DJI has officially unveiled the NEO 2, the highly anticipated successor to its popular compact drone. Launched first in China in late October 2025, this featherweight marvel is set for a global rollout on November 13. The NEO 2 represents a significant leap forward in accessible drone technology, combining beginner-friendly features with impressive performance capabilities that challenge the notion that small drones can’t pack serious functionality.
At just 151 grams, the NEO 2 remains under the 250-gram regulatory threshold in most countries, meaning you can fly without registration or complex legal requirements. But what truly sets this drone apart is its comprehensive safety features and ease of use that make it an ideal entry point for anyone intimidated by drone flying.
Design and Build
The NEO 2 measures 147 x 171 x 41mm (expanding to 167 x 171 x 54mm with the optional transceiver module attached). Weighing only 151 grams—just 16 grams heavier than its predecessor—it remains one of the most portable drones on the market. The drone features a redesigned body in a deep gray finish that matches DJI’s Mini 5 Pro aesthetic.
One of the most practical additions is a small display screen on the drone’s body, allowing you to switch modes and start recording without connecting to any app or controller. The fully enclosed propeller guards provide both safety and peace of mind, while the compact foldable design makes it easy to toss into a backpack for travels.
Camera and Video Performance
The camera represents one of the NEO 2’s most substantial improvements. It features a 12-megapixel 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an upgraded f/2.2 aperture (compared to f/2.8 on the original). While the sensor size remains consistent with the NEO, DJI implemented a new image processor that delivers obvious improvements in both low-light environments and video quality.
Video capabilities have been significantly enhanced:
- 4K recording at 60fps for smooth cinematic footage
- 4K recording at 100fps for half-speed slow-motion in post-production
- 2.7K vertical video optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels
- Expanded field of view of 119.8 degrees
- Improved low-light performance with ISO range expanded to 100-12,800
- Peak video bitrate increased to 80 Mbps
The camera is paired with a new dual-axis gimbal for improved stabilization, complemented by DJI’s RockSteady software stabilization. This combination ensures your footage remains steady and cinematic even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Safety and Obstacle Avoidance
Safety was clearly a priority in the NEO 2’s development. The drone features a comprehensive omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system that addresses one of the original NEO’s main criticisms—occasional flyaways and lack of safety features.
The system includes:
- Omnidirectional monocular vision system
- Forward-facing LiDAR sensor detecting obstacles from 0.5 to 15 meters at speeds up to 8 m/s
- Rear, side, up, and down sensors providing detection at slower speeds up to 3 m/s
- Infrared ranging sensor for precise distance measurement up to 8 meters
When you fly too close to an obstacle, the NEO 2 automatically slows down or stops, preventing collisions. This comprehensive 360-degree awareness bubble makes it one of the safest drones for beginners and dramatically improves reliability when tracking fast-moving subjects.
Flight Performance and Battery Life
The NEO 2 delivers impressive improvements in acceleration and speed:
- Ascent speed increased 65% to 5 m/s (up from 3 m/s)
- Following speed improved 50% to approximately 43 km/h, making it capable of tracking cyclists
- Maximum speed increased to nearly 27 mph
- Maximum altitude: 120 meters
- Wind resistance improved from level 4 to level 5
- Flight time: up to 19 minutes per charge
The drone uses a larger 1,606 mAh rechargeable battery (up from 1,435 mAh) with improved power management that maintains consistent performance. DJI also introduced dual-mode charging, allowing you to charge three batteries simultaneously.
Storage and Connectivity
Internal storage has nearly doubled to 49GB (from 22GB on the original NEO), providing plenty of space for 4K footage without constantly offloading files. The transfer speed has also been optimized with Wi-Fi speeds up to 80MB/s for quicker file transfers to your computer.
The NEO 2 offers flexible connectivity options. By default, it operates via Wi-Fi with a 500-meter range when connected to smartphones, perfect for basic autonomous flights and social media content creation. For extended range and more advanced functionality, you can purchase the optional OcuSync 4.0 transceiver module, which provides 10-kilometer range compatibility with DJI’s FPV equipment, including:
- DJI Goggles N3
- RC Motion 3 controller
- RC-N3 remote control
- Flight time reduction of approximately 1-2 minutes when the module is attached
Control and Intelligent Flight Modes
One of the NEO 2’s most compelling features is its versatility in control options. You can fly it in multiple ways:
Gesture Control: Hold your palm up to move the drone up, down, left, or right. Cross your palms to bring it closer. This feature alone makes the experience feel futuristic and intuitive.
Voice Commands: Control the drone through voice instructions for hands-free operation.
Mobile App: The DJI Fly app provides detailed flight telemetry, camera control, and access to more advanced features.
Remote Controllers: Compatible with existing DJI RC controllers for enhanced control and extended range.
The drone includes numerous intelligent flight modes accessible through a button on the drone’s body:
- Dronie
- Circle
- Rocket
- Spotlight
- Helix
- Boomerang
- SelfieShot
- Dolly Zoom
- MasterShots
- Cycling mode (new tracking capability)
These modes enable professional-quality shots without requiring piloting skills, making content creation accessible to everyone from casual users to experienced creators.
Pricing and Availability
DJI NEO 2 pricing varies by region and bundle configuration:
China (Launch Pricing):
- Drone only: ¥1,499 (~$211 USD)
- With batteries and charging case: ¥1,999 (~$281)
- With RC-N3 controller: ¥2,499 (~$351)
- With Goggles N3 and Motion 3 controller: ¥3,699 (~$520)
Global Pricing (subject to regional variations and tariffs):
- Starting around $269-$320 for the drone alone
- Fly More Combo bundles with additional batteries and controllers available
The global launch is scheduled for November 13, 2025. However, availability in the United States remains uncertain due to ongoing regulatory and political considerations.
Who Should Buy the NEO 2?
The DJI NEO 2 is ideal for:
Beginners: The combination of safety features, gesture control, and one-tap flight modes makes this the perfect entry-point drone for anyone nervous about learning to fly.
Content Creators: Vloggers and travelers benefit from the compact form factor, improved camera performance, and intelligent tracking capabilities.
Action Enthusiasts: The cycling tracking mode and improved speed make it suitable for capturing dynamic action footage.
Casual Pilots: If you want a portable, easy-to-fly drone that doesn’t require extensive setup or learning curve, the NEO 2 delivers.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Ultra-compact and lightweight design (under 250g)
- Comprehensive obstacle avoidance system
- 4K/60fps video with improved image quality
- Multiple control options (gesture, voice, app, remote)
- Affordable pricing
- No registration required in most countries
- Quiet, redesigned propellers
- Large internal storage
Limitations:
- 2-axis gimbal (not 3-axis) may show some shakiness in strong winds
- No microSD card slot for storage expansion
- Limited to WiFi range (500m) without the optional transceiver module
- U.S. availability uncertain
- Flight time remains relatively modest at 19 minutes
Final Thoughts
The DJI NEO 2 represents a meaningful evolution in accessible drone technology. By addressing the original NEO’s weaknesses—image quality, storage, tracking performance, and safety concerns—while maintaining its spirit of simplicity and portability, DJI has created a drone that truly lives up to the promise of making flight accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re a complete beginner intimidated by traditional drones, a content creator seeking a portable companion, or an experienced pilot wanting something fun and hassle-free, the NEO 2 deserves serious consideration. It’s not just about the specifications on paper; it’s about how those specs translate into a stress-free, enjoyable flying experience.
As the global rollout unfolds on November 13, drone enthusiasts worldwide will finally get their hands on this compact marvel. For those still waiting for U.S. availability, it’s worth keeping an eye on DJI’s official channels for announcements. The NEO 2 has the potential to change how people think about drone accessibility—making flight not just possible, but genuinely fun for everyone.