[Expired]Neo 2 Arrives: The Next Evolution of Beginner Drones

As an upgraded version of Neo, Neo 2 maintains the "lightweight and user-friendly" positioning but makes several practical improvements to key experiences. It's not a high-end aerial photography drone or an extreme sports tracking device, but rather a smart digital device designed for ordinary users.

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Obstacle avoidance system added, safer flights for beginners

Although the original Neo was designed to be sturdy and "crash resistant," it lacked active obstacle avoidance features, making flights somewhat nerve-wracking. Neo 2 now includes a forward-facing LiDAR sensor and downward infrared sensors, which can automatically detect obstacles when flying forward or sideways to avoid collisions with walls and trees. For first-time drone users, this upgrade directly reduces the risk of crashes.

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More natural gesture controls, more intuitive small screen display

Neo 2 adds gesture control functionality, allowing you to adjust the drone's distance and position by waving your hand, completing simple operations without using the remote control. A small screen has been added to the top of the device to display current mode status, which is more intuitive than the original Neo's method of using flashing LED lights to indicate status.

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Faster speed, better wind resistance, more stable footage

Neo 2's maximum following speed has been increased to 12 meters per second (approximately 27mph), considerably faster than the original's 18mph after firmware updates. Wind resistance has also improved, with the official claim of stable hovering in wind speeds up to 24mph, meaning less risk of drifting away during outdoor shooting.

For photography, Neo 2 continues to use a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor but now pairs it with a dual-axis gimbal, significantly improving image stability. It supports automatic 4K 60fps recording, and up to 100fps in manual flight control mode. Built-in storage has been expanded from 22GB to 49GB, and battery capacity increased to 1606mAh, providing up to 19 minutes of flight time.

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Still affordably priced, with more package options

The Neo 2 base model is priced at 1499 yuan (approximately $211), slightly more expensive than the original, but considering the comprehensive upgrades in obstacle avoidance, gesture control, and recording performance, this price increase is reasonable. DJI also offers a battery and multi-charger package (1999 yuan) and a fully-equipped version (including motion controller and headset, 3699 yuan) currently only available in China.

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For users who have never used a drone before, Neo 2 isn't a complicated flying machine but rather a smart camera that can automatically follow you, recognize gestures, and avoid obstacles. As long as you want to record your life, it can help you capture footage with more spatial awareness and atmosphere.