iMore Verdict
Bottom line: This handy MagSafe tripod is an elegant spot to place your iPhone.
Pros
- +
Many possible angles and positions
- +
Can be used as a tripod or a selfie stick
- +
Streamlined and attractive
Cons
- -
Pricey for what it is
- -
Can't be used for older iPhones
- -
Not ideal for photography
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The STM MagPod is a nice-looking, convenient MagSafe iPhone stand. It will work with any phone from the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 lineup, but not older iPhone models that lack MagSafe compatibility. Whether you just need a spot to stash your iPhone neatly and out of the way, or want to watch videos on your iPhone, the STM MagPod is great for you. Note that this is not a charging stand, nor is it intended for use as a tabletop photography tripod.
STM MagPod: Price and availability
The STM MagPod can be purchased at Best Buy, Amazon, STM Goods, and numerous online stores. It retails for $49.95 and comes in two colors: Black and White.
STM MagPod: What's good
The STM MagPod is sleek plastic, with non-slip rubber "feet" and a MagSafe rubber ring on a magnetic disk. You'll need to have a MagSafe-compatible iPhone (12 or newer) to use this stand, as there is no other way to attach an iPhone besides the MagSafe ring. If you use a case, you'll need to use a MagSafe case. In my testing, the MagSafe attachment is quite secure, both with and without a (MagSafe) case.
The stand adjusts three different ways: the legs open and close, the entire stand rotates from the middle, and the head goes up and down. This gives you a lot of flexibility. You can close the legs and comfortably hold them together, making a tiny but functional selfie stick. Or, open the legs, and use it as a tripod stand. The combined adjustments of the middle section and moving head give you anywhere from a completely vertical to a completely flat position, plus just about anywhere in between.
It's easy to adjust and a downright pleasure to use
This is a great product for several specific purposes. It's an attractive spot to just put your iPhone, where it won't be in the way, and you can still use it. It works well for FaceTime calls, watching videos, or just tapping away at it. Adjusting the legs and sockets is smooth and easy, yet the stand stays put. The graceful, minimalist lines will go beautifully with just about any decor.
STM MagPod: What's not good
The price tag is pretty high for what it is. First of all, it is primarily plastic and it does not function as a charger at all. You could still charge your iPhone while it's on the MagPod, but it's not specifically designed for that purpose. While I mentioned that you could use it as a selfie stick, it's so short that it's not much improvement over just holding your iPhone in your hand.
Most surprisingly, it's really not a photography tripod. I turned it every which way, but no matter what I did, the MagPod itself was in the way of my camera shot, as you can see in my photo above. The only way to get a clear photo would be to use the front-facing camera.
STM MagPod: Competition
If you are looking for one of the best MagSafe charging stands, consider the Belkin Boostcharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless MagSafe Charger. Not only does it hold your MagSafe-compatible iPhone securely as it charges, but it also charges your Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time. A cheaper MagSafe charging stand I really like is the ESR HaloLock Charging Stand. Its flexible neck affords you plenty of different viewing angles.
If you're looking for a tripod that fills all of your photography needs, check out the Joby Gorillapod. Its flexible legs can act as a tripod or a selfie stick. They can also be wrapped around a pole or whatever is nearby, so you can get your perfect shot.
STM MagPod: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if ...
- You need a nice spot to place your iPhone (12 series or newer)
- You like to place your iPhone at lots of different angles and orientations
- You like the look and style
You shouldn't buy this if...
- You're expecting a charger or photography tripod
- You have an iPhone 11 series or older
- It's out of your price range
This is a great product for someone who just wants a simple, elegant stand for their iPhone (12 series or newer.) It's also great for anyone who places that iPhone in a lot of different positions. It's not great for the iPhoneographer, nor for anyone who would prefer a charging stand. It's not for you if you have an iPhone 11 or older since it's a MagSafe stand. It's also not ideal for the budget-minded.
The STM MagPod is exactly as advertised: a beautifully designed stand for your iPhone. It provides a convenient place to put your iPhone up and out of the way in various functional positions. It's easy to adjust and a downright pleasure to use. Just understand what it isn't: it's not a charger, it's not for (iPhone 11 or) older phones, and it's not a photographer's tripod.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a flexible and elegant iPhone stand, you'll enjoy using this.
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