Peak Design’s new tripod for smartphones may be the slimmest one we’ve seen so far. Designed to snap onto the back of your MagSafe-enabled device, it works in both landscape and portrait, giving creators the one accessory they need to supplement their incredible smartphone camera. At its thickest point, it’s just 0.3 inches in thickness, while gradually transitioning down to 0.2 inches for a nice sleek wedge profile. It also weighs a paltry 2.6 ounces (78 grams), and is robust, thanks to its machined aluminum body. I think it’s time to say goodbye to selfie sticks and propping your phone against random objects to get the right shot.
You may remember Peak Design for their incredibly durable carbon-fiber travel tripod from 2019, although the company isn’t limiting itself to larger DSLR-adjacent gear. The aptly named Mobile Tripod is roughly the size of a MagSafe wallet, sitting perpetually on the back of your smartphone. With three legs that pop out on command, the Mobile Tripod props you phone up at just the perfect angle, allowing you to instantly begin recording videos, reactions, dance tiktoks, and vlogs, whether you’re recording in landscape or portrait.
The Mobile Tripod snaps directly onto your iPhone (or any smartphone with the MagSafe sticker), using a series of powerful neodymium magnets to firmly attach in place. It works with smartphone cases too, although Peak Design recommends using their own case which relies on their SlimLink technology to attach in a more secure manner.
The slim tripod fits rather neatly onto the back of your phone, with a wedge-shaped side profile that lets you slide your phone in and out of your pocket without catching any fabric or slipping off. Three legs on the back can either be popped out independently to form a traditional tripod, or can be folded open together as a single, wide kickstand that you can angle-adjust.
The Mobile Tripod comes machined from solid anodized aluminum, which holds up much better than those flimsy plastic tripods you’d find elsewhere on the internet. A “buttery-smooth” micro ballhead allows for precise adjustments with a fair amount of friction that lets it hold any angle you adjust your phone at, and anti-slip TPU feet help the tripod hold its position without sliding around. All that sort of adds up to a $71 price-point, which certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the money for a product that’s sure to come incredibly handy taking selfies, tiktoks, or even answering video-calls hands-free. Oh, and did I mention that it also comes with a lifetime guarantee, like all of Peak Design’s products?
We have become extremely dependent on our smartphones these days, whether it’s for business, entertainment, social connections, or anything in between. Smartphones themselves have become quite capable of supporting a myriad of uses, from playing games to recording videos, but there’s only so much you can cram inside a small space. Fortunately, there’s a thriving market of accessories that can supplement what smartphones can do or even give them abilities they never had in the first place. That large market, unfortunately, is also overflowing with choices that can be downright overwhelming, so here are our Top 10 picks for smartphone accessories that can take your mobile experience to the next level.
1. SnapGrip MagSafe Camera Grip + Battery
Smartphones these days are very capable mobile cameras, but their designs aren’t always the best for that kind of use. The vertical candy bar design is, of course, the best shape for regular phone use, but unless all you do is take TikTok vids or square Instagram photos, you’ll be holding your phone horizontally like a traditional camera, which is an uncomfortable and precarious hold for a phone.
SnapGrip solves that problem with an ingenious design and offers an added feature to benefit mobile shutterbugs as well. Utilizing magnetic technology like Apple’s MagSafe, it attaches to the back of a compatible phone to provide not just a camera-like grip but also a physical shutter button that’s so much easier and safer to reach than the one on your screen. But wait, there’s more! The grip also functions as a wireless power bank, so you can shoot on and on without worry. And when the day is done, you can prop up your phone on a desk, using the multi-talented SnapGrip as a stand.
A lot of people use their phones less as a phone and more as affordable yet powerful digital cameras. With how much technology has improved, higher-end smartphones can definitely take the place of some of these professional shooters, though there are still some tricks that they’re not exactly capable of. Stabilization is still a developing technology, especially when it comes to recording smooth video while moving. Thankfully, there are accessories to help with that.
The Trexo Slider is a rather unique product that literally takes the problem out of your hand. When all you need is a small linear movement, this compact photography equipment is the tool to beat. Simply set it down on a flat surface or prop it up on a tripod and say goodbye to jittery shots. Even better, you can program the Trexo Slider’s movements so that you can focus on making great content instead of worrying about the camera’s placement.
Sometimes, all you really need to make your phone really shine is a beautiful case. It protects your phone and gives it a bit of personality to match yours, and it can even open the door to more functionality if it’s properly designed. That combination of simple elegance and open design is what makes Peak Design’s Everyday Case for the iPhone 14 series a true everyday hero.
Available with a fabric cover in color options of Charcoal and Sage, the Everyday Case exudes a luxurious character that still leaves plenty of room for customization. Peak Design’s innovative SlimLink mounting technology makes it compatible with a variety of other accessories from the company while still allowing access to MagSafe technology. It’s a visually simple design that minimalism fans will love, as well as a sophisticated accessory that power users will appreciate.
Even with the arrival of wireless technology, USB cables are still the most efficient and direct way not only to charge phones but also to transfer data. These cords, however, are anything but convenient, especially when, not if, they get tangled up inside your bag or drawer. Cable management only works on desks and tables, but not when you need to pull one out on the go. Rather than settling for clips and ribbons, it’s probably a better solution to change the design of the cable itself.
SuperCalla does what few accessory makers have tried to accomplish and refines the design of the age-old USB cable. While still retaining its basic form and flexibility, SuperCalla introduces magnetic rings that keep the cables from going all over the place, whether it’s fully uncoiled or neatly wrapped around. The cable’s durable yet flexible silicone tubing still gives it that shape-bending property that all cables have, giving you the same freedom as a regular cable but with the hassles of tangled messes.
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring, and this minimalist yet elegant case for the iPhone 14 Pro Max proves it beyond doubt. The unibody shell attaches and detaches without breaking a sweat, providing necessary protection without covering up important openings. It’s compatible with MagSafe charging and accessories, so you won’t lose out on any extra features even with the case on.
The Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case, however, also has a few distinctive traits that raise its profile above the rest. Made from vegetable-tanned Ecco leather, the cover of the case ages gracefully over time, developing a patina that is unique to each and every owner. The diagonal cut of the card slot also gives it a rather unconventional method of displaying those cards, making your iPhone 14 Pro Max look rather unique and stylish to match your own aesthetics.
Despite how durable smartphones are these days, their large sizes and slippery surfaces are still accidents waiting to happen. There are plenty of ways to mitigate such unfortunate events, but one of the most minimalist solutions has been the so-called ring holder or grip. Unfortunately, it happens to also be the most awkward solution, with a thick piece of plastic or metal sticking out of your phone 24/7.
The Tango Grip & Stand has a design that lets you have your cake and eat it too. When not in use, it’s just a thin, 2.9mm piece of metal sticking to your back. A simple push on an edge release the coin-like enclosure to reveal a steel helix structure that extends to become the grip your fingers need to hold the phone securely. This twisting metal is also sturdy enough to act as a phone stand, delivering a 2-in-1 accessory that thankfully also looks stylish when not in use.
The cameras on the back of our mobile partners have gotten a lot more powerful, though they have also gotten a lot larger as well. Even then, they won’t be able to accommodate the myriad shots and needs of professional photographers, at least not without making a ton of sacrifices in terms of the phone’s size and price. Admittedly, cameras like DSLRs really only have one imaging sensor, but their flexibility mostly comes from how they can change lenses in a flash.
ShiftCam’s ProLens collection tries to recreate that same scenario with smartphones. Although you can’t change the lens that’s already built into your phone’s cameras, you can supplement them with a different kind of lens attachment as the shot requires. Thanks to a specially designed lens mount and a variety of lenses, you can achieve true 10x macro shots, fish-eye effects, 60mm portraits, and so much more without having to wait to upgrade phones.
Some people put cases on their phones for added protection, while others choose one for self-expression. Of course, you can also have both, especially if the case is designed in such a way that clearly calls attention without being garish or overbearing. This folio case, for example, protects an iPhone while also providing space for some of your most important cards, all while looking like a classic masterpiece of literature miniaturized.
TwelveSouth’s BookBook is a funny yet charming tribute to book lovers and a luxurious treat for your phone. Made with premium leather, it gives the phone an appearance of a vintage book, complete with a decorative spine. Yes, it will make your iPhone look a bit bulky, but so would many folio wallet cases anyway. At least with this rather creative case design, you’ll be able to flaunt your sophistication while keeping your phone and money cards safe and sound.
Smartphone manufacturers have been working on improving camera performance for the past years, but one aspect that seems to get left out lately is image and video stabilization. These features are present on many high-end phones, but it seems that most people have just become used to the shaky cam effect identified with smartphone footage. Unfortunately, that can hardly be considered professional, which is where handheld gimbals and stabilizers come in.
GravGrip sets itself apart by offering the same stabilization feat without using batteries, utilizing hydraulic mechanisms instead. This makes the stabilizer smaller, lighter, and more convenient to carry around, and it removes the worry of running out of battery when you need that silky smooth footage the most.
Some people are more than satisfied with their smartphone’s capabilities, but that doesn’t mean they have to be limited to what the device can do. Given how we almost always have our smartphones with us, there is definitely a potential to let them do more, with the right accessories, of course. Some, for example, have started to use their phones to hold their IDs or their most important card, and this creative wallet delivers that functionality and more.
Peak Design’s Mobile Wallet is stylish MagSafe-compatible that can keep up to 7 cards always at hand. More than that, however, the Stand Wallet variant can also prop up your phone vertically or horizontally, with a precision-tuned friction hinge locking it into a stable position. Its 100% recycled nylon canvas material not only gives it durability and weatherproofing, it also makes the back of your phone look elegant, especially when paired with a matching Peak Design case.
For a phoneholic their smartphone means the world. Ones staring at the screen multiple hours at a stretch, and seeking out ways to increase their time. While that’s completely polar opposite to ones seeking the good old digital detox, it’s another opportunity for product designers to cash in on.
This Griptok for Gen-Z is unlike any other similar gadget on the market with its extended functionality. The ability to limit engagement with the phone by setting psychological goals and visual cues, so that you burn less time watching the screen without purpose and invest more in productive activities.
Designer: Unae Ko and Janchi
The concept gadget accessory brings to the fore a function that’s highly practical to do away with smart device addiction. The idea here is simple yet effective. The Griptok can be set in the usable position when the user requires to grip the phone for taking pictures or consuming multimedia. When the time comes to have a digital detox, the GripTok lock can be pushed down to activate the limit on the apps one can use. Yes, this accessory connects to the mobile device via Bluetooth to actuate this function. Here, the user can set app limits or something like a focus mode to not get distracted in moments when peak focus is paramount to completing tasks. The elapsed focus time (called burn time) is displayed on the lockscreen and adds to the overall brownie points.
Burnner also comes with its own charging station to fire up (as the designer puts it metaphorically) the smartphone. This lets you feel connected at all times, yet have the resilience to not use the phone. Keeping up with Gen-Z’s craving for cool designs, the Burnner will purposefully come in an overabundance of peppy color options.
Loaded with modular magnetic slots, the Modulor comes with a flashlight, a Qi wireless charger and a flash drive module to be the one gadget that solves multiple concerns.
Modularity has a significant advantage because it brings so much more to the table. So why not have a power bank that does more than just charging up your gadgets? This power bank concept designed by Gian Luigi Singh does precisely that, and it’s already on my wishlist!
Meet Modulor, as the name suggests, a modular power bank concept that comes with swappable components to go beyond an ordinary power bank. These external modules fit into place securely, courtesy of the magnetic pogo pins. The modular design is reinforced by an internal skeleton system – on which you can easily swap in modules like LED light or storage for transferring data. Physically, the action mimics inserting a battery into your phone or a camera – everything fits in its place with a reason.
The Modulor is designed to hold a 5W LED Light Module capable of 6000K color temperature for finding things in the dark or using it as a flashlight. Then there is the 32B flash drive module having 35Mb/s reading speed and a wireless Qi charging pad attachment having a 7.5W charging rate.
Inspired by Google’s Project Ara modular smartphone, which came to light way back in 2013 – but never hit fruition – the Modulor wants to bring the convenience of external swappable modules for intended functions. So, besides the primary purpose of portable battery storage, the power bank has customizable elements, making it a must-have in every backpack.
The 5,000mAh power bank comes in three trendy pastel color options – a silver grey, a slate green, and a martian red. Unlike Project Ara, the power bank has an effortless mechanism to fit in the different modules and take them out when not in use or swap with another module. With smartphones being forever in our hands and a power bank becoming the new-age EDC, Modulor’s design allows the power bank to become a multifunctional EDC for the digital age!
The pandemic has forced most of the professionals to work from home, and believe you me, it comes with its own set of challenges. More so for content creators, photographers, and video editors who now crave a manageable work from home setup that fits seamlessly with their daily tasks – without creating much visual clutter. Pictar Home Studio Pro Kit promises to solve the predicament of having a professional-looking setup in your living or bedroom. The idea here is to have a setup ready for any meeting, shooting, or other tasks that require a professional gear setup.
This accessory makes even more sense for people who have not got the budget to invest in a high-end camera or lighting equipment. The name also puts much light on its basic usage – to convert any indoor environment into a home office or studio-like setup. There’s a camera-like grip for superior control over the shooting with steady hands, a 16mm wide-angle lens and a macro lens that fits any smartphone, a smart light to illuminate the subject (like in professional studios) for impactful photography, and a flexible tripod to hook your phone onto anything for perspective photography that’s ultra-stable.
The combination comes in handy for photography, conducting professional Zoom meetings, and everything else that one can think of. It makes even more sense for people who have shaky hands and want to click crisp portraits or macros. Plus the advantage of having a portable tripod and flashlight adds to the value prospect. Truly an accessory that every creative professional will love without breaking the bank!
You might be wondering, why would you want a lens attachment for your phone when its embedded camera already has HD resolution? Although it’s possible to capture and edit beautiful images on your smartphone, those devices have their limits. If you’ve tried to snap a zoomed-in photo without compromising on the resolution, you would understand the struggle.
Take your phone photography skills to the next level with the SANDMARC lenses and filters, made for all the iPhone 12 models. The set includes macro, anamorphic, telephoto, fisheye, and wide-angle lenses — lenses that you’d find in a professional photographer’s bag. Additionally, there are four SANDMARC filters to help enhance your photo’s beauty — replacing the need for Instagram or Snapchat filters.
Aesthetically, the SANDMARC lenses give users the look and feel of operating a traditional digital camera. Users can experience the satisfying sensation of rotating a lens to fine-tune the camera’s focus — a small joy that amateur photographers (like me) can attest to. More importantly, the SANDMARC attachments work almost as well as professional photography equipment. This product makes this expensive hobby more accessible to the general public — not to mention aspiring Instagram stars. It will be interesting to see how the photography industry and profession will change, as smartphone cameras and accessories improve their quality to compete with traditional cameras.
Picture this: you and your friend are both at a concert, and as we all do, you are recording it so you can relive the moments later. Uh oh, what’s that? The low battery notification comes on and the concert is just about to end so you and your friend need to call your Ubers! But you only have one power bank…now what? Well, just split it like a cookie and each one of you gets half! Both your phones are charging, your concert footage was saved, and you were able to find the right car. Crisis averted with Share the Power! Now while that may be a one-off situation, there are many moments in our life where we literally wish we could split the power bank and charge two devices simultaneously and that is exactly what this concept was designed to do.
Share the Power is a concept design that imagines this tech accessory to be more than just an ordinary power bank – it is the first one that lets you share the energy or, how I like to call it, electrical vibes! It consists of two identical halves that can be used individually as small power banks or clubbed together as one large power bank. So you and your friend will have not have to worry about your mobile devices running out of battery even if you have to part ways. If you are a single user, I would recommend using one half at a time so you have a backup for your power bank too.
Each half has an LED charge status indicator and an integrated USB-C port + cable for charging your devices. The power bank features 4 magnetic connectors to connect the two halves. When both halves are connected, the energy will be evenly distributed through metal contact and therefore only one cable is needed to recharge both halves. The aim is to have intelligent high-speed (i.e. Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0) charging that transfers energy equally between the two modular parts. So go on, discover the world without having to worry about the battery running out for your devices.
Now you can charge your phone while you lounge by the poolside. Skip the outlet with the Universal Waterproof Solar Charger. It’s yours for only $13.99 (USD).
This waterproof charger draws energy from the sun, and its massive 5,000mAh battery capacity means your smartphone will get a full recharge every time. Whether you’re going on a camping trip or simply want a reliable charger to travel with, this one has got you covered. Just leave it out in the sun and you’re ready to go.
You don’t have to go hunting for an outlet when your phone is out of juice anymore. Get the Universal Waterproof Solar Charger for just $13.99 in the Technabob Shop.
Unleash your creativity with Hobie, the phone accessory designed to make awesome time lapses! All you have to do is pick your perspective, insert your smartphone inside and start filming. You can also choose if you want keep a fixed or moving point of view, because Hobie allows you to record moving videos from a 360 degree POV. Its small dimensions make it easy to bring it with you every day, without the need for bulky tripods… but if you want, it can also be equipped on your tripod, multiplying the ways you can use it!
Bespoke and hand-crafted from entirely new materials, the Sylvester is probably the least chopped of chopper bikes. Though not built from “scratch,” this far-out concept features many familiar chopper features (each with a futuristic twist) including extended forks, hardtail frame, no rear suspension, dropped drag handlebars and oversized (centerless!) wheels. Ooooh-so-low!
Designer: Olcay Tuncay Karabulut
- Yanko Design Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world! Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design! (Cutting Edge Chopper was originally posted on Yanko Design)
technology to attach in a more secure manner.
