Autel Smart Controller VS DJI Smart Controller | Hands On Comparison

[@gregmatas7476]

I got a good deal on a renew dji smart controller on Amazon Prime day for $550, looks and feels brand new. I use it on my 2 year old mavic 2 pro and dji mini 2. No buyers regret. I'm a hobbyist so I really don't need the greatest or the latest. Good job on the video and the previous one also.

[@philliplow5379]

Autel Explorer plays very nicely on the Crystalsky which also gives you an HDMI out plus two SD slots.

[@Okie-Tom]

If the Autel was closer the the DJI in price it would be easier to pick it!

[@anonymoususer1824]

I had the DJI smart controller. It lagged so much and the range sucked. Sold it and don't miss it.

[@edwingalon6886]

@@anonymoususer1824 said oooooo

[@nigeljohn6676]

The DJI Smart controller seems to be basically the same size as the Autel Regular controller screen, with the knobs at the top vs. the bottom!

[@bluegrassdroneguy3495]

You think Dji is due to release a newer more advanced SC?

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

New info says yes, in november

[@visitperaiagreece]

Would love to get the Autel smart controller, but I am not going to buy an Evo 2 Pro V2 when my current V1 works. It it is true that only 500 V1 smart controllers were/will be made, then most of us in Europe are out of luck. Even if I did find something on Alibaba, I would get hit by huge VAT taxes and it would just be so expensive. I understand that it is a matter of Autel just not being to get the chips anymore, but it is still a major bummer that future smart controllers won't work.

[@ozstrayapanoramas8610]

Only 500 were made available for the USA, total v1 smart controller production was more.

[@eag8999]

Is the Autel Smart Controller running 64 bit?

[@MarkRomine]

Although the DJI Smart Controller will support more done models than the Autel, all of those drone come with the DJI Geofencing. Plus the DJI SC will only support LAANC by jumping through a bunch of hoops, whereas I think I heard that the the Autel controller supports LAANC out of the box. Is that correct?

[@Unamatrix01]

Quite an informative comparative video between the Autel and DJI Smart Controllers. I will be purchasing a DJI Smart Controller for my drone videography and photography company to use with my Mavic Air 2S here in Toronto, Canada. I think DJI is doing a better job with the Smart Controller than they did with the Crystal Sky monitor. I have a 7.85” high brightness Crystal Sky that I use with my Autel EVO II 8K and my Mavic Pro Platinum. The Autel Smart Controller V1 is obsolete at purchase since it would not be compatible with any new Autel drone moving forward. As a mechanical engineer, I would have preferred Autel releasing the V2 Smart Controller only and giving current owners of the EVO II either the option of a rebate or trade-in for the V2 version of the Smart Controller and the EVO II.

[@Joe_Fotoleo]

Just got a dji smart controller. It only came with a cord and was taking forever to charge with wall charger. Tried plugging directly into charging brick of MA2, still slow. Found another wall charger that I guess had higher amperage and it charged much quicker. Bout an hour and a half.

[@YellowRoseDrones]

My smart controller from DJI came with its own little charging adapter and special heavy-duty cable. Charge is much quicker using it than a standard USB port.

[@Joe_Fotoleo]

@@YellowRoseDrones I bought a dji factory refurbished unit, but you would've thought it was brand new. Factory wrapped cellophane box. No adapter though.

[@garyradtke3252]

Autel has been building (or specking out) tablets for quite a while because they have been building automotive diagnostic equipment such as digital oscilloscopes and diagnostic scanners on the professional side and have a handle on pros and cons of this type of tablet use. At least I would assume they would seek knowledge and experience from that side of the company but sometimes there is more politics within a company than with the governments. I don't know what DJI's history is but it must be pretty extensive also. I never heard of them until I got interested in drone flying.

[@graemacinnis1202]

Great comparison for people on the fence for which platform they want. I've had the DJI SC for about 7 months now. On the whole I like using it for mainly my Air 2 instead of monopolizing my phone. I do notice that I don't have the range or as smooth communication as I do with the standard controller even when flying in the same spots, but the screen brightness and lack of having to use my phone and cables is good enough for me. Oh, and to touch on the battery charging Ken, I use a 95 watt charger for mine and it still takes forever to charge, and that wall charger does everything else at warp speed, so it sounds like a hardware issue to me.

[@-zach-crook-]

The only thing I didn’t see covered is the responsiveness of the drones with the smart controllers. Was the Autel drone just as responsive when using their Smart Controller as the DJI drone was with theirs?

[@ozstrayapanoramas8610]

Responsiveness is the same on both

[@Diantane]

You stated that the smaller controller had 1,000 NITs of brightness (half of the other), but all other reviews of the smaller controller say that there is only 700 NITs. I'm receiving the Autel EVO Pro 2 Enterprise V3 with the V3 version of the Autel controller so it has been updated since this comparison (2 years ago).

[@OriginaldoBo]

700 nits is not this RC that’s the new se smart controller

[@Diantane]

@@OriginaldoBo Ah, okay. Btw, would you know if there are goggles compatible with the Autel EVO Pro 2 Enterprise V3?

[@BlairAir]

I'd love to know what type of storage memory Autel is using, and with 6K/8K video files 128 Gb is not nearly enough. Lack of expansion further disappoints. Is the Storage memory UFS 3.0? Is RAM LPDDR5, and what speed is it? I don't care too much about the less dense ppi - my Note 20 Ultra is a whopping 508 PPI, though it will be more apparent on that honking display. I'd rather have QUAD HD - 2560x1440 on the big guy than 1080 on a 5.5...

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

That was a really detailed comparison. Nicely done, Ken. Your production quality is amazing too.

[@OriginaldoBo]

Thanks man! Trying to improve

[@AerRider]

Yes, DJI does work with my P4P v2. I use it on the regular for clean HDMI out in livestream / live-to-tape multicam work.

[@dalehoward62]

I would love to see if these smart controllers have any real range? Some say they are good for 8.1 miles or 13 kilometres. I am looking for someone to find out what the ACTUAL range on these are in reality. Any chance of you doing a range test? Thanks...............Dale.

[@anonymoususer1824]

I had the dji smart controller and the range was pitiful anywhere near trees or buildings. It would freeze all the time at around 2 miles away. Clear line of sight was just ok.

[@jerrystanley1211]

I like both smart controllers. Right now I only have DJI Drones, so I would buy the DJI Smart Controller.

[@richardmaggio]

Nice comparison. It seems to be fashionable to bash the SC so I was pleased to see you evaluated each without bias, especially after your initial experience with the screen lifting!! I like my SC that came with my MA2.

[@vonheise]

I suspect that price might make a difference also, and the Mavic won't work on the Mavic 3 if that is in anyone's future.

[@franks.jr.7236]

I see a lot of KZbiners saying it's not worth getting the dji smart controller in 2021. Because I'm thinking of get one. Don't know what to do!

[@OriginaldoBo]

Depends on your reason for wanting/needing it

[@franks.jr.7236]

@@OriginaldoBo don't need but kinda want.

[@OriginaldoBo]

The smart controller isn’t necessarily terrible. It’s just a matter of how long will Dji support it now that it’s been out for almost 3 years

[@franks.jr.7236]

@@OriginaldoBo man thank for the reply your the best

[@mikehrenak1390]

I’m waiting for new sc for o3 for my new 2s

[@hybrydsanity5857]

I guess if you have a DJI get the DJI if you have an Autel get the Autel if they can criss cross or there are other drones compatible please educate me !

[@ozstrayapanoramas8610]

No cross compatability

[@SkyFireDrone2022]

It’s not surprising that the Autel batttery burns up as fast as it does when you consider that the screen is twice as bright as DJI’s. I can’t stand how dim my phone and tablet are so to have anything that bright is awesome. 1000 nit should be enough but more is better, right?

[@warsameadam5572]

Dji should get into VTOL drones

[@seachris]

Wow big difference thanks Ken ! Can you do a evo 2 vs tripltek ?! That’s the thing I have a order down but I was thinking to get the tripltek ! But if I waited tell next month ! Would I be able to get it next month if I went with the tripltek ! Because like you said there only doing a Few with the v1 eveo smart controller!

[@h-dawg969]

Isn’t there a new smart controller coming in November with the Mavic Pro 3?

[@RobertGlazier]

Thanks Ken for the comparison. I really like that big screen on the Autel Smart Controller. The sun is so bright here in Arizona.

[@scottmohrman]

Is the bracket on the back of the Autel Smart Controller removable?

[@PowderMill]

I really get a lot of use out of the internal HDMI port in my DJI SC. Does the Autel have one? I am so confused 🤡 I hate DJI’s “Nanny” systems & GeoFencing, but am not convinced Autel will remain a dominant player.

[@ozstrayapanoramas8610]

Yes the Autel smart controller has USB & HDMI ports

[@oztropics]

Reach Away for that Beer ... loving the depth of your content.

[@ozstrayapanoramas8610]

As there's no cross capability on either, it's not a choice of what smart controller to buy, its a choice of what manufacturer you fly, Autel or DJI. The Autel smart controller is later technology than DJI's, so it should be better. Autel's is definitely bigger, alot brighter, faster and better. The 2000 nits screen is totally amazing.

[@OriginaldoBo]

I stated at the start of the video that this video for those looking at a NEW DRONE and if they were considering a Smart Controller it would give them an idea between the two brands. I was explict and clear on that. BIgger isnt better always

[@ozstrayapanoramas8610]

@@OriginaldoBo thanks Ken, I was simply reiterating your video comments. A brighter screen is better.

[@QippysChannel]

Thinking of getting a smart controller at some point, but just wondering is the newer version around the corner? But i can imagine the price of this if a new one does come out would probably make this even more desirable !

[@alterego3375]

Man this comparison was super helpful and thorough..... Many thanks......

[@MrRaymond1021]

I do like that Autel Smart controller, because of it's screen size. The DJI is also awesome, because it fits the hands perfectly and a bit more compact. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@OriginaldoBo]

I wish the Autel remote was a smidge smaller

[@aaron6516]

Thanks for the review on this please keep it coming... sorry if I missed it but will the v2 controller work with V1 evo 2? Damb... they are messing us up with this... it would be nice to have a more future proof device... I hate to spend over a 1000 bucks on something that isn't... gonna be hard to justify.... but I do love my Autel... she's a beast and working hard....

[@YellowRoseDrones]

I'm very pessimistic about whether a version two smart controller will work with the version one Evo 2 Pro. I don't think it will because of the chipset difference.

[@aaron6516]

Well that would really suck...and kill any chance of buying either a v2 drone or v1 or v2 controller if I already own an evo2 v1... It would be nice if somehow this was backwards/forward compatible. This is a big deal breaker for me for sure... thanks... looking forward to the next review...

[@gadgetguy9984]

@@YellowRoseDrones It has already been positively confirmed that the V2 Smart Controller will be completely incompatible with all the EVO 2 V1 aircraft. Incompatible chipsets, as stated above.

[@TH3_DON_M3G4]

What's the point of comparing 2 controllers that you can't use for the same drone? I honestly thought you were gonna say they are cross brand compatible

[@OriginaldoBo]

What did I say in the beginning, I said that if people were on the fence buying either drone and the tie breaker is a smart controller what does one have that the other doesn’t. Was pretty clear

[@45flavius]

hi Ken.....did the AUTEL can display HDMI input....if not i don't think its a deal😁

[@Madd_Jack]

Computer advances have really slowed down over the past several years. So it's not surprising that 2 years hasn't shown big tech advances. However the Samsung S20 phone has about a 2.7Ghz clock speed with 12gb ram. Autel also doesn't have the mass production cost savings on parts that the Galaxy S20 has... but at the about the same price as one of those phones, Would have liked to at least see more ram in the Autel smart controller. The longer boot times the longer it sits is probably an update to a background android program separate from the autel software.

[@Jbeales2]

Did I see a 1/4-20 thread mount on the bottom of the Autel? That's something I always thought would be nice to have and considered printing to stick on the DJI SC.

[@mt_isfull1651]

Yes you did..

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great comparison, you really broke it down well, you answered all my questions. They're both excellent controllers, and I think the biggest benefit of the Autel Smart Controller is that screen, it's the difference maker. Thanks for sharing.

[@shelydon78]

Didn't read all comments nor did I watch the whole video (sorry Dobo). I called Autel and the guy told me the smart controller does NOT work for the Evo I... Everyone already knew that? Does the dji smart controller work for the Evo I? I think captain drone said the tripletek works for it

[@OriginaldoBo]

This is not for the EVO 1

[@Time2FLYAlDiaz]

Great breakdown! Ken. Thanks for sharing.

[@harrisongould9460]

I want the 'NEW' DJI Smart Controller. I want more 'nits'...NOW.

[@PaulFeinberg]

Larnger lol 😂 Nice new transitions there. Good video of course.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

#LarngTimeToCharge

[@PaulFeinberg]

@Lon Denard 🤣

[@captaincanuck7110]

You forgot one other plus for the Autel. You can use it as your home theater screen when you are not flying your drone!

[@hqcariello]

Cool video , Ken !

[@MrDoraemonku]

The small screen one is better, cause our grip more strong...

[@ronniegilliland9943]

My evolution hit a wall didn't break any,thig but somehow the camera got knocked the camera around

[@ronniegilliland9943]

Camera won't turn back to facing out it now facing the drone camera is stuck it won't turn facing out

[@lynsmith1096]

Good comparison video

[@paullthomas8064]

Fantastic Information! Happy Flying

[@RGedack]

Dear DoBo, Thank you from good old Germany for all your valuable reports and comments! Topic SECURITY: Please help me with my attempt to make the AUTEL Explorer App a bit more secure. I had already tried a couple of times to write AUTEL Support directly, but so far had no success with my suggestion: I have owned the AUTEL Evo 2 Pro for two years, have flown many hours with it and love the device. But I have had significant problems several times in sunshine to read the font of the notices in the app on my iPad and iPhone when they are written in blue or red. It is noticeable that such a problem does NOT exist with the DJI apps. The AUTEL Explorer font is good to read on the smartphones and tablets in sunshine when it is a white font, but unfortunately red or blue font is NOT visible in sunshine! I have already heard from two people who lost their drone because they could not see the blue notices. Can we collectively ask AUTEL to change to higher contrast colors (and maybe LARGER font for important notices)? Just check: Are all fonts easily readable on all screens in sunshine? That should be a work of maximum one day for one of AUTEL's programmers. Thanks and greetings from Hamburg Reinhard

[@erichill6021]

Hi Ken! By any chance could you please post your expo/sensitivity settings for the Autel Smart Controller? I watched the other video and Checked the comments - and I couldn't find them. Thanks so much! Your channel is awesome and the production quality of your videos keeps getting better and better!

[@copyjim81]

Ken, please correct me if I am wrong, he shows his settings in the video… instead of the comments. You should be able to do a screen capture (stop the video if you want) of the settings. I don’t have the controller, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express either, but ai did watch his video about it… once.

[@phildevore4543]

Once again thank you for your honest reviews on both of them. I’ve purchased both of them and I intend on flying them to the hilt!!

[@disgruntledegghead6923]

Yep, it's raining here too. You got a view even though I don't have any Autel products. But I have been interested in the DJI smart controller, it's not fun fumbling with an expensive phone out of it's case just to fly.

[@anonymoususer1824]

I had the smart controller. Don't get it man. It lags and the range sucks (had an air 2). Trust me it's just not worth it. I sold it and will be switching over to Autel soon.

[@disgruntledegghead6923]

@@anonymoususer1824 Thanks for your feedback man. I ended up ordering one for under 6 bills, it's supposed to be here next week. Maybe I'll have better luck with the Mavic 2?

[@n1iex]

Great video thanks!

[@endofword2012]

Hope DJI get another Smart Controller at same time the DJI Mini 3 will be available

[@romanmechetnerful]

Would REALLY love the smart one if it supported first mavic pro. That would be the end.

[@-zach-crook-]

Also, are we doing Spin Down in Dillon again this year?

[@OriginaldoBo]

Sadly I’m not taking part in SpinUp or Down this year

[@-zach-crook-]

@@OriginaldoBo Awww. Why not. I personally enjoyed your company.

[@YellowRoseDrones]

I have the DJI smart controller and use it quite a bit. I've got the Evo 2 Pro and I would love having a smart controller for it, but I can't justify the $1,200 price tag right now for something that will not be upgradable in the future. Considering they're only making 500 units, I'll probably take a pass on this one. I'm doing okay with my full size iPad as a screen right now anyway.

[@shelydon78]

Lee, you love having a smart controller for it or "you would love" having a smart controller for it?

[@YellowRoseDrones]

@@shelydon78 would love to have... Typo. Fixed. Thanks.

[@shelydon78]

@@YellowRoseDrones 😊

[@robdbanks9]

Great video, one question I have is can the Autel run apps like the drone base pilot app? One thing I found out after I bought my mavic 2 zoom with the SC is you can’t run the DB pilot app (I have not found a work around yet. Any help would be great) and I have been missing out on some money making opportunities. I have to buy the basic controller now to fly DB missions.

[@OriginaldoBo]

Basically anything that doesn’t require google play services

[@jdenotter26]

People need to realize that DJI and Autel are both made in the same factory. Basically the same drone and technology

[@OriginaldoBo]

Yeah they’re definitely not made in the same factory you’re strongly mistaking and that’s coming from somebody that’s been working with Auto” for quite a while do yourself a favor and talk about what you know not what you think

[@jeremyboyce1537]

A bigger remote with a bigger Display ha , that is it for me . I like it . Nice Ken .

[@Emdrone1]

Uuuuuummm I choose the Autel Robotics Smart Controller you have in your hand so bring it to the meet up! Lol great video as always and of course you had a beer over doing that test! Lol

[@stevenwinterslegacy]

Nice!

[@motomandaraget]

Wow nice comparison just got my sir 2s with smart controller 🥰

[@CookieManCookies]

I'd rather buy a new drone than buy the autel, the DJI smart controller makes more sense cause it can be bundled for cheaper.

[@ArtCoDroneAndEntertianment]

Great video Ken I'm thinking about selling my Autel Evo to get the Smart Controller for the Mavic Air 2.

[@mikehrenak1390]

DJI release new smart controller air2 s army out

[@mikehrenak1390]

Can’t wait might buy a old controller for my2s army out

[@carmelotreviso]

Throw that autel screen on a smart controller and I'm in heaven.

[@OriginaldoBo]

For reals! I’d take that

[@jakesdronelife6307]

I was wondering when you where gonna drop this one !! 👍🏻won’t be getting either just too much money for to even though I do love staying on the up and up with drone tech my wife would have my balls in a vice grip if I brought the Autel smart controller home lol thanks for the great comparison

[@neo57611]

I love it huge wide screen .....sit down and enjoy the ride. Price is great Autel has their shit together must say

[@MattysDroneWorld]

Man I hope DJI hits the market with the Smart Controller 2! The only thing really that holds me off from the DJI SC is the size of the screen! I hate it lol...good job here Ken! 👊👏✌

[@robbiegrant4977]

DJi Smart controller charges much faster if you use a QC3.0 12V 2A charger

[@Jmodderator]

LMAO, Geofencing is going to decide not the controller

[@billgrace9415]

Email sent to Autel. What's your thoughts? Since Autels original EVO 2 is no longer going to be produced due to a chip change which puts the owners of these drone at a disadvantage when it comes to the new Smart controller for the updated drones, is it possible to take the original EVO 2 and convert the electronic inside to be compatible to the new EVO’s with the new chips? If that is a option then for a reasonable cost the owners of the original EVO’s could send there drones in and have them converted so they are up to date with future Autel technology. Just a thought? A answer would be greatly appreciated. Your new CEO might want to give this a thought.

[@MrRayman451]

Autel is a shit one .....DJI are the best one Ever

[@stantonkramer2986]

Don't you love that the DJI Smart controller that you just paid $700 for won't be compatible with any version of the DJI Mavic 3? Just sayin'

[@OriginaldoBo]

Don’t you love that I’ve owned it since the start so I already got my money worth out of it

[@thegooserider7245]

They simply do not compare. Neither are compatible with one another, and DJI are mostly untouchable in drone comparison (albeit very stupid on compatibility with their own products) you can't compare them because you can't use them on the same drones.

[@OriginaldoBo]

I can do what ever the fuck I want. PS sorry you died in Top Gun

[@FlyZoneFpv]

Killer . Dobo! Great review. You always do an amazing job on your videos brother. Keep rockin . I like the DJI SC 👍

[@Mikegans1]

Man that dji looks so small might as well save my money and use my phone.

[@BlairAir]

So I have both... or WILL have both whenever Autel gets their act together to get V2 units out the door. Pre-ordered the SC and had a E2P Rugged kit, 4 batteries, charging hub delivered. No interest in live deck, but need a small case/backpack so I'm not lugging that friggin suitcase around. As someone said, it looks like I'm carrying a bomb! 😆 As if drone pilots need more attention. Ugh.

[@jeremyboyce1537]

DJI , operates like a Backhoe Tractor , go figure .

[@wolfeatsheep163]

Thorough

[@ChurchOfChristguyRob]

I will take the Autel

[@adamcrealestate]

Let me ask.... Answer Well, Autel you what lol

[@danailcen7628]

DJI screen is too small. a joke unless you like small screens for some reason or another.

[@GoWokeGoBroke2023]

Autel all day.

[@AerialImg]

Very slow and old CPU in both of them

[@leonsterballe8228]

Android 7 ??? WTF - Not for use connected to the internet then! Totally outdated and unsafe

[@OriginaldoBo]

They do this due to google play services

[@Carrera.roberto]

AUTEL ROBOTICS 🦾

[@sudburydrone466]

👍👍✌️