DJI Neo 2 Review: Real-World Tracking Test on the Bike (With Crash!) 

If you follow my channel, you’ll know I love testing new bits of tech — especially if they can bring something fresh and dynamic to my motorcycle content. Today’s star of the show? The DJI Neo 2. 

DATE: 01/12/2025

And if you’re already thinking, “I want one”, you can grab yours here:
👉 Buy the DJI Neo 2

Let’s get into what happened on a crisp, beautiful morning when I took the Neo 2 out for its very first real-world tracking test… on foot and on the bike.

First full test video here

First Impressions: Smart, Simple, and Fun

Even before hitting the bike, the Neo 2 showed off some clever features.
I fired it up in Follow Mode, lifted my hand for the blue confirmation light, and watched it snap into position like a tiny obedient robot

Hand gestures worked flawlessly at first — up, down, back, forward — and the Neo 2 followed me around with surprising accuracy. Proper object detection too, which should in theory stop it crashing into things.

In theory, anyway…

Buy the DJI NEO 2 here
Or from Amazon Here

Bike Test: How Well Does the DJI Neo 2 Track at Speed?

Once mounted up, I stuck the phone on the bars (not necessary, but helpful), turned off traction control and ABS — as you do — and rolled out onto the track.

At around 18 mph, the Neo 2 held tracking impressively well, and I even saw speeds of up to 30 MPH
Better than the original Neo ever managed. Smooth, stable, predictable… until it wasn’t.

I looped back, moved it with a hand gesture, sent it higher and further out, and the footage was looking great.

Then the side-object detection weakness showed up.

The First Crash (Yes… it happened)

I turned to head back and suddenly—
No Neo 2 behind me.

A little stroll later, I found the drone sulking off to the side like it had been told off. Not in the bush, thankfully. Not broken either. Just… confused.

This lines up with a common issue people have reported:

The DJI Neo 2 struggles with thin objects from the side — especially leafless trees.

Something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use it in winter or around branches.

But credit where it’s due:
It survived the hit without a scratch.
This thing is tougher than it looks.

Battery Life: The Neo 2’s Weakest Link

After resetting and launching again, I didn’t get far before another limitation became clear:

The battery life is… poor.

Worse than the original Neo.

Realistically you’re looking at 10 minutes of usable flight if you’re tracking and moving around. It’s a shame, because the drone itself is brilliant — but the short battery window holds it back.

DJI really needs to release an extended battery for this thing. Fingers crossed.

If you’re planning to film anything substantial, you’ll want multiple batteries in your bag.

Quick Shots: Social-Friendly & Surprisingly Good

After a battery swap (which is fiddlier than it should be), I tested one of my favourite features:

Quick Shots — automated cinematic moves.

Spin-arounds, rocket shots, front tracking… all brilliant for social media clips.

The Neo 2 also finally supports:

• 4K at 60fps

• Portrait mode video ( the old neo did but quality would be stripped)

• Better colour and clarity than the original Neo
  
  

The portrait mode is just a crop — the camera doesn’t physically rotate — but the results still look great.

A quick “circle shot” around me sitting on the bike came out beautifully. Simple, clean, and very usable footage.

Final Verdict: Is the DJI Neo 2 Worth It?

Here’s the honest takeaway from this real-world test:

✅ Tracking is excellent

Especially directly behind you.

✅ Image quality is a massive step up

4K60 is a game-changer.

✅ Quick Shots are easy and look professional

Perfect for YouTube, TikTok, reels, or channel promos.

✅ Surprisingly tough

Survived a full crash with zero damage.

❌ Struggles with side-on obstacles

Bare trees in winter? Beware.

❌ Battery life is disappointing

You need spares.

Despite the flaws, I absolutely love this little drone already. It adds a whole new dimension to my motorcycle videos and general outdoor filming, especially when teamed up with the DJI RC-N3 RC external remote 

If you’re thinking of upgrading or want a compact, capable follow-me drone for your own adventures, I genuinely rate it.

👉 Grab the DJI Neo 2 here:
https://dji-retail.co.uk/r?id=s0ktcb

More tests, more crashes (probably), and more fun coming soon.
Make sure you subscribe on YouTube and follow the journey.