DJI’s Next Tiny 4K Drone Fits in the Palm of Your Hand

Imagine a drone that is no bigger than a small baby swallow (don’t you dare ask me, “African or European?”). Chinese drone maker DJI (which is I am also getting into electric bikes) might already have a super small, super cheap drone available, just not in the US yet. Based on an unboxing video of the alleged DJI Neo, the company’s new drone could also be extremely cheap and the best way to annoy the neighbors on a budget.

In recent months we have seen other insignificant leaks of the DJI Neo thanks to a botched Walmart listing. That put the drone at just $329 and the ability to film in 4K. On Wednesday, Italian YouTube channel enontheroad (via Checking the notebook) has posted an unboxing video of a supposed Neo that they found available in Malaysia. According to the video, the drone shares the same design as the recent DJI Avata 2, but it will cost significantly less than this $1,000 drone and goggles combo.

YouTuber Nicola Cortellucci claims that the device will sell for just €199 in Europe, or just over $228. This price is based on a conversion from the Malaysian ringgit and likely does not reflect prices in the US. Cortellucci did claim, however, that there is another “Fly More” offering with an accessory bundle that would sell for €350, or $388. This is in line with DJI’s normal pricing model.

A separate leak complaints The drone weighs only 136 grams or 0.3 pounds. It is just a few grams heavier than HoverAir’s $430 X1Another great thing about the drone is that users can start recording in 4K using a button on the drone without having to use a controller or app. Of course, you can always use the DJI Fly app for control. According to the video’s instruction sheet, the drone also comes with a face scanner 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 prompts him to access the Fly app for more controls.

Without any video of the drone itself, we can’t say how powerful its sensors are until we finally get our hands on one. The other issue could be the lack of obstacle avoidance features, which could lead to unnecessary accidents for the uninitiated drone pilot. Based on this, and the limited sensor, the Neo might be better used as an outdoor-only device. At least you won’t need to register it with the US Federal Aviation Administration since it weighs less than 250 grams.

Just when we thought the buzzing of drones overhead wasn’t annoying enough, the rumored DJI Neo will be like a wasp going on the attack compared to the condor-sized, thick, tank-like drones which are part of DJI’s range of remote control devices. DJI’s current entry-level drone is the DJI Mini 2 at $280This device weighs 280 grams, or 0.6 pounds, and requires a separate controller.

According to the video, DJI has opted for extremely simple packaging. It comes with two bags, including spare propellers. This version does not include a controller. Images from routine leaker Jas, according to Ellens on Twitter sho, show a different set of packaging for the Fly More combo that contains a controller.

DJI Neo – first specifications: 135 grams, AI subject tracking, ultra-stabilized 4K, 3 batteries in the Fly more combo. Price only €329? These devices will sell like hotcakes. pic.twitter.com/5Lm8AUScDA

—Jasper Ellens | X27 (@JasperEllens) July 31, 2024

As for a release date, Cortellucci said DJI representatives told him it should be out around September 5. Either way, you should expect to see a small drone buzzing around your street soon enough.