If you’re curious about drones but aren’t quite ready to commit to a higher-end (and more expensive) model, the DJI Neo is the perfect entry point.
Think of it as the gateway gadget that introduces you to all things aerial without making your wallet cry.
At an accessible price of PHP 10,799 (unit only), it promises portability, ease of use, and decent functionality — a sweet spot for first-time drone users or content creators who want a drone for following them along on their adventures.
DJI Neo: A Trap You’ll Want to Fall For?
Honest review? DON’T BUY! IT’S A TRAP!
(I jest, I jest!)
There’s a cheeky sense that the DJI Neo is a “gateway drug” to the drone world, and once you get into it, you might be itching for an upgrade.
Don’t get me wrong because I say “gateway drug” with fondness. The DJI Neo does exactly what it sets out to do.
It’s affordable, user-friendly, and incredibly portable, which makes it perfect for people who aren’t looking to go pro with their drones. It’s like DJI knew exactly how to make a device you’d love enough to consider an upgrade down the line.
Now, it’s not without its quirks.
The portability, while a huge pro, is also a minor con because the drone is so small it can be tricky to spot, if you fly too high or too far.
And once you start to get the hang of it, brace yourself, because you’ll probably want extra batteries or even a full-on upgrade to the more advanced models.
(I’ve actually heard of someone selling their DJI Neo after a week of use so he could upgrade)
That said, if you’re ready to explore the world of drones more seriously, the DJI Neo is a solid start.
Tech Specs and Highlights
Here’s a rundown of what the DJI Neo is all about:
Size & Weight: It’s remarkably compact and lightweight at 135g, which is ideal for travelers, content creators, or anyone on the go.
Camera Quality: Equipped with a 12MP camera for stills, it is capable of up to 4K/30fps video recording. The DJI Neo is all about capturing clear, crisp shots without needing super high-end specs. For casual shots and videos, it does the job a-okay.
Flight Time: A bit of a drawback here; with a 1435 mAh battery, you’ll get around 10-15 minutes per battery, so don’t expect it to last through an entire photoshoot or extended flight session.
Portability: High marks for being easy to carry around; it’s the kind of drone you can toss in a small bag and be good to go.
Noise Level: It’s… noticeable. I personally think it sounds like a mini swarm of bees is chasing you. It’s typical with drones but takes some getting used to. So, just brace yourself for a bit of a bee-sy experience.
Durability: Despite being marketed as an entry-level drone, it’s built to last. This thing is practically unbreakable, which is comforting if you’re prone to a few rough landings.
I would have done a durability test myself, but as this is a personal purchase, you can watch this YouTube video below instead.
Wanting More: Why I’m Eyeing the Accessories
After using the DJI Neo, I’m seriously considering the controller and battery pack.
As easy as it is to control from your phone using the DJI Fly app, there are some notable limitations when using the app.
For one, it doesn’t come with the handy “Return to Home” function, which is a huge deal if you accidentally lose sight of it.
The range is also notably shorter on the app than with a dedicated controller. If the DJI Neo goes out of range while you’re controlling it with your mobile, the drone will just… hover. Yep, it’ll hang in the air, patiently waiting until it runs out of battery.
So, be extra cautious about flying over water or unreachable areas unless you’re comfortable taking that risk. If you’re planning to use the DJI Neo beyond just simple backyard flights, the controller feels like a must-have.
What I Like About the DJI Neo
This drone is perfect for vloggers or casual videographers.
It’s small, light, and pretty much designed to be your aerial sidekick.
You can set it up to follow you around, which is honestly amazing if you’re creating content on the go.
For its affordable price of PHP 10,799 for the unit only, it’s accessible and gives you solid value without the heavy investment of higher-end DJI models.
Buzz Kills: A Few Drawbacks to Consider
Battery life is perhaps its biggest drawback.
One battery only gives you about 10-15 minutes of recorded flight time, so you might need to pick up extras if you plan on longer sessions.
It also gets a bit warm after extended flights, so be cautious when handling it post-flight.
The DJI Neo also struggles in low light settings; it won’t even attempt to launch if the lighting is too dim. Make sure you’re flying outdoors or in an extremely well-lit room to avoid any takeoff troubles.
Lastly, the noise. It’s not the stealthiest gadget; the Neo’s buzzing can be a little startling if you’re not used to it.
A Gateway to More Expensive Greater Things?
The DJI Neo does exactly what it’s supposed to: it introduces you to the world of drones without overwhelming you with too many features or a high price tag.
It’s affordable, portable, and surprisingly tough.
Yes, you may eventually want to go bigger and better, but the Neo is a great place to start. If you’re ready to dip your toes into drone tech without a huge commitment, the DJI Neo is a fantastic choice.
Fair warning, prepare to fall down the drone rabbit hole!
