfer function allows you to quickly free up space by transferring files from the drone’s memory to your smartphone.

Finally, the Neo offers an interesting function for sound recording. When connected to the DJI Fly app, sound is recorded directly via your smartphone’s microphone, or via the DJI Mic 2 if you own one and it’s connected to your mobile. You can also choose to suppress the drone’s sound to keep only your voice, which is handy for vloggers.

DJI NEO : Price

dji neo test price

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Standard package199€
Fly More Pack349€
Motion Fly More Pack529€

Starting at 199€ for the standard package, the DJI Neo is the most affordable option in the DJI range. At this price, you get the drone on its own, without remote control, but with a battery, propeller guards, a spare pair of propellers, a nacelle guard, and a charging and data transfer cable.

For those looking to explore more flight modes and extend their autonomy, the Fly More pack is an interesting option. Priced at €349, it includes all the contents of the standard pack, plus the DJI RC-N3 radio control system, two additional batteries and a charging station.

Although these two packages make the DJI Neo very accessible financially, the cost rises considerably if you want to get into FPV flying. For that, you’ll need to invest in the DJI Goggles 3 headset at €659, as well as a compatible radio control system, such as the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 at €149, or the RC Motion 3 at €89.

The Neo is now available in a package specially designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the FPV flying experience. Priced at €529, the Motion Fly More pack includes, in addition to the drone, the DJI Goggles N3 and the DJI RC Motion 3 remote control, enabling intuitive piloting by hand movements and live image feedback, projected directly in front of your eyes.

DJI NEO conclusion: is this the drone for you?

In short, the DJI Neo marks a new stage for DJI as the brand’s first selfie drone, but it goes far beyond this role. Although it competes with the HoverAir X1, the Neo is no mere copy. It offers an impressive range of control options : it can fly autonomously, be piloted with a conventional radio control system, or be used in FPV mode. As a result, it appeals to a wide variety of users.

With its many flight modes, the Neo is feature-rich and highly versatile, while remaining incredibly easy to use for those wishing to capture images without complications. Although not without its shortcomings-such as image quality and setting options that could be improved in a future version-theconcept is promising and should appeal to many drone and aerial photography enthusiasts.

For whom?

The DJI Neo is designed for those looking for an easy-to-use drone that can follow them anywhere and capture images quickly. It’s just as suitable for beginners looking for simplicity as it is for vloggers and content creators (provided you’re not too fussy about image quality). It’s also an excellent choice for those wishing to explore different riding styles, from classic to FPV.

Buy it if you …

… you’re looking for a drone that follows you everywhere and lets you film quickly and easily. Compact and ultra-light, the DJI Neo is easy to use and will help you capture unique memories with original angles of view.

Don’t buy it if …

… you’re looking for exceptional image quality. The DJI Neo may not meet your expectations in terms of image quality and flexibility of options (formats, color profiles). If you’re prepared to invest more to get better quality in a lightweight drone with tracking functions, consider the DJI Mini 4 Pro instead.

And speaking of the Mini 4 Pro, read our full review right here :
➡️ DJI Mini 4 Pro, the perfect mini drone? Full test.

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