Each DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K are two wonderful drones from drone-making powerhouse DJI. They’re each tremendous inexpensive, the DJI Neo priced at $199 and the Mini 4K at $299. Each have wonderful cameras, and are simple to fly.
However choosing the proper entry-level drone could make or break your expertise. And whereas each drones are merchandise I’d suggest typically, I wouldn’t essentially suggest each for all use instances, as each are literally extraordinarily totally different when it comes to their energy output and the way you fly them.
Now I’ll prevent a click on and provide the tl;dr:
- If you happen to’re on the lookout for a easy, secure, and easy-to-fly drone for close-up pictures: Go together with the DJI Neo.
- If you need a extra conventional drone with longer flight instances and extra vary: Go together with the DJI Mini 4K.
However what does that imply in observe? I’ve extensively reviewed each drones, and suppose they’re each nice, albeit for very several types of folks and conditions. So with that, right here’s a breakdown of the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K, so you may know which drone is finest for you:
DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: key variations (and the way to decide on)
DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: a head-to-head comparability desk
Earlier than I dive deep into these drones, listed here are some fast, key variations on each numerical specs and a few operational variations:
| Function | DJI Neo | DJI Mini 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Worth | $199 | $299 |
| Goal Viewers | Newbies, informal content material creators | Aspiring drone pilots, hobbyists |
| Flight Time | As much as 18 minutes | As much as 31 minutes |
| Max flight distance | 7 km | 15.7 km |
| Max wind velocity resistance | 8 m/s (Degree 4) | 10.7 m/s (Degree 5) |
| Management Kind | WiFi-based telephone management; elective controller | Devoted controller |
| Vary | Restricted (WiFi-based management) | Prolonged vary with devoted controller |
| Studying Curve | Very low; simple hand-launch | Average; conventional takeoff type |
| Constructed-in Prop Guards | Sure | No |
| Suitability Round Youngsters | Excessive (safer, toy-like design) | Average (extra conventional drone type) |
| Observe-Me Functionality | Restricted (fundamental, for shut vary) | No true follow-me; designed for handbook management |
| Greatest for Shut-Up Selfies | Sure | Restricted; finest for sweeping pictures |
| Greatest for Panoramic Photographs | No | Sure |
| Extra Controller Value | Brings complete to barely greater than Mini 4K | Included |
| Takeoff weight | 135 grams | 246 grams |
| Picture sensor | 1/2-inch picture sensor | 1/2.3-inch picture sensor |
| Max photograph dimension | 12 MP Photograph | 12 MP Photograph |
| Gimbal | Single-axis mechanical gimbal (tilt) | 3-axis mechanical gimbal (tilt, roll, and pan) |
So what does all that imply in observe? Learn on to my comparability of the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K:
Key variations between the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K
1. Worth
The DJI Neo retails for $199, making it the least expensive DJI drone you should purchase proper now.
For simply $100 extra, although, you may get the DJI Mini 4K, which at $299 provides significant upgrades like a controller, longer battery life, and expanded vary. Whereas the $100 distinction could appear steep as a share, it might be price it for the added capabilities.
What’s the value with controller?
Particularly noticeable in that worth distinction is the dearth of controller. For Neo pilots who’re nice with simply the palm takeoff into programmed flight modes, or controller it manually through the app, then you may finances merely the $199 price ticket. However in the event you suppose you’d wish to improve to a controller, finances extra. The DJI Neo is at present suitable with the DJI RC 2, DJI RC-N2, and DJI RC-N3 controllers.
The DJI RC-N2 shouldn’t be at present on the market (until you may discover it used or by means of a third-party). In any other case your least expensive possibility is the DJI RC-N3 distant controller, which retails for $129. The $129 RC-N3 plus $199 Neo truly places you at $328 — about $30 greater than the DJI Mini 4K. If you happen to demand a controller, then that really makes the DJI Mini 4K the most cost effective DJI drone.
Winner: DJI Neo
Winner (with controller): DJI Mini 4K
2. Flight time
Probably the most vital variations is flight time. The DJI Neo tops out at 18 minutes, whereas the Mini 4K can fly as much as 31 minutes. For anybody who wants further time to arrange pictures or take a number of takes, that further 13 minutes might be essential.
Winner: DJI Mini 4K
3. Management and vary
With its simple hand-launch, WiFi-based telephone management, the DJI Neo is designed for simplicity. Nonetheless, this simplicity limits its vary, and WiFi-based management might really feel restricted in the event you’re attempting to fly greater or farther. The DJI Mini 4K’s devoted controller brings a stronger sign and prolonged vary, supplying you with extra room to discover and seize sweeping pictures from farther away.
Winner: DJI Mini 4K
4. Studying Curve
The DJI Neo’s hand-launch type and built-in prop guards make it extraordinarily approachable—preferrred for anybody nervous about flying. The Mini 4K requires a bit extra confidence, because it makes use of a conventional takeoff with a full controller, but it surely’s nonetheless manageable for novices who desire a extra “pilot-like” expertise.
Watch how the distinctive, hand-launch type of the DJI Neo works in observe, through my first-ever drone flight:
Winner: DJI Neo
DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: the place every drone excels
Each drones have their professionals and cons. Right here’s the place every excels:
The DJI Neo
The DJI Neo shines in eventualities the place fast, close-up pictures are all you want. It’s preferrred for vloggers or Instagrammers who need a couple of aerial pictures. Think about it floating round as you trick-or-treat, or it supplying you with a cool top-down view of a picnic. With its fundamental follow-me operate, it’s like a selfie cam that hovers shut.
However don’t count on a robust monitoring function. This isn’t a true follow-me drone. And it positively isn’t the drone for mountain bikers or high-speed runners. It’s finest for straightforward, enjoyable pictures at shut vary.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a straightforward, hands-free technique to get a couple of cool aerial pictures with out diving deep into the world of drone piloting, then DJI Neo is correct up your alley. No controller wanted, simply launch out of your hand. Its built-in prop guards, toy-like really feel, and easy WiFi-based management make it really feel secure and manageable, even round youngsters.
DJI Mini 4K
The DJI Mini 4K brings higher freedom and suppleness to seize greater, bolder pictures. If you happen to envision your self flying a bit greater and wider—like recording a serious occasion from above or capturing a scenic view—the Mini 4K can ship. With prolonged flight time and a stronger controller connection, it’s the higher selection if you wish to strive some “actual” drone piloting.
For many who desire a bit extra—like prolonged vary, altitude, and an extended flight time—the DJI Mini 4K is for you. That is for the aspiring “drone individual” who needs to experiment with actual piloting expertise and take greater, extra expansive pictures earlier than upgrading to maybe a higher digicam drone, just like the DJI Mini 4 Professional. It’s a bit pricier, however with its devoted controller and double the flight time relative to the DJI Neo, the Mini 4K offers you room to discover and develop your piloting expertise.
The right way to decide between the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K
- If you happen to’re after a easy, secure, hands-off technique to get distinctive angles with out worrying about piloting, the DJI Neo is a good selection. It’s beginner-friendly and feels secure sufficient to fly round youngsters, making it a enjoyable device for informal pictures.
- If you happen to’re prepared for a extra strong drone expertise, with room to discover and develop your expertise, go for the DJI Mini 4K. It’s a bit pricier, however the further flight time, prolonged vary, and conventional controls are nicely price it for anybody trying to embrace the world of drones.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a straightforward, toy-like expertise or a gateway into the world of drone flying, DJI’s obtained you coated with these two strong choices. Completely happy flying!
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