If you’ve been keeping an eye on compact drones lately, you’ve probably seen the Hover Air X1 popping up across social media. For a while, it held a unique place in the drone market tiny, lightweight, and focused on effortless automated shots. But now, DJI has stepped directly into this category with the DJI Neo 2, a drone that offers nearly all the same smart shooting modes as the X1, while adding far greater versatility.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the major differences between the DJI Neo 2 and the Hover Air X1 so you can decide which drone fits your needs whether you’re a beginner, content creator, or someone who just wants simple cinematic shots.
Table of Contents
Design Comparison
DJI Neo 2
The DJI Neo 2 takes a friendly, approachable approach to drone design. With its rounded body and built-in propeller guards, it feels sturdy and ready to handle a few bumps along the way. Weighing just 151 grams, it’s light enough for travel but solid enough to handle moderate winds. Its focus on durability makes it perfect for new pilots who value peace of mind while learning to fly.
Hover Air X1
The Hover Air X1 leads in portability thanks to its slim, foldable design. It folds completely flat, making it extremely easy to slip into a small bag or pocket. At 130g, it is slightly lighter than the Neo and ideal for users who prioritize compactness.
Flight Time & Performance
DJI Neo 2
The DJI Neo 2 offers about 19 minutes of flight time with its 1606mAh battery. It includes forward-facing LiDAR sensors and downward infrared detection, making obstacle avoidance highly effective. Even if you’re new to flying, it’s tough to crash this drone.
Hover Air X
The X1 offers about 11 minutes of flight time, which is adequate for short automated clips but noticeably shorter compared to the Neo. Like the Neo, it also supports Level 4 wind resistance and uses EIS for smoother video.
Storage Comparison
DJI Neo 2
In terms of storage, the Neo 2 impresses with 49GB of internal memory, enough for several short 4K clips without needing an SD card. The Flip, however, relies more on microSD expansion, which is more flexible for long shoots.
Hover Air X1
The X1 provides 32GB of internal storage, giving users significantly more recording space straight out of the box.
Camera & Video Quality
DJI Neo 2
The DJI Neo 2 packs a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor that records 4K video at 60fps and even 100fps in select modes. It delivers crisp, colorful footage perfect for casual filmmakers or social media content creators. DJI also added a dual-axis gimbal for smoother shots and better stabilization, a noticeable upgrade from the original Neo.
Hover Air X1
The X1 shoots at 2.7K 30fps, which is suitable for casual videos and social media clips. However, in side-by-side comparisons, it lacks the clarity and richness that the Neo provides.
Quick Shot Features
DJI Neo
The Neo includes multiple smart quick shots (orbit, follow, tracking, dronie-style moves) with smoother output thanks to its 4K camera. The names differ slightly, but the functions are similar to the X1.
Hover Air X1
The X1 focuses heavily on automated shooting modes for creators—parallel tracking, follow modes, and cinematic dronies. It performs well but is limited by its lower resolution.
6. Flight Controls & Range
DJI Neo 2
This is the biggest advantage of the Neo 2.
It supports:
Using these, the Neo unlocks DJI O4 transmission with up to 10 km range, creating a reliable and immersive FPV experience.
Hover Air X1
The X1 only connects via Wi-Fi, with a limited range of about 30 meters. It does not support any FPV goggles or remote controllers, so it is mostly designed for short-range automated shots.
Final Verdict
Choose the DJI Neo if you want:
- Better flight time
- 4K video quality
- Long-range control
- FPV goggles support
- More advanced flying options
Choose the Hover Air X1 if you want:
- The slimmest and most portable design
- More built-in storage
- Simple, automated quick shots for casual use
Read More: DJI Neo 2 vs DJI Neo Full Comparison
