DJI’s new NEO 2 selfie drone adds obstacle avoidance and smooth tracking

The original DJI Neo palm launching selfie-drone was a masterpiece, we awarded it “Best Tech” in 2024, and now as 2025 winds up the company is back with something next level – the Neo 2.

Side by side against the original the Neo 2 looks enormous, but it’s still a crazy lightweight drone that can launch and land on just the palm of your hand.

In principal this is an evolution from the DJI Neo, but in reality it’s a huge leap forward. Key differences I’ve noticed in my testing are easier shot selection, visible shot selection, hand gesture control, insane obstacle avoidance and a smoother self-flight when tracking an object.

Much of that you’ll see in my review video above, but let me explain.

Size wise, yeah, it’s bigger, and noticeably so when sitting in the palm of your hand, but now your fingers can also feel on the underbody three buttons, used to choose the settings for the flight. This is instead of the single button on the top of the Neo and the setting is also reflected on a small screen on the front next to the camera – you’d be hard pressed to go wrong with the level of information you get here.

When it’s in the air, it’s obstacle avoidance is next level. For something this small to work out how to navigate between trees, under branches and around things even going up a level, it’s remarkable.

Using the DJI Fly app you get more fine controls, like choosing which direction it will “follow” from – I didn’t notice this on the Neo, it may have been there, but the DJI Neo 2 definitely allows you to choose for the drone to “follow” you from any angle – behind, in front, on an angle etc.

And it was the “follow” in front that baffled me, it noticed me turn and walk at a 90 degree angle and flew around to remain “in front”.

Then I walked up some stairs and it followed, even avoiding a railing then working between two trees just 50cm or so apart. Impressive.

The smooth motion of it’s flight is something I couldn’t achieve with manual control.

Speaking of which there is a motion controller and FPV Google accessories you can get – but in my mind they aren’t legal as you are required to fly with visual line of sight – with your own eyes.

And then, there’s the hand gestures.

Hold up a hand – like a high five left hanging, then the DJI Neo 2 goes into gesture mode. Raise your hand, the drone goes higher, lower your hand, it comes down.

Put up two hands, move them apart and the drone flies away from you, move them closer together it comes closer. Brilliant stuff.

It certainly baffled one of the people walking around the Netball courts where I was testing it out – looked like a magic trick!

On top of all that, we’re still talking 4K quality, now with higher frame rates, the videos are excellent.

Sadly, the price has gone up. I’d guess that’s because it is a huge leap forward, so the original Neo can likely stay on sale at a bargain price.

The New DJI Neo 2 will start at 9, 9 with extra batteries and 9 with extra batteries and the controller.

Love. This. Thing. Don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed because the DJI Neo 2 actually delivers much of the promise of all drones, but in the smaller and autonomous form factor. Winning.