With the DJI Neo, the top dog in the drone segment revolutionized the entry-level segment last year. Now it is launching an improved successor that promises more features, better tracking and a longer flight time. Does this make the DJI Neo 2 a must-have for drone fans? Find out in our test.
Technical data
| Name | DJI Neo 2 (official product page) |
| Drone class | C0 |
| drone weight | 151 g |
| Dimensions | 147 × 171 × 41 mm |
| Features |
|
| Maximum flight distance | 7 km |
| Maximum flight time | 19 minutes (17 min. with propeller protection) |
| Maximum speed | 8 m/s (normal mode) 12 m/s (sport mode) 12 m/s (tracking status) |
| Image sensor | 1/2-inch |
| Video recording |
|
| Memory | 49 GB internal memory |
| price | € 329.00 * (Fly More Combo) |
DJI Neo 2 test: entry-level drone remains small and light
- Pleasantly handy
- only 151 grams light
- robust workmanship
The DJI Neo 2 impresses with its well thought-out, minimalist design, which is designed for absolute user-friendliness. With a total weight of only around 151 grams, it belongs to the ultra-light C0 class, which facilitates transportation and allows the drone to be flown in many countries without the need for extensive registration.
The housing is made of robust yet lightweight plastic, which has a high-quality feel and offers reliable protection. A major advantage is the propeller guard that surrounds the rotors, ensuring that even indoor or close-range flights are possible without damage.
The drone has a compact design so that it can easily be carried in rucksacks or larger bags. The design impresses with clear lines, a simple color scheme and functional details such as stable landing feet that ensure a secure footing. New features include all-round obstacle detection sensors (omnidirectional sensors) and a LiDAR sensor at the front, which was missing from the previous model.
Another new feature is a small display on the front that shows useful details about the current flight mode. This naturally makes operation without a smartphone or app much easier.
In terms of workmanship, DJI delivers very good quality that is designed for everyday use and traveling. Overall, the Neo 2 makes a very robust and durable impression, which makes flying easier even for inexperienced users and takes away the fear of minor bumps.
Camera and memory
- 1/2-inch sensor with 12 MP
- 2-axis gimbal
- 4K/60 and 2.7K portrait videos
- 49 GB internal memory
The DJI Neo 2’s camera is a real highlight for a drone of this size and price range. It is based on a revised 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels, which has a fast aperture of f/2.2. DJI has integrated a mechanical 2-axis gimbal which, together with electronic image stabilization (EIS), ensures very steady and blur-free shots.
This is a significant improvement over the previous model, which only had a 1-axis gimbal. The camera enables video recordings in true 4K at up to 60 frames per second (fps), and even in 4K at 100 fps when using the DJI controller, which is particularly attractive for slow-motion recordings. A special vertical mode is also integrated, which generates 2.7K videos in 9:16 format without any loss of quality and is ideal for social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or YouTube Shorts.
The sensor and image processing works with updated algorithms that deliver better color reproduction, more dynamic contrast and reduced image noise even in low light conditions.
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In terms of image quality, the camera shows a noticeable improvement in everyday use compared to its predecessor: the image quality in daylight is good and delivers rich colors and good contrast. However, in direct comparison with the DJI Flip (our test) and more expensive drone models, the built-in cam still loses out in terms of the level of detail in the images. It is also a shame that photos can only be taken in JPEG format.
The low-light performance cannot yet keep up with more expensive drones either: Image noise and weaknesses in autofocus show where more expensive drones continue to come out on top. Nevertheless, the DJI Neo 2 can still take impressive pictures.
The internal memory has been expanded to a generous 49 GB (compared to 22 GB for the predecessor), which offers space for around 105 minutes of high-resolution 4K videos. Thanks to Wi-Fi 6, rapid data transfer to the smartphone is also possible, which makes workflows much easier for creators. Despite its compact design, the Neo 2 delivers recordings that meet professional quality standards and are particularly brilliant for vlogs or outdoor recordings
Control and app connection
- Successful gesture control
- Operation via smartphone
- Great flying experience with RC controller
The DJI Neo 2 represents a genuine revolution in terms of control concept and ease of use. The entry-level drone can not only be flown in the classic way with a physical controller, but can also be controlled exclusively by smartphone via the DJI Fly app or even using gestures.
The palm launch system allows the drone to be launched directly from the palm of your hand, enabling spontaneous flights without a complicated setup, and with “Return to Palm” the drone can also land safely in your hand. This noticeably improved gesture control 2.0 is an enormous relief, especially for beginners.
The RC controller (DJI RC-N3) comes with a traditional joystick interface and offers a large flight range (up to 6 km CE or 10 km FCC according to the manufacturer in remote mode) when the digital transceiver module is used.
The DJI Fly app itself is intuitively designed, clearly laid out and offers quick access to all flight modes, camera settings and live video streaming from the drone. The connection is stable via Wi-Fi with a range of up to 500 meters, with Wi-Fi 6 ensuring stable and fast data transmission.
It can also be controlled via the Apple Watch, which significantly increases convenience and control. For ambitious users, there are optional controllers such as the DJI RC-N3 or DJI RC 2, which also enable immersive FPV flights with goggles such as DJI Goggles 3 with higher frame rates and extended functions. Overall, the control of the DJI Neo 2 allows for a very precise, responsive flying experience that effortlessly supports both smooth camera movements and dynamic maneuvers.
Intelligent flight modes – focus on comfort
The DJI Neo 2 impresses with highly developed, intelligent flight modes that make operation easier and expand creative possibilities. Here, too, there are significant improvements compared to the Neo 1.
At its heart is omnidirectional obstacle detection with LiDAR sensors, infrared cameras and all-round vision, which detects obstacles in all directions and enables collision-free flying even in complex environments. This is exceptional for drones in this compact class and ensures significantly greater safety, especially indoors, on beaches, in urban areas or in the snow.
The Neo 2’s ActiveTrack system tracks people, bicycles, skiers or vehicles at speeds of up to 12 m/s and automatically adjusts the flight speed, camera tilt and safety distance. A new feature is AI-supported scene recognition, which recognizes sports, natural and urban situations and optimizes the flight parameters based on this. The precise sensor fusion of visual depth detection, LiDAR reflection and AI motion prediction ensures very smooth tracking including obstacle avoidance maneuvers without operator intervention.
In addition, there are various QuickShots and MasterShots programs on board that automate fast, cinematic camera movements such as dolly zoom or circular flights. This means that impressive video recordings are possible even without extensive drone experience. The drone has an extremely precise hovering ability with stabilizing micro-corrections. Even on uneven terrain or in windy conditions, which is particularly advantageous for video and photo shoots.
Improved battery life of the DJI Neo 2
- Up to 19 minutes flight time (realistically 14 to 16)
- 1,600 mAh battery
- Fly More Combo with three batteries is worth it
In practice, the battery life of the DJI Neo 2 is between approx. 14 and 16 minutes per charge, depending on flying style, wind conditions and use of specific functions such as ActiveTrack or fast maneuvers.
DJI theoretically states a flight time of up to 19 minutes, which is usually just under this in ideal conditions and economical flying, but this is still a few minutes more than its predecessor. The Fly More combo with three included batteries is particularly suitable for anyone who wants to make longer flights or anyone who doesn’t want to recharge the battery after every flight.
Despite the compact design, DJI was able to enlarge the battery slightly and equip it with a higher energy content than the previous model. The lithium-polymer battery with approx. 1,600 mAh can be recharged relatively quickly via USB-C port.
In addition, the drone has been optimized for wind resistance (wind class 5), which ensures greater stability and efficiency, especially when filming outdoors. The combination of a compact battery, fast recharging and efficient energy management makes the Neo 2 a reliable companion suitable for everyday use.
In principle, the 100 euro surcharge for the Fly More combo is definitely worth it. Thanks to two additional batteries, charging station and remote control, you can significantly expand the possibilities of the Neo 2.
DJI Neo 2 Review: Conclusion
The DJI Neo 2 is a successful, albeit at times manageable, further development of the first entry-level drone. It has made significant improvements in some areas, including practical automatic modes, beginner-friendly operation and LiDAR and omnidirectional sensors, which significantly improve obstacle detection.
However, the flight time, although minimally improved, is still quite poor, while the image quality delivers good results, but also cannot keep up with the best drones.
On the other hand, the price is extremely attractive, allowing newcomers to drones to try their hand at flying for as little as 239 euros. However, the Fly More Combo, which is around 100 euros more expensive, is definitely worth it.
This makes the DJI Neo 2 a successful entry-level drone at an affordable price. However, if you want better image quality and a longer flight time, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets.
- Small and light
- Very affordable
- Obstacle avoidance
- Large internal memory
- Very good flight characteristics
- Excellent tracking
- No microSD slot
- Short flight time
- Picture quality could be better
- Photos only as JPEG
DJI Neo 2
Design and Workmanship
Hardware
Ease of use
Battery
Image Quality
Value For Money
89/100
Extremely affordable and compact drone with very good flight characteristics and intuitive controls. However, battery life and image quality could be better.
