Imagine a drone that’s no bigger than a small baby swallow (don’t dare ask me, “African or European?”). Chinese drone maker DJI (who’s also getting into e-bikes) may already have a super small, super cheap drone available, though not quite yet in the U.S. Based on one unboxing video of the rumored DJI Neo, the company’s new drone may also be extremely cheap and the best way to annoy neighbors on a budget.
In recent months, we’ve seen some other paltry leaks of the DJI Neo through a misfire Walmart listing. That put the drone at just $329 and the ability to shoot in 4K. On Wednesday, Italian YouTube channel enontheroad (via Notebookcheck) posted an unboxing video of a supposed Neo they found available in Malaysia. Based on the video, the drone takes the same design as the recent DJI Avata 2, but it will cost significantly less than that $1,000 drone and goggle combo.
YouTuber Nicola Cortellucci claims that the device will sell for just €199 in Europe, or just over $228. That’s based on a conversion from the Malaysian ringgit and probably does not reflect on U.S. pricing. Still, Cortellucci claimed there’s another “Fly More” listing with an accessory pack that would sell for €350, or $388. That’s in line with DJI’s normal pricing model.
A separate leak claims the drone weighs just 136 grams or .3 pounds. It weighs a bare few grams more than HoverAir’s $430 X1. The other benefit of the drone is that users can start recording in 4K using a button on the drone without needing to use a controller or app. Of course, you can still use the DJI Fly app for control. According to the instruction sheet in the video, the drone also comes with a face scan for unlocking. Cortellucci says you can start the drone from the palm of your hand, though he turns it on in the video, and the device instructs him to access the Fly app for more controls.
Without any footage from the drone itself, we can’t tell how strong its sensors are until we finally get one in hand. The other issue may be the lack of obstacle avoidance features, which could result in unnecessary crashes for the uninitiated drone pilot. Based on that, plus the limited sensor, the Neo might be best used as an outdoor-only device. At least you won’t need to register it with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration since it weighs less than 250 grams.
Just when we thought buzzing drones above our heads wasn’t annoying enough, the supposed DJI Neo will be like a wasp going on an attack run compared to the condor-sized, thick, tank-like drones that are part of DJI’s slate of remote control devices. DJI’s current beginner-level drone is the $280 DJI Mini 2. That device weighs 280 grams, or .6 pounds, and requires a separate controller.
Based on the video, DJI has opted for extremely simple packaging. It comes with two bags, including some replacement propellers. This version doesn’t include a controller. Images from routine leaker Jas,per Ellens on Twitter sho, show a different set of packaging for the Fly More combo containing a controller.
DJI Neo – first specs: 135 grams, AI subject tracking, 4K Ultra-stabilized, 3 batteries in the Fly more combo. Price only 329? These will sell like hot cakes. pic.twitter.com/5Lm8AUScDA
— Jasper Ellens | X27 (@JasperEllens) July 31, 2024
As for the release date, Cortellucci said DJI representatives told him it should be out around Sept. 5. Either way, you should expect to f tiny drone buzzing down your street soon enough.
