Information: DJI Neo 2 Launched — Main Upgrades for DJI’s Mini FPV Drone

The DJI Neo 2 FPV drone simply obtained some huge upgrades! Earlier than I can get my palms on one earlier than it’s obtainable in my nation, we get to see the enhancements and the way it performs in early opinions, DJI is taking the Neo line rather more severely this technology. As somebody who loves FPV and has adopted the Neo carefully since launch, these upgrades caught me off guard — in an excellent manner. Right here’s a breakdown of every part we all know (and why I’m excited).

Among the hyperlinks on this web page are affiliate hyperlinks. I obtain a fee (at no further value to you) in case you make a purchase order after clicking on one among these affiliate hyperlinks. This helps assist the free content material for the neighborhood on this web site. Please learn our Affiliate Hyperlink Coverage for extra data.

DJI Neo 2 Overview – What’s New?

The unique Neo was designed as a beginner-friendly FPV drone — small, enjoyable, and targeted on AI flight options. Neo 2 seems to retain this idea, however with many enhancements:

• Higher digicam & 2-axis gimbal
• 360° impediment sensing
• Elevated battery capability
• Quieter propellers
• Improved connectivity & vary potential
• Nonetheless light-weight – remaining safely beneath sub-250g rules
• Entrance going through display probably for selfie mode and displaying digicam data

The place to Purchase

Launch Date: October thirtieth 2025 (China), November sixth 2025 (Remainder of the world)

DJI Neo 2 drone – $229. The combo costs aren’t confirmed both, however primarily based on accent value will increase — such because the battery value doubling and the addition of a $60 bolt-on OcuSync transceiver module — we count on the Neo 2 bundles to value roughly $100–$150 greater than the unique Neo for the total characteristic set, e.g. the Fly Extra combo round $449.

As a consequence of present U.S. insurance policies, availability of DJI merchandise within the U.S. could also be restricted or delayed. Different areas are anticipated to be unaffected.

Specs

Specs comparability desk: Neo V1 vs Neo V2

DJI Neo V1

DJI Neo V2

Digital camera & Gimbal Improve

The digicam is identical sensor dimension as the unique Neo at 1/2″, we don’t count on any important enhancements in dynamic vary or low-light efficiency. Nonetheless DJI has improved picture high quality fairly noticeably primarily based on the footage we’ve seen. However it’s now paired with a 2-axis mechanical gimbal, which ought to present enchancment over the single-axis tilt stabilization on the unique Neo.

Nonetheless no D-Log M, and solely 8-bit shade. Additionally capturing at night time isn’t notably nice because of the small sensor. However to be honest anybody choosing up the Neo 2 isn’t actually going for its digicam functionality anyway however extra for its compactness and ease of use. Nonetheless for informal pilots the picture high quality is sufficient.

Impediment Avoidance Sensors

Neo 2 seems to enhance monitoring and security by including LiDAR sensors and increasing protection in all instructions:

• Entrance-facing IR/depth sensors
• High-mounted impediment digicam
• Downward positioning sensors
• Probably rear detection as nicely

Advantages embody:

• Extra dependable object monitoring
• Smarter Return-to-Dwelling (much less danger of collisions)
• Safer indoor flights
• Fewer surprising crashes

Battery Increase

Leaks recommend the Neo 2 may have round 15% extra capability, pushing flight time to ~19 minutes per pack, which is a noticeable enchancment over the unique. Actual world exams present that the flight time is barely round 13 minutes with the added weight of the transceiver module. The USB-C charger can totally cost 3 batteries on the identical time beneath 1 hour (65W), you in all probability have to attend somewhat between flights for the batteries to complete charging.

However… right here’s the dangerous information, the worth of substitute batteries have now doubled from $69 for the unique Neo to $129 for the Neo 2.

Quieter Propellers

One of many greatest complaints concerning the unique Neo was how loud it was. In keeping with the leaks, the brand new propeller design ought to lead to:

• Quieter operation
• Improved aerodynamic effectivity

Nice information for city flyers who need to keep away from annoying neighbors.

Backward Compatibility

Leaks strongly recommend the Neo 2 will work with present DJI FPV gear corresponding to:

• Goggles 3
• Goggles N3
• DJI FPV Distant Controller 3

This implies present Neo customers can improve extra affordably — possible the identical compatibility because the Neo V1 for now I suppose?

Vary & Management

DJI Neo 2 ships as WiFi solely — except you buy and set up the brand new transceiver module. This non-obligatory transceiver module attaches to the again of the drone with screws and a USB-C port. It creates the Ocusync connection so you should use it with present DJI FPV goggles and remotes (corresponding to Goggles 3 and RC3), providing you with:

• Lowered sign latency
• Higher vary (simply over 1 mile or extra, the actual bottle neck is its battery)

With out this module, you’ll be able to solely fly this drone by way of brief distance WiFi connection or hand gesture. Nevertheless it additionally means you’ll be able to fly and management the Neo 2 with no distant by merely utilizing hand gesture!

This module is offered individually, and it comes with the Fly Extra Combo.

Limitations

It’s not a 3-axis gimbals, however a 2-axis gimbal, so that you would possibly nonetheless see some shakiness when it’s windy. However you’ll be able to additional stabilize the footage with built-in software program stabilizer (Rocksteady) and photographs can nonetheless look fairly easy.

It has a top restrict of 120m – it can’t fly greater than that, it merely hovers in place while you attempt to exceed the peak restrict. The utmost altitude is manner decrease than the Avata 2’s 500m.

There’s no SD card slot, so it’s important to depend on the onboard 49GB storage on your movies, however that’s loads for informal pilots anyway.

Last Ideas

The unique Neo was designed as a beginner-friendly drone, however held again by efficiency limitations: heavy body, comparatively weak motor/prop combo, and Li-ion batteries that commerce punch for flight time. It labored — however by no means felt like an actual FPV quad. Picture high quality was additionally missing. In case you are after efficiency and freestyle/racing expertise, a customized constructed passion FPV drone can be the best way to go.

The Neo 2 continues to make use of related body design and energy system, so don’t count on any enhancements in that regards. Nevertheless it needs to be higher in picture high quality and impediment sensing. It additionally gives many distinctive options corresponding to AI monitoring and ease of use that you simply don’t get in customized constructed drones. And also you don’t have to construct it from scratch or do any soldering, it simply works out of the field.

For hardcore FPV pilots this drone shall be barely underwhelming, however for informal pilots who simply desire a drone that may take movies comparatively nicely and straightforward to manage, the Neo 2 is likely to be value contemplating. The Neo 2 is designed for a selected teams of viewers, complete newbies who don’t need to construct and configure a drone, and informal pilots who worth its object monitoring and impediment sensing options.

As quickly because it’s formally launched, I’ll be choosing one up for a full hands-on evaluation, flight testing, and digicam comparability.