DJI Neo 2: A budget drone that goes beyond its class
The newcomer brings thoughtful improvements to a beloved budget drone, making it a strong choice for creators and hobbyists
The first thing that draws attention to DJI's Neo 2 is not its size, but its intent. It is a budget drone that behaves as if it has bigger plans.
According to Engadget's review, this new model stands as a solid improvement over the much-loved Neo, and the extra polish shows.
The Neo 2 keeps the friendly square frame and compact build, yet it feels more mature. A new Lidar sensor sits beside the camera to scan the path ahead. It gives the drone a sharper awareness of its surroundings and makes low-level flying far safer.
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A small front display is another thoughtful touch. It presents the current shooting mode in clear text and helps the operator stay oriented even in busy environments.
One of the standout features is gesture control. The user can wave, pinch or hold a pose to command the aircraft. It looks slightly theatrical, but the response is surprisingly accurate. It offers a new kind of freedom for creators who want simple airborne shots without a controller.
The second highlight is the camera upgrade. The 12-megapixel, half-inch sensor captures crisp 4K footage up to 60 frames per second. The wider f/2.0 iris lets in more light, giving daytime scenes more clarity and colour depth. It struggles in dim settings, but within its range it performs with confidence.
Battery life, noise levels and Wi-Fi range have all seen meaningful refinement. The drone now sounds less like a warning siren and more like a soft hum. It is discreet enough for parks, gatherings and indoor shoots.
Priced at $250, the Neo 2 does not try to be a professional tool, rather it aims to be a reliable companion for hobbyists and online creators, and it does that so well.
