DJI Neo vs Mini 3: Compact Drones Comparison
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated September 2024
When it comes to compact drones, DJI is a leader, and their latest models, the DJI Neo and DJI Mini 3, exemplify this. The Neo, a newcomer to the market, promises a fresh take on FPV-style flying in a lightweight, budget-friendly package, while the Mini 3 delivers an impressive balance of portability and functionality for a broader audience. Each drone has its own standout features, from design to intelligent flight modes. Choosing between them depends on your specific needs for features, performance, and price. Let’s break down the key aspects to help you decide which is best for your aerial adventures.
Key Takeaways
The DJI Neo and Mini 3 cater to different types of users. The Neo, at just $199, offers an affordable entry point for those who enjoy agile and acrobatic FPV flying, albeit with limited range and flight time. The Mini 3, starting at $469, provides longer battery life, more versatile camera options, and higher wind resistance. It’s a more rounded drone with professional-level features, making it the better choice for those serious about aerial photography.
DJI Neo
Compact Drones for Beginners
✓ 2000mAh battery
✓ Level 4wind resistance
✓ Up to 4k at 60fps video recording
✓ 1/2-inch image sensor
DJI Mini 3
Compact Drone for Wide-range Users
✓ 3 package options
✓ QuickShots support
✓ 90° camera gimbal rotation
✓ Up to 51 minutes of flight with ‘Plus’ battery
#1 Design
DJI Mini 3
The DJI Neo stands out with its sleek, ultra-compact design, weighing a mere 135g. It’s a featherlight drone with propeller guards that ensure safety during autonomous flights, a feature ideal for beginner pilots. The single-axis camera at the front offers straightforward navigation while still maintaining electronic stabilization for smooth footage. Its minimalistic build doesn't include microSD support but compensates with 22GB of onboard storage, which can hold up to 40 minutes of 4K video.
On the other hand, the Mini 3 weighs 249g, remaining under crucial weight restrictions in many regions. Its foldable design makes it incredibly portable, with dimensions that shrink when folded for easy transport. The Mini 3 also features retractable landing gear and a gimbal protector, offering added durability. Although slightly heavier than the Neo, it’s still impressively compact and has a more polished build with a more robust gimbal system, ideal for extended flights in various conditions.
#2 Features & Modes
DJI Neo
DJI Neo boasts a wide range of intelligent flight modes, including Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, and a few custom modes like Omni, Helix, and Boomerang. These modes, combined with the AI subject tracking feature, enable it to capture dynamic shots with ease. The Neo's 4K video at 30fps paired with a 1/2-inch sensor provides vibrant footage, and its field of view is excellent for close-up tracking, making it a solid choice for FPV fans. However, it lacks obstacle avoidance, relying on downward vision sensors to maintain stability.
DJI Mini 3
Meanwhile, the DJI Mini 3 also excels in QuickShots, but with the added bonus of native vertical shooting, making it perfect for social media content creators. Its F/1.7 aperture delivers outstanding low-light performance, and the 12MP 1/1.3-inch sensor enhances image sharpness. It offers more versatile shooting modes, such as HDR, Panorama, and AEB. With its ability to shoot 4K HDR video and its wide gimbal rotation range, the Mini 3 is designed for capturing high-quality footage from a variety of angles and lighting conditions.
#3 Performance
• Range and Mobility
DJI Neo
With the DJI Neo’s base kit, the transmission distance is capped at 50m, but using the RC-N3 controller significantly extends that range. The drone’s agile mobility allows it to operate in tight spaces, making it ideal for urban explorers or those seeking a more immersive FPV experience. The Mini 3, with its standard RC-N1 controller, has a much broader transmission range and excels in open areas. It’s designed for extended outdoor flying with reliable GPS, Glonass, and Galileo support for accurate navigation.
• Control and Stability
DJI Mini 3
The Neo’s compatibility with motion controllers like the DJI RC Motion 3 makes it easy to execute acrobatic maneuvers, such as flips and rolls, making it ideal for FPV enthusiasts. Despite lacking obstacle avoidance, it uses vision sensors and electronic stabilization to maintain smooth footage in moderate wind conditions. The Mini 3, with a more refined GPS system and added ground detection sensors, offers stable flight even in wind speeds of up to 24MPH. Its three-axis gimbal ensures excellent stability, especially during fast or sudden movements.
• Flight Time & Power Source
DJI Neo
The DJI Neo has a modest flight time of 18 minutes, making it suitable for quick flights. The environment can affect this duration, but for a drone of its size, it offers decent power. On the contrary, the Mini 3 outshines with up to 38 minutes of flight time on its standard battery, and even 51 minutes when using the high-capacity ‘Plus’ battery. This makes the Mini 3 an excellent choice for longer flights and extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent recharges.
DJI Neo vs Mini 3
Final Thoughts
DJI Neo vs Mini 3
In conclusion, both the DJI Neo and Mini 3 bring unique strengths to the table. The Neo is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more budget-friendly option with FPV-style acrobatics and intuitive controls. It’s perfect for quick, spontaneous flights in urban environments. Meanwhile, the Mini 3 is better suited for users who prioritize superior image quality, extended flight time, and more refined features. Its vertical shooting capabilities and robust performance make it an excellent choice for content creators or hobbyists seeking high-quality, longer flights.
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