DrDrone's Verdict
The DJI Neo is ideal for beginners and casual photographers seeking an affordable entry point, perfect for capturing casual videos and photos. The Neo can also serve as your first step into the world of FPV videography opening up a unique way of capturing video, that is not available in the Mini series. In contrast, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is geared towards more traditional cinematic drone videography offering superior imaging capabilities, digital zoom, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and tracking features worth the higher price. We recommend choosing the Neo for FPV video, simplicity and value or the Mini 4 Pro for top-notch image quality and control, or both thanks to their unique shooting styles and common remote controller compatibility between the two.
We tested both, the DJI Neo and the DJI Mini 4 Pro side by side to get a better idea of how they compare with each other. The way the Neo can hold its position outdoors as well as indoors tells us a lot about the capabilities of the drone. The Neo focuses on being easy to use for every pilot. Even our newest team members who do not have a ton of flying experience commented that the Neo was not intimidating to fly as may be the case with larger, more expensive drones. The lower cost really puts everyone's minds at ease making them thoroughly enjoy the drone and carry out maneuvers that they normally wouldn't have tried. Even indoors, the Neo thanks to its small size and built in propeller guards, makes it very easy to fit through tight spaces. This could also be a great candidate for Public Safety applications where they can send the Neo in for reconnaissance and safety assessments before sending personnel in.
In contrast, the DJI Mini 4 Pro was a powerhouse. Its advanced tracking features and superior imaging capabilities allowed for breathtaking, professional-grade shots. The optional Goggles 3 upgrade took the experience to new heights, providing unparalleled control and immersion. However, the Mini 4 Pro's steeper learning curve and higher price point are geared towards serious photographers and videographers seeking top-tier results. Switching between the two drones highlighted the clear distinction: the Neo is ideal for casual fun, while the Mini 4 Pro is designed for precision and perfection.
| DJI Neo | DJI Mini 4 Pro | |
| | | |
| Price | Starting at $249 CAD / $199 USD | Starting at $1,059 CAD / $759 USD |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 130×157×48.5 mm (L×W×H) | Folded (without propellers): 148×94×64 mm (L×W×H) |
| Weight | 135 g | 249 g |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2-inch | 1/1.3-Inch |
| Max Photo Resolution | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/30fps | 4K/100fps |
| Videography | FPV | Cinematic (Traditional) |
| Sensing System | Downward Vision Positioning | Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance |
| Max Flight Speed | 57.6 kph (Manual Mode) | 57.6 kph (S Mode) |
| Max Flight Time | Approx. 18 Minutes | Approx. 34 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery)/ |
| Max Wind Resistance | 28.8 km/h | 38.5 km/h |
| Video Transmission | O4 10km 1080p@60fps | O4 20km 1080p@60fps |
| Internal Storage | 22 GB (non-expandable) | 2 GB (expandable via MicroSD) |
DJI is continually redefining itself with smaller and more advanced drones. With the release of the DJI Neo, it’s time to reevaluate the past lineup of mini drones and see how they hold up. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is arguably the most advanced of DJI’s mini drones, carrying enough features and imaging capabilities to keep it from being totally pushed aside by the Neo. If you’re curious about the Neo and trying to decide between the two, here’s a rundown of how they stack up against each other.
This is an example from the higher tier FPV and cinematic drones from DJI namely the DJI Avata 2 and the Mavic 3 Pro, however similar types of footage can be captured from the DJI Neo and the DJI Mini 4 Pro. In this example we can see the difference between the two distinct styles of aerial video.
Video Source @djiglobal on Instagram
Up until the Neo, DJI had never released a mini drone smaller than 249 grams. Like most drones in the Mavic Mini lineup, the Mini 4 Pro was designed with an ultra-light weight of just under 249 grams. This made it incredibly portable while also falling underneath the weight limit set by certain countries that require you to register your drone. The Mini 4 Pro is also compact and foldable, making it easy to pop into your backpack as you head off for a photo shoot in the woods or the mountains.
The Neo takes the Mini 4 Pro’s small size and doubles down on it. At only 135 grams, the Neo is small enough to launch from the palm of your hand. Its capabilities for palm takeoff and landing make it easy to control without a remote controller, which is a huge benefit. The smaller size also makes it slightly more portable than the Mini 4 Pro, although at such a small size you’re basically splitting hairs. One design feature that the Neo has that makes a relatively big difference is its use of full-coverage propeller guards, which keep it safe in midair and somewhat counteract its lack of obstacle avoidance.
While the Neo’s propeller guards are a win with regard to safety, they, along with the smaller battery, do lower the flight time to almost half that of the Mini 4 Pro. The Neo can fly for up to 18 minutes in one go, which accounts for about 20 takeoffs and returns. The Mini 4 Pro has a much higher flight time of 34 minutes, and if you spring for the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, you can even boost it up to 45 minutes. This offers you a lot more flexibility to mess around with the controls and explore the area.
The range of the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro is also quite different. The Neo’s flight range depends on your control method: if you use the DJI Fly app, you can fly it up to 50 meters; paired with the RC-N3, you’ll get a range of about 10 kilometers. With the Mini 4 Pro, you’ll gain access to DJI’s O4 video transmission technology, which gives you pretty reliable 1080/60fps Full HD live feeds from up to 20 kilometers away. Again, this makes the Mini 4 Pro better for exploring and filming more sweeping landscape videos.
Typically with smaller drones, you get less of the fancy bells and whistles than you can fit on the larger drones. Still, DJI has managed to fit the Neo with a few fun features that make flying pretty seamless. The first is the capability for palm takeoff and landing, which as we’ve noted is a great way to bypass the need for a remote. All you have to do is press the mode button and select your preferred shooting mode, then watch as the Neo takes to the skies. The Neo also uses an infrared and monocular vision positioning system for added stability, which allows the drone to hover in one spot in midair even in Level 4 wind conditions. Lastly, you’ll get DJI’s handy Return to Home (RTH) feature that sends the drone flying straight back to the launch point, which can either be activated by the pilot or triggered automatically when the signal is lost.
The Mini 4 Pro is built to be a little more stable and secure in the sky. It’s got great safety features like omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, which uses four wide-angle vision sensors and two downward vision sensors to detect and avoid obstacles from all directions. The drone also uses Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) to perform automatic braking when necessary. Like the Neo, the Mini 4 Pro uses RTH to bring the drone back to the starting point, although the Mini 4 Pro goes the extra mile by avoiding obstacles and determining the safest flight path back. The Mini 4 Pro has a couple of more features that make flying more seamless, including Waypoint Flights and Cruise Control. The Waypoint Flight feature lets you automatically plan flight routes that you can repeat again and again, helping you recreate shots in exactly the same way. Cruise Control keeps the drone flying steadily, letting you sit back and relax as you focus on filming without any camera shake.
The camera is another area where the differences between the DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Neo really stand out. The DJI Neo uses a 1/2-inch image sensor to take 12 MP stills, allowing you to shoot in Single Shot, Burst, and Interval modes. It’s also got quite good video recording options, giving you the option of recording in multiple resolutions and frame rates up to 4K/30 fps. When paired with the Neo’s camera stabilization technology, this gives you pretty steady, high-definition footage. You can also choose from a few different shooting modes like Panorama, Time-lapse, and Slow-motion to create more dynamic and creative shots.
While the Neo holds up pretty well on its own, the Mini 4 Pro is clearly a big step up in terms of visual quality. It uses a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO Fusion technology, a wide f/1.7 aperture, and 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixel technology. Together, these features give you pretty stellar details in the highlights and shadows of every shot. You can shoot both 48MP RAW stills as well as 12MP stills. In 12MP mode, you also have access to Smartphoto, which combines HDR imaging and scene recognition to further enhance image quality.
The 10-bit D-Log M mode makes the drone much better at capturing a wide palette of colors, and the High Dynamic Range (HLG) feature makes everything appear much more true-to-life. The Mini 4 Pro is also a powerhouse in terms of video recording, with the ability to shoot 4K/60 fps HDR and 4K/100fps videos. Like the Neo, the Mini 4 Pro has a slow-motion feature, although on this drone you can shoot slow-motion video even more precisely at 4K/100fps. The drone also has a Night Shots mode that uses DJI’s advanced noise reduction algorithm to capture better footage in the dark. Lastly, the digital zoom feature lets you take photos with up to 2x zoom and record videos with up to 4x zoom.
Camera stability is one area where the Neo has the edge on the Mini 4 Pro. The DJI Neo uses DJI’s advanced stabilization algorithms to keep footage free from image shakes and noise, while a single-axis mechanical gimbal allows the camera to move fluidly through the flight. RockSteady technology keeps footage steady during high-speed flights and turns, and HorizonBalancing keeps the horizon level in the shot by correcting up to ±45°. Together, these features go a long way to improving the quality of your photos and videos even when you’re twisting and turning in the sky.
The Mini 4 Pro has a 3-axis mechanical gimbal with a larger maximum tilt angle of 60 degrees, allowing you to swivel the camera farther to capture a wider range. However, it lacks the stabilization algorithms of the Neo as well as RockSteady and HorizonBalancing.
The DJI Neo comes with some pretty good filming features that make it a great tool for new aerial photographers. AI-powered subject tacking uses advanced algorithms to keep you in the frame, while Smart Tracking and DirectionTrack allow the Neo to follow your every move. The Neo also comes with DJI’s famous QuickShots, which sends the drone flying in a series of six predetermined movements. This feature is practically made for social media, as you can record a dynamic, sweeping shot with just the push of a button.
What the Mini 4 Pro lacks in shooting convenience, it makes up for with a whole range of fancy recording features. The drone uses Spotlight, Point of Interest, and ActiveTrack 360° to track subjects throughout the flight. It also includes both QuickShots and Mastershots, the latter of which provides even more preset movement templates in your choice of portrait, close-up, and long-range shots. The Mini 4 Pro comes with more Hyperlapse modes like Free, Waypoint, Circle, and Course Lock modes, giving you greater flexibility over your Hyperlapse shot. It also includes additional Panorama modes like 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical, and Sphere.
One of the Neo’s most versatile aspects is its many different control methods, giving you greater power over how you choose to fly. With the DJI Fly app, you can either fly via a pair of virtual joysticks or via voice control, using a series of vocal commands to pilot the drone hands-free. The Neo is also compatible with the RC-N3, which gives you 10km of transmission distance and the use of traditional RC control sticks.
The Mini 4 Pro comes with the DJI RC 2, a lightweight controller that uses an integrated DJI Fly app to pilot the drone without a smartphone. It also works with the DJI RC-N2 controller, although that controller requires a smartphone with the DJI Fly app to provide a live feed. If you want a truly immersive experience, you can pair both the Neo and the Mini 4 Pro with the DJI Goggles 3 to get a first-person view of the skies. If you use the Goggles 3, then you’ll need to pair the drone with either the RC Motion 3 or the FPV Remote Controller 3. The RC Motion 3 is a joystick that lets you navigate single-handedly, while the FPV Remote Controller 3 is a more traditional two-handed remote controller that allows for more agile maneuvers.
The Neo is compatible with the DJI Neo Two-Way Charging Hub, which allows you to power the remote controller and up to three Intelligent Flight Batteries at once. The Mini 4 Pro has a much larger selection of optional accessories, including the DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging Hub and the DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which extends the flight time up to 45 minutes. Other accessories include the Mini 4 Pro ND Filters Set, which allows you to shoot in different lighting conditions, and the Mini 4 Pro Wide-Angle Lens, which increases the field of view to 100°. These accessories can further expand on the shooting capabilities of the Mini 4 Pro, which may be an asset to some professional photographers.
Even though the Neo is a newer release, it’s a much more affordable drone than the Mini 4 Pro. The drone by itself is $249 CAD, while the Fly More Combo is $445 CAD. This option includes an RC-N3 Remote controller, three intelligent batteries, and the two-way charging hub. The Mini 4 Pro, on the other hand, is about four times as expensive, with the basic package costing about $1,059 CAD. There are a few different Fly More Combos that include optional accessories like the DJI RC-2 and extra flight batteries, the cost of which range from $1,209 CAD to $1,793 CAD.
All in all, the Neo is an easy entry point into the world of drones, while the Mini 4 Pro is better suited for more advanced pilots and photographers. The Neo’s low price point and basic range of shooting modes are more than enough for the average person or photographer to capture a few fun videos on a hike or a road trip. The DJI Neo is perfect for beginners, who can usually be reluctant to fork over more than a couple hundred bucks, for a bunch of features they may not need.
The Mini 4 Pro is ideal for more serious photographers who might be trying to film a movie or capture professional wildlife and nature photos. For those customers, the extra imaging capabilities, digital zoom, and advanced tracking features are well worth the extra price point. The drone can be upgraded even further with the Goggles 3, giving professional photographers unlimited control over every minute of the flight. If money is less important than image quality and flight control, then the Mini 4 Pro is the way to go.
Since the DJI Neo has unique features and maintains compatibility with such a wide range of remote controllers, including the DJI Mini 4 Pro remote controllers, a lot of pilots end up getting both, the DJI Neo and the DJI Mini 4 Pro to cover both styles of video capture, cinematic FPV and traditional.
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.