Thanks Billy. One thing I’ve heard mention of is that on the control sticks of the new smart controller the threaded part that screws in is extremely small and some people think it might be fragile. Something to keep an eye on.
Thanks for this. I've been thrilled with my SC and found it 100x better than the stock controller with my first drone (Air). The battery and screen were so much better than using my phone, which was an issue b/c I couldn't reply to text messages, etc. The battery on my SC lasts forever if I don't fly and I only charge it every dozen or so flights. The lack of internet is a plus for me. I think it helps with battery life not powering a CDMA or GSM radio. I get the updates I need every time it's in the house charging (firmware check is part of your regular maintenance routine), so I never felt like i was missing something. My biggest disappointment is the price. My SC was a $400 upcharge with my M2P. The RC Pro is $900 on the M3P. I just wish they'd upgrade the SC through firmware and a new radio and I'd be happy to use it forever. I live by the D pad and am disappointed the RC does not have one. Great comparison. Best I've found. Thank you again!
One of his two BIGGEST gripes, for the Smart Controller was poor battery life, YET he did not discuss battery life with the RC Pro (unless I missed it!)...
Nice review.. The thing is, I’m not getting a Mavic 3 if I have to buy another smart controller to have freedom from using my phone. I actually like using the current smart controller with my Mavic 2 Zoom and Air 2S. If I need to do something that requires longer range, I get the stock controller. I would get the Mavic 3 if they made it compatible with the old smart controller, even if range was limited.
@@LifeAsDane Nope, the chipset/processor isnt fast enough to use with Mavic 3. I have used the smart controller with air2s and it was lagging like crazy. Sucks.
I could never see the screen clearly using the standard controller any my iPhone Xs Max. I switched to the smart controller and never looked back. As the lyrics go "I can see clearly now". Can't understand why you would want to switch back to the standard controller and phone. Worth every penny i spent on the Smart Controller.
Great to get a review comparing the controllers. I have just ordered an RC-Pro for my Air2S. It is now backwards-compatible with the Air2S, according to my supplier.
Thanks, but many of us would like to see a comparison between the RC Pro vs the standard controller that comes with the Fly More Combo Mavic 3. I am torn between the basic controller with the Tripltek 8 compared to RC Pro.
Thanks Billy for the clear review. On November 2022, we still cannot connect 2 RC's to 1 drone with the DJI RC Pro. On the DJI Smart Controller it was standard and was a good function for teaching or when flying with a camera specialist who could decide on taking the shots or footage. Hopefully this feature will come soon!
Billy excellent comparison between the Smart Controller and the RC Pro. Really like the improvements especially the range, upgraded internals, and the ability t connect to a mobile network.
Support for "other" drones is a deal breaker! You comments about upgrading for a Mavic 3 and DJI RC pro are spot on. I'll wait until laws make me buy new drones!
Great video! I have the original and I been using the New RC Pro w/M3 for a week now. changes the whole experience in my opinion. For me it’s the way to go. The signal strength and increased battery life Is very noticeable.
Thanks for this excellent comparison of these controllers, I just got the Mavic 3 and very interested in getting the RC Pro. It seems to have a got going for it, and a nice upgrade over the first version.
The new Air 2S and Pro controller combo is the absolute sweet spot for most of us. It's the perfect marriage. Glad Dji ran out of smart controllers or whatever happened for them to just throw the pro controller in the box instead for the same price.
Thanks for going over the 3rd party apps. I had the Phantom4 "smart" controller. I love the screen, very bright but if I wanted to use Pix4d, drone deploy, etc I was out of luck. I know everyone raved about the smart controller and I wasn't going to fall for that trick again I'll wait until apps come out on the rc before I get it.
I don't quit agree with you on that I have zero problem with my smart controller paired with my dji mavic air 2 range is perfect and battery life of that smart controller is good I'm at 100% brightness have 5 drone batteries no problem controller still at 76% after the flight maybe by changing the battery would help
I'm just getting into this & still in the research phase. I plan to start learning to fly on the DJI Mini Pro 4 before eventually adding the Mavick 3 Cine. One thing that seems apparent is the idea that the controller is a highly influential factor in how the drone performs & what it is capable of. I can't see needing more than one remote to fly both drones so why not just buy the RC Pro to start with if it will fly the rest of the DJI lineup as well as the Mavick 3 Pro? The question I have is, when will DJI add to the backwards compatibility for the RC Pro to include the Mini Pro 4? Transmission strength plus the ability to use 3rd party apps seems like almost a necessity so I hate to purchase the drone & then find out in a couple months that I have to go ahead and buy it as a stand alone remote anyway. I've searched everywhere trying to find out if & when the RC Pro will support the rest of DJI's lineup & found nothing. Does anyone know or even have a hint as to how long this will be? I'm not ready to buy the drone yet, but within a few months.
Yeah, I was really hoping for a new smart controller, but compatible with the older models. I still don't think it's going to be compatible with the MA2 which is a bummer. Thanks for sharing Billy, awesome video as always. Thanks again. 👍👍👍
Your viewers might like to know that during my interminable drone research I just saw today (12/7/21) that B&H has an Air 2S Fly More bundle with the new RC Pro controller that does not seem to take the price of the new controller into account. If you want a Air 2S, this might be click-worthy. Others vendors may have this too, but it's the first and only place I've seen it so far. I have no affiliation at all with any company involved - other than as retail product purchaser.
Your video was very informative, great job👍 Base on the info, I don’t think I will upgrade to RC pro, I purchased the smart controller last year. I want a controller to fly my drone not as a tablet or phone. the addition of capability with Fire Fox is not a plus to me. They sell a high end mini tablet with 1200 nits of brightness for less money, and the tablet can be use with all drones. Plus who knows when dji will change the smart controller again? Next year, 2 year? Dji upgraded the Smart Controller to work with the S2 now, and it does work, just not at the level it does with the standard controller that comes with the S2. But the Smart Controller screen with 1000 nits did spoil me, can’t go back to a phone now. Yep looking closer at the 1200 nits mini tablet.
I have the first version of the DJI Smart Controller that I use with my Mavic Air 2. I use the Smart Controller's HDMI out with a couple of different goggles and it was worth the buy to get the HDMI out.
Thanks for the review. I wish they made the screen a bit bigger as there is plenty of rpm for it. Also I would like to know if the new controller’s battery life is better. Thanks again.
I just got the DJI RC Pro, and for the most part, it has been to hot and windy to get a real feel of it. It did cost me more than the Air 2S I have. The few times I did fly it, it really seemed to handle smoothly thou. Only wish I did not have to use my phone as a hot spot spot, as it has a 4G module hook up that not supported in the US, and I do not want to spend more money on one to find out if Verision would work with it as a data transfer for maps. Iowa out. Thanks for the videos.
Hey Billy, have you tried using two controllers on the mavic 3? One for pilot flying and the second for camera control? Which mean, two people working as a team…
I just received my new Air 2S Fly-More combo with the Smart Controller and was very surprised to find a RC Pro in the box. I was concerned that it was an error, and that it would be incompatible with my Air 2S, so I sent off an email to DJI Support. They responded back saying because of the shortage of Smart Controllers DJI was providing the RC Pro controller at no extra cost. SCORE!! They also told me that it was compatible now with the Air 2S. Now the big question is...what other DJI drones will it work with. I'll have to shoot off another email to DJI Support.
Having both smart controllers and testing them out today I could say that there is more range on the newer version totally worth the upgrade. Range is most important.
Hi Billie. Really enjoy your reviews. I know this review is a little older. I’d like clarification on the point of 3rd party apps that you can download to the RC Pro. First there is a misconception that the Mavic 3 doesn’t support waypoints which isn’t entirely true. The hyper lapse feature uses waypoints which means with SDK release 3rd party apps should be able to perform autonomous missions with M3. With that said, are you saying you can’t download and install the Drone Deploy app or do you mean once installed it won’t work because the SDK for the M3 hasn’t been released yet to 3rd party apps?
Another great review Billy, thanks! The one thing that you didn’t cover which I guess most people already know if they owned the smart controller was what is its method of communication for downloading maps. Another words if I go to an area that I’ve never been before and I have no cellular data, how do I get my maps and my satellite views if I want them. I know with the iPhone you can store maps ahead of time, is that the same deal with this?
Is the DJI Mini 3 Pro backwards compatible with the DJI Smart Controller (similar to Air 2s was)? I like the 1000 nits brightness and Don't want to spend $1199 for the RC Pro. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Great video - as always. My problem with using the RC that came the AIR 2 is that the iPhone overheats and goes dark within minutes if it's at all hot outside or you're in direct sunlight. I literally can't fly most of the summer except for early morning or evening. Can't see spending the money on the Smart Controller only to see a new one come out a couple of months later... or in this case, the Smart Pro adding Mavic Air 2 compatibility. Bummer.
I have the same problem. Even worse in the winter time. My phone gets too cold and randomly shuts off. It's pretty scary when the drone is in the air, which is why I just started to look into the RC Pro. The price tag is a bit off putting as it's worth more than the Air 2S itself.
.35 watts transmission power and O2 for the smart controller verses 2 watts and O3+ for the smart controller pro is a huge, huge increase in power and therefore range if connected to an O3+ drone
Thanks Billy. You usually are very informative. But............I take exception to your statement that the stock controller has better transmission than the old SC. I haven't flown the Air 2s a lot, but so far I've had better luck with my SC than than the stock. An interesting tidbit...... I found it interesting that right in the manual it says that the Air 2s uses Oc 3, but then it goes on to say that the stock controller uses Oc 2!!!. When I first saw it, I thought it was a typo, but I've now seen several references stating the same thing. Your thoughts?
I also get better range and connection in general with my Smart Controller over the standard Air 2S controller, BY Far. The stock controller gives me frequent disconnects at close range using Litchi whereas the Smart Controller keeps a strong connection using Litchi.
Great clip about the premiums RC´s from DJI. Biggest upset the weaker transmission range than the RC-N1. That is a shock to me. Because the N1 is ugly und looks cheap. And it not only looks cheap, but it is. It comes together with a Toy-copter, the Mini 2, for 400,-€ the bundle. So, in the end the huge jumpt in price from the Pro compared to the SmartController might be justified after all.
I prefer the smart remote over the stock controller. I’ve never had any issues AND frees my phone, no need to connect the phone on stock controller and no issues on receiving phone calls when flying Also the phone battery drains much faster even when you’re charging through the stock controller compared to the smart controller The screen on the smart controller is also better to view than in your phone Overall, I would go with the smart controller any day than using the phone on the stock
Hahaha.....we should not be talking on our mobile while flying a drone! If you need your mobile phone to last, make sure it's charge 100% before heading out! My iPhone 12 Pro Max battery still have 40% on my 8th battery on my Mini 2 (without direct charging from the controller) I would fully agree with you on the view from Smart Controller is definitely better but I would only buy it if using drone was part of my work as it would be a great investment. If it's only for recreational purpose, stock control with mobile phone is more than sufficient.
I Just brought DJI RC Pro Smart Controller For my DJI Mavic Air 2S. It work with my Air 2s. For now it only set up for the Air 2S only. I guess the next up date will let you do both.
Great and helpful video. I am about to buy my first drone - the Air 2S makes the most sense for me (landscape photography). The old Smart Controller has many limitations that you mentioned, and is also no longer offered. I am trying to decide if I should take the standard (pair with phone) controller or wait for the RC (not RC Pro) to become available with the Air 2S. I'm weighing size/portability (for my camera pack) vs. better features, screen brightness in the RC. Any thoughts?
Rc-Pro is now compatible to the Air2S. I have just ordered one. I am also concerned about the size, for use on bicycle tours, but the mobile screen visibility when using the standard controller is woeful. Phone goes dim in bright light, when the screen heats up. No effective controller then.
It makes sense that the new smart controller has better signal because the other remote that comes with the mav 3 is the mini remote with 2.0 ocusync rite lol. What a joke.. so basically it should work with the air2s since it's 3.0 ocusync rite and the new mini 3 when it comes out it should have 3.0 ocusync too rite? and if you can download apps on that new smart controller can you download the Dji go 4 app?
Hey, thanks for that great video. I do have the old smart controller. I'm thinking of buying the dji mini 3 pro. Can I still use that old controller with the dji mini 3 pro?
Well Billy do RU-vid pay you for the number words that you can squeeze in per minute? Either that or this video has been speeded up while keeping the voice normal. It’s a lot easier to understand you if you keep it at a lower pace and create two videos. 😉
Another informative video Billy. I did have to check my RU-vid playback speed because of your rapid-fire delivery. Reaching deep into my pocket for this one since the near term updates are definitely going to make this a “must have.” Still feel burnt by DJI with the CrystalSky Ultrabright. Ugh! 😣
Hi Billy, Great comparison. The RC Pro also comes now with the fly-more combo AIR 2s. So it is not only limited to M3. Right now, I'm not a fan of it because the bluetooth is useless with Apple products when it comes to sharing to any mobile device.
I just ordered the Air 2S combo from DJI website ($1759). It doesn’t show the RC PRO as the controller it shows the standard SC. Where did you see this?
Thanks for quick reply…I spoke to DJI…apparently the shipping of the PRO Controller is random from the warehouse due to Standard SC shortages and delays in shipping. Once the Standard Controller shortage is caught up they will return to providing only that SC with future orders. Also requests for upgrade are on case by case basis. Thanks again for feedback.
I just ordered the DJI Air 2S on 12/12/2021 and it came with the RC Pro inside the box. Billy what did you do to charge the controller? I’ve had mine on charge all night and it only charged about 75%. When I checked it this morning, It’s not fully charged. I used the small power adapter - USB A to USB C at first then this morning I connected the larger power adapter meant to power the 3 batteries in the Fly More Combo kit and it’s still staying at 75%. My batteries charged with no problem but I can’t get the RC Pro to charge to a full 100%.
The last drone I purchased was a Mavic pro. The drone before that in my first room was a phantom three Pro. I love my phantom three. Granted the newer drones have better technology but that phantom three was just a great drone. Because of all the changes in DJI and half their staff not working with other staff just as you mentioned with the two smart controllers I’ve taken a break from drowning. I’d love to buy an inspire one just to put in my collection it’s such a cool looking drone and I’m thinking about that. But as far as buying a new drone I think I’m gonna wait a couple years till things settle down and DJI maybe gets their act together or I see what some of the other manufacturers are going to do .
Beautiful blog... Maybe you can tell me what no one else can... My Air 2S only goes 19 mph,, im only able to go 60m in my area,,, is this the reason why,, or is it something I need to do to my drone???
the size of that controller/price and bezel should have really included a slight screen increase, no reason not have when they have 1/4" black bezel around all sides, given that its only 1080p panel, they are literally cheap as chips now, a 6.2" would have been a very big welcome change
Thanks Billy…I have been watching your videos for many years, great information always. I am a P4P looking to go for the Air 2S …was wondering which phone you use, or which phone you may know which is a good for the Air2S. Also I see there is a package deal that includes the Smart Controller, any thoughts on that specific Air2S package?
Hey Billy! I've got a Mavic Air 2. An employer wants to hire me for a gig but I need an HDMI out to send the TV station my Drone footage. Which controller would I need??? I'm guessing the Smart Controller??? I'm a rookie so any help/advice would be great. Thank you
Billy, is the screen size the same on the two models? and am I right in saying the distance between the two antennas are different? I have a range extender for the old smart controller and I can't get it to fit on the new RC controller ???
Thanks for a very informative video. Are there any compatible external devices (Like a Samsung tablet) that can be used with a smart controller? Screen is way too small for "search & rescue" ops. I have tried quite a few external devices with NO LUCK! Any advice? Using the Mavic 2 Pro Enterprise Advanced with the smart controller.
UPDATE: The AIR2S, if bought with the combo including the 'NEW' RC PRO controller is now available. My question is...if I have a Tripltek 8" Pro tablet, should I consider this 'Combo/RC'' offer or get the Air2S combo with just the regular controller? Just as an FYI...I freak when I loose connection. Thoughts?
Hi Billy, Always a great review. Love your channel. That being said, I’m trying to connect my Cine smart controller to my iphone to transfer photos wirelessly if possible. Wondering if you have a video on this? Following the menus to send to my iphone through Bluetooth results in a message that it is not sent. My phone appears on the list of connected Bluetooth devices. Thanks!
