I also do not want to use my phone.
MTH should continue to manufacture the handheld remote along with the app. for at least a few more years and see how it goes.
I like the remote because everything is right in front of you, (the K.I.S.S. principal), as I don't need to look for which buttons to press while controlling the layout.
I understand why the app was created and wouldn't mind trying it in the future on a tablet, maybe control a simple loop around the Christmas tree, but not the complexity of a multi train layout.