I can walk away from my transformer and follow my train around the layout with my Legacy remote and continue to operate it and observe. It has Plenty of buttons to push to increase the interaction between the loco and operator whether highballing or performing precise switching moves.
A modern transformer equipped the a fast acting breaker protects my trains in the outside chance there's a derailment.
I still use tradition remote controlled turnouts as well as uncoupling and unloading tracks.
Having said that. I have absolutely no interest run my trains with a phone or iPad. This requires too much time looking at a screen rather than the trains. The Lionel Legacy handheld has very tactile controls. The "meat and potatoes" of train operation can be done without ever looking at the remote. ( Even in the dark 
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