Why I Regret Buying the DJI Neo: Real User Experience Review
I truly regret not opting for the Fly More Combo with the remote controller! The DJI Neo is nothing short of spectacular. Here’s my half-month journey and thoughts as a complete newbie with zero flying experience!
I picked up the Pocket 3 at the end of August, and the moment the new DJI Neo hit the market, I jumped on it without hesitation. Let me tell you—DJI knows how to reel you in! Now I get their strategy: once beginners like me buy in, they’re bound to start eyeing higher-end models. Trust me, I’m already drooling over the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 😂.
I went for the standalone version, added one battery, and threw in a two-year replacement service—all for $180. But here’s the kicker—I deeply regret that decision 😭. Not going for the Fly More Combo was a huge oversight. The extra two batteries, the charging hub, and the remote controller in the combo are all incredibly practical.
🔋 Battery & Charging: If you stick to automatic mode for video shooting, a single battery can last around 14-15 flights. The charging hub is a game-changer—it fully charges three batteries in under an hour. Directly charging the drone itself takes about an hour, and now I sorely wish I’d sprung for the Fly More Combo from the start. If I want to add those extras now, it’ll cost me at least another $20.
At first, I only planned to use the six automatic modes for filming, but the more I played around, the more hooked I became. Then I visited the DJI store to try out the remote controller 🎮, and let me tell you—regret levels skyrocketed.
📱 Phone Control Limitations: Using your phone relies on a WiFi connection, which gets sketchy if the drone ventures too far. Losing signal? It happens. And when it does, you’re left waiting helplessly for the battery to drain before the drone lands on its own 😢. In open areas, this might not be a big deal, but in less ideal conditions, you could even risk damaging or losing the drone.
With phone control, the maximum height is capped at 30 meters, and the system will alert you when you approach the flight distance limit. That advertised 50-meter range? That’s purely horizontal.
🎮 Why You Need the Remote Controller: If you want to unlock more possibilities and have more fun, go for the version with the remote controller—it opens up so many more options. There’s no comparison between controlling the drone via phone versus a remote controller—the phone’s signal just isn’t reliable enough. Flying long distances with phone control isn’t safe. Plus, the remote controller helps beginners practice, laying the groundwork for mastering more advanced models down the line 🤣.
🌟 Final Thoughts: If you’re buying it solely for casual use and plan to rely on the six automatic modes for shooting 📸, then a phone works fine. If the remote controller would just collect dust, there’s no need to splurge. However, if you’re aiming for something more professional and safer, I strongly recommend opting for the Fly More Combo!
If you’re curious about my DJI Neo test flight video, check out my other post 😘
Ryan O'Brien 
Dorothy Soto 
Joshua Warren
I totally get what you mean about wishing you got the Fly More Combo. The accessories make such a big difference, especially for beginners like us. It’s interesting to hear your perspective as someone who jumped right into the Neo without much prior experience. I wonder if the learning curve was steeper than expected?
Absolutely, the learning curve with the DJI Neo can be steep, especially since it lacks some of the beginner-friendly features found in the Fly More Combo. But personally, I learned a lot through trial and error—it actually pushed me to grow quickly as a pilot. If I could do it over, I’d consider starting with more basic gear to ease into things. Thanks for your thoughtful question!
I totally relate to your experience—DJI’s marketing really makes their products hard to resist! It sounds like the lack of a proper controller really hindered your experience, especially as a beginner. Have you considered getting the Fly More Combo now to improve things?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I haven’t considered the Fly More Combo yet, but it could definitely help with some accessories. For beginners, having the right tools can make a big difference. Appreciate your suggestion—it might be worth looking into!
I hear you on that regret about skipping the Fly More Combo—it really does make a difference. I also got caught up in the hype when the DJI Neo launched, but I think part of the issue was expecting too much as a total beginner. Still, the drone itself is solid, just like your review mentioned. It’s all about managing those expectations, right?
Absolutely, managing expectations is key, especially as a beginner. The DJI Neo is a great piece of tech, and the Fly More Combo definitely adds value. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but being realistic helps avoid disappointment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—it’s always helpful to hear other users’ experiences!
I totally relate to your frustration about skipping the Fly More Combo—it’s so tempting to dive in without all the extras, but those accessories really make a difference. The DJI Neo is impressive, though; it’s clear why you were drawn to it, even if the learning curve has been steep for you as a beginner. I’m curious, did you ever consider returning it or just toughing it out?
I hear you on that remote controller oversight—it really can make or break the experience. I almost made the same mistake but decided to wait for the combo deal; patience paid off for me! Your review is spot-on about DJI’s marketing pull though, totally get that. Flying newbie here too, and man does it feel like a steep learning curve sometimes!
I totally get what you mean about wishing you had opted for the Fly More Combo. It sounds like the DJI Neo is great, but accessories really make a difference. Your newbie perspective is super helpful for others considering this drone!
Interesting read! I was also torn about getting the Fly More Combo but went for the basic package – now I totally get your regret. The remote controller seems like a game-changer for newbies like us. Might have to upgrade after hearing your experience!
Interesting read! I was also torn about getting the Fly More Combo but went for it last minute – the remote makes such a difference for beginners. Your experience confirms I made the right call. DJI really does have a way of making you want to upgrade everything!
Wow, this makes me rethink getting just the base model too! The remote controller seems like a game-changer after reading your experience. Maybe DJI counts on us upgrading later once we’re hooked?