DJI Neo 2 Drone On Test

Compact, lightweight and always with you. That’s exactly what the DJI Neo stands for. With the Neo 2, DJI are taking the concept a step further, giving the mini drone new sensors, greater range and additional control options. We tested how well the concept works when travelling, during sports and while mountain biking.

Take the drone out of your bag, switch it on, launch it and it’s already chasing you down the trail. This straightforward concept is exactly what made the DJI Neo one of the most exciting follow-me drones around. Just over a year after its debut, DJI are already rolling out the successor. The Neo 2 promises upgrades across the board, with obstacle detection, gesture control and an improved camera. At the same time, the new model has grown in weight, size and price. So the question is clear. Does the Neo 2 still deliver that effortless “always-with-you” drone experience, or has it lost the very thing that made the original so special?

The DJI Neo 2 in detail: is more always better?

The best drone is the one you actually have with you. Whether you are travelling, playing sport or out and about almost anywhere. That’s exactly where the Neo has excelled so far. Extremely compact, weighing just 135 grams and usable even without accessories, it always slipped easily into your bag. A trick most other drones simply cannot manage.

Hold the new Neo 2 against its predecessor and the difference becomes clear straight away. The dimensions have grown noticeably, especially with the transmitter plugged in – but more on that later. The weight has also crept up slightly. The Neo 2 now tips the scales at around 160 grams, roughly 25 grams more than before, but it still sits comfortably below the 250 gram limit for the C0 drone class. Drones in this category don’t require a licence, which makes them particularly appealing for beginners. The same largely applies to the price, even though DJI are now asking around € 50 more across all three equipment bundles. With a starting price of € 239 for the most affordable package, the Neo 2 still remains the most accessible drone in DJI’s portfolio, apart from the original model, which is still available.

The Neo 2 is currently also the most affordable DJI drone with omnidirectional obstacle detection, a feature the previous model simply didn’t have. This is made possible by a new array of sensors positioned around the drone, which is likely one of the reasons behind the slightly larger dimensions.

The DJI Neo 2 uses the following sensors:

• a downward-facing infrared sensor to measure the distance to the ground
• an omnidirectional monocular vision system, meaning a camera-based obstacle detection system that uses one camera in each direction to monitor the surroundings
• a forward-facing LiDAR sensor to measure distances even in poor lighting conditions

Yet the Neo 2 doesn’t only take its cues from DJI’s larger drones in terms of technology. Visually, it also looks far more professional. The housing is made entirely of plastic and, unlike the more expensive models, it cannot be folded. That said, this very design keeps the drone light while also making it surprisingly robust. The noticeably darker shade of grey, compared with the previous model, also aligns it with the design language of DJI’s larger drones such as the Mavic or Avata.

The Neo 2 is far more than simply a Neo with additional sensors, and that becomes clear when you look at the battery. DJI have introduced a completely new battery design with higher energy density. The batteries are now inserted from the top, just like on DJI’s larger drones, and feature an integrated power button. This makes it easy to check the charge level directly on the battery, without having to insert it into the drone first.

The downside is that the additional batteries from the first Neo are no longer compatible. Because the Neo 2 is slightly heavier, flight time has remained virtually unchanged. With the practical propeller guards fitted, DJI still quote a maximum flight time of around 17 minutes. For longer outings, it’s therefore worth carrying at least one spare battery, especially as charging via the drone’s USB-C port takes a relatively lengthy 70 minutes. The two larger bundles, the Fly More Combo and Motion Fly More Combo, already include two additional batteries. These packages also come with a handy two-way charging hub that allows all three batteries to be charged at the same time.

We had the Neo 2 on test in the Fly More Combo, which retails at € 399. Alongside the additional batteries and the two-way charging hub, the package also includes an RC-N3 remote controller together with the corresponding transmitter module. If you want to take things a step further into more immersive flying, you’ll need the Motion Fly More Combo for € 579. This bundle expands the Neo 2 with FPV goggles and a motion controller. The good news is that all accessories from the more expensive packages are also available separately. That means you can configure your Neo 2 exactly to your needs and upgrade it later whenever you like.

The DJI Neo 2 is available in three packages:

What has changed with the Neo 2’s camera?

One of the biggest criticisms of the previous model was its image quality. The Neo 2’s camera now features a wider aperture of f/2.2 instead of f/2.8. This allows around 60% more light to reach the image sensor, an advantage that becomes particularly noticeable when shooting at dusk. The Neo 2 also offers a higher maximum sensor sensitivity of ISO 12,800 rather than 6,400, which further improves performance in low light.

In addition, the Neo 2 now records footage at a higher maximum video bitrate of up to 80 Mbit/s. This reduces compression in the footage, making fine details appear noticeably cleaner, an area where the first Neo generation clearly showed its weaknesses. Footage from the Neo 2 looks far less over-sharpened and appears richer in detail and more vibrant overall.

While the first-generation Neo was limited to a maximum frame rate of 30 frames per second, the Neo 2 can now record smoother footage at up to 60 fps in 4K resolution. If you fly the Neo 2 using the remote controller, you can even push this up to 100 frames per second.

DJI have also stepped up their game when it comes to camera stabilisation. Instead of a simple single-axis gimbal, the Neo 2 now uses a two-axis gimbal. This not only stabilises pitch movements but also mechanically compensates for roll movements, which previously had to be corrected purely through digital stabilisation.

With all these improvements, it’s still worth keeping expectations in check. The Neo 2’s image sensor remains unchanged at ½ inch and is still significantly smaller than the sensors found in modern smartphones. A current iPhone model, for instance, uses a main camera sensor with roughly three times the surface area.

If you’re looking for a compact DJI drone under 250 grams with a larger image sensor, an even wider aperture and higher video bitrates, you’ll need to step up to the DJI Flip with its 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/1.7 aperture and up to 150 Mbit/s, or the considerably more expensive Mini 5 Pro with a 1-inch sensor, f/1.8 aperture and up to 130 Mbit/s. The same applies if you need RAW photo capture for maximum editing flexibility or expandable storage, as these features are not available on the Neo 2.

On Test: What is DJI Neo 2 Capable of?

We tested the new DJI Neo 2 in a range of different scenarios, while travelling, in everyday use and, of course, during sports, to find out for you whether and how the new features actually make a difference.

First things first: fortunately, the slightly larger dimensions are barely noticeable. The Neo 2 still fits easily into a small backpack or even in big jacket pockets. The only minor concern comes from the exposed antennas when the receiver is plugged in, which can feel a little vulnerable when packing the drone away. During our test, however, we didn’t notice any bending or other damage during transport.

How good is the control system of the new DJI Neo 2?

Once you have unpacked it on location, the new Neo 2 has to prove itself in terms of control. The first-generation Neo impressed with its particularly flexible control options. Whether via the smartphone app, by voice command or, depending on the bundle, with a classic remote controller, motion controller or FPV goggles, everything was possible.

The real highlight of the original Neo, however, was always the ability to control it directly from your hand, without a smartphone and without a remote controller. DJI have now taken this concept a step further with the successor. Two additional buttons, an integrated display and a new gesture control system promise even more options than before, while making the drone even less dependent on external control devices such as a smartphone or remote.

In practice, this quickly becomes noticeable. On the first-generation Neo, you had to reach for your smartphone to adjust finer settings such as distance and height in follow mode. With the Neo 2, these settings can now be configured directly on the drone itself. To make this possible, it features three control buttons which, after a short learning curve, can also be operated with one hand. That said, one-handed use isn’t entirely intuitive. Because the buttons are partially hidden by the rotors, operating them can feel a little awkward, at least when using only one hand. Even so, the feature adds real value, as it allows the modes to be adjusted quickly without a smartphone, supported by the small integrated display.

The small new display next to the main camera, which shows the currently active flight mode and its parameters, is a real help when checking that everything is set correctly before take-off. DJI have equipped the Neo 2 with the six automated filming modes already familiar from its predecessor, which DJI call Smart Snaps. Five additional Smart Snaps have been developed specifically for the Neo 2.

The five new Smart Snaps of the DJI Neo 2:

• SelfieShot: the Neo 2 captures selfie photos from three different perspectives.
• Dolly Zoom: this mode creates the famous “Hitchcock effect”. While the drone flies forwards or backwards, it simultaneously adjusts the framing using digital zoom, causing the background and perspective to distort.
• Master Shots: here the Neo 2 takes full control, automatically recording a sequence of different camera movements and combining them into a finished clip.
• Cycling follow: a tracking mode specifically optimised for cyclists.
• Ski follow: a tracking mode specifically optimised for skiers.

Once you’ve selected one of the eleven available modes, you are ready to go. Launching the drone works just as before. A single press of the red control button is enough and, after a short countdown, the Neo 2 lifts elegantly from the palm of your hand. The sound has become slightly deeper, but it’s still noticeably shrill and loud. Despite the noise, the Neo 2 flies very confidently and remains easy to manoeuvre in the air, provided wind speeds are low.

If you wanted to adjust the parameters of the selected mode during flight, you previously had to reach for your smartphone. The Neo 2 now makes this step partly unnecessary by introducing a new gesture control system. When flying in follow mode, you can adjust both the direction and the distance to the subject using simple hand movements, even while the drone is in the air.

How the gesture control of the new DJI Neo 2 works:

• To activate gesture control, raise an outstretched hand in a stop sign gesture.
• The DJI Neo 2 confirms that gesture control is active when the LED light changes from white to blue.
• Moving the raised palm to the left or right shifts the Neo 2’s tracking position around the subject in the corresponding direction.
• To adjust the distance to the subject, use both hands in the stop sign gesture.
• If both palms are held directly next to each other, the Neo 2 reduces its tracking distance.
• If both palms are held apart, the Neo 2 increases its tracking distance.
• To land the DJI Neo 2, extend one arm with the palm facing upwards. The Neo will then automatically fly back and land in your hand.

In practice, the gesture control works surprisingly intuitively. Not only does it look fancy but also provides genuine added value. Launching and landing from your hand now works noticeably more reliably as well.

One major improvement that DJI barely highlight themselves becomes apparent when you look at the spec sheet. The stated Wi-Fi range when controlling the drone via smartphone has jumped from a maximum of 50 metres to an impressive 500 metres. This is made possible by the switch to Wi-Fi 6 and, above all, the addition of a 5.1 GHz frequency band. Under EU regulations, this band can be operated with higher transmission power than the commonly used 2.4 or 5.8 GHz bands. What makes this particularly interesting is that, when controlled directly via a smartphone, the Neo 2 actually achieves a greater Wi-Fi range than some significantly more expensive DJI drones. That fits perfectly with the concept behind the Neo. If you can leave the remote controller at home, there is even less reason not to simply take the drone with you.

For flights over longer distances, however, you will still need a separate remote controller. Just like its predecessor, the Neo 2 is compatible with the RC-N3 remote, provided the transmitter module is installed. While this unit was permanently integrated in the previous model, the Neo 2 now uses a plug-in module that connects via the USB-C port and is secured with four small screws.

The exposed antennas should provide an even more stable connection. On the other hand, if you rarely fly the drone with a remote controller, you can simply remove the receiver. This makes the Neo 2 both more compact and less vulnerable, and the slightly lower weight can even extend flight time a little.

Finally, there’s good news for Apple Watch owners. The Neo 2 allows you to view a live feed and control the drone directly from your wrist.In our test, the feature impresses with reliable image transmission and sensible control of the modes. Once again, this means your smartphone can stay safely in your pocket.

What does the DJI Neo 2’s obstacle detection deliver in our test?

One particularly exciting use case is mountain biking in the forest, the ultimate test for follow-drones. Here, high speeds meet tightly packed obstacles, constantly changing light conditions and narrow trails. This is exactly the scenario in which we tested the Neo 2, including the eMTB group test run by our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE in Tremp, Spain.

With the previous model, this scenario was something of a gamble. The first Neo had no obstacle sensors at all and simply relied on visual tracking. It didn’t attempt to find a path around obstacles but instead followed the detected subject relentlessly, regardless of whether a tree, branch or rock was in the way. As a result, collisions were fairly common at higher speeds.

And the Neo 2? At least on paper, it now introduces proper obstacle detection for the first time, thanks to several onboard sensors. In practice, it does work, but only under certain conditions. Large and clearly recognisable obstacles are detected reliably, and in open terrain the tracking performs very consistently.

In dense forest, however, the system’s limitations quickly become apparent. Numerous closely spaced obstacles and higher speeds push the sensors to their limits. While larger trees are usually detected reliably, the drone can occasionally miss smaller or bare branches at around 30 km/h. Riders travelling at lower speeds benefit much more from the new obstacle detection system.

Even with the additional sensors, it therefore remains somewhat a matter of luck whether the Neo 2 can follow an entire trail without incident. Short sequences usually work without any problems, but filming a trail from top to bottom in a single run is rather unrealistic.

At least the Neo 2 proves to be just as robust as its predecessor. In our test, it even survived a few harder impacts without any damage. And if something does break, replacement propellers and propeller guards are available from DJI at a reasonable price.

All things considered, the obstacle detection works reliably with large, clearly visible obstacles and even indoors. In more complex environments with lots of small branches and higher speeds, however, the system still reaches its limits. For mountain bikers, this means one thing: even with the Neo 2, tracking is not completely worry free.

If you want absolutely reliable tracking shots in scenarios like this, classic FPV drones with experienced pilots are still the better option for now. It will be interesting to see how DJI tackle this challenge in a possible Neo 3.

Do you need the DJI Neo 2?

Yes, you do! DJI have pushed the concept of an “always-with-you” drone even further with the Neo 2. The improved direct control and the significantly greater Wi-Fi range, in particular, make the drone more flexible and practical for everyday use than its predecessor.

The real game changer, however, is something else. In many situations, the Neo 2 works entirely without additional accessories. If you don’t necessarily need a remote controller or smartphone, there are even fewer reasons to leave the drone at home.

That fits perfectly with the concept of the Neo series. A drone you simply pack, pull out of your bag and have in the air seconds later. The Neo 2 is still not designed for big cinematic productions with its small sensor, but DJI offer plenty of alternatives in their own line-up for that. Its real strength lies elsewhere: spontaneous aerial shots, follow footage during sports or quick clips for social media.

Anyone looking for a straightforward follow-drone for travel, outdoor adventures and content creation will currently find the Neo 2 to be one of the simplest and most accessible options on the market.

Conclusions: Would we buy the DJI Neo 2?

Yes. DJI have improved their entry-level drone in almost every area. The Neo 2 has a better camera, significantly greater range and even more intuitive controls that often work without a remote controller, perfectly matching the concept of a drone you simply take with you everywhere. It’s not perfect, though. In complex environments, the obstacle detection system still reaches its limits. Yet, just like its predecessor, the Neo 2 stands out above all for its simplicity. Take the drone out of your bag, launch it and within seconds you are capturing aerial shots that would once have required far more equipment.

Tops

• Significantly increased Wi-Fi range
• Even more independent operation
• Improved image quality
• Follow mode very reliable in open environments

Flops

• Obstacle detection offers limited benefit in dense forests and at higher speeds

For more information, visit dji.com.

Words & Photos: Lars Engmann