DJI controller with screen vs phone: Which is best?

• Find out the difference between using a DJI controller with a built-in screen and using a DJI controller with a mobile device;

• Read our guide to find out which way of controlling the drone is best for you;

• Comparison of DJI's latest consumer and pro controllers with a built-in screen.

If you fly DJI drones regularly, you’ve probably wondered whether a DJI controller with a screen (sometimes referred to as a smart controller) is actually worth the extra cost compared to using a standard controller with your mobile device.

On paper, both setups do the same job: They control the drone and display the live camera feed.

In reality, the flying experience can be very different — especially in cold weather, bright sunlight, or commercial environments where reliability matters.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real benefits and trade-offs so you can decide whether a DJI Smart Controller is the right upgrade for your workflow.

Key summary

• DJI controllers with built-in screens offer faster setup, better daylight visibility, and fewer connection issues.

• A standard controller with a phone is usually cheaper and more flexible.

• Screen controllers are best for frequent or commercial flying.

• Casual pilots often don’t need to upgrade from a phone-based setup.

What is a DJI controller with a screen?

A DJI controller with a built-in screen — such as the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC Pro 2 — includes an integrated display, meaning you don’t need to mount and connect a phone.

Instead of relying on your personal device, the controller runs DJI’s flight software directly.

This reduces:

• Cable connections

• App conflicts

• Battery dependency on your phone

• Background app interference

The result is a more streamlined flying experience.

DJI controller with a screen vs phone: What’s the real difference?

The core differences come down to:

• Convenience.

• Reliability.

• Screen visibility.

• Workflow speed.

With a phone-based setup, you depend on:

• Your device model.

• Battery level.

• Screen brightness.

• Cable quality.

• App stability.

• Phone overheating or dimming.

With a screen controller, everything is purpose-built for flying.

When a DJI controller with a screen is worth it

1. Faster setup on site

With a phone, you must: Mount the device > connect the cable > launch the app > manage notifications.

With a screen controller, you: Power on > wait for aircraft connection > fly.

For commercial operators or frequent flyers, this time-saving adds up.

2. Better visibility in bright conditions

Screen controllers are designed for outdoor use and typically offer higher brightness than most phones.

If you struggle to see your live feed in sunlight, a screen controller can make a major difference.

3. Fewer connection issues

Many common flying interruptions stem from the phone side:

• Loose cables.

• App crashes.

• Overheating.

• Battery optimisation closing apps.

• Incoming calls.

A DJI controller with a screen removes these variables.

4. Dedicated controller

A DJI controller with a screen is a dedicated controller. It is built for this very reason. It's ideal for rapid deployments and has one purpose to serve.

It means you can keep your controller as your controller, and your phone as your phone.

Benefits of using a DJI drone controller with a phone

1. You fly occasionally

If you fly only a few times per month, the main benefit of a screen controller — convenience — may not justify the cost. After all, a controller with a built-in screen is more expensive than one without.

A phone setup works perfectly well for most recreational users.

2. You want maximum flexibility

Phones and tablets allow:

• Third-party app usage. Some DJI controllers with a screen do allow this, but others don't.

• Quick data sharing

• Screen recording tools

• Additional workflow apps

Screen controllers can be more restricted in comparison.

3. You already use a bright tablet

A high-quality tablet can provide a qaulity experience.

In this case, the value of a built-in screen becomes more about simplicity than capability.

What is the best DJI controller with a screen?

DJI's consumer RC with screen line-up currently features the DJI RC Pro 2, DJI RC 2, DJI RC, and DJI RC Pro.

The two most recently-released are the DJI RC Pro 2 and DJI RC 2.

The table below shows the key features of each controller.

For a full DJI RC compatibility guide, click here.

Which DJI controllers are available without a screen?

DJI's latest controller without a screen is the DJI RC-N3, offering 3.5 hours of battery life when not charging your phone and weighing approx 320g without a device.

Buying advice: Who should choose what?

Choose a DJI controller with a screen if you:

• Fly weekly or more.

• Operate in bright outdoor environments.

• Fly commercially.

• Want fewer connection issues.

• Value speed and simplicity.

Stick with a phone if you:

• Fly occasionally.

• Want the lowest cost setup.

• Prefer maximum app flexibility.

Summary

A DJI controller with a built-in screen isn’t essential — but for the right pilot, it can significantly improve the flying experience.

If you fly frequently or commercially, the convenience, reliability, and brightness benefits are often worth the investment.

If you fly casually or infrequently, your phone will likely do everything you need.