I plan on buying an Air 2S and was wondering if the smart controller was worth the buy? I hate using my phone because it dims and I also have to hook it up and all that, but as far as performance and stuff, would the smart controller be a good investment, especially for the future drone releases? And do you think the future releases will include compatibility with the smart controller?

(Edit: I thought I should mention that if I do get the controller, I'd be getting it in the combo so I'd only really be paying $400 to it, let me know if this changes your view)

I was on the fence for a while about getting one,  just bought one second hand with only a few flights on it and so far Im really pleased with it.   Open bag, turn on controller and then unfold the drone.   By the time the drone is ready to go the SC has booted.  Switching between craft is a little clunky but once you realise how to do it,  its fine,    One thing I would say is if youre about to buy make sure you get the Air2S combo which comes with the new smart controller,   The Likes of B&H are now selling with the new one.

If you are going to buy the Air 2S check out the deal that includes the new RC Pro here.

Using my phone was a non-starter for me.

My only concern (and almost immediately fulfilled) was an upgraded controller coming to market. I sure hope there will be an upgrade offer. Being stuck at some ancient Android version is kind of sucky.

DowntownRDB Posted at 12-16 04:29
If you are going to buy the Air 2S check out the deal that includes the new RC Pro here.

Got it, I think that's a steal. $1100 controller for more than half off, hell yea.

I'll be buying that.

Amazon's combo includes the RC Pro. Ordered mine 12/8 and received it yesterday 12/15.

I do not have one, so do not trust me! But my old Samsung Galaxy S9 phone ($80 used on eBay) has a larger (5.8" versus 5.5") and brighter (1200 versus 1000 cd/m2) screen. And I prefer to have the display on the far side and not the near side. Flash photo below ... V

Hawkeye Dronography Posted at 12-16 10:30
Got it, I think that's a steal. $1100 controller for more than half off, hell yea.

I'll be buying that.

Definitely a great price.  

Hawkeye Dronography Posted at 12-16 10:30
Got it, I think that's a steal. $1100 controller for more than half off, hell yea.

I'll be buying that.

Definitely a great price.  

wndrr Posted at 12-16 18:38
Amazon's combo includes the RC Pro. Ordered mine 12/8 and received it yesterday 12/15.

Could you give the link for the Amazon combo? All I see is the smart controller and not the rc pro combo

Absolutely worth it! The new RC Pro is leaps and bounds ahead of the SC. Anyone that tells you different either doesn't own one, or is just being difficult. I have been using the TriplTek 7 Pro & now the 8 with all of my other aircraft w/NC-1 controllers. The RC Pro remains my favorite for the M3C, obviously because of ease and button functionality.

I really like mine.  I just wish the Mavic 3 would become backwards compatible.   Be really nice.  I'm not buying the RC-pro until maybe next year.

the smart controller becomes more spectacular the more drones is works with.  even if one, great!  but when it flies 3 or 4 of your best drone, that's where it really shines.

I have not bought one, but it could be my next purchase