The DJI Neo is a 135 g selfie drone: it launches from your palm, follows you and flies short automated shots from the app or by voice, no controller needed. The Mini 3 is a proper camera drone: a 1/1.3-inch 48 MP sensor on a 3-axis gimbal, about 38 minutes of flight, 10 km range and true vertical shooting. If you want to film landscapes and trips, get the Mini 3 (or the cheaper Mini 2 SE). If you want quick hands-free clips of yourself, get the Neo.
Specs side by side
| Neo | Mini 3 | Mini 2 SE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takeoff weight | 135 g | 248 g | Under 250 g |
| Camera | 1/2 in, 12 MP | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 1/2.3 in, 12 MP |
| Video | 4K/30 | 4K/30 HDR | 2.7K/30 |
| Gimbal | Single axis + EIS | 3-axis, true vertical | 3-axis |
| Max flight time | 18 min | 38 min | 31 min |
| Range (FCC) | Up to 10 km with Goggles N3 | 10 km | 10 km |
| Controls | App, voice, palm; optional RC-N3 or goggles | RC-N1 included | RC-N1 included |
| Prop guards | Full guards built in | No | No |
| Wind resistance | 8 m/s | 10.7 m/s | 10.7 m/s |
| Our price | $186 | $461 | $307 |
Specs from DJI. Our Neo Fly More Combo ($411) adds the RC-N3 and three batteries.
Where the Neo shines
- Hands-free selfies. Launch from your palm, pick a mode such as Follow, Circle, Rocket or Spotlight, and land back on your hand. You can also control it by voice through DJI Fly.
- Safe around people with fully enclosed propellers.
- Tiny. About 135 g and 130 × 157 mm.
- FPV option. Add Goggles 3 or N3 and the RC Motion 3 later.
Where the Mini 3 wins
- Image quality. A much bigger sensor with HDR video and 48 MP photos.
- Stability. A 3-axis mechanical gimbal, and DJI rates it for 10.7 m/s wind vs 8 m/s for the Neo.
- Flight time. Twice as long per battery.
- Real controller included for precise framing and longer range flights.
What about the Mini 4K?
DJI lists the Mini 4K and Mini 2 SE on one spec page: the same 1/2.3-inch 12 MP camera, 31-minute flight time and 10 km range, with the Mini 4K adding 4K/30 video (the Mini 2 SE tops out at 2.7K). We carry the Mini 2 SE. If 4K matters, step up to the Mini 3 for the bigger sensor.
Registration
All three are under 250 g with their standard batteries, so recreational pilots don't need to register them. You still need to pass the free TRUST test and follow the rules. Business use needs Part 107.
Which should you buy?
- Selfies, vlogs, quick clips: Neo.
- Learning to fly, travel photos, best value: Mini 3.
- Lowest-cost real camera drone: Mini 2 SE.
More: Neo guide, Mini 2 SE vs Mini 3 and DJI Mini series compared.
Related guides
- DJI Flip vs Mini 4K: which beginner drone?
- DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 4K: what the extra money buys
- DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Neo 2: which small drone should you buy?
- DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4K: which should you buy?
- DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Neo 2: which small drone fits you?
- DJI Mini 2 SE vs Mini 3: which should you buy?
Not sure which to pick?
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