Review of a car phone holder that is easy to remove and carry.

Preface

Because of my job, I have the opportunity to drive many different kinds of cars.
When I'm driving to a long distance, I often use a car navigation system so I can estimate my arrival time.
However, perhaps because all the cars were old, the standard car navigation systems that came installed were difficult to use and I found them inconvenient.
Therefore, I almost always use Google Maps on my smartphone.

If you always drive the same car, then you should just install a proper smartphone holder in that car.
However, since I often drive different cars, I need to have my own smartphone holder to use my phone comfortably.
I was looking for a smartphone holder that wasn't too bulky and was easy to attach and detach, and I found one that seemed promising, so I'd like to introduce it.

Product overview

What I purchased this time was,Spigen clip-on smartphone holderThat's it. (As of June 25, 2022, the price is ¥1,499)
I've relied on Spigen quite a bit when buying phone cases, so they're a familiar brand to me.
I usually use Spigen cases for my iPhones because I like their understated design and durability.
The case I'm currently using is also from Spigen, and coincidentally, the color is quite similar.

To use it, simply spread the holder open and place your smartphone inside.
The grip area has a textured surface to ensure a secure hold, preventing it from slipping.

The attachment method is to use the adhesive gel located on the bottom of the unit.
This adhesive part can be removed multiple times, so you can easily take it off.
The adhesive strength will decrease if a lot of dust and other debris sticks to it, but it can be used again after washing it with running water and drying it.

While it's technically possible to clamp it vertically, it requires quite a bit of force, so I don't recommend it.
(The photo was taken with an iPhone 13.)
Also, when clipping it vertically, if you place it on the car's dashboard, the screen will be tilted too far back, making it difficult to see unless you take some kind of precaution.
It's generally best to use it by clipping it on horizontally.

However, if you sandwich it horizontally and then apply adhesive to the sides so that it is vertical, it can be used vertically.
If you're attaching it to a wall inside a car, the weight of the holder and the smartphone might cause it to fall off, so some ingenuity might be required.

My impressions after using it

Now, here are my impressions after actually using it.
We were generally satisfied with the results.

First of all, its portability was excellent.
When empty, it's about the size of a small glasses case, so it doesn't take up much space in a bag or anything like that.
However, it's important to note that it's not exactly light at 150g.

Next, let's talk about installation and removal.
It's incredibly easy to use; simply press the adhesive part onto the desired surface, and it will stick firmly.
When removing it, if the material is similar to that of a car's dashboard, there is no sticky residue left behind.
When purchased, the adhesive part is protected by a plastic sheet, but after use, it's a good idea to protect the adhesive part again with this to prevent dust from accumulating when carrying it around.
If you're going to throw this sheet away, it would be a good idea to attach a suitable piece of plastic or similar material to it.

Finally, let's talk about the user experience.
While there are no issues with holding the phone, depending on the type of smartphone, it may also pinch the volume buttons on the side, potentially making it difficult to adjust the volume.
For the most part, it didn't move or come off while I was driving normally, so I think it fulfills its role as a car phone holder quite well.

Postscript (Conclusion)

Overall, we were able to achieve our initial objectives, so we are satisfied with the results.
This smartphone holder would be very useful for people who need to drive various types of cars.

Personally, if I were to be picky, I'd really prefer to use it vertically, so it would have been even better if it had a design specifically for vertical use.
Furthermore, if the design prevented the adhesive from being exposed during transport, I think it would be a truly flawless product.

Finally, here's a summary of the advantages and disadvantages.