Angular Controllers can become heavy with logic and complicated to test due to direct dependency injection, whereas React solves this issue using Components that are aware of props and states. React is declarative, making it easier for developers to focus on UI components rather than learning complex syntax. The transition from Angular to React has helped Brian Douglas become a better JavaScript developer, as the majority of UI manipulation happens in JavaScript. In React, Props and State can be thought of as attributes that the component is aware of, with Props being immutable and State being mutable. Lifecycle methods are also available to track and manipulate state during specific points in the component's life cycle. The syntax in React is straightforward, without many shortcuts or hidden syntax, making it a great choice for developers looking for a more declarative approach to UI development.