Mini 4 Pro Controllers… Which One is Better? Pros & Cons?

Buying Advice Forum
1

Thinking about upgrading and trying to decide which controller to get.

I currently have a Mini 2 SE with the RC-N1 controller. Not sure if that one will work with the Mini 4 Pro, but if it does, I might just go for the RC2 instead of the RC-N2.

For those who have experience with these controllers, what are some real-world pros and cons that aren’t just on the spec sheet? Would love to hear why you prefer one over the other!

TIA!

2

If you go with the phone controller, you won’t have to install any third-party apps outside of the App Store.

Also, being able to take calls or check texts while flying can be useful.

3

Nuri said:
If you go with the phone controller, you won’t have to install any third-party apps outside of the App Store.

Also, being able to take calls or check texts while flying can be useful.

Yeah, I wasn’t a fan of having to install an app from outside the App Store just to get it working. Taking calls could be useful, but I usually focus completely when flying.

4

Nuri said:
If you go with the phone controller, you won’t have to install any third-party apps outside of the App Store.

Also, being able to take calls or check texts while flying can be useful.

That sounds like a con to me. Last thing I want is distractions while flying.

5

You can take calls while flying with the phone controller, but you probably shouldn’t. It’s an easy way to get distracted and miss something important, like another aircraft nearby.

6

One thing I’ve noticed about the phone controller vs. the built-in screen controller:

  • The smaller phone controller feels more comfortable, IMO. Hands don’t block the screen as much.
  • The built-in screen is super convenient, no need to mess with cables or apps.
  • Battery life is better on the standalone controller, and it won’t overheat in hot weather like a phone might.
  • However, newer phones often have brighter screens and better display quality.
7

@Tan
That makes sense, but setting up the phone controller takes extra time when you just want to fly. I haven’t had overheating issues with my phone, though.

I do like that I can quickly transfer photos straight to my phone. Not sure if the built-in screen controller lets you do that.

8

@Merlin
Yeah, the setup is only a few seconds longer, but the standalone controller takes a while to boot up. The phone app loads almost instantly.

9

Tan said:
@Merlin
Yeah, the setup is only a few seconds longer, but the standalone controller takes a while to boot up. The phone app loads almost instantly.

Interesting. Maybe it depends on the phone? I have a Samsung Galaxy, so it’s pretty fast.

10

Always go for the controller with a built-in screen.

11

Taj said:
Always go for the controller with a built-in screen.

Why though?!

12

RC-N2 (Phone Controller):

  • Better battery life
  • Photos/videos are already on your phone, so you can post immediately
  • Folds up smaller than the RC2

RC2 (Built-in Screen Controller):

  • No need to connect a phone
  • Has screw holes for a neck strap
  • Has an extra custom button
  • More compact when in use
13

@Dev
This is really helpful, thanks!

I love the idea of just turning it on and flying with no setup. But I also want to be able to quickly share photos/videos without removing the SD card.

Also curious—if I buy one, can I swap between the two controllers later?

14

@Merlin
Yes, you can transfer photos to your phone with the RC2. It also has an option to share the screen if you want to connect it to a TV or monitor. Plus, it has a USB-C port, so you can hook up an external screen if needed.

At the end of the day, both controllers have their ups and downs. I personally went with the RC2 because I didn’t want to rely on my phone for flying. Also, phone screens aren’t always big or bright enough, and I don’t have to worry about my phone battery draining.

15

Go with the built-in screen. Trust me, when summer rolls around, your phone will overheat with all the background apps running. Plus, phone screens dim fast when they get too hot.

16

Devin said:
Go with the built-in screen. Trust me, when summer rolls around, your phone will overheat with all the background apps running. Plus, phone screens dim fast when they get too hot.

That makes sense.

What about quick transfers? Can I send photos and videos straight to my phone from the RC2, or do I have to take out the SD card and use a PC?

17

Devin said:
Go with the built-in screen. Trust me, when summer rolls around, your phone will overheat with all the background apps running. Plus, phone screens dim fast when they get too hot.

Never had overheating issues with my phone. I only use the non-screen controllers.

18

FYI—RC-N1 does NOT work with the Mini 4 Pro.

Also, if you use an iPhone, you still need to install the DJI app to transfer media (Android might be able to use Bluetooth). So saying ‘no need to install an app’ isn’t really a valid reason to pick one controller over the other.