Today we received a new photo of what seems to be a prototype of a DJI Remote Controller. Possibly for the DJI Mavic 3 that we expect will be launched this summer. Unfortunately, we can only see the bottom side of the device and not the top. Let’s take a closer look.

Prototype DJI Remote Controller for the DJI Mavic 3?

The design seems very much inspired by the DJI Smart Controller that the drone maker introduced not too long ago. The device also looks very similar to another DJI Remote Controller that we recently learned more about in a leaked manual for an upcoming DJI product. However, this one appears to have more buttons, and we therefore believe, might be a prototype for the upcoming DJI Mavic 3 drone.

Historically, DJI Mavic Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom remote controllers have always had a display built-in. It will be interesting to see if that is the case here as well. I would expect the device to have a small display on the front side.

The prototype DJI Remote Controller seems to have to buttons and two scroll wheels at the front of the device. It has two antennas that are likely foldable. However, looking at the design, it is not obvious where you’d mount your smartphone. Could it be that the new DJI Mavic 3 will not require you to use your smartphone when flying? That sure would be a nice improvement, especially when this remote controller features an extra bright display, similar to the DJI Smart Controller.

There are two more buttons on the bottom of the device as well. We also see a cut out to store the control sticks and an opening for what might be a small loudspeaker (possibly to warn the drone operator for nearby manned aircraft using its ADS-B In capabilities). And a large heat sink and/or fan to keep the device from overheating. Could this be an indication that we will see OcuSync 3.0 with the DJI Mavic 3?

At the very bottom of the prototype DJI Mavic 3 Remote Controller, we see a small DJI logo, text, and a QR code. Unfortunately, the text is too small and unclear to make out exactly what it says.

When you compare the number of buttons and their layout, it seems to match the DJI Mavic Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom remote controllers, which further leads us to believe that this might well be a prototype for the DJI Mavic 3 drone.

As mentioned earlier in this article, we expect DJI to release their first new product on April 27th, followed by the release of the DJI Matrice 300. And then sometime this summer, the drone that most of us will be eagerly waiting for, the DJI Mavic 3.

Stay tuned, and stay safe!