Is the built-in screen on the controller really worth it?

@Mason
Honestly, I’d rather spend that $200 upgrading to the Mini 4 Pro than on a screen. The controller seems like a gimmick to me, but I get that people in the community really like it. I just value a better drone more, even if it means dealing with a dimmed screen occasionally. My phone has only overheated once, and I could’ve avoided that situation.

@Ellis
I’ve flown all of DJI’s drones and would rather have the Mini 3 Pro with the smart controller than the Mini 4 Pro with my phone.

Flying more often because of the smart controller means more opportunities to get great shots, which is more valuable than the quality difference between the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro.

It’s not a gimmick. Maybe the original controller was at its $749 price, but for $160, it’s just a solid product that improves your flying experience.

@Mason
You’re saying it makes you fly more? That’s interesting. I have no problem getting excited about flying my drone, so I guess I’d only get one if I start losing interest in flying.

Ellis said:
@Mason
You’re saying it makes you fly more? That’s interesting. I have no problem getting excited about flying my drone, so I guess I’d only get one if I start losing interest in flying.

It really does. I didn’t think it would, but it made a big difference.

I held off on getting one for over a year and a half. I flew a bunch of drones without it, but after getting one, I realized how much better it made everything. Now I feel like I wasted time by not getting it sooner.

That’s why most of us are recommending it, we waited too long ourselves and regret it.

Ellis said:
@Mason
You’re saying it makes you fly more? That’s interesting. I have no problem getting excited about flying my drone, so I guess I’d only get one if I start losing interest in flying.

When you can afford it, just buy it. Trust me, we’re trying to help you out here. Once you get it, you’ll see the difference. I’d even pick a Mini 3 with the smart controller over a Mini 4 Pro without one.

Ellis said:
@Mason
I want to believe you, but the only point I agree with is that iPhones tend to overheat.

It’s not just dimming. The bigger issue is your phone overheating and shutting down. This can happen when you least expect it, and it’ll ruin your flight.

The built-in screen avoids that, and you don’t have to worry about your phone being drained. It’s a more reliable option overall.

@Mason
This is the way to go.

@Mason
The dimming issue gets old fast. It’s not the controller’s fault, but the phone’s.

I prefer the dedicated screen over using my phone because:

  • Using my phone drains the battery, and if I’m out shooting footage, that’s a problem.
  • The controller is more compact and balanced than a phone + controller setup.
  • I can still use my phone while the drone is in the air (like checking Google Maps).
  • The N2 only has one scroll wheel, right?
  • It’s only $200.

The only advantage of the N2 is that you can run third-party apps or use a bigger display like an iPad, but that feels bulky to me.