Cell by Peak Design Evaluation – Cellphone Holder & Mounts

It’s no shock that we use our smartphone cameras to take photographs greater than another system.

What’s a shock although, is that Peak Design (well-known for its On a regular basis Backpack and numerous carry options) has launched a system of cell phone instances, mounts and equipment.

As a eager bicycle owner and automotive chaperone to our youngsters, I make use of motorcycle and automotive mounts on a regular basis for my iPhone.

Regardless of spending tons of of {dollars} on numerous clunky options, none has ever actually hit the mark.

As a fan of all their different gear, I went into this Cell by Peak Design overview with large expectations.

(All of the extra so, after the launch of iPhone 12 with its progressive Magsafe connector…)

Let’s dive in to see whether or not they’ve produced the very best cellular mount of 2023.

What’s Cell by Peak Design?

Cell by Peak Design is a revolutionary system of cellular instances, mounts and equipment for iOS and Android cellular gadgets.

Constructed round a low-profile connection system named SlimLink, you place your cellphone in a Peak Design On a regular basis Case (or stick a Common Adaptor onto the again of your current cellular case), then mount your cellular through a spread of equipment.

The equipment that go together with the Peak Design cellphone holder embrace:

• Cell Tripod
• Automotive Mount
• Desk Mount
• Wall Mount
• Out Entrance Bike Mount – for racing bicycles
• Common Bike Mount – for all bicycles
• Moto Bar Mount – for motorbikes
• Kickstand Pockets – cellular pockets

The magic occurs when the SlimLink connects to the accent – the SlimLink permits both a soft-locking (i.e. magnetic), or a hard-locking (mechanical) connection, to supply a quick and extremely environment friendly mounting expertise,

Contained in the SlimLink resides a zirconia ceramic insert, surrounded by an array of magnets. Comfortable-locking is ideal for desk use or conditions the place a safer mount is pointless, whereas hard-locking creates an ultra-secure bond between cellphone and accent – nice for bikes, automobiles, partitions, and so on.

The On a regular basis Case is a sturdy polycarbonate cellphone case wrapped in a customized nylon canvas material.

It’s out there for iPhone (together with iPhone 12) and Samsung gadgets, and helps wi-fi charging and strikes a steadiness between ruggedness, safety and refined aesthetics.

The Common Adaptor is adhesive-backed , permitting mounting to another cellphone, or onerous, non-textured case.

Peak Design plans to help further cellphone fashions quickly.

Will Cell by Peak Design work with iPhone 12?

Happily, all Peak Design soft-locking mounts and equipment (Tripod, Pockets, Charging Stand, Wall Mount, and Automotive Mounts) will work completely effectively with Apple MagSafe telephones and instances.

You may cost your iPhone 12 in a Peak Design On a regular basis Case on an Apple MagSafe charger, and different Apple MagSafe equipment (like their pockets) will connect to a Peak Design case.

A observe on charging: When utilizing a Peak Design charger or third social gathering Qi charger, Apple limits charging to 7.5 watts. This will likely lead to a slower cost, however Peak Design doesn’t anticipate the distinction to be impactful for many charging use instances.

Cell by Peak Design Equipment

Let’s have a better take a look at a number of of the merchandise from the vary of instantly-swappable equipment, together with mounts for automobiles, bicycles, house/workplace, a cellular pockets, and equipment for photographers and filmmakers.

Every accent was developed by a crew of engineers over 2 years, and designed to outperform opponents in ease-of-use, kind issue, ruggedness and aesthetics.

Peak Design Cell Stand is skinny sufficient to slip into your pockets or pocket.

Created from stable anodized aluminum with three deployable legs that includes grippy, non-slip toes, the Peak Design Cell Tripod goals to be essentially the most compact and moveable product for cellular photographers, filmmakers, or these simply wanting to look at a film on their cellphone whereas touring.

Deployment is easy – after eradicating the card-like system from its bag, you connect it to the again of your cellular through the robust SlimLink magnets, then pull out the three legs with one hand, all on the identical time… then place it on a flat floor.

The Cell Tripod packs down so slim which you could barely discover it nonetheless connected to the again of your cellphone -you don’t even must take away it in any respect, so it’s at all times there, prepared for fast use.

The magnetic smooth lock makes switching between portrait and panorama mode simple – simply pull the cellular off and snap it again on, or just rotate all the unit.

Sensible options embrace the buttery-smooth ball-head joint, designed by the identical crew who introduced us the long-lasting Peak Design Journey Tripod, and an built-in instrument that means that you can tune the grip-strength of the ball head.

Additionally, with the legs folded vertically, the Cell Tripod may even be used as a grip for taking pictures movies, or taking a selfie.

It’s certainly the very best iPhone tripod I’ve used, and it takes up subsequent to no room in your digicam bag, pockets or jacket pocket.

Peak Design Automotive Mount is refreshingly small and easy to make use of.

That is the accent I used to be most enthusiastic about, having not too long ago bought a automotive mount from Quad-Lock, arguably the closest competitor on this area.

The Quad-Lock automotive mount works effectively, however its down-side is that it’s a giant, ugly contraption, with a outstanding blue brand that may be seen via your windscreen (see comparability photographs under). It’s additionally reasonably expensive.

Whereas the Quad-Lock makes use of a suction system to connect to your windscreen, the Peak Design Automotive Mount makes use of a semi-permanent VHB adhesive to stay to your dashboard or console.

(This will likely make some house owners of fancy automobiles with mahogany dashboards a bit nervous, however removing is an easy course of that leaves no everlasting residue.)

After you have the Automotive Mount connected to your sprint, you merely place your cellular near have it ‘sucked’ again and connected through the magnets. It’s a lot simpler to do one-handed than with different programs, which often require both two-handed operation, or another twisting or fiddling round.

On the again of the Automotive Mount is similar {smooth} ball-head as discovered on the Cell Tripod, permitting you to regulate the viewing angle so it’s good to your wants.

There’s additionally a wi-fi charging choice, which requires a cable to be run from the Automotive Mount right down to a USB charging level in your car’s console.

In comparison with generic automotive mounts, the Peak Design model is superior – sufficiently small so it doesn’t draw consideration, robust sufficient to carry your cellular over bumpy terrain, and quick to connect/detach.

My solely gripe is that at this level there’s no windscreen mounting choice – beforehand, I had my cellular mounted at eye-level, however with the dashboard mount, that is now not potential.

Additionally, you have to discover someplace fully {smooth} to mount it – within the case of our Hyundai Sante Fe, the one place was proper subsequent to the principle LCD display screen – all the sprint is textured plastic, which the VHB adhesive has hassle sticking to.

Nonetheless, I’ve to confess, the present location is a a lot neater answer to having one thing caught to your windscreen.

Peak Design Wall Mount works flawlessly… however you’ll scratch your head pondering of makes use of!

Not a lot rationalization wanted right here – the Wall Mount is mainly only a robust magnet that may be caught to any flat floor utilizing the identical VHB adhesive backing.

It’s coated in the identical material because the Cell Case and appears nice… though it could look a little bit odd caught to a light-coloured wall.

The principle situation with the Wall Mount is deciding the place precisely to make use of it – having your cellphone caught to a wall appears a little bit odd to me, however maybe you possibly can use it to stay to the fridge for grocery lists, or… hmm… depart your ideas within the feedback under!

Peak Design Out-Entrance Bike Mount holds a cellular securely and may also safe an motion digicam beneath.

I used to be additionally super-keen to get my palms on this accent, having taken up biking not too long ago. In addition to having my Wahoo cycle laptop, I additionally like having my iPhone on my gravel-bike’s cockpit, for music and extra detailed mapping performance.

Since I used to be invested within the Quad Lock ecosystem, I’ve been utilizing considered one of their out-front bike mounts.

The product itself is well-made, however the precise locking course of with the Quad-Lock is reasonably fiddly – I’d be there twisting left and proper with each palms, fumbling like a blind man to connect my cellular to my bike each morning – not enjoyable.

Enter Cell by Peak Design, and like a breath of contemporary air, the method of attaching my cellphone to my bike is now one thing I don’t even take into consideration – it simply occurs effortlessly, all with one hand.

The Out-Entrance Bike Mount guides your cellular to the precise attachment level through the magnets, then with the slightest of strain, your cellphone is secured tightly to the bike – no extra fumbling round making an attempt to connect it to your bike.

To take away it, you merely wrap your fingers across the sides of the cellphone and press the buttons positioned on the perimeters of the Mount. You can even change the orientation of the mount utilizing an allen key.

As you may see from the photographs, it’s a great-looking system, and gained’t look misplaced even on the slickiest road-bike. It’s additionally a complete lot extra engaging and compact than the Quad-Lock (comparability photographs under).

Additionally included within the field are two rubber rings to make sure a decent match on slimmer handlebars, and an attachment for GoPros and different equipment – I used mine to connect an Insta360 R motion digicam.

There’s additionally a Common Bike Mount – sadly, I wasn’t in a position to check it for this overview, however it looks as if a neat answer for the handlebars of any sort of push-bike.

For motorcycle riders, there’s the Bike Bar and Stem Mounts too, providing the identical options and slick seems to be.

Construct & Look

Peak Design Moto Stem Mount positioned proper the place the rider wants it.

If you happen to’ve ever owned a Peak Design product, there’s no fear on this division.

It’s tough to create a cellphone case to go well with everybody, from the slick leather-based quantity favoured by your sensible metropolis mate, to the bedazzled pink atrocity presently adorning your niece’s cellular…

Peak Design selected to stay to what they know, by wrapping the On a regular basis Case in the identical high-performance nylon canvas that you simply’ll see on a lot of its baggage.

It seems to be and feels nice – the feel helps give it a contact of sophistication, in addition to some much-needed grip.

The all-important SlimLink adaptor is barely 2.4mm thick and sits nearly flush with the remainder of the cellphone case. It doesn’t look too offensive both, which is greater than may be stated for competing merchandise.

I gained’t run via the construct and look of all of the equipment right here, however take it from me – you gained’t have something to complain about.

Every thing that supposed to maneuver, strikes easily and confidently.

Every thing that’s supposed to stay to one thing else, sticks firmly.

In spite of everything, there’s no level in having any form of fancy hard-locking mechanism if the suction on the automotive/bike/wall/desk mount isn’t safe sufficient to carry it in place.

Ease of Use

Peak Design Cell Kickstand Pockets means that you can carry all of your playing cards.

Peak Design is well-known for its improvements, notably in considerate product design which frequently leaves you questioning: “why didn’t another person already consider this?!”

Having the ability to merely place your cell phone near the assorted equipment and have it magnetically mount, is a stroke of genius.

In spite of everything, if the article you’re attaching your cellular to doesn’t transfer, there’s no must lock it in place. Why hinder the method with aspect grips, quad-locks, superglue (!), or no matter different inconvenient answer we’re been used to.

I like the truth that I can place my cellphone on my Peak Design Automotive Mount with out truly it – there’s no must delicately align the contacts – you merely carry the cellphone case shut sufficient for the magnets to take over and pull it in direction of the mount.

Magnets ought to be utilized in extra merchandise – I like ’em!

Whenever you want some additional locking energy, you merely push and twist to mount your cellular to the accent.

Since every thing depends on the identical SlimLink connector, ease of use is an identical throughout the board, it doesn’t matter what accent you’re utilizing. It’s an gratifying (and unusually addictive) expertise.

Worth for Cash

Peak Design Cell Desk Mount means that you can show and cost your cellphone.

Peak Design has by no means been recognized for reasonable merchandise, as a result of, effectively, it doesn’t got down to produce low-cost merchandise.

Low cost cellphone instances and automotive mounts are a dime a dozen on eBay and Amazon, however we’ve all tried these and failed… which is why you’re right here studying this!

As somebody who’s keen to spend cash on high-quality iPhone equipment, I’m pleasantly stunned by the affordability of Cell by Peak Design.

We use our cellphones day by day, and having well-designed, useful, handsome, and dare I say it, FUN equipment to make use of, is immensely satisfying.

You personal a tool price tons of of {dollars} – why dress it in rags? Put a go well with on it as a substitute 😉

As with all Peak Design merchandise, all the Cell vary is assured for all times.

Cell by Peak Design Vs QuadLock

High: Quad Lock vs Peak Design Cell Out-Entrance Bike Mounts. Backside: Massive QuadLock automotive mount / ugly windscreen branding.

I’ve talked about QuadLock a number of instances on this Cell by Peak Design overview since I believe many current QuadLock customers will wish to understand how these new merchandise examine.

I’ve been a fan of QuadLock for a number of months, however I used to be by no means fully glad. Fixing your cellular was typically fiddly, and the merchandise themselves aren’t engaging to have a look at – admittedly, this gained’t be necessary for some, however it’s to me.

By now, it ought to be apparent of my opinion on this comparability – the Peak Design Cell ecosystem is the clear winner, each from a performance and a seems to be perspective.

I don’t wish to fully trash QuadLock, since they’re nonetheless nice merchandise. I simply suppose Peak Design’s are higher!

Cell by Peak Design Evaluation | Conclusion

I didn’t need this overview to return throughout as an advertorial, however the one dangerous factor I’ve to say about these new cell phone equipment from Peak Design is that I don’t just like the packaging they arrived in!

(For an organization that prides itself on offsetting environmental influence, I believe they may have used much less cardboard… even whether it is recyclable.)

Am I nit-picking? Positively!

…however with this new Cell vary, I’ve bought no different complaints – it does its job of securing my cellphone to all of the locations I would like, completely completely.

The cellphone case seems to be and feels good, and the adapter doesn’t protrude from the again or look unpleasant. The equipment look nice and performance effectively too.

The flexibility to smooth or hard-lock your cellular is extremely handy and permits for quick, one-handed operation with minimal fuss. The press of the magnets is immensely satisfying, too.

If I didn’t have already got all my bank cards saved inside my iPhone, I’d undoubtedly use the Cell Kickstand Pockets, and I think about it’ll be a giant hit for individuals with numerous membership playing cards, IDs, and so on.

The case and a few the mounts would make an incredible reward for a photographer pal, or anybody who owns an iPhone or Android cellular for that matter.

General, it’s only a query of whether or not you’re ready to pay the asking value, as a result of, let’s face it – we’ve all in all probability spent tons of of {dollars} already on low-cost and nasty cellular equipment over time.

Maybe now it’s time to purchase one thing that may final, and make utilizing your cellphone much more gratifying.