DrDrone's Verdict
The Neo is the cheapest, smallest, and least advanced option. It’s about half the size of the other two drones, it’s got a less powerful camera, and it lacks a few of the intelligent shooting modes like Hyperlapse, Panorama, and MasterShots. However, it’s pretty great for first-time fliers and it makes a mean social media video. This is the choice for those who don’t want to commit big bucks and don’t care about all the bells and whistles.
The Flip is the middle ground option, giving you a much more powerful camera for about three times the price of the Neo. It isn’t quite as good at nighttime shooting as the Mini 4 Pro, but it comes with most of the same intelligent shooting modes and it’s got stellar safety features. This drone is a good choice for people who care about camera quality and are willing to pay a little extra for more professional-looking shots. The built in propeller guards with the foldable design makes the Flip safe and portable.
The Mini 4 Pro is the most expensive and most advanced mini drone. It is powerful enough to rival some full-size enterprise drones, and you can extend the flight time and flight distance with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. This is a good choice for professional photographers and cinematographers who don’t mind paying more for better quality.
It’s important to note that the Neo and the Mini 4 Pro can be paired with a Motion Controller and DJI Goggles to offer an immersive experience. Also you can purchase additional accessories to power up each of these drones in case you want more flying time or better low-light performance.
DJI Flip:
Pros
Cons
DJI Neo:
Pros
Cons
DJI Mini 4 Pro:
Pros
Cons
| DJI Flip | DJI Neo | DJI Mini 4 Pro | |
| | | | |
| Price | Starting at $609.00 CAD / $439.00 USD Starting at $609.00 CAD / $439.00 USD | Starting at $249.00 CAD / $199.00 USD Starting at $249.00 CAD / $199.00 USD | Starting at $1,059.00 CAD / $759.00 USD Starting at $1,059.00 CAD / $759.00 USD |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 233×280×79 mm (L×W×H) | 130×157×48.5 mm (L×W×H) | 298×373×101 (L×W×H) 298×373×101 mm (L×W×H) |
| Weight | < 250 g | 135 g | < 250 g |
| Max Flight Distance | 14 km | 7 km | 18 km |
| Max Flight Time | Approx. 31 Minutes | Approx. 17 Minutes | Approx. 34 Minutes |
| Camera Image Sensor | 1/1.3-inch Image Sensor | 1/2-inch Image Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 48 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/30fps | 4K/30fps | 4K/100fps |
| Internal Storage | 2 GB | 22 GB | 2 GB |
| Video Transmission | DJI O4 and WiFi | DJI O4 and WiFi | DJI O4 |
| Max Wind Resistance | 38.5 km/h | 28.8 km/h | 38.5 km/h |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Forward and Downward | Downward | Omnidirectional |
| Operating Conditions | -10℃ to 40℃ | -10℃ to 40℃ | -10° to 40° C |
DJI has offered many mini drones over the years, but there are currently three that represent the latest and greatest: the Flip, the Neo, and the Mini 4 Pro. Each drone has a different price and a different skill set, from the palm-sized Neo to the advanced camera of the Mini 4 Pro. Mini drones have to sacrifice a bit of functionality in order to maintain their small size and avoid flying regulations, but these three drones each pack a strong punch in their own way.
DESIGN
The Flip is notable for featuring DJI’s first foldable full-coverage propeller guard, which greatly improves safety without adding too much weight. The guard is designed with a carbon fiber support structure that weighs 60 times less than traditional Polycarbonate materials. The Flip weighs just under 249g, making it equal to the Mini 4 Pro and most other DJI mini drones. It’s also easy to use: all you have to do is press the side mode button, select your desired shooting mode, and the Flip will do the rest.
The Neo’s calling card is its incredibly small size, weighing only 135g. Unlike the Flip and the Mini 4 Pro, it isn’t foldable, although it’s small enough to still be portable. It also does come with propeller guards like the Flip, giving it a bit of extra safety in the skies. Like the Flip, all you have to do to launch the Neo is press the mode button and select your desired shooting mode. But the Neo actually launches out of the palm of your hand, making it even easier to deploy.
The Mini 4 Pro weighs under 249g and is foldable, although it does not come with propeller guards. You can install optional guards, but these will put it over the weight limit, meaning you’ll be subject to permit requirements.
FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
The Flip has a maximum flight time of 31 minutes and a maximum flight distance of 14 km, which is pretty standard for DJI mini drones. DJI O4 video transmission guarantees 1080p/60fps up to a maximum distance of 13 km. The drone also features 10.7 m/s wind resistance.
The Neo has a maximum flight time of 18 minutes and a maximum flight distance of 7 km, essentially half that of the Flip and the Mini 4 Pro. DJI O4 video transmission reaches up to a maximum distance of 10 km, while the wind resistance is also slightly lower at 8 m/s. All in all, its smaller size reduces the flight time, distance, and wind resistance by about 25-50% in each category.
The Mini 4 Pro has a maximum flight time of 34 minutes and flight distance of 18 km with the Intelligent Flight Battery, while it reaches a maximum flight time of 45 minutes and maximum flight distance of 25 km with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. It has a max wind resistance of 10.7 m/s, the same as the Flip. If you spring for the upgraded battery, you can get 50% more flight time and twice the distance as the Flip.
CAMERA
The Flip’s camera is designed with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO Fusion that captures 48MP photos with a FOV of 82.1 degrees. It can record 4K/60fps HDR video and Slow Motion 4K/100fps video, and it allows for up to 4x zoom to photograph and record distant subjects. SmartPhoto combines a few key features to enhance image details, while the Vertical Shooting mode allows you to capture vertical shots at 2.7k resolution. Lastly, 10-bit D-Log M color mode allows for greater color capture and preserves more details in low-light environments.
The Neo has a smaller 1/2-inch image sensor, capturing 12 MP stills and 4K/30fps UHD videos. The drone does have a wider FOV than the Flip and the Mini 4 Pro, with a FOV of 117.6 degrees. The Neo uses RockSteady and HorizonBalancing to maintain stability during filming, reducing motion blur and keeping the horizon level. You can shoot in several modes including Single Shot, Burst, and Interval to capture a variety of photos automatically. Again, its smaller size means the Neo has the least powerful camera of the three, but it’s still pretty decent for such a small drone.
The Mini 4 Pro’s camera has similar specs to the Flip: a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO Fusion, 48MP photos, a FOV of 82.1 degrees, 4K/60fps HDR video, Slow Motion 4K/100fps video, SmartPhoto, Vertical Shooting mode, and 10-bit D Log M color mode. You can take photos with up to 2x zoom and record videos with 4x zoom. It also includes a Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) feature that ensures the drone captures colors as naturally as possible.
The Mini 4 Pro is even better than the Flip at night shooting thanks to Night Shots, which incorporates a noise reduction algorithm to deliver clean footage. It also features a larger tilt range, allowing you to tilt the camera up to 60 degrees to film a more sweeping view of the landscape.
OBSTACLE SENSING
The Mini 4 Pro is designed with four wide-angle vision sensors and two downward vision sensors, offering you omnidirectional obstacle sensing. APAS also improves safety by applying automatic braking when the drone detects an obstacle.
The Neo comes with a downward visual positioning sensor, meaning it only detects obstacles underneath the drone. This means you’ll have to be more careful flying the Neo than either of the other drones, although the propeller guards help make up somewhat with regards to safety.
The Flip uses a 3D Infrared Sensing System to detect obstacles, automatically braking whenever it detects an obstacle in its path. Because it’s an infrared sensor, it works exceptionally well even in low-light or at night time, allowing you to fly whenever and wherever you like.
INTELLIGENT SHOOTING MODES
The Flip includes several staple DJI intelligent flight modes, including:
● QuickShots. These preset movements include Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Boomerang, and Spotlight.
● MasterShots. This is the next step up from QuickShots, sending the drone flying in a preset movement while offering music, cuts, and effects to help aid the editing process.
● Hyperlapse. You can capture time-lapse videos in one of four different options: Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint.
● FocusTrack. This includes three different modes that keep subjects in frame and follow them throughout the shot: ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0. The Flip uses AI Subject Tracking to make tracking even easier and allow you to focus on flying.
● Panorama. You can widen the FOV with one of four settings: 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical, or Sphere.
The Neo has a couple of flight modes, but it’s missing MasterShots, Hyperlapse, FocusTrack, and Panorama. Here’s what it does include:
● QuickShots
● AI Subject Tracking
The Mini 4 Pro has most of the same features as the Flip, including:
● QuickShots
● MasterShots
● Hyperlapse
● Panorama
● FocusTrack. This includes Spotlight, Point of Interest, and an upgraded ActiveTrack 360°. Unlike the other two drones, however, it does not use AI subject tracking.
SPECIAL FEATURES
There are a couple of extra features some of the drones have that the others lack. The Neo has automatic Return To Home (RTH) that sends the aircraft back to the starting point once its course is done or in case of loss of signal/battery.
The Mini 4 Pro has advanced RTH capabilities that will automatically plan a safe flight back while navigating around obstacles. It has a Waypoint Flights feature as well that offers automatic route planning so you can repeat the same flight multiple times. Lastly, the Cruise Control feature allows you to automatically fly the drone in one direction without physically controlling it.
REMOTE CONTROLLER COMPATIBILITY
Both the Flip and the Neo can be flown without a remote controller. You can pilot both drones with the DJI Fly app or with spoken commands using voice control. To activate, simply say “Hey Fly.” This will restrict the flight distance to only around 50 meters, however.
Each drone is compatible with several remote controllers, including:
DJI RC-2: Flip, Neo, and Mini 4 Pro
This remote controller comes with a 5.5-inch built-in screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a brightness of 700 nits. It has about 3 hours of operating time, takes 1.5 hours to charge, and has an operating temperature range of -10° to 40° C.
DJI RC-N3: Flip, Neo, and Mini 4 Pro
The RC-N3 requires the use of a smartphone as a screen. It has about 3.5 hours of operating time, takes 2 hours to charge, and has an operating temperature range of -10° to 40° C.
DJI RC-N3: Flip, Neo, and Mini 4 Pro
The RC-N3 requires the use of a smartphone as a screen. It has about 3.5 hours of operating time, takes 2 hours to charge, and has an operating temperature range of -10° to 40° C.
DJI RC-N2: Flip, Neo, and Mini 4 Pro
This is the previous edition, which features mostly the same specs as the RC-N3 but has a slightly bigger battery. It has about 6 hours of operating time, almost twice as long as the RC-N3.
DJI RC-N2: Flip, Neo, and Mini 4 Pro
This is the previous edition, which features mostly the same specs as the RC-N3 but has a slightly bigger battery. It has about 6 hours of operating time, almost twice as long as the RC-N3.
DJI RC Motion 3: Neo, Mini 4 Pro
This is DJI’s latest motion controller, designed as a one-handed joystick. The controller has an emergency brake and hover button, a joystick for controlling altitude, a button for switching flight modes, an accelerator, an FN dial for settings, and a button for Shutter/Record. You can use the RC Motion 3 with the DJI Goggles to have an immersive flying experience.
DJI RC Motion 3: Neo, Mini 4 Pro
This is DJI’s latest motion controller, designed as a one-handed joystick. The controller has an emergency brake and hover button, a joystick for controlling altitude, a button for switching flight modes, an accelerator, an FN dial for settings, and a button for Shutter/Record. You can use the RC Motion 3 with the DJI Goggles to have an immersive flying experience.
This is a two-handed motion controller. It can be used with the DJI Goggles as well to offer an immersive experience.
This is a two-handed motion controller. It can be used with the DJI Goggles as well to offer an immersive experience.
GOGGLES COMPATIBILITY
When flying with the Neo or the Mini 4 Pro, you can combine either the RC Motion 3 or the FPV Remote Controller 3 with a pair of DJI Goggles for an entirely immersive experience. Here are the Goggles that are compatible with the Neo and the Mini 4 Pro:
Goggles 3
These feature a 3-hour max operating time, an AR cursor for easy navigation, and real view PiP to help you see the drone’s view as well as your own. Low-pressure padding, one-tap defogging, and the integration of the battery and headband mean you’ll maintain comfort and visuals at all times.
Goggles N3
The Goggles N3 feature a 2.7-hour max operating time, a full 1080p 60Hz LCD screen, and a 54° FOV. Compared with the Goggles 3, the Goggles N3 have a more spacious internal design and reduce the likelihood of dizziness with the wider FOV.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
In addition to remote controllers and goggles, each drone is compatible with a few key accessories:
● Intelligent Flight Battery: Get extra batteries to swap out and keep the drone in the air for longer.
● Parallel Charging Hub: Charge two batteries at once in 70 minutes.
● ND Filter Set (ND16/64/256): Film in challenging lighting conditions and perform time-lapse photography.
● Intelligent Flight Battery: Get extra batteries to swap out and keep the drone in the air for longer.
● Two-Way Charging Hub: Charge a remote controller and three batteries in sequence.
● Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: Extend the Mini 4 Pro's flight time even further with a Plus battery. Note: This battery will put the drone over the 249g weight.
● Two-Way Charging Hub: The Mini 4 Pro's batteries are compatible with the Mini 3's hub, which can charge three batteries in sequence.
● ND Filter Set (ND16/64/256): Adjust to bright lighting conditions or capture long exposures with this ideal filter set.
● Wide-Angle Lens: Extend the FOV to 100°, capturing more of the scene.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Who should buy it: Amateur/professional photographers, drone enthusiasts who don’t want to worry about getting a permit, anyone who wants a middle-of-the-road price option.
What it’s best at: Shooting moving subjects, creating videos for social media, (optionally) immersive flying.
Who should buy it: Beginner pilots, casual photographers, first-time drone-buyers, anyone who wants to shoot cool videos for social media but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money.
What it’s best at: Creating photos and videos for social media, playing around with drone-flying.
Who should buy it: Professional photographers, pilots of all levels, anyone who wants the best that money can buy.
What it’s best at: Creating cinematic videos, capturing details in low-light, tracking subjects, (optionally) immersive flying.
CONCLUSION
The Neo is the cheapest option on the list at $249 CAD, making it the best choice for beginners and anyone just looking to step up their selfie game. It doesn’t have as great of a camera as the Flip or the Mini 4 Pro, but if you’re looking to save money, it gives you plenty to work with. It’s also incredibly small, so it’s quite easy to take with you literally anywhere you go.
The Flip is in the middle in terms of price at $839 CAD, although it leans more toward the Mini 4 Pro than it does the Neo. It’s got plenty of cool features and a camera that’s almost as powerful, so it’s good for amateur photographers or professionals who don’t want to shell out over a grand for the Mini 4 Pro. It’s great for filming landscapes, moving subjects, and more cinematic-looking videos.
The Mini 4 Pro is the most expensive drone at $1,059 CAD but it’s also the most advanced. Its camera excels in any lighting condition and gives you the sharpest clarity of any of DJI’s mini drones. Professional cinematographers and advanced pilots will appreciate its functionalities, but even beginner pilots can easily get the hang of navigating it. If price is no object and you want the best flight and camera performance in a mini drone that money can buy, the Mini 4 Pro is the way to go.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.