Editor’s update [October 30, 2025]: DJI Neo 2 officially unveiled in China
DJI has officially teased the Neo 2 drone with an October 30 launch date in China, yet global availability remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the current Neo is seeing steep discounts in the US.
DJI has quietly dropped a teaser image hinting that the next compact flyer, Neo 2, will debut in China on October 30, 2025. While the drone’s release date is official, what’s far less certain is how — or even if — the Neo 2 will come to the US market. That uncertainty creates an interesting back-door opportunity for buyers of the current model, the DJI Neo, which is now available at notable discounts, starting at just $159.
What we know so far about the Neo 2
The Neo 2 rumors have been building and now the teaser confirms something big is coming. Here are the key pieces:
- The teaser by DJI China points to an October 30 date, accompanying the tagline “Everything Under Control”.
- Early listings show the Neo 2 battery around 1606 mAh (vs. the original Neo’s approx. 1435 mAh) from the US FCC documentation. This suggests a flight-time bump.
- Leaks suggest a move to a 2-axis gimbal (vs. 1-axis in the original) and possibly a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, offering better image quality and stabilization.
- Front sensor bars, expanded antennas, and hints of enhanced obstacle detection are appearing in leaked images.
- The Neo 2 appears to keep the lightweight form of the Neo (≈135 g) but tweaks the prop-guard and antenna layout.
- The current model already supports some voice commands and gesture take-off/landing. The Neo 2 is expected to improve both, making flying even more intuitive.
- The teaser is firmly for the China launch. There’s no official word yet on global rollout or US availability.
In short, the DJI Neo 2 is shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade for the ultra-compact drone class, but whether US buyers will get it remains unclear.
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The US snag: FCC filing doesn’t mean green light
Back in July 2025, our own coverage pointed out that the Neo 2 had shown up in the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database, which is an important regulatory filter for wireless devices. According to the filing, the Neo 2’s battery was specified at 1606 mAh. However:
- FCC approval means the radio transmitter meets US wireless regulations, but it does not guarantee the product will hit US store shelves.
- With DJI facing customs and regulatory pressure (especially under the UFLPA regime) and precedent of models like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro not officially launching in the US, the risk of non-availability is real.
- So while the Neo 2 could come to the US, there’s no firm indication yet that it will, so buyers should temper expectations.
Given all the uncertainty around the Neo 2, the original Neo becomes an appealing alternative, especially now that it’s witnessing discounts of up to 21%. Let’s recap its key specs:
- Lightweight at ~135 g, making it exempt from US FAA registration for hobby flyers.
- 4K/30 fps video, 12 MP photos, built-in storage (~22 GB) plus voice and gesture control for simplified operation.
- Palm launch/landing support, app- or optional controller-based flight, enclosed prop guards — excellent for beginners or casual flyers.
- With discounts rolling out, the value equation is strong: you get DJI-branding, capable hardware, and a low entry point.
Here are some DJI Neo bundles you can look out for:
- DJI Neo: $159 (was $199)
Just the drone and single battery unit (no controller). Affordable entry point. - DJI Neo Three-Battery Combo: $229 (was $289)
Drone + extra batteries + charging hub + accessories. Good for extended sessions. - DJI Neo Fly More Combo: $279 (was $349)
Drone + RC-N3 remote controller + extra batteries + charging hub + accessories. Great for precise aerial acrobatics. - DJI Neo Motion Fly More Combo: $419 (was $529)
Drone + Motion controller + FPV goggles + extended accessories for immersive flying.
So, should you wait for Neo 2 or buy now? Here’s a simple decision guide:
- Buy now if you: want to fly soon, are budget-conscious, are a beginner/new user, or appreciate value over bleeding-edge specs.
- Consider waiting if you: want the latest tech, aren’t in a rush, and understand there’s no guarantee of US availability.
- A hybrid approach: Grab the original Neo now at a discount, and if Neo 2 arrives in the US, consider an upgrade later — your first drone investment won’t be wasted.
While it’s official that the DJI Neo drone lineup is getting refreshed, for US buyers, the path ahead is hazy: FCC filings are promising but not definitive, and past DJI models have stumbled on US release. Meanwhile, the current Neo is still a strong value, especially with the massive discounts now appearing. If you’re ready to fly rather than wait, the deal may be too good to pass up.
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