After launching exclusively in China last month, DJI is announcing broader global availability for its Neo 2 selfie drone, including Japan, Canada, the UK, and other countries where the company sells its drones. But like the Mavic 4 Pro and the 8K Osmo 360 camera, the Neo 2 won’t be available in the US. DJI spokesperson Daisy Kong said, “DJI is committed to the US market and serving its US-based customers. Like many global companies, we have had to adjust our market strategies as local conditions and the industry environment have evolved.” The Verge In an emailed statement.
Upgrades to the Neo 2 include a lidar-based obstacle avoidance system to detect and avoid crash hazards, an improved top speed of approximately 27 mph, improved wind resistance, and a new gesture control system that allows the drone’s distance and position to be adjusted without the remote. For pilots who prefer controllers, the Neo 2 has an optional antenna that can be installed, but is not required for autonomous flight. Without the DJI Neo 2 digital transceiver attached, the drone weighs 151 grams and can fly for up to 19 minutes.
China price for the Neo 2 started at 1,499 Chinese Yuan or about $211. DJI doesn’t have US pricing for the drone yet as it doesn’t plan to sell it here through the company’s official website. Canadian pricing is listed in US dollars at $229 without tax, but the company says it “should not be considered a proxy for the official US price.” Pricing in Europe will start at €239, or £209 including taxes in the UK, while Japanese pricing will start at ¥38,390, or around $248.
Some US stores may sell the Neo 2, as was the case with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, but a DJI spokesperson would not confirm whether the company would honor its warranty if the drone was purchased from an authorized US retailer. For warranty claims, the company instead recommends that “customers contact DJI Support to determine if their case is eligible for repair.”