DJI is set to revolutionize the consumer drone market once again with the highly anticipated launch of the Neo. The Chinese tech giant, renowned for its innovative drone technology, has been teasing the Neo for weeks, and the excitement surrounding its release is palpable. The DJI Neo officially launches this Thursday, Sept. 5 at 9 a.m. ET.
The DJI Neo is positioned as a more accessible and compact drone, designed to appeal to both beginners and experienced pilots. While specific details are still under wraps, leaks and rumors suggest that the Neo will feature a sleek design, long flight time, and advanced features like obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes.
How will the Neo stack up against competitors?
While specific comparisons will have to wait until the Neo’s official specs are released, here’s how Neo is shaping up to stack up.
For starters, Neo’s biggest competitors will be DJI drones themselves. DJI drones have a history of cannibalizing themselves. After all, DJI already has a robust lineup of affordable drones. The cheapest DJI drones I recommend still offer image quality on par with (and sometimes better) than what you’d expect from a new model of iPhone. We’re talking 4K and 1/2.3-inch CMOS. Most DJI drones these days have obstacle avoidance.
Even the cheapest of DJI’s existing lineup, the DJI Mini 2 SE, still at least offers a 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor and video at 2.7K resolution at 30fps. It costs less than $300. And for just a bit more money, I’d say the DJI Mini 4K is the best value for the price.
And then what about the competitor drones that are not DJI? Some of the biggest brands competing with DJI include Autel and ZeroZero Robotics. The latter just last month launched two new drones of their own: the HoverAirX1 Pro and ProMax?
Those two products aren’t shipping yet, but ZeroZero Robotics put them out for presale (with early purchase discounts). That was presumably a calculated move to nab market share before Neo hits the mainstream shelves. Both the HoverAirX1 Pro and ProMax are incredibly compact, portable follow-me drones designed for easy flight via hand launch.
The Neo will likely offer a combination of features that are similar to — but perhaps elevated — versions of what’s offered in the HoverAirX1 series. For example, DJI might also offer 8K video matching what you’ll find in the ProMAX. But, you might expect smarter collision avoidance, improved ease of use and longer battery life. Battery life on the HoverAirX1 Pro and Pro max is pretty pitiful at just 16 minutes.
Specs I want to see in the DJI Neo
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Neo is its potential to come in at an affordable price point and a small size. Here’s a breakdown of specs I want to see:
8k camera
The Neo should offer at least 4K video resolution, with the possibility of 6K or even 8K for higher-end models to compete with the likes of the HoverAir X1 PROMAX.
I’d like to see a larger sensor than previous models. That might be potentially a 1-inch or even larger format for improved low-light performance and image quality. A built-in optical zoom lens to allow for more flexibility in framing shots could be interesting. And, a wider aperture to capture more light and create a shallower depth of field would be really nice.
Even smaller size
The HoverAir drones are small, and I’d like to see the same with these. A new, compact and foldable design for easy portability would be ideal.
The desire for smaller drones under 250 grams has been growing in recent years. That’s because these models are often exempt from stricter regulations and require less paperwork. That means flight without the hassle of obtaining permits or licenses. I expect The Neo to come in under 250 grams.
Easier flight
I’m compelled by the drones that lean into hand launches. DJI has never done that. But Neo means new, which means maybe we will see something new in that vein.
Whether or not DJI goes that direction, I hope they continue to include a variety of intelligent flight modes. Those are modes that simplify aerial photography and videography such as ActiveTrack, QuickShot, and Point of Interest. Of course, that experience is always made better by improvements in obstacle avoidance technology. Expect improved sensing capabilities for multiple directions and objects. Haptic feedback while flying might also be nice.
How people are thinking about DJI amid calls for DJI bans
Recent political concern about using drones from DJI has been a growing topic of discussion. Some governments (namely the U.S.) have raised concerns about the potential for DJI drones to be used for surveillance or espionage, citing the company’s close ties to the Chinese government.
For example, a version of the Countering CCP Drones Act was included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA FY25). Though it still has a fairly long way to go before it becomes law, it already passed in June 2024 the U.S. House of Representatives. Other proposed legislation, like the Drones First Responders Act, wouldn’t necessarily ban DJI. But, it would impose tariffs on their drones.
And all that has left consumers wondering whether they should buy a DJI drone or not.
DJI continues to dominate drones in 2024
Despite these challenges, DJI remains a dominant force in the drone market. DJI’s ability to innovate and meet the needs of consumers has helped it maintain its position as an industry leader. The Neo could further solidify DJI’s dominance.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Neo’s launch and our in-depth review once the drone becomes available. We’ll be watching the launch closely this Thursday.
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