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When venturing into the great outdoors to capture photos or videos with your drone, it is essential to have your phone readily available for emergencies. However, since your drone likely relies on your phone as a screen, investing in a controller with a dedicated display that is compatible with your drone can alleviate this concern.
I prefer to be well-prepared in order to avoid any unexpected issues. Prior to embarking on my outdoor excursions, I ensure that all my devices are fully charged: my controller, my drone’s battery, one or two spare batteries, my phone, and a power bank for my phone.
One challenge I face is that my phone tends to stop charging abruptly with the slightest movement of the charger connector. Therefore, opting for a drone with a screen remote proves to be a more reliable choice for me. When exploring remote areas such as the countryside or mountains, I prefer to reserve my phone for navigation or emergency purposes.
The benefit of having a screen on a drone remote controller specifically designed for flying drones is that it outperforms mobile devices in certain conditions, such as bright direct sunlight.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DJI Mavic 3 Cine | Check Price | |
 | DJI Mini 2 | Check Price | |
 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | Check Price | |
 | Autel Robotics EVO II | Check Price | |
 | HUBSAN H501S | Check Price |
Best Drone With Screen On Controller Reviews
1. DJI Mavic 3 Cine
DJI currently holds the position as the leading drone manufacturer worldwide, and their flagship drone, the Mavic 3, serves as a strong testament to their commitment to quality in consumer drones. Specifically optimized for professional aerial photography, the Mavic 3 Cine variant prioritizes performance over fancy features.
It’s important to note that when considering the Mavic 3, it’s advisable to opt for the Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo rather than the standard Mavic 3. This is because only the Mavic 3 Cine includes the DJI RC Pro controller with a remote control screen. However, if desired, it is still possible to purchase the Mavic 3 and DJI RC Pro separately, creating a more cost-effective package.
The Mavic 3 Cine on its own offers support for the Apple ProRes 422 HQ file format, which is compatible with popular editing software like Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. This format significantly reduces file size while maintaining high quality. Furthermore, the Mavic 3 Cine comes with a built-in 1TB SSD storage.
Regardless of the package chosen, the control experience of the Mavic 3 is more responsive compared to photography-focused drones. The DJI RC Pro control sticks are borrowed from the DJI FPV controller, combining the advantages of FPV controls with the smoothness required for aerial videography.
The remote control screen of the DJI RC Pro provides a live feed at 1080p@60fps, with a range of up to 15 km and low latency as low as 120 ms. This 5.5-inch screen pushes the boundaries of current performance capabilities.
Outdoor mode ensures that all the details of your shots remain visible even under direct sunlight. While some mobile phone hacks may achieve a similar brightness level of 1000 cd/m2, most phones struggle to sustain it, and these hacks may not be compatible with using the phone as a replacement drone remote control screen.
Conveniently, the DJI RC Pro also supports third-party apps, allowing you to access browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, as well as social media apps such as Twitter, WeChat, Instagram, and Facebook. Furthermore, you can edit your videos directly within the DJI Fly app and post them directly through the remote control screen display.
2. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 stands out not only as DJI’s top portable drone but also as the one that offers compatibility with the DJI Smart Controller, earning it the distinction of being the best portable drone with a built-in screen.
Equipped with the DJI Smart Controller, you can capture remarkable memories with ease. The controller charges in just two hours and provides a battery life of 2.5 hours. This allows for a maximum aircraft battery life of 31 minutes, equivalent to approximately 4-5 batteries’ worth of use. With the Smart Controller, you can utilize your phone for other tasks while still controlling the drone, unlike when using your phone as the drone controller screen.
In addition to its compatibility with the DJI Smart Controller, the DJI Mini 2 offers further convenience. Weighing only 249g, it falls under the weight threshold that requires registration in the United States. This makes it an ideal travel companion and ensures a hassle-free flying experience.
The DJI Mini 2 serves as an excellent entry-level drone, eliminating the need for the same level of expertise required for models like the Mavic 3 Cine. With various shot options such as wide-angle, 180°, and sphere, you can capture breathtaking panoramas that provide a fresh perspective, even in familiar surroundings.
The DJI Fly app enhances your experience by providing a range of tracking-enabled shots that would be challenging to achieve on your own. For instance, ‘Boomerang’ captures a selfie-style shot as the drone flies away from you and returns in a boomerang motion, while ‘Rocket’ focuses on you as it ascends directly upwards. These shots may not be technically difficult, but manually performing them while looking at your controller would be impractical.
All these features come at an attractive price point, making the DJI Mini 2 an excellent choice, especially for first-time drone users. It is challenging to find a drone with a controller and camera that offers a better overall package in this price range.
3. DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro reigns as the ultimate budget drone, combining small size, lightweight design, and impressive performance. It is incredibly user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced drone pilots. The camera offers excellent aerial photography and video capabilities, with no reported issues regarding range or speed.
Portability, long flight time, and a quality camera are the standout features of the Mini 3 Pro, making it an ideal choice for your next vacation or trip.
When purchasing a drone, flight time is a critical factor to consider to avoid the risk of the drone running out of power and crashing. The DJI Mini 3 Pro boasts an impressive flight time of 34 minutes, which is remarkable for a drone of its compact size. This ensures you have ample time to capture stunning footage without worrying about sudden power loss.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the drone’s range, as you want the freedom to fly without fear of losing control. The DJI Mini 3 Pro offers a range of 12 kilometers, which is impressive considering its small form factor. Additionally, it exhibits stability in windy conditions due to its lightweight design, minimizing the impact of wind interference.
Speed is an exciting feature for drone enthusiasts, and the DJI Mini 3 Pro delivers with a top speed of 16 meters per second. This makes it suitable for racing and capturing dynamic footage of moving subjects. Moreover, its speed can be easily adjusted, enabling you to switch between slow and fast modes for precise photography or captivating videos.
The compact size of the DJI Mini 3 Pro is one of its greatest advantages. It is small, lightweight, and powerful, making it highly portable and convenient for travel, especially in locations with limited space. With dimensions of 171x245x62 mm and weighing only 249 grams, it can easily be carried in a backpack, allowing you to take it with you on any adventure.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro excels in its compact size, impressive flight time, extensive range, and adjustable speed. Its portability and high-performance capabilities make it the ultimate drone for travel and exploration.
4. Autel Robotics EVO II
The Autel EVO II is not only compatible with one of the market’s finest controllers but also outshines even DJI in this regard. The Autel Smart Controller surpasses DJI’s Smart Controller in brightness, boasting a remarkable 2000 cd/m2 compared to DJI’s 1000 cd/m2. This means you’ll enjoy superior screen visibility even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the Autel Smart Controller automatically adjusts its white balance to ensure optimal screen clarity in any lighting condition, providing versatility for all environments. With its generous 7.9-inch screen size, you’ll experience a fantastic viewing experience for both navigation and photography.
Furthermore, the Autel Smart Controller offers an impressive battery life of 3 hours, outlasting DJI’s Smart Controller by half an hour. Moreover, by adjusting the Autel Smart Controller to 50% brightness (matching DJI’s Smart Controller at 1000 cd/m2), you can extend its usage up to 4.5 hours. This outstanding battery performance provides unparalleled reliability and the assurance that your controller won’t fail you. In fact, you would need 6-7 batteries, each offering 40 minutes of flight time, to deplete a single charge on your Autel Smart Controller, ensuring prolonged and uninterrupted usage.
The Autel EVO II itself is a brilliant 8K drone, delivering four times the number of pixels found in 4K resolution. This allows for flexible zooming capabilities without compromising image quality. The transmission between the controller and the drone supports 1080p resolution over a range of 8.08 miles, ensuring smooth and seamless footage.
Impressively, the Autel EVO II also features the ability to capture hyperlapse videos in 8K directly within the drone, eliminating the need for post-production editing. This feature provides room for growth and creativity for aerial photographers, even if they are still developing their skills.
The Autel EVO II with its exceptional compatibility and top-notch controller, combined with its 8K capabilities and innovative features, sets a high standard in the drone market for both enthusiasts and professionals alike.
5. HUBSAN H501S
If you’re working with a limited budget, the Hubsan H501S is a viable option to enter the realm of drones equipped with a video remote controller, and it comes at a much lower price point compared to even the DJI Mini 2.
While the Hubsan H501S shares some features with toy drones, it offers significantly better build quality. It incorporates beginner-friendly functions such as headless mode (where the direction of left and right is determined by the controller’s orientation rather than the drone’s), an automatic return to home feature, altitude hold, and a ‘follow me’ mode for added convenience.
Furthermore, the drone comes with a 1080P HD camera and can be paired with a separately sold drone controller featuring a 4.3-inch screen. It’s worth noting that the H901A controller has a range of only 300 meters, so it is essential to avoid flying the drone too far, as it may lose contact with the controller and potentially fly out of range. The H906A Pro controller offers a slightly improved range of 400 meters but has a smaller screen at 3.7 inches.
Although the Hubsan H501S falls into the category of drones with remote control screens, it is important to highlight that it is not designed for indoor use and lacks propeller guards typically found in drones aimed at children’s safety. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and avoid flying it around kids.
If your budget allows, exploring the DJI Mini 2 would be worthwhile. However, if budget constraints are a concern, the Hubsan H501S serves as a good alternative, providing an affordable option for a drone with a controller.
Final Word
We have provided a comprehensive list of the 5 Best Drone With Screen On Controller, each offering distinct advantages. When selecting the right drone for your needs, consider factors like your budget, flying experience, and the specific features that matter most to you.
With a diverse range of options available, you can choose from a variety of drones equipped with controller screens, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for you, whether you prioritize value for money or a wide range of features.