DJI Neo unboxing: The Drone Girl’s first impressions on this affordable, hand-launch drone

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My YouTube subscribers already have seen it, but I’ll share it with you too, now: my latest YouTube video. It’s an in-depth DJI Neo unboxing, revealing my first impressions of the new, $199 DJI Neo.

DJI Neo has been one of DJI’s worst-kept secrets ever. Perhaps the launch of the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX drones had something to do with it. Alas, the DJI Neo launch (which happened a month later in September 2024) was a surprise to just about no one. But what has been a surprise is how well it holds up after getting my hands on it in person.

Related read: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is best?

I outlined in-depth DJI Neo drone specs and details back when DJI first named the drone, but here are some key features:

  • 4K video: Footage is surprisingly clear and smooth — particularly considering the low price point.
  • Compact design: Despite its (mostly) powerful performance, the Neo is lightweight and portable. It comes in at just 135 grams, and it’s small enough to fit in a larger jacket pocket or purse.
  • Prop guards and hand launch: These two go, well, hand-in-hand. DJI encourages you to take this drone off from the palm of your hand. With the drone flying that close to you, this is a key safety feature for you (and your walls).

So with that, what’s inside the box? Don’t wait! Check out my unboxing video below:

My first impressions of DJI Neo

From the moment I powered it on after doing this DJI Neo unboxing video, the drone impressed me. The setup was super easy, and within minutes I was ready to fly. The hand takeoff and landing actually works, and the follow-me is quite responsive. I did try controlling it in manual mode from my smartphone, which was also very easy and intuitive.

Video quality is as sharp as you’d expect from DJI (join me next week for a look at the actual footage and flight).

The Neo is perfect for creators who are constantly on the go (like me!) or anyone looking to get started in the drone world with a reliable and easy-to-use device.

That said, it does have some initial drawbacks. It doesn’t do well even in a breeze, so count on making this an indoor drone or otherwise only flying it on calm days.

It also is not the drone for you if you’re seeking sweeping landscape shots. The drone’s maximum flight height is just 120 meters (that’s less than 400 feet) — and that’s when used with a controller (which requires an additional cost). When using just the hand launch or mobile or Mobile App Control, the maximum flight height is 30 meters (about 100 feet) That’s only about half as tall as Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. And no, these limits can’t be overridden in the DJI Fly app.

The DJI Neo Fly More Combo includes a charging hub and batteries.

And the battery life is pretty short at just 18 minutes max. Given that, you’ll likely want to spring for the Fly More Combo, which adds another $125 to the price. (The DJI Neo Fly More Combo typically retails for $325).

I’ll put together a more complete review later, but for now, I wanted to share this DJI Neo unboxing video with you so you know what’s inside. In short, DJI Neo is packed with features that make flying fun and accessible, while still offering the high-quality footage and advanced tech that seasoned pros will appreciate.

The Drone Girl unboxes the DJI Neo drone, which is an affordable hand-launch drone from DJI.

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