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!)...

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.

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!

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.

Billy take a breath man, I feel like Im listening to someone thats been blowing lines. Hard to listen.

I’ve used both and I could say that the RC pro controller has better range for sure just tested it out today and confirmed. Worth the upgrade for sure

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.

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, 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.

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!

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!

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 just purchased an Air 2S with the RC Pro Controller and it works just fine. No comparability issues at all.

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.

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.

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.

Cool thing is the air2 s ships with the rc pro instead of the smart controller. Bundle is still the same price and it works great!

Hey Billie I just realized I wasn’t subscribed to your channel. I watch your stuff all the time. My apologizes!

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.

I’m new to your channel but a genuine thank you for what you do! It’s been really helpful, particularly videoed like this Thanks!

I hope they make this new RC Pro backwards compatable one day! great review Billy! By the way, that thumb of yours looks like it friggin hurts man!!

Also I must add today's date that the controller is more than $1500 on Amazon yet it's only $1150 on DJ i's website killer deal thanks dude

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 was sorry to hear that the MP3 is not compatible with the CS monitor. App is 64 bit CS is 32 bit. Bummer.

Great review - today it's November 23rd abd DJI write this 👉🏼 Compatibility - DJI Mavic 3 Classic, DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Air 2S

The RC Pro will work with the Mavic 2S

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

Hi Billy, I’m seeing new vids showing an Air2s with the RC Pro. Can you confirm if the RC Pro is now compatible with the Air 2s?

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.

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.

Use your drone to take the mapping software enterprise duel…..upload to drone deploy. Works perfectly.

Excellent reviews. We always appreciate your opinion.

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.

Waiting for the Air 3 & RC Pro bundle haha 🤞

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.

Excellent video as always. Can you compare the new DJI Smart Controller to the regular controller with the Tripltek 8" tablet? which do you prefer?

Great Review Billy. Thank You.

Brilliant. These are all things I’ve been wondering about. Good info well presented. Thank you!

Nice informative vid. A bit less ‘neurotic’ would improve the message you want to bring…

.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

Why exactly is the rc pro $1500 though? The normal screen controller is $400 where is that $1100 of hardware coming from?

DJI is an antonym for compatibility.

Once again, great video! Thanks

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.

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?

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. 👍👍👍

Been flying a newly unboxed DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo and noticed in dense areas the transmission range isn't great with the RC-N1 that comes with it.

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?

Great information Billy. Thank you 👍🏽

Awesome video. Thank you for the comparison.

Hate using my phone but aside from that - cons out weigh for now with the smart to make it worth it. Really hope they can update firmware.

could you play mobile games from like xbox games pass games on that new comptroller?

DJI new smartcontroller for agricultural drones is impressive but not this, it is very overpriced and it doesn't work with old drones

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.

I personally like the stiffer joysticks,

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?

Well Billy do KZfaq 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. 😉

E excellent information, thanks for sharing!

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.

Well done Billy,. thanks 4 sharing

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?

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.

Thanks for the good info billy😊

2:01 that’s not true. The Air 2S is O3, but the stock controller is O2 same as the SC - it’s in the manual 👍🏻

Pretty sweet dude I just bought it thanks

Great video. Thanks

DJI Air 2 S compatibility confirmed, I just received my new Air2 S with a DJI RC Pro controller in the US (Miami Beach, FL) bought on Amazon!

Great review! Ill hope de rc pro will be available soon.

What about a comparison test between the RC and the RC Pro?

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…

If only we can order the fly more with the RC pro....kinda like the Cine bundle but with the standard drone. That way I won't have to buy the rc pro separately and have the stock rc collecting dust on a shelf

Its disappointing (to say the least) for DJI to not allow broad compatibility (forwards and backwards) with the smart controllers. It legitimately has me turned off on the M3. There is zero technical reason - just pure greed.

Non backwards compatibility and old tech vs new tech, pretty much sums it up right? So if you're a 2s and below user, the new remote doesn't apply to you. I hate how dji literally puts "end of life" and support on products all the time. No real upgrades until it's too late.

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%.

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?

I wish DJI will add another function such as the Cruise Control like cars have it.

Slow down, jeeze… Does the DJI RC Pro have Occusync 3?

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

The transmission on this is awesome for sure. I can go further from where I am vs smart controller.

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?

Is there a controller that can be used for the mini 2, mini pro 3, air 2s, etc…?

Hi i have cine 3 and dji rc pro but cant set 1080i@50 on hdmi output, only 1080p, but my video mixer cant read progressive resolution

It says on their website it’s also compatible with the Air2S

Thanks Billy! What drone did I win?

Air2s OC3 yes upgrade but if u have devices on OC2 then no. Not going to get the potential. You are as fast as your slowest component

Thanks for the vid, great comparison. Are you aware if the DJI Smart Controller is compatible with the Mini 3 pro ?

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.

Great video the RC Pro looks awesome! In the mean time, I broke my antenna on DJI Smart Controller. Any recommendations on getting it repaired?

The RC Pro comes in the Fly More combo for the Air 2s in December 2021. The issue I have at the moment is that none of the hard cases I have seen will hold the Air 2s Fly More and the RC Pro controller.

I'm confused.... isn't there another controller also with a screen but not a smart controller?????

Helpful, thank you

as of now 5/3/22 i have just purchased RC pro and works with my Air 2S. just getting used to it

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???

I'm lookin for Video on how to get those 3rd party apps on the RC Pro.

For mobile data connection you probably need a SIM card bound to a mobile service provider?

Amazing video

Just got this is there really no way to set the right wheel to be shutter or aperture??? I'd way rather have aperture rather than digital crop.

Will it fit in the bag you get with the combo edition? Nice review.