DJI Flip vs. Neo: which of those newbie drones is best?

DJI, recognized for its innovation in client {and professional} drones, launched the DJI Flip in January 2025. It’s aimed toward vloggers, newbies and vacationers — however so is one other recently-launched drone from DJI: the DJI Neo. So in a battle versus the DJI Flip vs. Neo, which must you go for?

The DJI Flip is DJI’s latest drone, however the DJI Neo isn’t precisely outdated both, having launched only a few months prior in October 2024. The DJI Flip is greater than double the value of the DJI Neo, however neither is dear so far as drones go. The Flip begins at simply $439, whereas the Neo is available in underneath $200.

Provided that each are a few of the greatest newbie drones you should buy, how do you select? Each drones are nice for teenagers, and are designed for accessibility and ease. So, which one must you go for?

Right here’s an in depth comparability between the DJI Flip vs. Neo that can assist you determine which drone is the appropriate match for you.

DJI Flip in a nutshell

Beginning at $439, the DJI Flip is a compact, vlog-focused drone weighing underneath 249 grams. It options foldable, full-coverage propeller guards for security, a strong 48MP digicam and AI-powered taking pictures modes optimized for social media.

Learn my full DJI Flip evaluation.

DJI Neo in a nutshell

At lower than $200, Neo is an entry-level drone for newbies. It encompasses a 12MP digicam, fundamental clever flight modes, plus a light-weight, moveable design. It’s constructed for simplicity and affordability however lacks some superior options. And although you’ll be able to management it with an ordinary controller, it’s not likely meant to be flown that method. That is designed as a hand-launch drone.

Learn my full DJI Neo evaluation.

DJI Neo vs. Flip: side-by-side

Listed below are some key options on each drones, in contrast:

And right here’s these specs in a extra detailed evaluation:

Digital camera and video high quality

• DJI Flip: The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor affords the identical high quality because the Mini 4 Professional. You’re 48MP pictures and 4K HDR video, plus slow-motion recording at 4K/100fps. There’s additionally a vertical taking pictures mode, good for vloggers and content material creators placing their content material on vertical websites like Instagram or TikTok.
• DJI Neo: With a smaller 1/2-inch sensor and 12MP decision, the Neo is designed for informal pictures. 12MP continues to be good, particularly in case your objectives are posting on Instagram relatively than making huge prints. So far as video goes, its 4K video is spectacular.

Winner: DJI Flip – Superior picture and video capabilities.

Security and value

• DJI Flip: This foldable drone has a novel design with full-coverage propeller guards and computerized braking, make it one of many most secure drones for newbies. Its light-weight design additionally avoids registration necessities in lots of areas, together with within the U.S.
• DJI Neo: As a departure from most of DJI’s drones, this one has propeller guards (although not absolutely enclosed, just like the Flip.

Winner: DJI Flip – Totally enclosed propellers add to security.

Flight efficiency

• DJI Flip: This drone affords as much as 31 minutes of flight time, with improved transmission (13km) and anti-interference capabilities. The DJI O4 video transmission delivers clear 1080p/60fps video. It nonetheless gained’t be as highly effective as different drones just like the Air 3S in difficult flying conditions, like excessive winds. However, it’s extra highly effective than the Neo.
• DJI Neo: This drone affords simply 18 minutes of flight time. Contemplate it a enjoyable get together trick or a software for fast flights, however that flight time can really feel limiting.

Winner: DJI Flip – Longer flight instances and higher video transmission.

Portability

Each drones weigh underneath 249g and are compact, making them glorious journey companions.

• DJI Flip: The Flip is way bigger than Neo in flying type, however its distinctive folding design makes it so it truly packs as much as be roughly the identical measurement because the Neo.
• DJI Neo: The Neo isn’t truly foldable, however that’s as a result of it’s already so small. It may match into a bigger jacket pocket. Because it’s designed to fly as a hand-launch drone, which suggests no controller, you don’t even want to depart room in your suitcase or backpack for an RC transmitter.

Winner: Neo (however that’s solely assuming you don’t want the RC transmitter, in any other case it’s a tie)

Worth

Apparent the Neo wins out at $199 versus $439 as a beginning value for the Flip. Simply know what you’re actually getting (and what you may find yourself paying extra for).

The DJI Neo begins at $199 and it doesn’t embody an RC, which suggests you’ll be flying hand-launch model and both having it observe you or controlling it out of your smartphone. Add on the RC and also you’ll owe $289.

The Flip begins at $439, which features a distant controller. Nonetheless, it’s $150 greater than the Neo, however the value distinction may not really feel as stark should you suppose you’ll find yourself shopping for the Neo controller anyway.

DJI Flip vs. Neo: how to decide on

On the floor, they each have lots in frequent — nice newbie drones and nice drones for teenagers — the DJI Flip and DJI Neo truly cater to some fairly distinct wants.

The DJI Flip is ideal for creators and vacationers who need superior digicam capabilities, similar to 48MP pictures, 4K/60fps HDR video, and clever taking pictures modes like ActiveTrack 4.0. Its security options, together with foldable propeller guards and computerized braking, make it beginner-friendly and nice for households.

The DJI Neo is designed for budget-conscious newbies or informal customers in search of a easy and dependable drone. Whereas it affords fundamental options and stable efficiency, its 12MP digicam and a pair of.7K video decision fall wanting the Flip’s imaging high quality.

Select the Flip should you’re looking for creativity and flexibility. Select the Neo if simplicity and affordability are your priorities.

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