{"id":807,"date":"2025-01-18T02:39:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-18T02:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/?p=807"},"modified":"2025-01-18T02:39:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-18T02:39:41","slug":"dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-which-of-these-new-type-of-multi-use-drones-is-best-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/01\/18\/dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-which-of-these-new-type-of-multi-use-drones-is-best-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: which of these new type of multi-use drones is best for beginners?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can the new content creator-friendly DJI Flip surpass the budget king DJI Neo from 2024?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V43F5ehkrcvj3GCkveEyAU-1200-80.jpg\" alt=\"DJI Flip alongside DJI Neo drone with split purple \/ cyan background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI Flip (left), DJI Neo (right), not to scale&nbsp;(Image credit: DJI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DJI Flip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A drone like we&#8217;ve never seen before, with unique folding propellor design and decent 4K video capabilities, but it&#8217;s quite a leap in price from the Neo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Multi-use functionality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Several flight-control options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sub-250g folding design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Against<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Image quality is good but not great<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not as agile as the Mini 4 Pro<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not great in wind<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DJI Neo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI&#8217;s cheapest 4K drone can be flown safely multiple ways thanks to propellor guards; for selfies, FPV, but it&#8217;s tiny and has limited camera performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small and lightweight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple flight control options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Against<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only shoots photos in JPEG<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4K video fixed at 30fps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expensive to add on goggles and FPV controller<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TheDJI Fliparrives just a few months after the 2024DJI Neoto provide yet another option for folks out to buytheir first drone. We\u2019re here to work out if the Flip is a better buy. It\u2019s more expensive, but also a lot more capable. So should you spend the extra?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI\u2019s Flip drone roughly combines the ease of use of the Neo with the superior camera and flight skills of theDJI Mini 4K. And there are some other bonuses to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is one mode the DJI Neo has that the Flip lacks, though \u2014 FPV, where you use a motion controller and a headset to fly in a more acrobatic style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, the DJI Flip is clearly a better content creator drone, but the DJI Neo provides a taste of all flavors of the drone hobby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re going to dig a little deeper into all areas in which the DJI Neo and DJI Flip excel, to work out which is the better buy for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>We&#8217;d also be remiss not to mention the<\/em><em>HoverAir X1 Pro<\/em><em>, another excellent tiny drone with propellor guards for closeup flight and auto-tracking features.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&gt;&gt;&gt;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-DJI-1747072-Mavic-Air\">Mavic-Air Battery for DJI Mavic Air Part 1 Intelligent Flight<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NPEHSYeZmGzMBtDKSrPnTm-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip is a pricier package \u2013 here&#8217;s a photo of it taken during our in-depth review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-1-dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-price-and-availability\">1. DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: Price and Availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DJI Flip with DJI RC-N3 controller: $439\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DJI Neo: starts at $199, increases in price if you want controller<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Neo is roughly four months older than the DJI Flip. It was announced in September 2024, compared to January 2025 for the Flip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI\u2019s Neo is substantially cheaper, but it\u2019s not quite as simple as it may appear at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s also a Neo FPV-friendly combo for \u00a3449, which adds the Goggles N3 headset and RC Motion 3 controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have a couple more options when buying the DJI Flip. There\u2019s a bundle with the RC 2 controller (with baked in screen) for $639. Or the classic Fly More combo with that RC 2 controller, two additional batteries, charger and bag for $779.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-DJI-1746897-Action5Pro\">Action5Pro Battery for DJI Osmo Action 5 4 3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WZ3J6fffZEm6yQpXScRXAU-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip and DJI Neo to scale \u2013 as you can see the Neo (top) is much smaller, although the Flip propellors can fold away when not in use.(Image credit: DJI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-2-dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-design\">2. DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DJI Flip: 249g, folding propellors, 2GB internal storage plus micro SD<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DJI Neo: 135g, tiny 130\u00d7157\u00d748.5 mm, 22GB internal storage only<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip is much larger than the DJI Neo, but not in a way that will significantly hinder how you can use it. A DJI Flip measures 233\u00d7280\u00d779 mm, but when the propellors are folded back down for storage it\u2019s just 136\u00d7165x62mm. That\u2019s fairly close to the 130\u00d7157\u00d748.5 mm of the Neo. It doesn\u2019t fold, and doesn\u2019t really need to at that size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Neo is a lot lighter too, at 135g. But as the DJI Flip just scoots in at under the 249g limit for unregistered drones, it\u2019s not much of a practical concern. And that includes the blade guards typically left off of weight calculations in these mini-size drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will need to bring your own microSD card for the Flip, though. It has just 2GB internal storage \u2014 basically an emergency solution should you forget your card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Neo has 22GB onboard storage, but there\u2019s no way to expand upon that. It\u2019s less restrictive than it might sound given the short battery life of the drone, but does mean you\u2019ll need to clear out space regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-DJI-1744422-PHANTOM-3\">PHANTOM-3 Charger for DJI Drone<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/seu4NBVYPie5xSTKQHm9aQ-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Neo can be used a selfie drone and for mega fun and immersive FPV flight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-3-dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-flight-modes\">3. DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: Flight Modes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DJI Flip: active person-tracking, intelligent flight moves, better wind resistance and speed<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DJI Neo: active person-tracking, intelligent flight moves, FPV flight<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI made the Flip and Neo to cater for the kind of person who wants a drone to act like a virtual camera person. They can both lift off from your hand, and support an active person-tracking mode that follows you around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is perfect forYouTubeB-roll, an affordable way to give your videos a very expensive look. Both drones support the following \u201cintelligent modes,\u201d which program the movements relative to your subject: Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix and Boomerang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also control these drones manually, although in the US at least DJI makes it a little trickier to get a good deal for a Neo bundle that includes a controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is more a sign the DJI Neo is a truebeginner\u2019s drone, where the DJI Flip is a more focused tool for content creators. For example, it has better wind resistance than the Neo, rated at 10.7m\/s versus 8m\/s speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Flip is not ideal on this front thanks to its drag-increasing blade guards, but is nevertheless an upgrade. It\u2019s also an all-round more powerful drone than the Neo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can reach ascent and descent speeds of 5 m\/s in its tracking modes, compared to 2m\/s with the Neo. And when flying horizontally it can maintain speeds of up to 12m\/s (26mph), compared to 8m\/s (17mph) in the Neo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Neo can actually get to a speedy 16m\/s, but only if you use manual FPV control. This is where the DJI Neo gets a major upper hand on the Flip. Pair it with the Goggles N3 and RC Motion 3 controller (or FPV Remote Controller 3) and you have a recipe for about as much fun as you can have with a smaller drone. As long as it\u2019s not too windy \u2014 a tiny drone like the Neo can\u2019t compete with too much wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can fly freely, perform tricks and acrobatics. Tooled up like this, the DJI Neo is much like a smallerAvata 2, and makes the DJI Flip seem staid and boring in comparison. It\u2019s made to stay horizontal consistently, and move in a much more measured way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, you can use the Flip in a slightly wider array of environments, thanks to its improved sensor array.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCEJqtRnMS5n4KNdwRXyAU-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip has front and downward sensors, the Neo instead relies on its camera.(Image credit: DJI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-4-dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-sensors-and-battery-life\">4. DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: Sensors and battery life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DJI Flip: front and downward sensors, up to 28 minutes flight time<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DJI Neo: No sensors, up to 18 minutes flight time<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Neo\u2019s flight sensor array is as simple as they come. It uses its camera to look out for obstacles, and that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Flip has both its camera and infrared sensors for both forward motion and underneath the drone. This makes it far better-suited for flying at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI says you should<em>not<\/em>use the Neo for night flying \u2014 and owners have had mixed success with their attempts. The key is basically to lift off somewhere with enough light for the sensor system to navigate, and not hang about too long in the dark to avoid the sensor system getting hopelessly lost. But the DJI Flip is rated for navigation in light conditions down to 15 lux, matching theDJI Mini 4 Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither drone is meant to be used over water \u2014 a natural enemy for the non-water-resistant drone \u2014 but the DJI Flip is going to fare better thanks to its improved sensor array. Don\u2019t get cocky, though, as these sensors do not too well with reflective surfaces, and the Flip manual states \u201cDO NOT fly over water.\u201d You\u2019ve been warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The larger size of the DJI Flip allows for a much larger battery, 3,110mAh versus 1,435 mAh, and despite the Neo\u2019s lower weight the Flip still provides much better flight time. It can fly for up to 31 minutes (28 min hovering) while the Neo is only rated for 18 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having multiple batteries is going to be even more important with the DJI Neo. And it\u2019s not made for more ambitious shoots anyway. It has a shorter transmission range of up to 7km, versus 13km. Not that it\u2019s likely, or sensible, these limits will realistically be tested in normal use \u2014 and transmission range for the video preview naturally far shorter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s more important is they both support the same O4 transmission system when using a controller, allowing for a video feed of up to 1080p\/60. This matches the more expensive DJI Mini 4 Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tgGnz2Q9q56eMuLRiQWQAU-320-80.jpg\" alt=\"DJI Flip alongside DJI Neo drone with split purple \/ cyan background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Flip has a superior gimbal-mounted camera unit to the fixe camera of the Neo.(Image credit: DJI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-5-dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-camera\">5. DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: Camera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DJI Flip: 3-axis gimbal camera, 1\/1.3-inch 48-megapixel sensor, 4K 60p video, plus 100fps slow-mo<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DJI Neo: No gimbal, 1\/2-inch 12-megapixel sensor, 4K 30p video<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip has a clearly superior camera to the DJI Neo, on a few fronts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First up, it has a 3-axis gimbal system capable of providing proper physical stabilization, where the Neo relies on electronic stabilization (EIS). Not only is the gimbal approach less likely to cause image distortions, it means the Flip doesn\u2019t have to eat into its usable sensor area for stabilization \u2013 EIS crops into the sensor to leave a motion compensation buffer on the outside, shrinking the amount of sensor actively used in the final footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip has a larger and much higher camera sensor too, a 1\/1.3-inch 48-megapixel sensor. The Neo has a 1\/2-inch 12-megapixel one. Both cameras can record at up to4Kresolution, but the DJI Flip\u2019s image quality is better, and its frame rate options far superior. It can record at up to 60fps withHDR, and there\u2019s a 100fps slo-mo 4K mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Neo is limited to 4K at 30 frames per second, and can only reach 60fps at Full HD. It\u2019s not nearly as serious a video shooter at the Flip, which also has a D-Log flat profile for better color grading flexibility, and much higher maximum video bitrate. The Neo taps out at 75Mbps, the Flip at 150Mbps. But then again you wouldn\u2019t want to have to deal with too high a bit-rate in the Neo when your storage is limited to 22GB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both cameras can shoot vertical video, despite the lack of a camera gimbal that can physically move the sensor by 90-degrees. They simply have the pixels to spare. The DJI Neo can hack 1080p at Full HD vertical (60fps). The DJI Flip can shoot at up to 2.7k, although the frame rate is limited to max 30fps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-early-verdict\">Early Verdict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCEJqtRnMS5n4KNdwRXyAU-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Image credit: DJI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DJI Flip easily beats the DJI Neo for content creators. It has a much higher-quality camera, videographer-friendly shooting modes and microSD support so you don\u2019t keep having to flush the internal memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJI\u2019s Neo shines for folks who don\u2019t want to spend much at all, and will be happy with controlling it via phone app rather than a dedicated controller. A proper controller is an option, but the base Neo kit doesn\u2019t include one. Cost is key with a Neo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s one part of the Neo that shouldn\u2019t be ignored, though: FPV. It can become an acrobatic drone in a manner the Flip just can\u2019t. It\u2019s mounds of fun, although that FPV package costs more than double the cost of the Neo alone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can the new content creator-friendly DJI Flip surpass the budget king DJI Neo from 2024? DJI Flip (left), DJI Neo (right), not to scale&nbsp;(Image credit: DJI) DJI Flip A drone like we&#8217;ve never seen before, with unique folding propellor design and decent 4K video capabilities, but it&#8217;s quite a leap in price from the Neo. &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/01\/18\/dji-flip-vs-dji-neo-which-of-these-new-type-of-multi-use-drones-is-best-for-beginners\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">DJI Flip vs DJI Neo: which of these new type of multi-use drones is best for beginners?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dji"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/807","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=807"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/807\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":808,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/807\/revisions\/808"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}