There is something special about flying a drone that you rarely get from any other gadget.

It’s a mix of control and creativity; a balance between trust and instinct. For many beginners, that feeling often sits behind a wall of fear because most drones look complicated or intimidating.

The DJI Neo 2 tries to remove that barrier by being extremely lightweight, very easy to use, and designed for people who want to start capturing aerial shots without a long learning curve.

Fast and stress-free setup experience

Setting up the DJI Neo 2 is straightforward from the moment you lift it out of the box. The essentials are already attached.

There is no complicated assembly and no moment where you feel unsure about whether you placed something correctly. Even if you have never flown a drone before, the app gives clear instructions that guide you through each step.

The best part is how quickly you can get it airborne. Many drones require calibration, adjustment, or balancing, which can take time when you are shooting alone.

The Neo 2 keeps the process light and fast. Beginners will appreciate how it eliminates the feeling of doing something wrong. Meanwhile, experienced users will enjoy how little downtime it creates on set.

There is one thing to keep in mind, though. The app-only setup and control still feel limited.

@gadgetmatch Unboxing the DJI Neo 2 🫶 #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

When we relied entirely on the smartphone instead of the RC controller, the drone occasionally drifted or performed slight movements without being prompted.

It’s not unsafe, but it’s unpredictable enough to make you switch back to the controller immediately. It’s clear that the Neo 2 is at its best when paired with the RC controller rather than being used independently.

Tiny drone built for big adventures

The Neo 2 keeps things light. It is small enough to slip into a travel bag without effort and light enough to carry around all day without thinking about it.

The design leans toward convenience, which is perfect for beginners and travelers. The built-in propeller guards make it less stressful to use in tighter areas or in locations with people nearby.

Compared to something like the DJI Mini 3 that we use, the Neo 2 feels more compact and easier to bring. It doesn’t demand a bulky case and can fit into the pockets and pouches already in your bag.

Despite being small, the drone doesn’t feel fragile. The materials are solid, and the protected propellers provide a sense of safety.

It still produces noticeable noise when flying, although not enough to interrupt a scene or disturb people the way larger drones might.

The lightness creates both convenience and compromise. It helps with portability, but it also means the drone is more sensitive to strong wind.

Though, the Neo 2 remains stable in mild conditions, but extremely windy environments are not ideal for a drone of this size.

Smooth, steady flying

If you stick to the RC controller, the flight performance feels confident and reliable. The controls respond instantly.

Takeoffs are smooth, landings feel steady, and the drone handles mid-air adjustments with ease. For a lightweight model, the stability is impressive.

The Neo 2 is not designed for aggressive flying or extreme distances. It thrives in controlled environments such as parks, beaches, small event venues, or tourist spots.

It’s agile and quick when needed, yet it avoids feeling overly sensitive. This is where the drone succeeds: It keeps the learning curve gentle while still giving creators the freedom to move.

There is a different experience when switching to app-only control or gesture mode. The drone sometimes shifts slightly even when the subject is not moving.

These micro-movements are not dangerous but they make the drone feel less predictable. New users might find this unsettling.

Also, gesture and app control feel like playful features rather than tools for serious shooting. But overall, the Neo 2 flies well within its intended conditions.

If you want stable and responsive performance for simple to moderate shots, it surely delivers.

@gadgetmatch Flight test with the DJI Neo 2 #djineo2 #djineo #dji ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Better-than-expected footage

The camera on the Neo 2 delivers much better output than expected for its size. Our footage looked sharp without feeling harsh; colors appeared vivid and lively.

The contrast leans slightly stronger than neutral, although it remains pleasing for most lifestyle, travel, or social content.

It will not outperform larger drones with bigger sensors, but it produces footage that is perfectly usable for everyday shooting.

The dynamic range feels average, though. It handles highlights well enough and keeps shadows from breaking down too quickly.

In daylight, the Neo 2 captures scenes that look polished and clean. The drone also handles fast-moving subjects without smearing or losing clarity.

Low light is where it reaches its limit. As soon as the environment gets darker, the image loses sharpness and detail. Though, this is expected from a drone its size.

If your shooting habits revolve around golden hour, indoor events, or nighttime flights, you will notice the compromise.

But if most of your aerial shots are done in daylight, the Neo 2 performs exactly as needed.

Useful tools with a few playful extras

DJI packed several features into the Neo 2 to make flying easier.

From Subject tracking, to obstacle avoidance, and automated flight modes — they all work well.

We found subject tracking particularly useful because it reduces the pressure of managing framing manually. The drone stays aware of movement and adjusts its position to maintain a steady shot.

Meanwhile, Obstacle avoidance also helps maintain confidence when flying near structures or in tighter areas.

In our experience, Gesture and voice control are the fun features that most people experiment with once or twice. They function as intended, although they are not as reliable as traditional controls. Frankly, we believe they are best used for casual moments rather than professional content.

If your goal is to shoot quickly and accurately, you will always return to the RC controller.

The intelligent features add value to the Neo 2, especially for beginners who want support while learning. They give the drone personality while keeping the experience practical.

Best in quick bursts?

Battery life remains the Neo 2’s biggest limitation. Each battery lasts around thirteen to fifteen minutes during active use.

This is enough for quick shots or small sequences, but not enough for long-distance flying or complex cinematic passes.

If you are producing a full day of content, you will need multiple batteries.

Charging takes about ninety minutes for a full cycle. The charging hub makes life easier because it allows several batteries to power up at the same time.

The convenience helps offset the short flight time, although you will still need to manage your workflow around the limited battery capacity. Simply put, the Neo 2 is a drone you fly in short bursts.

Is it safe to fly?

The drone behaves well when paired with the RC controller. The controls stay consistent and the connection remains stable. The size also makes it safer to fly in busy or narrow areas. We flew it near groups of people without causing disruption.

Signal strength becomes less dependable when flying with the app alone. Wi-Fi range limitations appear earlier, and the drone may drift slightly when relying on mobile controls.

It also tends to shift up or down during gesture mode even without obstacles. These moments are small but noticeable.

There was one connectivity issue after an app update where the RC controller stopped pairing with the drone. Switching to another phone solved the problem.

It became a reminder that software updates can sometimes produce unexpected behavior.

Despite these observations, the Neo 2 performs safely when used within its intended range and paired with its controller.

Smooth editing workflow

Transferring footage from the Neo 2 is smooth and efficient. A 15GB file transfer takes about six to seven minutes, which is quick for on-the-go shooting.

The connection between the drone and phone remains stable throughout the process, and the files stay intact with no corruption.

Editing workflow remains seamless. The footage imports cleanly into common editing software without compatibility issues. Apart from the controller detection problem after an app update, the Neo 2 keeps the post-production process stress-free.

For content creators who prioritize speed, this matters. A drone that slows down the workflow loses purpose.

The Neo 2 supports fast delivery, making it practical for travel vlogs, family videos, lifestyle content, and simple events.

Is the DJI Neo 2 your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Neo 2 stands out because it understands its role. It’s not trying to be a high-end filmmaking machine.

What it delivers is ease, portability, and confidence for people who want to start flying without fear.

It’s easily your GadgetMatch if you want a personal drone that is lightweight and reliable with a controller. It suits new creators who want to add aerial shots to their projects, and it helps travelers who pack light and want quick access to drone footage.

Also, it supports casual events and small professional projects where convenience matters more than long-distance performance.

Swipe right if you want a friendly and dependable starter drone that produces good daylight footage, supports tracking and obstacle avoidance, and fits easily into your travel bag.

Swipe left if you need long battery life, advanced cinematics, or heavy-duty performance for commercial shoots. The Neo 2 is not built for extreme conditions or demanding workflows.

The DJI Neo 2 is a drone for everyday creativity. It delivers confidence, simplicity, and enough power to bring aerial storytelling into your routine. For many new pilots, this is exactly what a personal drone should be.

The DJI Neo 2 retails for PhP 12,390. To make it extra, the Fly More Combo retails for PhP 20,590 which also provides extra batteries and charging hub, along with more controls.

My life as an athlete with a love for adventure often throws me into days that move faster than I can track.

One moment I am at the gym before sunrise, convincing myself that today I will stretch properly. Next, I am sprinting through airports or packing for a weekend race that I definitely did not plan for (but signed up for anyway because that is who I am).

When the DJI Osmo Action 6 entered my life, it felt like finding a piece of gear that immediately understood the mess I willingly put myself through.

I have always wanted a camera that could move with me (and survive me), preferably without making me feel guilty every time I jump off something or run through something.

I wanted a camera that did not need pampering. Something that would not make me pause my life so I could “protect the gear.”

Then suddenly, there it was. I had an entire month with the Osmo Action 6, and it almost felt like the universe handed me something that finally matched my pace. It followed me through unexpected moments that felt too good not to capture.

Made for those who ~really~ move

The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to hold the Osmo Action 6. It felt secure even when my hands were wet or drenched in sweat from training, as if it wasn’t bothered at all that I was already exhausted at 7 a.m.

Most of its controls are placed so intuitively that it felt like the camera was gently guiding me, saying, “Don’t overthink it. Just press this. Go live your life.”

The user interface was so straightforward that even people who have never touched an action camera would know what to do.

The screen reacts quickly and the settings are easy to reach. Its layout feels like it was made for people who move first and think later.

It removes every excuse to miss a moment because you were too busy trying to understand how the device works.

 

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Out of the box, the Osmo Action 6 gives you everything you need: a 1.5m extension rod, three Extreme Battery Plus units inside a multifunctional battery case, two locking screws, a curved adhesive base, a USB-C 3.1 cable, and two Dual-Direction Quick Release Adapter Mounts.

Depending on your lifestyle, accessories like the floating handle, the dual direction mini extension rod (which doubles as a tripod), the 360-degree wrist strap, and the hanging neck mount all serve one purpose: keep you hands-free so you can focus on living your story.

Inside a race course

During the Spartan Race’s Asia-Pacific Championship in Alviera, Porac, Pampanga, I joined the open category simply because I wanted to film my moments inside the course.

I could never join the Age Group Championship wearing a red band only to slow down for content. My competitive self would revolt.

I have always raced in the front pack with elite athletes and seasoned racers. Content creation is a blessing until you’re in a race and your pride says absolutely not.

 

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So my friend (also an elite athlete) and I became last-minute racers thanks to Mang Inasal Philippines. We joined the Sprint Category, which covers 5 kilometers with 20 obstacles (plus three extra because championship vibes).

Armed with only the Osmo Action 6 on a dual direction mini extension rod, I climbed walls and nets, carried sandbags, passed through hanging obstacles, and ran under an open trail where the sun genuinely felt personal.

Alviera is hot. We call it Hellviera for a reason. Yet the camera kept going despite direct sunlight and constant movements.

I dialed the resolution down to 2.7K because long 4K recording will always test thermal limits. Even then, it stayed reliable.

Like a scene straight out of an adventure documentary

The stabilization was genuinely magical. The frame stayed clean and level even when my hands were doing a million different things, like swinging my arms, gripping nets, adjusting grip, and bracing for impact.

Whether you choose RockSteady or HorizonSteady, your running sequences will look cinematic and documentary-level.

When we climbed or jumped, the shots had that adventure-film energy. There were no jitter or weird warping. No “Sorry, can you do that again?” moments.

We did not need retakes, and we did not need to check footage mid-race. The Osmo Action 6 kept up with the pace of an endurance athlete.

The built-in microphones even picked up our voices clearly. Pair it with DJI’s wireless mic and you get clean commentary that feels like the behind-the-scenes of your own sports film.

 

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Calm moment underwater

One of the most meaningful moments came when I lent the Osmo Action 6 to GadgetMatch’s Account Manager and Resident Host, Noela Amparo-Oro, for her birthday.

She wanted to celebrate by freediving, which honestly feels like the most poetic thing you can do for yourself. So I handed her the camera and said, “Go live your birthday moment. Capture it.”

Action cameras deserve to see actual action, not city sidewalks pretending to be adventures.

Noela had fun descending into the clear blue water. The footage she brought back made my heart stop for a moment. It was surreal. Like she had slipped into another world and returned with proof that it existed.

 

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A post shared by Noela 🎧❣️🎶 (@noeyylovesyou)

I have seen plenty of underwater clips from action cameras that turned murky or desaturated, requiring heavy color adjustments. The Osmo Action 6 did not do that. Underwater, it preserved colors beautifully.

The details of her movements; the subtle shimmer of light across her skin; and the calm flow of bubbles. Everything was captured with clarity that felt emotional.

The Osmo Action 6 handled depth and shifting light with ease. Watching the clips felt like I had been there beside her, suspended underwater.

Even Noela could not believe the footage. And the fact that the camera does not need an underwater case up to 20 meters makes the experience feel even more freeing.

A picture quality to love

The Osmo Action 6 uses a large 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor that lets in more light, allowing underwater clips to remain balanced and detailed even in low-light environments.

With 10-bit color support, gradients in the water and sky looked vivid. The variable aperture paired with the sensor gives you the flexibility to shoot under harsh sunlight or underwater without losing depth or mood.

Exposure transitions also felt natural, and the highlights stayed controlled while the shadows held detail. The Osmo Action 6 preserved the emotional tone of each scene without flattening the story.

As James Rusameekae from Physical: Asia said, it is simply “Wow!”

Is the DJI Osmo Action 6 your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Action 6 excelled in every environment I threw it into. Water, low light, heat, fast movement, and unpredictable conditions? It handled everything with ease.

I collected footage filled with emotion and energy, and everything remained steady and sharp.

The clips felt complete even before editing, like they were already telling a story. (I uploaded some of them straight to my Instagram Story!)

If you live an active life and thrive outdoors, the Osmo Action 6 will meet your needs. You will appreciate how quick it is to use, and you will love the size, durability, and picture quality.

It feels like the kind of gadget you bond with, which makes it a Swipe Right!

Anyone who wants a companion for adventures will find comfort in the Osmo Action 6. For me, it is a Super Swipe.

With the experience I had, and the ease it brings to my life whenever I am out and about, PhP 24,390 for the Standard Combo feels like an investment in moments that matter.

The DJI Osmo Action 6 deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

If you do not live an active lifestyle, the Osmo Pocket Series or Osmo Nano might suit you better since it is built for city travelers. But if you want to look adventurous — and you have the budget — who am I to stop you?

The DJI Osmo Action 6 retails for PhP 29,990 for the Adventure Combo, giving you all the accessories you may or may not need.

I spent roughly a week with the realme C85 5G, and the best way I can describe it is simple: it’s a phone that does what it needs to do, lasts longer than you expect, and takes whatever life throws at it — sometimes literally. 

It sits in that growing corner of the entry-level segment where toughness, battery life, and reliability matter more than performance or camera tricks. And in that context, the C85 makes sense.

Most days with the phone were typical for me: chatting, browsing, catching up on an episode of Would You Marry Me on Disney+, and spiraling down YouTube, including ITZY’s “Tunnel Vision” music video as a casual MIDZY. It handled all of this in a way I’d call serviceable — a word I kept coming back to throughout the week.

A phone that doesn’t make you worry about battery

The star of the show is clearly the 7,000mAh battery. This thing does not die. It’s no secret that I tend to charge my phones when they hit 50% or below — a habit formed from generally being anxious. But the C85 never pressured me like that. It routinely lasted beyond a full day, often needing a charge only the following morning. 

This changes how you use your phone. I didn’t think twice about watching videos outdoors, navigating while commuting, or keeping multiple apps open. And when I did need to recharge, 45W SUPERVOOC did the job reasonably fast for a device in this category.

Built for everyday accidents — and random cats

realme markets the C85 as rugged, and in fairness, it lives up to that image. It has IP66, IP68, and IP69K ratings plus military-grade drop resistance, which is more than you usually get for this price.

I didn’t drop it from a motorcycle, but I did subject it to two tests that matter in real-world Filipino life: water and cats.

For water, I placed it under running water in the shower area of our condo pool for about a minute. Wiped it dry, and it kept working. No drama. Rainwater Smart Touch isn’t magic, but it helped keep the screen usable once it was clean and dry again.

For cats — well, that one was unplanned. While taking outdoor photos of the phone, a friendly stray with mismatched eyes followed me around. At one point, she stepped on the phone and even kicked it around with zero consequences. 

No scratches, no dents, no mad cat. If anything, it reassured me that this really is meant to survive little everyday mishaps without needing a case.

Bright, smooth screen… with caveats

The C85’s 6.8-inch 144Hz display sounds wild on paper. In practice, here’s the reality: it’s not as smooth as those numbers suggest. Coming from flagship phones (my ‘daily drivers’), the drop-off is noticeable. But if you’re upgrading from a Note 50, Note 60, or even last year’s C75, the bump will feel more substantial.

The real win is the 1,200-nit peak brightness, which made the screen usable even under the kind of brutal Manila sunlight that usually washes everything out. During a midday walk, I had no trouble reading chats and navigating menus.

Performance is… you guessed it: serviceable

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 does enough for daily life. Not fast, not sluggish — just comfortably in the middle. Social apps, messaging, light gaming, navigation, and video streaming all ran fine, though I did experience occasional stutters.

A recurring issue was YouTube occasionally refusing to open when I was on mobile data. I’m not sure if that’s a network, software, or chipset quirk, but it happened enough times to mention.

realme UI 6.0 on Android 15 felt familiar and didn’t cause problems. Apps like Messenger, Chrome, YouTube, Disney+, and notes apps stayed open together without drama — something the 8GB RAM (expandable to 24GB with virtual RAM) certainly helped.

Cameras: Good enough for socials, but not exciting

The 50MP Sony IMX852 main camera is okay. Not disappointing, not impressive — just something you can work with. In daylight, photos look decent, detailed enough, and perfectly usable for social media. You can capture your food, your commute, and whatever landmark you stumble upon without issues.

Low light? That’s where the limitations show. It’s not awful, but it’s clearly entry-level. And while realme packs a long list of AI features — glare removal, unblur, smart remover 2.0 — I didn’t really use them.

The 8MP selfie camera is fine for video calls and casual posts. Again, nothing to write home about, but functional.

If cameras are a priority, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if you just need “good enough,” the C85 is exactly that.

A quick note on speakers and extras

The 400% UltraBoom speaker is loud but never annoyingly so. Audio quality is flatter than what you get from flagships, but absolutely acceptable for its class.

As for the customizable Pulse Light, I’ll be honest: I forgot it existed after the first day.

You do get small modern touches like Air Gestures, Google Circle to Search, Mini Capsule notifications, and AI call and network optimizers, but nothing I’d consider deal-breaking or deal-making.

Is the realme C85 5G your BudgetMatch?

The realme C85 5G sits in that familiar budget territory where expectations are simple: stay smooth, last long, and don’t get in the way. It mostly does that. 

The cameras won’t blow you away, but they’re good enough for social posts. The performance holds up for everyday use. The battery is the real workhorse. Nothing fancy — just dependable.

The price also shifts the equation. At its full PhP 14,999 SRP, the C85 5G sits in that “think twice” territory. But at PhP 10,989 on realme’s official TikTok Shop, it becomes a much easier Swipe Right — the kind of deal where you stop nitpicking and start asking, “Okay, what am I really losing at this price?”

So, is the realme C85 5G your BudgetMatch?