which drone is best for you?

Each DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K are two wonderful drones from drone-making powerhouse DJI. They’re each tremendous reasonably priced, the DJI Neo priced at $199 and the Mini 4K at $299. Each have wonderful cameras, and are straightforward to fly.

However selecting the best entry-level drone could make or break your expertise. And whereas each drones are merchandise I’d advocate typically, I wouldn’t essentially advocate each for all use circumstances, as each are literally extraordinarily totally different by way of their energy output and the way you fly them.

Now I’ll prevent a click on and provide the tl;dr:

• In the event you’re searching for a easy, secure, and easy-to-fly drone for close-up pictures: Go together with the DJI Neo.
• If you’d like a extra conventional drone with longer flight occasions and extra vary: Go together with the DJI Mini 4K.

However what does that imply in apply? I’ve extensively reviewed each drones, and assume 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 greatest for you:

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:

So what does all that imply in apply? 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 most cost-effective DJI drone you should buy proper now.

For simply $100 extra, although, you will 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 may very well be price it for the added capabilities.

What’s the value with controller?

Particularly noticeable in that value distinction is the shortage of controller. For Neo pilots who’re superb with simply the palm takeoff into programmed flight modes, or controller it manually through the app, then you may price range merely the $199 price ticket. However for those who assume you’d wish to improve to a controller, price range extra. The DJI Neo is at present appropriate with the DJI RC 2, DJI RC-N2, and DJI RC-N3 controllers.

The DJI RC-N2 just isn’t at present on the market (until you may discover it used or by a third-party). In any other case your most cost-effective 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. In the event you 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 important 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 will be essential.

Winner: DJI Mini 4K

3. Management and vary

With its straightforward 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 for those who’re making an attempt to fly increased 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 model and built-in prop guards make it extraordinarily approachable—perfect 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless manageable for freshmen who need a extra “pilot-like” expertise.

Watch how the distinctive, hand-launch model of the DJI Neo works in apply, through my first-ever drone flight:

Winner: DJI Neo

DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: the place every drone excels

Each drones have their execs 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 perfect for vloggers or Instagrammers who need a number 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 primary follow-me perform, it’s like a selfie cam that hovers shut.

However don’t count on a strong monitoring function. This isn’t a true follow-me drone. And it undoubtedly isn’t the drone for mountain bikers or high-speed runners. It’s greatest for simple, enjoyable pictures at shut vary.

In the event you’re searching for a simple, hands-free technique to get a number 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 simple WiFi-based management make it really feel secure and manageable, even round youngsters.

DJI Mini 4K

The DJI Mini 4K brings better freedom and suppleness to seize larger, bolder pictures. In the event you envision your self flying a bit increased and wider—like recording a significant 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 attempt some “actual” drone piloting.

For many who need 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 particular person” who needs to experiment with actual piloting abilities and take increased, 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 provides you room to discover and develop your piloting abilities.

How one can choose between the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K

• In the event you’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 software for informal pictures.
• In the event you’re prepared for a extra sturdy drone expertise, with room to discover and develop your abilities, go for the DJI Mini 4K. It’s a bit pricier, however the further flight time, prolonged vary, and conventional controls are effectively price it for anybody seeking to embrace the world of drones.

Whether or not you’re searching for a simple, toy-like expertise or a gateway into the world of drone flying, DJI’s bought you lined with these two strong choices. Joyful flying!

Associated