I put together a list comparing the DJI RC2 and RC-N2 controllers based on real user experiences (including YouTubers who don’t try to upsell the RC2). Let me know if I missed anything!
DJI RC-N2
Pros:
More affordable for the same function.
Same signal strength and range as RC2 (confirmed by many sources).
Much longer battery life.
Doesn’t rely on an inbuilt chip, so it doesn’t lag as much as the RC2.
Works with brighter and bigger phone screens, and most phones have better CPUs than the RC2.
Can charge your phone while in use. Even with phone charging on, the RC-N2 battery lasts much longer since the phone handles the processing.
Cons:
Requires connecting your phone to the controller.
Not ideal if your phone has low brightness or weak processing power.
DJI RC2
Pros:
No need to connect a phone (just turn it on and fly).
Slightly faster setup time.
Cons:
More expensive despite having the same range and signal strength.
Lower battery life.
Can be laggy, especially when using the map function, compared to high-end phone CPUs.
Gets outdated faster since the built-in Android system and display won’t keep up with mobile advancements, and the CPU will struggle over time.
What do you guys think? Is one clearly better, or does it just depend on what you need?
The RC2 has extra buttons and is more compact compared to the N2 with a phone attached. It’s also a little quicker to set up since you just turn it on and go. Just make sure you power it up before pulling out the drone
One good thing about using your phone is having data access for updated maps, stats, and geofencing (where available).
@Zeke
Also, when carrying it, the RC-N2 is actually more compact if you detach the phone. You can just toss it in a bag while keeping your phone in your pocket.
I returned my RC2 because of lag, app crashes mid-flight, and the fact that you can’t switch between drones seamlessly. I really wanted to love it since I prefer having a dedicated controller with a screen, but honestly, my phone just works better.
Ren said:
One downside of the N2 is that it runs down your phone battery and adds wear and tear to it.
Actually, it doesn’t. There’s an option to charge your phone from the controller, and even with that on, I don’t have to charge my RC-N2 for like 25 days. I fly daily, too.
RC2’s lag issues (#3 and #4) can happen with your phone too—especially if you’re using a budget phone.
A cheap $100-$250 phone will struggle even with basic 4K video, so I wouldn’t trust it for a smooth flying experience. I don’t love the RC2’s price, but I also don’t want to put extra strain on my phone. If you don’t fly too often, the N2 should be fine.