My current day-to-day smartphone is an iPhone 17, which has a 2x (52mm equivalent) optical zoom. My previous iPhone - the 16 Pro - had a 5x (120mm) optical zoom, and I really miss that extra reach when it comes to street photography. With my older iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x zoom, I could enjoy capturing candid street photos without distracting the subject or photographing distant architectural details. Thanks to the Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit, I can finally enjoy the versatility of a powerful optical zoom on my iPhone 17 without blowing my budget by purchasing a pro iPhone 17 model.

Founded in 2011, Apexel is a China-based company that specialises in smartphone lenses, and I’ve tested and reviewed a few of their products for Digital Camera World, such as the impressive Apexel 36x Telephoto that uses a powerful optical zoom to capture wildlife at a distance.

At the other end of the zoom spectrum is their smartphone microscope, which enables you to photograph far more detail than your smartphone’s built-in macro lens can see.

As the product’s name indicates, the Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit provides a 10x optical zoom when aligned with your smartphone’s main 1x camera. The Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit also ships with a 10x macro lens that screws onto the end of the lens’s metal barrel, enabling you to capture beautiful close-ups of flora and fauna with a very narrow depth of field, producing an attractive abstract bokeh in the foreground and background.

Specifications

Price

The Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit is reasonably priced at £68.99/$89.98, especially if you want to expand a non-pro iPhone’s telephoto and macro capabilities without forking out hundreds more £/$ for an iPhone Pro model. I tested the version of the kit that ships with a universal clip mount and as you’ll see from this review, I’m not a fan of the universal clip mount as it took a while to align with my iPhone’s lens. Fortunately you can order an iPhone-specific Apexel case alongside the TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit and surprisingly, it won’t cost you anything extra!). Then you can simply screw the lens onto the thread that’s nicely aligned with your iPhone’s main camera. You should only buy the universal clip mount version of the kit if you don’t own an iPhone.

Design & Handling

With its long (5.51-inch) metal barrel and clip-mount, you’d expect the Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x lens to cause your lightweight smartphone to sag a bit, but thankfully that’s not the case. The barrel is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminium, so it only weighs a manageable 145g.

The cold metal lens certainly feels nice and solid, and gives off a sense of being well built. A small rubber lens cap and a rubber protector at the other end of the lens keep the glass component safe when in transit. Talking of glass, the lens itself consists of 12 elements and is coated with a multi-coating designed to reduce glare and reflections.

Midway up the lens is a focus ring, which is easy to rotate thanks to a series of fine grooves that make it easy to get a good grip. The focus distance for the telephoto lens is between 1m and infinity. At the tip of the lens is a thread where you can attach the supplied 10x macro lens.

This small add-on enables you to capture macro images between a focus distance of 20 and 24 cm. The thread also fits the kit’s supplied screw-on adapter ring, enabling you to attach 37mm filters to the lens.

The Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit and all its accessories ship in a resilient yet compact carry case, which has a cut foam interior that holds everything in place. The case also has a webbed section, which is really handy to hold its small fiddly items, such as the detachable rubber eyepiece that transforms the telephoto lens into a monocular (or mini telescope!). The case is about a handspan in width and length, so it will fit easily into a small camera kitbag.

One thing that the kit is missing is a mini tripod, such as the one that ships with the Apexel 36x telephoto kit. Without a tripod, it’s impossible to shoot steady video using a 10x telephoto lens, as I discovered on my test shoot…

Performance

To test the Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit, I headed to London’s sunny Southbank district. Jumping off the train at Blackfriars station, I was treated to a stunning panoramic view of various London landmarks, so I immediately decided to start shooting. Because I was using the kit’s supplied universal clip mount (instead of a dedicated Apexel iPhone case), it took me about five minutes to align the clip with my iPhone 17’s main camera.

Once the clip looks aligned, you need to screw the lens into its thread. Invariably, the lens wasn’t perfectly aligned with the iPhone’s camera, so I had to unscrew the plastic screw that keeps the grip attached to the iPhone and fine-tune the lens’s alignment. The effort was worth it, though, as I immediately had a new perspective on a familiar view.

When viewing through the Apexel telephoto lens using my iPhone’s 1x camera, I could see my subject inset into a circular window surrounded by a black vignette. At 10x magnification, distant subjects looked very close, so I could just about fit the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral into the circular field of view.

However, to lose the black circle around the edge of my subject, I needed to tap my iPhone Camera app’s 2x camera icon. This cropped into the frame, losing the circular black vignette but zooming even tighter into the subject. So I could no longer fit the entire Cathedral dome into the shot.

This extreme cropping can limit your compositional choices, but it also enables you to capture familiar scenes in new ways. I was able to compose a shot that juxtaposed the Millennium Bridge in the bottom of the frame with the far older Tower Bridge in the background.

Due to the powerful 10x zoom, the 1.6 miles between these two bridges was dramatically compressed, so they looked much closer together. This compression of distance gives you a more cinematic look than you’d get using a smartphone’s built-in lenses.

I regretted not bringing a mini tripod to my test shoot, as I would have been able to capture some cinematic-looking video clips. If you plan to shoot video with this lens, then a tripod is essential, as at 10x zoom, every small hand movement is dramatically magnified.

Indeed, although I was only shooting photos, the excessive camera shake made it a challenge to compose shots. Fortunately, it was a sunny day, so the iPhone defaulted to using a super-fast shutter speed. This enabled me to capture great shots of moving subjects, such as a passing police helicopter.

The fast shutter speed meant that these shots were free from motion blur. For a lens under $100, the quality was pretty good, though I did notice a little chromatic aberration towards the edge of the frame in high-contrast subjects.

It took a while to get used to focusing with the Apexel 10x telephoto. I noticed that the iPhone was trying to use auto-focus, which caused it to hunt between foreground and background objects. I solved this issue by locking the iPhone’s focus on the most distant subject and then tweaking the Apexel lens’s focus ring until the subject looked sharp. The iPhone 17’s large and bright display enabled me to adjust focus accurately and effectively for the most part.

I then headed to the busy Borough Market to meet a photographer friend - Shaughn - for lunch. I’d recently been on a street photography shoot with Shaughn in Borough Market using my iPhone 17. Due to its limited telephoto reach, I wasn’t able to capture many candid street photography pictures on that earlier shoot, and I was a bit shy about getting close to my subjects. Thanks to the Apexel 10x telephoto, I was able to camp at the edge of the market and capture documentary-style shots of people from a great distance, without intruding on their lunch break.

My next job was to test the Macro component of the Apexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit. When you get close to a subject using the iPhone 17, it automatically switches to Macro mode, using the .5x (13mm) camera. By being close to a subject, you often find that the iPhone’s shadow is obscuring it. The Apexel macro lens has a very narrow focal range of 20 - 24 cm, but it means that you don’t need to be so close to your subject, and the shadow is avoided.

After attaching the Macro lens to the thread at the end of the barrel, I popped into my garden to try and photograph bees pollinating flowers. With fast-moving subjects such as insects, it’s almost impossible to keep them in focus for long, especially if they are sitting on a wind-blown flower.

There’s no time to pull focus, so you need to move a few centimetres closer or further away from the insect until it is sharp. The trick to capturing a macro image of an insect is to shoot HD slow-motion video at 240 fps. Then, a bee that was only in sharp focus for a second or so is now on screen for much longer, so you can export a sharp frame as a still. Check out my supporting video to see this technique in action.

Verdict

If you’re a smartphone street photographer or a budding member of the paparazzi, then thepexel TeleMacro Pro 10x Kit will give you a close-up candid photo from a great distance. It also compresses distance, enabling you to capture cinematic shots where the foreground subject and the background appear much closer together. I also enjoyed the option to screw on the macro lens and capture small subjects such as bees, flattered by a strong bokeh.

The downside to using this third-party lens accessory was having to fiddle around with aligning the telephoto lens’s universal clip with my iPhone’s camera, but this won’t be an issue if you include an iPhone-specific Apexel case in your order. All in all, I found that the powerful Apexel telephoto’s 10x optical zoom opened up a new world of photography subjects in locations that I’ve been visiting for years, and I had fun shooting superior macro pictures too.

Alternatives

The new Insta360 Snap is a very particular device for content creators with a unique purpose. It is a snap-on touchscreen that lets you treat the superior main cameras on your phone as selfie cameras, and Insta360 has introduced not one, but two versions...

If you've ever tried capturing a picture of yourself with any of your phone's main cameras – except perhaps an exceptionally wide-angled one – you'll likely have found that framing the shot is near impossible.

The Insta360 Snap is a 3.5-inch touchscreen that connects to most mainstream phones via a USB-C cable – including the iPhone 16 and 17 – and acts as a second monitor, offering real-time preview. It essentially is the phone's camera app, seen from the other side.

The screen has a reversible cover which protects it when not in use, but flips around the 7.3mm thick screen and covers most of your phone's main touchscreen when you are casting to the Snap, meaning

Other features include a power button (enabling you to leave it attached to your phone even when not using it, and a 'mirror' button, allowing you to flip the image to whichever way is most comfortable to work.

At the base of the more expensive 'Selfie Screen with Light' – developed with Amiro – are two additional buttons, allowing the control of the brightness between five levels (and off), and the color temperature.

The key advantages of the design are that, by using USB-C, it has low lag compared to Bluetooth alternatives, requires no battery, and offers touch control. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and 550 nits of brightness.

A full list of compatible phones can be seen on the Insta360 Store FAQ, but it includes all the best camera phones of the last few years (iPhone 15 was the first with USB-C). If your phone doesn't support MagSafe charging, a sticky magnetic ring can be attached.

The Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen is available now, and I will be posting my full review shortly (I'm testing the version with a light). It is priced at $79.99 / £72.99 / AU$139.99, or $89.99 / £82.99 / AU$154.99 if you want the version with the light.

Feiyu (or FeiyuTech) is a China-based company that is well known for camera stabilisers such as the Feiyu Scorp 3. Unlike a gimbal with its motorised tilt, roll, and pan arms, the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro relies on the human operator to keep the phone level and smooth. The Feiyu Phone Rig Pro is marketed as an iPhone rig, but given that it has a universal clamp and a USB-C cable, it should also prove useful for those using Android phones.

Modern smartphones use a physical sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabiliser) system to help keep a handheld iPhone’s footage looking smooth. This involves rapidly moving the sensor in the x, y, and z axes to counteract camera shake. They also use software solutions to crop into the footage and reposition it frame by frame to counteract shake (especially if you engage an iPhone’s Action mode when shooting video). So, why would you need to mount your modern iPhone in a rig like the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro? There are several compelling reasons…

For starters, the sensor-shift technology designed to keep your iPhone’s footage looking gimbal smooth isn’t applied when shooting with a modern iPhone’s Ultra Wide camera, so that will look smoother when shooting with a cage-mounted iPhone. Another reason to mount your smartphone in a rig/cage is that the wider handles that bolt onto the sides of the rig’s smartphone grip move your hands further apart. This wider two-handed grip enables you to perform smoother moves such as pans, tracks, tilts, and cranes. If you held the phone in both hands, it would be more susceptible to micro movements and a tilted horizon due to your hands’ closer proximity.

Another bonus of using a rig is that, unlike a more expensive gimbal, it won’t run out of power in mid-shoot or start shaking if your smartphone is not perfectly balanced. To date, I’ve tested six rigs/cages for Digital Camera World, and the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro boasts a couple of unique features, as I’ll explain in this review.

Specifications

Price

At the time of writing, the FeiyuTech Phone Rig Pro has dropped from its recommended retail price of $149/£149 to $119/£119, which is a significant price cut. This is slightly cheaper in price than the similarly specced SmallRig Universal Phone Video Rig Kit, which retails at £156, and that slightly more expensive rig ships with an LED that slides into the rig’s cold shoe mount. However, the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro does offer the unique option of enabling you to capture footage while shooting with your iPhone directly to a memory card slotted into the rig’s shaft, so you don’t need to clog up your smartphone with huge video files. So if you want to shoot in ProRes format, then this makes the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro a more attractive purchase.

Design and handling

At first glance, the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro looks and behaves like a classic smartphone rig/cage. The main rig and grips consist of an aviation-grade aluminium alloy, so it’s relatively light to carry and manoeuvre (weighing in at 70g/1.08lb, which is much lighter than a gimbal/stabiliser). The two handles screw into each side of the rig, offering you a secure dual-handle grip. Each handle offers the option to add extra kit to the rig in the form of six 1/4” screw holes. The base of the main rig has an Arca-Swiss quick-release plate, so you can slide the rig into third-party tripods. The rig also ships with a mini tripod that enables you to stand it on a surface or collapse the tripod to give you another handle for single-handed shooting when the side handles are detached.

Your iPhone is attached to the rig by a spring clamp, so it should fit any iPhone model. The clamp can be rotated so that you can switch between shooting horizontally (landscape-oriented video clips) and vertically (portrait-oriented video clips). We did have an issue with this design feature, as I’ll explain in the Performance section. The central grip has a handy cold-shoe mount at the top, which is handy if you want to slide in an LED or a mini shotgun mic.

Another unique design feature is the presence of a memory card slot in the main body of the rig. If you connect the built-in rig’s cable to your iPhone’s USB-C socket, you can record ProRes or Log footage directly onto an SD card slotted into the rig (though you will need to use an SD card cable to digitise at a fast enough speed, or your footage could suffer from jerks and pauses!). Oh, the rig’s cable enables you to charge your iPhone while it’s mounted on the rig. When shooting video, I often find that my iPhone battery drains quite quickly, so this pass-through charging capability is a very welcome feature.

The rig’s sprung iPhone clamp offers a unique design feature that I've not encountered in the other smartphone rigs/gages. It has a built-in mini fan that rests directly against the body of your smartphone. When shooting video, an iPhone can begin to run hot, especially in direct sunlight! I have had an iPhone become temporarily disabled due to overheating when shooting video in Tunisia, so the fan could prove useful in the right circumstances. However, overheating wasn’t an issue when I tested the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro in the 4ºC temperature of the English Lake District in January, so I can’t vouch for the efficacy of the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro’s built-in cooling fan, but it might save the day for some hot weather smartphone shooters.

Performance

To test the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro, I took it to the Lake District in the UK to document a family enjoying the location’s beautiful hills and lakes. I popped my iPhone 16 Plus into the rig’s expandable universal phone clamp, and it sat there nicely and securely. I attached the supplied USB-C cable to the iPhone so that it would benefit from being charged by the fully charged rig’s internal battery. You can see that the rig is fully charged by a series of vertical status lights. I pressed the fan button on the rear to power up the little cooling fan at the rear of the rig, but given the 7º temperature of the Lake District, I turned this off, so I could devote the rig’s power to keep charging my iPhone.

I could have used the rig’s built-in cable to capture ProRes footage directly to the memory card plugged into the shaft of the rig, but this would have been overkill as I tend to shoot in standard definition 1080 HD for most of my video projects to save storage space on my external video editing hard drive and most of my footage is consumed via social media platforms so doesn’t need to be shot in ProRes. I’d already tried recording ProRes to an SD card plugged into the rig, but the footage was too jerky. This was because I hadn’t used a card capable of writing ProRes footage quickly on the fly.

I attached the two support handles on either side of the rig and screwed the supplied mini tripod onto its base. The handles can be a bit loose and ‘rattly’ if you don’t tighten them enough, and they benefited from the occasional re-tightening during the shoot. The mini tripod can be collapsed into a stick that provides the option to hold the rig by one hand. Normally, I might use a gimbal to document this sort of activity, but gimbals can be a bit less robust than a cage/rig that has no moving parts. As I walked along country roads, I could let the rig dangle by one hand, ready to sweep it up and start filming with a two-handed grip, a subject within seconds of noticing a suitable subject (such as passing cyclists). With a gimbal/stabiliser, I’d need to power it up when I wanted to use it, missing sudden video opportunities.

The combination of the rig’s widely spaced handles and my iPhone 16 Plus’s built-in hardware/software stabilisers meant that I could capture gimbal-smooth moves without using a gimbal. Having my phone mounted in a rig encouraged me to perform a range of camera moves, such as crouching below a bush and slowly standing, while craning up to reveal the majesty of the distant mountains. I also found it easy to perform smooth sideways and forward tracking shots to capture a wide range of camera moves that would give visual variety to the video that supports this review.

As I was also filming spaniels enjoying their walk, I was able to set the iPhone 16 Plus to Slo-Mo mode. The rig’s dual grip meant that I was easily able to pan and tilt to track their every move (without having to change the gimbal to a suitable mode such as Pan Tilt Follow or Pan Tilt).

Towards the end of the walk, we headed back to the car through winding country lanes. I decided to get experimental and set the iPhone’s Camera app to Time-lapse mode. I then gripped the rig by both handles and walked behind my friends, attempting to keep them in the centre of the frame for a few minutes. This became more challenging when we went off-road, and I had to hold the rig by one handle while darting my gaze between the iPhone’s screen to check composition while watching out for hazardous tree roots as we headed downhill. I wasn’t expecting any of the Timelapse footage to be usable, but as you’ll see from the supporting video, the resulting hyperlapse was super smooth, and on the winding roads it looks like footage captured from a camera mounted on a motorbike!

Verdict

I found the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro to be surprisingly useful and effective. When filming video on my iPhone, I shoot to edit, so I try to capture a wide range of camera moves such as pans, cranes, tilts, and tracks. Having the rig dangling in my hand throughout my set shoot meant that I was ready in an instant to capture a sudden video opportunity - which makes the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro a more useful tool for documentary filmmakers than a gimbal would be (and unlike a gimbal, you don’t need to worry about the Feiyu Phone Rig Pro running out of battery power!). As you’ll see from my supporting video, the rig’s widely spread handles enabled me to make smooth moves.

I did encounter a couple of snags. The mini tripod that slots into the base of the rig isn’t that useful as it doesn’t have an adjustable ball head. You can’t tilt your rig-mounted iPhone when the rig is resting on its tripod on the floor. However, you can attach the rig to a third-party mini tripod that does have a ball head thanks to the 1/4" screw thread at the base. The smartphone clamp can be rotated so that you can shoot horizontally or vertically. However, due to the large size of my iPhone 16 Plus, I couldn’t get it to rotate to a vertical orientation (which isn’t a major problem, as I prefer to shoot video in landscape orientation anyway).

Alternatives

When Apple launched a cross-body phone strap last fall, the internet was divided over wearing rather than pocketing our phones. But I had just one question: Does the strap come off easily? The answer was no – which is why when the brand behind popular quick-release camera straps announced a new strap geared for smartphones, my interest was instantly piqued.

The Peak Design Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap is a strap geared specifically for carrying a smartphone – though it can also be used for compact cameras as well as other small accessories like earbuds, keys, or a wallet. It isn’t designed for larger cameras, like mirrorless.

Like Peak Design’s camera straps, the Mobile Crossbody uses a quick-release system, so smartphones can quickly be added to the strap for storage and photo taking and removed to, you know, actually make a phone call. The Micro Anchors are a bit different from the brand’s camera straps, but are similarly designed to stay on the phone and quickly attach to the metal carabiner on the strap.

Peak Design says the strap is compatible with a majority of smartphone cases – if a case doesn’t have a strap attachment point, there’s a strap adapter that works with any third-party cases that have a fully enclosed USB-C port slot. Naturally, it’s also compatible with most Peak Design’s cases as well, though not with the Peak Design iPhone 17 Air case.

The strap itself is a rope-style made from basket-woven nylon and has a quick-adjust design to alter the length.

The Mobile Crossbody Multi-strap comes with four anchors to carry multiple items on the strap, but Peak Design also launched a standard Mobile Crossbody with two anchors, as well as a wrist strap version.

The Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap retails for about $60, while the standard sells for $50 and the wrist strap for $30. International pricing and availability are not yet available, but that translates roughly to £44 / AU$85 / CA$82 for the Multi-Strap.

The Multi-Strap is already available on Amazon US along with the standard strap and mobile wrist cuff.

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Clip-on lenses for smartphones have always sat in an interesting middle ground between a genuinely useful tool and an gimicky extra. ShiftCam has been one of the key names trying to push that space forward, building a reputation for better-engineered mobile optics than the cheap, generic screw-on lenses that used to dominate the market.

The LensUltra Explorer Super Zoom Tele 240mm is a new entry in that lineup. On paper, it offers a serious telephoto focal length in a form factor small enough to live in a bag pocket. I tested it primarily with a case for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, though cases are also available for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models, and there’s a universal clip mount if you want to share the lens between devices.

This kind of lens naturally appeals to the same crowd browsing for the best camera phones and best iPhone lenses who already push their phone cameras beyond casual snaps. The question is whether, in 2026, when computational zoom and high-megapixel sensors are better than ever, a 240mm add-on still earns its place.

Specifications

Price

At $225 / £185, the LensUltra 240mm sits in the premium end of the mobile lens market, and it’s priced more like an autofocusing camera lens rather than a phone accessory. That's before you factor in the $50 / £37.50 cost of the dedicated case.

It's still not unreasonable for something that genuinely expands your creative options. But in a world where your phone already does so much heavy lifting with AI and computational photography, the value equation depends heavily on how often you’ll realistically take out this tele lens.

Design & Handling

Let’s start with the lens itself, because this is where ShiftCam’s experience shows. The 240mm unit looks sleek and sophisticated, with a finish that feels like a premium accessory rather than a toy. It’s reasonably compact for what it is – its shorter but wider than some other tele adapters I’ve used – and it feels reassuringly solid in the hand.

The included hard shell carry case is genuinely excellent. It’s properly fitted, protects the lens well, and even has a carabiner clip, so you can hang it off a bag or belt.

The mounting system is a twist-in design. There’s no mechanical lock, but the fit is tight enough that I never felt like the lens might slide out accidentally, and it gave me confidence to move around without babying it.

The lens is also compatible with a universal clip mount, which is great if you don’t want multiple cases.

The case I tested, for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, was more of a mixed bag. Functionally it does the job, and the built-in MagSafe/Qi2 magnets are a big plus, opening the door to magnetic accessories, cages and mounts. But the finish feels a little cheap compared to the lens itself – I would have preferred a softer, more silicone-style material.

More concerning, the lens mount section can slide a few millimeters left or right, which means the lens isn’t always perfectly aligned with the phone’s camera. That tolerance feels small, but with optics like this, small misalignments matter.

Performance

In the center of the frame, the 240mm lens can deliver usable results, especially in good light, although sharpness is still stronger with the native lens. But it's around the edges where things fall apart.

I saw a lot of vignetting, with dark corners creeping in from the edges of the lens; peripheries are also much softer than using the native phone lens. Some images had a slightly "shot through a window" feel, with a faint glassy distortion that made shots look less crisp than I’d hoped, and contrast washed out.

The biggest issue is that the best competition for the LensUltra is just from your phone itself. The 200-megapixel sensor in my Xiaomi 15 Ultra and improved pixel binning mean that the digital zoom, especially at moderate telephoto ranges like 240mm, produced cleaner, more consistent results.

These conclusions are based on the Xiaomi telephoto camera, so I can't say its defintely the same as Apple or Samsung, but the latest Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have 200mm lossless zoom, which performed very well when we reviewed the phone.

There’s also the practicality factor. Day to day, I didn’t want to carry this attached to my phone, and I didn’t love the idea of clipping it to myself. That meant it lived in a bag – and when I spotted a shot, the hassle of getting it out, mounting it, and lining everything up often killed the moment. In the time it took, I could have zoomed digitally and already moved on.

Where it makes more sense is in specific scenarios, if you are off to a sports game, wildlife park, or safari, where you expect to be shooting at long range for extended periods and can leave it mounted. In those contexts, the extra reach could be genuinely useful.

Verdict

I really wanted to like the ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm as I have had a good experience with the Oppo Hasselblad teleconverter, and Vivo's Zeiss version – but too many optical compromises held me back.

The lens looks great, and the mounting system is more robust than a lot of phone lens solutions I’ve used. In the right situation, it absolutely extends what your phone can do.

But smartphone cameras have evolved at a ridiculous pace. Computational zoom and huge sensors mean the gap this lens is trying to fill is smaller than ever. In many everyday situations, I got results that were as good – or better – just using the phone’s own zoom.

If there are two things that my smartphone camera lacks, it’s bokeh and close-up capabilities – which is why Moment’s new macro lenses caught my eye. The Moment Macro 75mm II and Macro 10x II bring upgraded cinema-grade glass close-ups to smartphone photography.

The smartphone add-on lenses enable closer shots than a naked smartphone alone. As the name suggests, the new lenses are the second generation in Moment’s T-series, which is designed for newer (2023 and later) phones. The second-generation macro lenses, announced earlier this month, use 30 percent more glass in the design, which Moment says increases sharpness.

The 75mm allows creators to stay three to four inches / 76-101mm away from the subject, while the 10x offers an up-close-and-personal one-inch / 25mm shooting distance.

But adding the extra glass in front of a smartphone camera does more than just get closer. The closer you are to the subject, the smaller the depth of field is. Sample shots from the new macro lenses show far more bokeh or blurred backgrounds than shots on a naked iPhone.

The 75mm Macro II also supports twisting on a 67mm lens filter, while the 10X Macro II includes a diffusion hood to help soften the shadows that are commonly an issue with extreme close-ups.

While the close-up capabilities bring more bokeh to smartphone photography, mobile lenses still have more limitations than interchangeable lens cameras, including the smaller sensors and limited bokeh.

On a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a 75mm macro lens would also double as a portrait lens, but Moment warns this isn’t the case. The smartphone add-on lenses have a very limited focus range. The Moment Macro 75mm II can only focus on subjects that are between 2.75 inches and 3.9 inches away, or 70-100mm, so it won’t double as a telephoto.

One of the things I wish my iPhone could do is take better closeups – an add-on lens makes it possible to get far closer. The challenge is remembering to bring along the add-on lens with you, as the lenses add a little more bulk to the back of the phone.

The new Moment macro lenses retail for $150 / £130 / AU$258 / CA$213 each, with shipping beginning on December 2. The lenses require a Moment phone case to mount the lens. The launch of the new lenses also comes with a discount on the older series.

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When your granny proudly gives you the socks she has spent months knitting as a gift, you have to be nice even though ultimately it's a massively disappointing present compared to the tech you were hoping for. But what if the socks came from the biggest name in tech – Apple? I'm not sure it's any better!

Apple has launched what it says will be a limited edition range for this winter, a knitted iPhone Pocket, the product of a collaboration with the house of designer Issey Miyake.

Issey Miyake himself, a Hiroshima survivor, was known for the influence of tech in his designs, and for pleats, which are reflected in the fabric (or, as Apple put it, "singular 3D-knitted construction") of the 'socks' – they certainly seem more chic than the ones I'd get from the store for my dad on his birthday, I'll give them that!

Some of Apple's promotional materials show the shorter pocket tied around the handles of designer handbags and it's difficult to deny their cool, but (writing from outside the security cordon of a fashion show) the practicalities seem alarming. Why would you want your iPhone dangling around outside your bag, drawing the attention of just anyone?

For those with a long memory, Apple has actually sold socks before. In 2004 Steve Jobs himself introduced customers to packs of iPod Socks – note the plural. Just $29 would buy you a pack of six knitted socks which could protect your music player and change the color. Admittedly, this wasn't something I would be paying what still amounts to nearly $50 adjusted for inflation – but, well, it's a number for comparison!

This time you'll need a bit more money just for one. The socks will come in at $150/£139.95 for the short strap and a whopping $230/£219.95 for the long strap 'mini shoulder bag' variant, and they will be available from November 14.

Oh, and if you need reminding that fashion is an exclusive world, the pockets will only be available to see in real life in ten Apple Stores, including London (Regent Street), Paris (Marché Saint-Germain), New York (SoHo), and Milan (Piazza Liberty). Oh, and the whole internet Apple Store of course!

DJI, perhaps better known for its drones, has today launched the Osmo Mobile 8 – a phone gimbal which, as the name suggests, certainly isn't the first in the line.

It has a multifunctional module compatible with DJI's range of microphones to ease vloggers' capture of quality audio, as well as a built-in light with adjustable settings. A new feature with this addition is support for Apple's DockKit – this is a communications system that means that not only can the device be used with DJI's own app, but – assuming you're using an iPhone – it'll connect to the native iPhone camera app or any of the more than 200 iOS compatible applications.

For both Android and iOS the device connects to its own app too, and uses a Multifunction Module to track subjects using AI. Subjects can now include dogs and cats as well as humans. To save weight, the module can be removed and popped on using a magnetic attachment, and can even cope with multi-person shooting.

The module adds features, including gesture capture – the 'camera' inside it can see a 'palm' gesture to toggle tracking, while 'V' gesture is a trigger and the 'double L' gesture can be used for framing.

The pan axis supports 360˚ horizontal rotation for the first time. Other features exist before like the ability to rotate the camera with three presses on the camera gimbal (though the app allows use of both front and rear cameras on your phone).

The device's overall weight is 370g and the operating time 10 hours. It is capable of phone charging, too (something useful when recording video a long time on a phone I assure you, as someone who ran out last time he was doing it).

The Osmo Mobile 8 ships from today at a cost of £135 in the UK and AU$219 in Australia – it will not be available in the USA.

We will be posting a review shortly.

The iPhone 17 is currently the cheapest of this latest generation of iPhones, at least until the iPhone 17e comes along. Not that you can really call an $800 / £800 / AU$1,400 smartphone 'cheap'; it's still a significant investment, and the first thing you'll want to do after taking it out of its box is put it straight into a protective case.

Apple, of course, makes its own range of cases, but they are on the pricey side and, dare I say it, a little bit boring. But there are plenty of third-party options available, too, which tend to be a little more adventurous in their design.

Here's my pick of cases that I've personally tried and tested. These are all for the 'standard' iPhone 17, but most are available in variants to fit the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Speaking of which, we also have dedicated buying guides to the best iPhone 17 Pro cases and iPhone 17 Pro Max cases.

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Best luxury iPhone 17 case

Nothing screams luxury like leather, and the Mujjo Full Leather Case is crafted from full-grain vegetable-tanned leather that not only promises to age beautifully, but the DriTan tanning process saves water and reduces chemicals. I opted for a classic Tan leather color, but the iPhone 17 case is also available in Black and Basalt Blue, while models higher up the range get more options.

The case really is a delight to hold and behold. It has that wonderful leather smell, and the buttons are made from machined metal, rather than plastic, to add to the top-quality feel. On the inside, a microfiber lining keeps your phone protected.

The case is part of a wider Mujjo ecosystem, which includes a leather wallet-cum-kickstand that snapped to the phone case via MagSafe and can support the phone in vertical and horizontal aspects for watching media, there's a matching AirPods case, and a keyfob with an Apple Airtag compartment to end the problem of mislaying your keys. While I think the case itself is an affordable luxury – it's typically around the same price as Apple's no-frills silicone case – adding all the accessories does mount up.

Best iPhone 17 case for video

The ESR Cloud Soft Magnetic Case has a soft-touch liquid silicone exterior that feels nice and grippy in the hand, yet maintains strong durability with a claimed 3x military-grade drop protection from up to 11 feet.

MagSafe compatibility is present and correct, and ESR says it is enhanced with a powerful 1,400g magnetic force for a secure and reliable hold on stands and chargers. It comes in five translucent colors that match and enhance the shades of your phone, and the iPhone's camera bump is surrounded by a sturdy metal lip for added protection.

Its party trick is that this lip is hinged to form a neat flip-out kickstand that props the phone up in horizontal orientation, and is just the job for watching movies, YouTube, or hands-free FaceTime calls.

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Best iPhone 17 case for grip

A step up from the Smartish GripMunk case, the Gripzilla has more deeply contoured finger grooves and textured sides designed to help you grip the case firmly in hand. But should the worst happen, and you allow the phone to slip from your grip, this case offers an even greater level of protection, with raised corner bumpers and built-in air pockets to better absorb shocks from drops.

Unlike the GripMunk, the Camera Control is covered with a conductive strip, rather than being open, which still enables you to use the camera functionality. It's fully MagSafe compatible and comes in a range of bold and beautiful designs.

The enhanced protection does add a little bulk to the size and shape of the case, but it feels very well guarded. If you're accident-prone, this is the case for you!

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Best slim iPhone 17 case

While your shiny new iPhone 17 demands protection from the rigors that daily life can throw at it, it can seem a shame to hide that sleek form factor with an overly bulky case. The Pitaka Ultra Slim Case aims to remedy that, with an incredibly thin and light construction; it's just 1mm thick and is a featherweight 20 grams.

It's crafted from aerospace-grade aramid fiber, a high-tech woven material that Pitaka says is five times stronger than steel, while being much, much lighter. It really, truly adds no noticeable size to the phone, and has a lovely, elegant textured feel. It's MagSafe compatible too.

A PitaTap Camera Control cover transfers full functionality to the Camera Control button it sits over, while preserving the sleek lines of the case, although none of the physical buttons are protected, but have cutouts instead. The Ultra Slim comes in a couple of attractive finishes: Moonrise has cool blue tones, while Sunrise has an orangey-red finish. For more sober types, there's a plain black version.

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Best clear iPhone 17 case

You spend ages deliberating on which color of iPhone to buy, only to hide it away in a case. But it doesn't have to be this way. The Mous Clarity case is transparent to enable the full beauty of your shiny new iPhone 17 to shine through. And, as it has been constructed from PCTG co-polyester with UV-resistant technology to resist yellowing, the case should look as good a few years down the line as the day you bought it.

There are a lot of cheap and nasty clear cases on the market that offer little in the way of grip or protection, but that's certainly not the case with this case. While the main body is clear, it is built around an aluminum frame and has an opaque textured surface for improved grip. This frame hides an AiroShock protection system that is built into the edges of the case and is focused on the corners to protect against drop damage, and there's a reinforced ring around the camera bump. In addition to the clear case, Mous also has Limitless cases with patterned backs and even an Intralock case for active types that clips into mounts in a similar way to the Quad Lock case, all with AiroShock protection.

The case comes with black or stone colored edges, and this color option is mirrored in the MagSafe ring. There is a further clear option, but this doesn't have MagSafe, and there's so little price difference, I'd go for the colored options any day of the week. I think the Stone variant, in particular, looks really smart and really does offer the best of both worlds of a see-through case that is grippy and protective.

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Best iPhone 17 case for sports

The Quad Lock iPhone 17 case is fairly nondescript-looking at first; it only comes in black, but has a nice rubberized feel with a chunky surround that should give you confidence should you accidentally drop the phone.

Not that that's likely, for around the back, in the middle of the MagSafe-compatible ring, is a recessed indent that forms the Quad Lock mechanism. This securely attaches the phone to all manner of mounts. There's a running armband, bike handlebar mounts, in-car kits, and a whole lot else. You simply slot the case onto the mount at a 45º angle and give it a twist, whereby it locks firmly in place until released by pressing a latch on the mount.

It's really rock solid and offers a much safer support than the strongest of magnets could ever muster; I trust it entirely when going out for a run, and it has the bonus that the front face of the phone is unobscured, so the touchscreen works, which I've found isn't the case with typical running straps. There is one problem, though; I found the Camera Control cover to be overly sensitive, opening the camera at the slightest touch, and then behaving erratically. However, Quad Lock has acknowledged this issue and is sending out replacements free of charge, so if you like to keep active, this is still your best bet.

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Best iPhone 17 case for carrying cards

Many of us use our iPhones to pay for everything these days, but it's wise to carry a traditional credit card for emergencies, not to mention other everyday fantastic plastic, such as a driver's license, key passes, and so on. The Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 can stash up to four cards in a slot at the rear, which are held firmly in place with a spring mechanism, but can be easily slid out via a thumb recess.

The front of the phone and rear camera are well-protected by raised bumpers, and air pockets provide additional protection against drops and impacts. The phone's Camera Control is exposed but deeply recessed to enable direct operation.

Mine came in a stylish 'Walnut Wood' finish, one of six available designs. It certainly adds less bulk than folding wallet-style cases, but the ability to stash cards in the slot around the back means this case forgoes MagSafe functionality.

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Best budget iPhone 17 case

The GripMunk with MagSafe is Smartish's most basic iPhone 17 case (aside from the GripMunk without MagSafe), but there's little price difference between them, and I'd go for the version that is compatible with magnetic chargers every day of the week.

There may be cheaper cases than the GripMunk, but probably not at this level of quality. It is available in a wide range of colors, both opaque and translucent, with bold and striking designs that not only look great, but also provide great value.

Despite the low asking price, the case edges are gently contoured with finger-shaped indents for grip, and the case offers plenty of protection; Smartish says that it has 'drop-tested 50 times from a six-foot height'. I can't claim to have tried this myself with my own iPhone!

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Best Apple-branded iPhone 17 case

For some, only an Apple-branded case will do. The iPhone 17 Silicone Case with MagSafe is available in a range of colors, including Neon Yellow, Anchor Blue, Purple Fog, Light Moss, and Black, designed to perfectly complement the iPhone 17's five available hues.

The big advantage Apple has is that its own-brand cases have been properly tried and tested prior to each iPhone's launch, whereas its third-party competitors rely on leaked specs to get their cases to market on day one. For the most part, they get it right, but there have been issues – which you can read about in my think-piece here – but with Apple stuff, you just know it's going to work.

The cases are made with 45% recycled silicone material and have a soft-touch finish that is comfortable in the hand and provides decent grip, although they are not contoured. Inside, a microfiber lining that ensures your phone remains scratch-free. There's a magnetic ring for MagSafe compatibility, and the phone's Camera Control cover adds protection and functions seamlessly. However, as you might expect from an Apple product, it's on the pricey side, and the competition tends to have more interesting designs at a more competitive price.

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How to choose the best iPhone 17 case

I've tested these cases on the 'standard' iPhone 17, but there are variants for the Air, Pro and Pro Max too, so make sure you pick the correct one for your model of iPhone. While the iPhone 17's dimensions are broadly the same as the iPhone 17 Pro, the camera bump is much less obtrusive, neatly restricted to a small area around the pair of rear lenses, rather than taking the entire width of the rear of the phone.

And while the iPhone 17 looks very similar to the iPhone 16 that came before it, the dimensions are slightly different. You may just be able to squeeze your 17 into a 16 case, but the buttons and camera module won't line up properly and won't offer the optimum level of protection.

And a good level of protection should be your top priority. All the cases in this guide are from reputable manufacturers that claim to have proven the integrity of their products with drop and impact tests. I really would steer clear of cheap unbranded cases.

For many, MagSafe compatibility is a must; so many cases have a built-in magnetic ring that enhances the attachment properties of the phone to chargers and stands, while ensuring inductive charging remains efficient. Ensure your chosen case supports this feature if you plan to use MagSafe chargers or accessories.

Last but certainly not least, there's the look of the thing. You may prefer a translucent design that lets the beauty of your phone show through, sleek lines that show off its form factor, or bold patterns that mirror your personality.

How we test

I have personally tried and tested all the cases in this guide, checking for a snug fit, evaluating their grippiness and protective capabilities, ensuring that all the controls work correctly and MagSafe charging is not impeded, and reporting on their standout features and unique selling points.

But I also understand that a phone case is more than just a protective accessory; its look is important – after all, you don't want to encase your beautifully engineered smartphone into something that's boring to behold – so I'll tell you what I think of its design qualities too!

Other iPhone accessory guides
Best iPhone charger
Best iPhone gimbal
Best iPhone printer
Best iPhone microphone

In a market crowded with wireless chargers, the Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger stands out by offering a blend of portability and performance. The surge in wireless charging, largely driven by the universal Qi standard, has seen brands like Anker, Belkin, and Ugreen race to create multi-device solutions that do away with cluttered cables.

This particular charger has the benefit of being able to wirelessly charge an iPhone and AirPods at the same time. This dual feature is perfect for Apple enthusiasts, although if you're also an Apple Watch owner, then you'll want Ugreen's 3-in-1 charger instead.

Designed with a focus on simplicity and portability, Ugreen's charger is perfect for remote workers, travelers, or anyone looking to minimize their desktop footprint. In this review we'll take a look at how it functions and compares across price, design, and performance.

Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger: Specifications

Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger: Price

At $35/£19.98, the MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger is one of the most reasonably priced and affordable chargers of this type. Anker and Belkin sell very similar alternatives but attract a higher price. Ugreen is also known for making products that boast impressive build quality, fantastic engineering, and an abundance of features. It's therefore even more impressive that Ugreen has managed to keep the costs so low.

Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger: Design & Handling

As soon as I unboxed the Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger, I could tell immediately that Ugreen had succeeded in making it portable. This is far from guaranteed with 2-in-1 chargers, but Ugreen, with a foldable design, has managed it. In terms of size, the charger will fold down into a small, pocket-sized block that can easily be transported in a bag or larger pocket.

The main charging pad is MagSafe, which guarantees a safe and secure connection with compatible iPhones. It also supports Qi2, which means the iPhone automatically snaps into the perfect charging position. No more waking up to a flat battery because you didn't quite align it correctly.

This charging pad can also be used to prop the phone up in either portrait or landscape orientations. This is perfect for watching videos, making video calls or using Apple's StandBy mode.

The second wireless charging pad is located on the base and allows users to charge a set of AirPods or other Qi-enabled earbuds on the base. This dual design has the added benefit of reducing desk clutter and the need for multiple cables.

The underside face of the unit features non-slip silicone feet. This, combined with a weighted build, ensures that the charger won't slide around or tip over when you attach or detach your phone.

Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger: Performance

The main charging pad is capable of providing up to 15W of power. This Ugreen charger will charge the latest iPhones up to 50% in around half an hour and 100% in around two hours. My iPhone 12 went from 0 to 50% in 37 minutes and from 0 to 100% in 2 hours 43 minutes. You could expect similar charging times with the iPhone 13, 14, and 15.

These times are reasonable for currently available wireless chargers, although if speed is of the essence, then you'll still want to opt for a wired solution.

In terms of reliability, I didn't experience or notice any charging dropouts, and charging speed was reasonably constant. In many ways, that's the benefit of going for a Qi2-supported charger.

Unfortunately, I did still experience quite a lot of heat loss. I know this is largely unavoidable with wireless chargers, but there was a little more than I would have liked. The charger itself didn't suffer from any overheating, and I was glad to know that Ugreen had built it with protections against overheating.

The secondary pad provides a maximum of 5W of power, making it perfect for charging wireless earbuds like AirPods. With these specs, it would take approximately one and a half to two hours to fully recharge an AirPods case from flat. Given that you won't be able to charge your earbuds any quicker using a wired solution, this Ugreen charger is as good as it gets.

Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger: Verdict

There's very little not to love about the Ugreen 15W MagFlow MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger. In essence, it's one of the best options I've ever seen for anyone with an iPhone and AirPods looking to declutter their charging setup. Most importantly, it's a 15W charger that actually delivers the speeds it advertises. This means you can get a significant power boost to your devices in a shorter amount of time, all at a surprisingly affordable price. Its compact design and solid build quality make it an ideal addition to any desk or nightstand.

Alternatives

I’ve long been fascinated by how Blackmagic Design keeps pushing boundaries in filmmaking. As someone who uses its Camera App and admires its cinema cameras, I’ve seen firsthand how the company takes tools that feel out of reach for many and makes them both accessible and professional. Now, it's doing the same thing for the iPhone.

Blackmagic has just announced the Camera ProDock, a new dock that adds professional camera connections to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. And honestly? It looks like a genuine game-changer.

At first glance, it’s a neat little adapter box. But take a closer look at the connections it offers and it’s clear this isn’t some novelty accessory, but a serious production tool. The ProDock unlocks genlock and timecode support, HDMI out, external disk recording, and proper audio monitoring. In short, it transforms your iPhone into something you could actually rig for cinema production.

For me, the inclusion of genlock and timecode is the big reveal. That’s not something you expect to see in the iPhone ecosystem. It means multi-camera productions, once the domain of cinema rigs, can now be achieved with iPhones kept perfectly in sync.

Think music videos, live events, or even LED volume shoots where flicker can be a nightmare. With the ProDock, suddenly the iPhone is more than a B-cam; it's a genuine contender in a professional setup.

Then there’s HDMI out, something I’ve wanted on a mobile device for years. The ability to connect an iPhone to an on-set monitor means directors, DPs or even a small crew can frame and follow shots in real time. Pair that with external disk recording via high-speed USB and you’ve got extended recording times without being limited by internal storage.

Audio hasn’t been forgotten, either. A proper 3.5mm mic input means you can use directional mics, lavs, or even wireless systems, while the headphone out gives you monitoring on set, another small but crucial detail that moves iPhone filmmaking into the professional sphere.

And of course, Blackmagic has thought about rigging: 1/4-20 mounting points on the top and bottom mean this thing can be built into almost any shooting configuration. Plus, the locking 12V input ensures your iPhone and accessories are powered throughout a shoot.

The Blackmagic Design Camera ProDock is available now through the Apple Store and Blackmagic stockists worldwide, priced at $295 / £270 / AU $495 (excluding duties). For what it offers, that feels almost absurdly affordable.

I haven’t used the ProDock yet, but I already know how much potential this holds. Blackmagic’s Camera app for iPhone was already a statement, giving creators more control and professional features in their pocket. But this is the missing piece that could unlock iPhone filmmaking in a way we’ve never quite seen before.

you may also like

Check out our guides to the best iPhones and the best camera phones for video.

MagSafe devices have been flooding the market in recent years, with the likes of Ugreen and Anker at the forefront of this development. Despite most of the attention being focused on wireless charging devices, Anker has decided to create a portable magnetic SD and TF card reader.

The purpose of this product is to make it quick and easy to capture video footage directly from an iPhone onto a card. The device can then be connected to a laptop for editing. As a result, users are provided with a seamless workflow from video capture all the way through to final delivery.

The Anker MagGo USB-C Adapter is capable of managing data transfers up to 312MB/s and if you use it with an iPhone 15 or 16, then it's possible to perform ProRes 4K recording at 60fps. This device could revolutionize how content creators capture and process their footage, but does it live up to the hype? That's the question we're here to answer.

Anker MagGo SD Card Reader for iPhone: Specifications

Anker MagGo SD Card Reader for iPhone: Price

The Anker MagGo SD Card Reader retails at $24.99/£29.99, although it is often discounted on the Anker website. Even at full price, it's more than worth the money. These types of readers can oftentimes be obstructive and require trailing cables, but not so with Anker's dedicated solution.

Anker MagGo SD Card Reader for iPhone: Design & Handling

At the heart of this device is an SD and TF reader. The ports sit side by side, and cards can be inserted and removed quickly and easily. I love the click-in-and-out feature for the cards, but in reality, there's nothing special so far, really.

It's as we look at the way it interfaces with and connects to the iPhone that the magic of this reader enters a whole new realm. The first is that the unit is MagSafe compatible, which means it can be magnetically attached to any supported iPhone. With a strong magnet, you can rest assured that not only will it stay in place, but it'll also stay out of the way.

The second is that the reader has a built-in USB-C cable that attaches the unit to a phone, tablet, or laptop. This cable is long enough to work with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, although you'll run into problems if you own a phone case with a port flap cover or with excessive thickness. You've been warned!

There's no wireless charging capability, but if you plug in a power cable to the USB-C port at the side, then you can get power delivery up to 27W. This means you can charge your phone and transfer data simultaneously. This is an absolutely essential feature given that video recording will drain the battery quicker than almost any other activity.

Anker has decided to use 75% PCR materials, which helps to increase its eco-credentials. I'd like to see this increased to 100% in future iterations, but for now it's a good start from Anker.

Anker MagGo SD Card Reader for iPhone: Performance

The Anker MagGo SD Card Reader delivers very strong performance across the board but especially for data transfer speed. The device supports a maximum data transfer speed of 312 MB/s, which allows it to handle the fastest SD cards on the market, like the SD 4.0 standard.

In my experience, I was capable of matching the claims, which I was very pleased about. Being able to transfer files so rapidly isn't guaranteed with SD card readers, but the Anker MagGo SD Card Reader does it admirably.

The reader also supports recording 4K ProRes video at 60fps which is perfect for professional video recording. Just keep in mind that you'll need a card that can support at least 220 MB/s sustained write speed. Without that, you'll inevitably run into problems.

The advertised power delivery from the side USB-C port is 27W although I was able to get up to 40W. These numbers are more than sufficient for iPhone charging but are a little lacking if you are charging your laptop.

I think Anker could turn up the heat on this product and insert a battery as well as introduce wireless charging. That would turn it into an ultimate little power bank/dock for creatives who rely on their iPhone for video capture.

Anker MagGo SD Card Reader for iPhone: Verdict

The Anker MagGo SD Card Reader is a simple, fast, and reliable way to capture video footage from an iPhone onto an SD or TF card. Offering rapid transfer speeds, creators are able to transfer video data even up to 4K ProRes video at 60fps. That's really impressive.

The lack of an onboard battery and wireless charging is a little disappointing, but maybe Anker has their eyes set on that for the next iteration of this tidy little product. All in all, this is a card reader that performs its core function incredibly well.

The best iPhone 17 Pro Max screen protector is something everyone shopping for a new Apple phone should consider. This top-of-the-range device isn't cheap, after all, so you'd be mad not to spend just a little more to give it a premium-level of protection.

After all, the larger screen real estate of the Pro Max makes it particularly vulnerable to impact damage and scratches during everyday use. So whether you're using it for immersive gaming, content creation, or simply enjoying that gorgeous large display, a quality screen protector is essential insurance for your device.

At the same time, the right screen protector will preserve the touch responsiveness and crystal-clear clarity that makes the iPhone 17 Pro Max's display so remarkable. To help you out, we've carefully selected the best screen protectors that are specifically engineered for the Pro Max's larger dimensions and unique requirements.

Do also check out the best iPhone 17 Pro Max cases

Our top choices

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FAQs

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How to choose a screen protector

When picking a screen protector for your iPhone 17 Pro Max, there are a number of things. Firstly, and most obviously, make sure the protector is specifically designed for the iPhone 17 Pro Max as they phones differ in size, even within the iPhone 17 range. Beyond that, we'd recommend opting for one made from tempered glass, to ensure the best protection and feel. Yes, they'll be more expensive than a cheap plastic one, but compared to the cost of an iPhone 17 Pro Max, we're still talking peanuts.

Look for a 9H hardness rating or higher for maximum scratch resistance. Also consider specialized options like blue light filtering for better sleep, privacy screens for confidential use, or enhanced drop protection if you're particularly accident-prone. And think about how difficult you find it to install screen protectors. Some come with alignment tools to make it easier.

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How we test screen protectors

To curate this list, we assessed the type and grade of materials used in each protector. We also evaluated how user-friendly the application process is, and checked that the protector doesn't interfere with the screen's clarity or responsiveness. We consider the track record of the manufacturer and customer reviews, and compared features and quality against the price point.

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Other iPhone accessory guides
Best iPhone 17 Pro Max cases
Best iPhone charger
Best iPhone gimbal
Best iPhone printer

Looking for the best iPhone 17 Pro screen protector? That's smart thinking. Yes, these latest phones have toughened glass with 3x better scratch resistance, but even Apple's advanced construction isn't invincible. So if you can get an additional defense barrier against scratches, drops and other potential damage, without spending a lot of money, you'd be a fool not to.

In this article, we've brought together the best iPhone 17 Pro screen protectors on the market right now. So if you're about to order a new Apple phone, why not order the screen protector at the same time?

That way, there won't be a single moment when your brand new phone is at risk from damage, and you can sit back, relax and just enjoy it. And there are other reasons to use a screen protector too, such as guarding your eyes from blue light, and keeping your screen private from nosey passers-by.

Also see our guide to the best iPhone 17 Pro cases

Our top choices

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FAQs

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose a screen protector

When picking a screen protector for your iPhone 17 Pro from our list, there are a number of things. Firstly, and most obviously, make sure the protector is specifically designed for the iPhone 17 Pro as they phones differ in size, even within the iPhone 17 range. Beyond that, we'd recommend opting for one made from tempered glass, to ensure the best protection and feel. Yes, they'll be more expensive than a cheap plastic one, but compared to the cost of an iPhone 17 Pro, we're still talking peanuts.

Look for a 9H hardness rating or higher for maximum scratch resistance. Also consider specialized options like blue light filtering for better sleep, privacy screens for confidential use, or enhanced drop protection if you're particularly accident-prone. And think about how difficult you find it to install screen protectors. Some come with alignment tools to make it easier.

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How we test screen protectors

To curate this list, we assessed the type and grade of materials used in each protector. We also evaluated how user-friendly the application process is, and checked that the protector doesn't interfere with the screen's clarity or responsiveness. We consider the track record of the manufacturer and customer reviews, and compared features and quality against the price point.

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Other iPhone accessory guides
Best iPhone 17 Pro cases
Best iPhone charger
Best iPhone gimbal
Best iPhone printer

The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents Apple's most ambitious and expensive phone yet, and so protecting your investment couldn't be more important. Fresh from last night's Apple keynote, this 6.9-inch powerhouse won't hit shelves until 19 September, but you can order one from this Friday, 12 September. So how do you safeguard a device this large and valuable without making it unwieldy?

That's where our carefully curated selection of the best iPhone 17 Pro Max cases comes in. We've spent years testing and researching cases from reputable manufacturers, and we've drawn on that experience to provide you with the best options for protecting your new phone. Do note you need to buy a case with the right dimensions - so if you are going for the smaller iPhone Pro model check out our separate guide to the best iPhone 17 Pro cases.

Our selection caters to a range of needs, styles and budgets, with particular focus on cases that complement this particular phone's larger form factor and enhanced capabilities.

The best iPhone 17 Pro Max cases

How to choose the best iPhone 17 Pro Max case

Selecting the perfect case for your iPhone 17 Pro Max requires special consideration of the device's unique characteristics. The Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch display and weighs 233g (8.22oz). This makes it slightly heavier than its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which weighed 227g (7.99oz). Consider how the phone's larger size and weight affect your daily usage. Some may prefer an ultra-lightweight case to offset this, or you may prioritize enhanced grip features to manage the larger device securely.

The Pro Max's expansive display makes it ideal for media consumption, so consider whether features like built-in kickstands would enhance your experience. The larger screen real estate also means there's more to protect, making comprehensive coverage particularly important.

MagSafe compatibility remains important, especially given the Pro Max's size makes wireless charging more convenient than fumbling with cables. Ensure your chosen case supports this feature if you plan to use MagSafe chargers or accessories. Style considerations are amplified by the Pro Max's larger surface area. Whether you prefer to showcase the device's premium materials with a clear case or make a statement with bold designs, the Pro Max provides more canvas for personal expression.

Ultimately, given the Pro Max's premium price point and larger size, protection should be the main priority. So choosing a case will largely be a question of balancing that need with the other considerations mentioned above.

How we test

Our recommendations for phones cases are the result of a comprehensive evaluation process based on thorough research, grounded in our long history of testing cases and assessing who are the most reputable manufacturers.

We understand that a phone case is more than just a protective accessory; it's an integral part of your daily interaction with your device. This is especially true for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where the case must complement the device's larger form factor and enhanced capabilities. Our testing methodology evaluates how well each case addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Apple's flagship phablet.

Other iPhone accessory guides
Best iPhone charger
Best iPhone gimbal
Best iPhone printer

Seeking the best iPhone 17 Pro cases? We're not surprised. Apple's flagship smartphone series has just gone on sale (read all about it here). And if you're ordering one of these very expensive phones, you'll certainly want to keep it safe from drops, scratches, and everyday wear and tear.

We've spent years testing and researching cases from reputable manufacturers, and we've drawn on that experience to provide you with the best options for protecting your iPhone 17 Pro. 

If you're pre-ordering to buy an iPhone 17 Pro, there's no better time to order a phone case too. That way, you'll ensure that your shiny new smartphone is protected from day one. Do note you need to buy a case with the right dimensions - so if you are going for the larger iPhone Pro Max model check out our separate guide to the best iPhone 17 Pro Max cases.

Our curated selection caters to a range of needs, styles and budgets, and yes, all of them are compatible with wireless charging.

The best iPhone 17 Pro cases

How to choose the best iPhone 17 Pro case

Selecting the perfect case for your iPhone 17 Pro involves considering several key factors. First and foremost, think about the level of protection you need. If you're someone who tends to be a bit clumsy or works in a demanding environment, you'll want to prioritise cases with higher military-grade ratings to ensure your device stays safe from drops and impacts.

Next, consider the thickness of the case. Some users prefer a slim profile that maintains the sleek feel of the iPhone, while others are willing to add a bit of bulk for extra protection. It's all about finding the right balance between safeguarding your device and maintaining a comfortable feel in your hand.

Additional features can greatly enhance the functionality of your case. If you often watch videos or make video calls, a case with a built-in kickstand might be invaluable. For those looking to streamline their everyday carry, a wallet case with card slots could be the perfect solution. Some cases even offer wearable options, which can be great for active lifestyles.

If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, MagSafe compatibility is an important consideration. Ensure that your chosen case supports this feature if you plan to use MagSafe chargers or accessories.

Style is another crucial factor. Your case is an accessory you'll see and use every day, so choose one that reflects your personal aesthetic. Whether you prefer a clear case to show off your iPhone's design, a colorful option to express your personality, or a sophisticated leather finish, there's a case out there to suit you.

Lastly, consider your budget. iPhone cases range from affordable options to premium choices with advanced features. Determine how much you're willing to invest in protecting your device and look for a case that offers the best value within your price range. Ultimately, the ideal case for you is one that strikes the right balance between protection, functionality, and style, all while fitting comfortably within your budget.

How we test iPhone cases

Our recommendations for phones cases are the result of a comprehensive evaluation process based on thorough research, grounded in our long history of testing cases and assessing who are the most reputable manufacturers.

We understand that a phone case is more than just a protective accessory; it's an integral part of your daily interaction with your device. As such, our testing methodology is designed to assess various aspects of each case to ensure it meets the diverse needs of iPhone users.

Other iPhone accessory guides
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The best continuity mounts have risen in popularity in recent years. They are a fantastically easy way to improve the quality of your video calls while also being useful for some types of video capture. Because the best camera that most of us own is our phone camera, it makes sense for us to utilise it more than just for family snaps.

These types of products are remarkably simple, which means there are only a few select things we're looking at during testing. We want to see a strong magnet, a reliable hinge, and rubber fittings so scratches are avoided. Some continuity mounts have extended functionality, so we test that out too.

Having tested more continuity mounts than I care to mention, I was eager to get my hands on the Belkin MagSafe offering. It's light, portable, and nicely designed, and I was fairly sure I would love it. Read on to find out if I did.

Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Specifications

Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Price

This continuity mount from Belkin attracts a price of $29.95/£29.99. This puts it towards the top end of basic mounts which offer standard functionality. By that I mean that there is no integrated charging or more complex tripod features. This is a super simple mount that does the basics well. It is possible to buy alternatives for a fraction of the price, but they're unlikely to feel this premium.

Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Design & Handling

The Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount is one of the simplest and most compact continuity mounts that you can buy. The mount takes the shape of a circle with two hinged elements on the back. The first of these allows you to attach it onto your MacBook display, while the other acts as either a kickstand or a hook for your finger.

Aside from the kickstand, the mount is made almost entirely of rubber, which is perfect for safe installation on any MacBook display. There's no way that this mount will cause any scratches or damage to either your MacBook or iPhone.

The simple design makes it incredibly small, portable, and lightweight. It could be thrown in your bag without needing to return it to its box, and it would be absolutely fine. Just be careful not to lose it if you do - it really is that small.

From my point of view, there are only a couple of areas of improvement required. The first would be that there is no integrated charging. I appreciate that would affect its portability, but at this price it would be nice to have. The second is that there is no tripod thread, which limits its application, unfortunately.

Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Performance

Everything about this mount communicates solid engineering and thought-through design. This is clear to see when we start thinking about the performance of the device.

Most importantly, the magnet is so strong that there were absolutely no issues with my iPhone slipping or dropping off. Given the size of the magnet, I was surprised how strong and 'grippy' it actually was. There's also zero flex in the magnetic panel, which means your iPhone will always sit flush onto the magnet itself.

Moving onto the hinges. These are pretty robust, although they would definitely benefit from being stronger and bulkier. If you want it to last a long time, then I'd make sure you don't push the hinge joints beyond their limits. You could definitely snap them if you tried, but you'd have to work quite hard to do so.

The display hinge is incredibly small, and yet it sits comfortably and confidently on top of the MacBook screen. I would prefer a larger 'lip' on the hinge to really safeguard it from falling off the display, but that could just be me being overcautious.

Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Verdict

The Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount does a fantastic job of performing its primary function - turning your iPhone into a high-quality webcam. Its biggest strength is its strong magnetic hold and lightweight, portable design.

I would love to have seen integrated charging and stronger hinges, but I wouldn't want this lack of features to make it sound like this isn't a quality product. If you like a simple and elegant solution to improving your video calls, then this Belkin offering fulfills that perfectly.

Continuity Camera mounts have been all the rage since it became possible to utilise your iPhone as an alternative to the Mac webcam. For a relatively small financial sum, this technology enables users to quickly and easily improve their camera feed for things like video calls and capturing video content at their desk.

These types of mounts take advantage of magnets and MagSafe technology to position your phone in the vicinity of your existing webcam. They are also designed in such a way that they balance on the top of your display rather than needing any semi-permanent or permanent fixings.

Continuity mounts must have a strong magnet and hinges that remain firmly in place. I think it's also important that they minimise any risks of damage to your iPhone and Mac. I've been using the NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount, and with its affordable price and unique arm design, it could well find itself listed amongst the best continuity mounts.

NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Specifications

NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Price

At $34.99/£24.99, the SP08 Continuity Camera Mount is one of the most affordable mounts on the market. It's also regularly discounted by a few dollars/pounds, which means it can oftentimes be picked up for less. More expensive alternatives include the Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount ($30/£33.99) and the Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount ($53.99/£39.99).

NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Design & Handling

Let's begin with what is unique about the SP08 Continuity Camera Mount. Unlike most continuity mounts which adopt a basic two-fold design, the SP08 actually has a tri-fold setup. This means it's capable of raising an iPhone up to 185mm (7.3 inches) above a display. This has the benefit of a much more comfortable and customisable eye-level camera position. If the top of your display is already at eye level, then this feature won't apply, but it's nice to have the option.

It also has an Arca-type base, which means it can be quickly and securely attached to a wide range of tripods, monopods, and sliders that use the same standard clamp system. This makes it a highly versatile tool for content creation, allowing you to easily switch from using your phone as a webcam to a full-fledged camera on a tripod.

The camera mount plate includes a slider which allows for precise camera positioning. This mechanism allows you to adjust the phone's front-to-back position by up to 42mm (1.65 inches). This feature, alongside the tripod mounting capabilities, makes this mount capable of so much more than most continuity mounts.

The mount is constructed from black anodised aluminium alloy, which is strong, durable and relatively lightweight. Unfortunately, though, because of the tri-fold mechanism, the overall weight of the unit is actually significantly more than other continuity mounts, such as the one made by Stouchi.

NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Performance

This SPO8 continuity mount performs exactly as you would expect. The magnetic plate ensures that everything stays in place but also connected. I had no problems with the phone slipping off or the mount mechanism losing its grip. The additional weight did put some extra strain upon my display and mean that I had to adjust the angle, but this wasn't too much of a problem.

The hinges are relatively robust, although their operation was far from smooth. There is no doubting that they fix firmly in place, but during use I was left far from confident about their longevity, especially for users who would be moving it between monitors and tripods on a regular basis.

The mount's versatility is one of its greatest strengths but also one of its greatest potential drawbacks. There are significantly more moving parts than a lot of alternatives, which means there is more that could go wrong. This might seem like a minor problem until you consider that you'll be attaching an expensive iPhone to it.

This particular mount is designed to be used in a variety of different contexts, from video calling to video content creation. That means your phone is likely to be mounted for long periods of time. As a result, there's a high chance that you'll be running into battery problems. This mount could definitely be improved by offering integrated charging, but I appreciate that would cause it to be significantly less affordable.

NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Verdict

Despite the SP08 Continuity Camera Mount from NEEWER being almost as budget-friendly as it gets, NEEWER has still managed to produce a pretty robust and durable unit. Maybe only let down (slightly) by the hinges, the aluminium alloy build makes the unit relatively lightweight and pretty strong.

The tri-fold design will be overkill for most people who want a simple continuity mount, but if you're also planning on capturing video with your phone on a tripod, then the SP08 mount kills two birds with one stone. All in all, it's a strong performer that could have a slightly better build quality and some additional features like integrated charging.

It's been a long time since I've been excited by the possibilities offered by a new camera phone. Because let's face it, whether you're using the cheapest or most expensive smartphone on the market, you're ultimately still going to be shooting the same scenes. Which is why, when I first head about the Google's Pixel 10 promise of 100x zoom, I was genuinely thrilled. Could this open up a whole new class of things to photograph?

Living on the south-west coast of England in Weston-super-Mare, I'm blessed with a daily coastal walk that not only surrounds me with natural beauty, but also offers many photographic opportunities. I'll be honest, though, after 20 odd years of making the same walk, I do occasionally feel a bit jaded. 

Yes, the variable British weather keeps things interesting: the same scene shot in sweltering sunshine can look like another world under a blanket of snow and ice. But most of the time, I'll still end up focusing on the same things. The pier. The mudflats at low tide. The occasional donkey looking a little Eeyore-like as it tramps across the beach, wide-eyed five-year-old on its back. 

In my mind, then, the 100x zoom on the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL sounded like game-changer. Suddenly, that cargo ship on the horizon wouldn't be just a distant speck; it'd become detailed maritime architecture. Those hazy suggestions of Welsh hills across the Bristol Channel could become genuine subjects. Those world-class surfing kites, high in the sky, might suddenly become lens-accessible.

It all sounded, in short, a bit like a superpower: giving you the ability to collapse distance and bring the far-off world into close-up focus.

But turns out, there's a bit of catch.

Opening up new worlds

On closer inspection, the Pixel 10's 100x zoom isn't quite what you think; it's substantially enhanced by AI. This isn't simple digital zoom where pixels are stretched until they scream. Google's algorithms are actively inventing details, using generative AI to fill gaps the lens cannot capture.

Which creates somewhat of a philosophical quandry. Would I be really be creating a photograph? Or would it be more like a digital painting: one where somebody else is holding the brush? Would I have captured a distant ship, or just asked for Google's best guess at what a ship should look like?

Admittedly, so far reviews suggest this AI enhancement works remarkably well. Text becomes legible, animal fur gains texture, architectural details emerge from the mush. It's all technically impressive, undeniably useful… and completely unsettling if you care about authenticity.

Yes, photography has always involved technical intervention. But that has traditionally involved enhancing existing visual information, not conjuring it up from scratch via algorithms. Ones that, lest we forget, have a tendency to hallucinate mad things, from made up facts to hands with six fingers. 

Yet despite these concerns, I'm still  excited. Ultimately, even if these pictures end up being weird or terrible, at least that'll be interesting in its own way. 

So I'm giving Google points for trying something genuinely new with the Pixel 10. And whether or not the company's algorithmic optimism matches the messy reality of shooting distant subjects from a windswept Somerset coast, it should at least be fun finding out.

If you're an iPhone user, then Continuity Camera mounts are by far the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to improve your laptop's camera feed. By using your phone as an alternative to the Mac webcam, users can instantly supercharge the resolution, detail, and quality of their video calls.

The best continuity mounts are built well, have a strong magnet, and are not too heavy so as to cause your laptop display to fall backwards. They should also minimise any risks of damage to your iPhone and Mac.

Having already used a number of other continuity mounts, I was excited to get my hands on Stouchi's offering. With a hard aluminium alloy, a 30-degree downward hinge, and a built-in 1/4-inch tripod screw, it certainly looks good on paper. Let's see if it stacks up in reality.

Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount: Specifications

Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount: Price

Despite the top-notch build quality of the Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount, it's actually one of the more affordable mounts available. You'll find it retailing at around $30/£33.99, although it's regularly discounted. By way of comparison, the Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount costs $53.99/£39.99 and isn't rated as highly as this offering from Stouchi.

Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount: Design & Handling

Stouchi has opted for an aluminium alloy material which ensures a light but durable construction. The weight actually comes in at 99.79 g / 3.52 oz which is lighter than a number of its competitors. This is a win in terms of portability, but at times I wanted a little bit more 'beef' to weigh the unit down.

What can't be argued with is the durability of the unit. The aluminium alloy is both strong and durable, guaranteeing no breakages to either the metal panels or the moving hinges. I was genuinely impressed by how robust the unit actually is.

To protect your laptop, Stouchi has included a thin rubber strip on the part of the mount that hooks over the top of your display. Unfortunately this is the only place that a soft-touch finish is found. That means that both your phone and the back of your laptop are susceptible to damage.

If you're careful, then I don't think you'll have any problems, but if Stouchi added a few more rubber strips, then I would have awarded this a five-star rating. Maybe they felt this would compromise the aesthetic of the product, but I think it would be worth it.

The only other thing to note about the design, especially in comparison to pricier alternatives, is that there is no integrated wireless charging. It would be unfair to rate it poorly based on this omission, though. This is a budget-friendly mount and a very good one at that.

Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount: Performance

The Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount performs incredibly well, especially given its price point. I can't see that they've compromised on any part of the design or materials simply to keep the price so low.

At the heart of the mount is the MagSafe attachment, which is strong enough to securely hold an iPhone in place. I didn't experience a single slip or fall and was confident that my iPhone would stay exactly where I left it.

The positives continue with the hinges, which are firm enough to guarantee that the unit will stay in the position you fixed it. Most importantly, the weight of the phone doesn't cause the top hinge to slip.

Aside from the core laptop use, the design means it can be clipped to any external monitor should you prefer that position. It also has a 1/4-inch screw hole which can be utilised for even more flexibility in positioning.

All in all, this is a continuity mount that performs admirably, and I had no issues with it malfunctioning during use.

Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount: Verdict

The Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount is one of the best mounts on the market right now. Despite the budget-friendly price, Stouchi has still managed to produce a well-built and fully featured product. Most importantly, the magnet is super strong and the hinges are firm. As a result, your phone is guaranteed to stay put.

I would like to have seen more rubber patches across the design, but if you're careful with how you attach it to your laptop and phone, then you won't have any problems. I love this mount and am convinced that it'll now be my go-to choice.

Continuity Camera mounts let you use your iPhone’s rear camera as an alternative Mac webcam. The benefit of this is that you can instantly and dramatically improve the quality of your webcam image and video without having to purchase a whole new laptop.

One of the best in the business at making computer accessories is Belkin, and so I was excited to get my hands on their iPhone MagSafe Mount for Macs. I spent a few weeks with the device, and initial impressions left me thinking that I'd like to keep it as my permanent mount.

The mount includes a tilting hinge which supports viewing angles from vertical to 25 degrees downward. You can also attach it to a tripod using the standard 1/4" screw thread at the bottom. Read on to see how well it performs and whether its features make it worth the investment.

Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Specifications

Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Price

At $53.99/£39.99, the Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount is one of the more expensive options on the market. Neewer, Stouchi, Sodi, and other manufacturers sell these types of mounts for less money. Given the fact that it broke during use, I would say it's hard to justify paying this amount of money for something that might malfunction.

Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Design & Handling

When I took it out of the box, the first thing I noticed about the Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount was its soft-touch rubbery finish. It feels really nice in the hand, and I was particularly grateful to not be attaching solid metal or rough plastic up against my Mac.

The metal plate is connected to the central section with a covered hinge, which looks robust enough to handle repeated movement. It also allows for tilted movement in a downward direction, which was particularly helpful for getting the perfect positioning.

The magnetic plate also has a rubbery finish, which means your phone will be protected from scratches as well. Apart from the Belkin logo and a silver metal axle, the entirety of the unit is dark grey, which, although it looks rather classy, could benefit from some additional design flair.

Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Performance

The most important elements of any mount relate to the hinge and the magnet. If the hinge isn't robust enough or the magnet strong enough, then it's pretty useless as a phone mount.

Thankfully, the magnet is incredibly strong, which meant I had absolutely no problems with my iPhone slipping off. I was grateful for that, as no one likes a damaged phone. They've also got the weight and balance of the product just right so that it doesn't cause your laptop display to drop. I tested it on a 14-inch MacBook Pro and had no problems at all.

The clamp is constructed of two parts and joined together with a covered hinge. Unfortunately the connection part is made of such thin and brittle plastic that it snapped after only a few uses. I was very disappointed with this, as I was initially very impressed with the product.

I would say that this design flaw needs addressing in version two of the product; otherwise, it's hard to see how Belkin is going to retain too many happy customers.

Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Verdict

The iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount from Belkin shows a lot of promise. Its rubbery finish keeps your phone and laptop protected from scratches, while the strong magnet guarantees to keep your phone in place. As far as a Continuity Mount goes, it generally hits all the right notes.

Unfortunately, it was seriously let down by the clamp hinge, which broke after only a few uses. The plastic that surrounds the axle snapped such that the product became completely unusable. I don't think this was a one-off issue with my particular mount, so hopefully Belkin will address this design flaw in version two of the product.

If you're a vlogger (or any kind of content creator), using your phone to film yourself is often the most logical solution. It's much more convenient and less conspicuous than lugging around a full-frame mirrorless setup, and you can enjoy a more natural FOV and better low-light performance than most action cameras, too.

The problem is, a phone's rear cameras are vastly superior to the selfie camera, so for the best image, you should be shooting with those. Unless you have a foldable phone, there's no way to properly frame your shot when filming yourself with the rear cameras. Sure, you could just guess, but I know from experience that this can result in some very awkward-looking shots.

Thankfully, there's a better way. SmallRig now offers a portable wireless monitor that works with both Android devices and iPhones. It's MagSafe-compatible and just slaps onto the back of your phone, giving you a 3.97-inch display so you can frame yourself perfectly every time.

SmallRig isn't the first to attempt a product like this, but it's the most well-known brand so far, and it looks to be one of the best. I wanted to find out if it's an essential piece of vlogging equipment or more hassle than it's worth. After shooting with it for around a month, here's what I found out.

SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor: Specifications

SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor: Price

The SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor for Phone (or 4850B / 4851B, to use SmallRig's model codes) is available in two flavours. There's the standard package (4850B), and the Vlog Kit (4851B), and unusually, they're selling for the exact same price.

The standard package gets you the monitor itself, an articulating cold-shoe to 1/4-20 monitor mount and a Bluetooth remote. Meanwhile, the Vlog Kit includes the monitor, a universal MagSafe-compatible phone clamp, a mini tripod/selfie stick and the Bluetooth remote.I received the Vlog Kit for the purposes of this review.

Both options sell for around £64 / $65 / €74, which is very competitive compared to similar products on the market. There aren't too many options right now, but for instance, Newmowa's Smartphone Monitor costs £57 and Shimbol's CP5 Lite retails for £79.

SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor: Design & Handling

The SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor looks a bit like a small smartphone. The screen is covered with glass, while the rear casing is made from aluminium. It has a bit of weight to it, which gives the impression that it's durable and well-built.

Prior to testing this product, the only smartphone monitor I had tried was the Newmowa PH01, and the difference in build quality is staggering. The Newmowa monitor is made from cheap-feeling plastic, weighs next to nothing, and was covered in scratches after a few days of use. Comparatively, the SmallRig monitor looks pristine after around a month of service.

The SmallRig monitor has a 1/4-20 threaded mounting point on the base and an extremely strong MagSafe-compatible magnet on the rear. On the left side, you'll find a power button, brightness controls and a USB-C port for charging.

If you have an iPhone, you can directly attach the monitor to the rear of your phone. You can do the same thing with an Android device, but you'll need to have a MagSafe-compatible case fitted to do so. If you opted for the Vlog Kit, you can use the included phone clamp, which works with almost any phone, and has a magnetic panel that the monitor can be affixed to.

The clamp is made entirely from plastic, but it feels durable enough. There's a 1/2-30 thread on the base to attach it to a tripod, a cold shoe mount on either side of the clamp, and it works in either horizontal or vertical orientation.

You needn't worry about the monitor falling off, as the magnets are insanely strong. The first time I removed the monitor from the phone clamp I was a little concerned that I was going to break something. It's definitely stronger than it needs to be, but I'll happily take that over a monitor that could accidentally fall off.

The Vlog Kit also comes with a small tripod with a ballhead and an extendable centre column. It's decent enough, and it extends by about 6 inches, so you can use it as a compact selfie stick, but I think most content creators will already have something superior in their arsenal. Personally, I would have preferred to see an option that comes with the phone clamp and no tripod at a slightly lower cost.

SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor: Performance

So, for starters, it's worth explaining how this monitor works. Essentially, you can think of it like a Chromecast or AirPlay receiver for your TV. The monitor broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network, and you use the screen mirroring function of your phone to send whatever is on your screen to the monitor. Handily, the instructions for connecting are displayed on the monitor as soon as you turn it on.

I was impressed that, when using an Android phone, I could stay connected to my home Wi-Fi network, and the SmallRig monitor still appeared as an option for casting. It makes getting set up super convenient. Unfortunately, on iPhone, you'll need to manually join the monitor's network, but that's as simple as scanning the QR code on the monitor's display.

In either case, when you're away from the Wi-Fi network, you'll need to join the SmallRig monitor's Wi-Fi before it will do anything.

This product is primarily designed to aid in filming yourself, and with that, there's a hurdle to overcome. Using the selfie camera flips the display to act like a mirror, and using the rear cameras does not. You'll quickly realise how difficult it is to frame your shot without it being mirrored when you first try to use this monitor.

Thankfully, SmallRig knows this, and double-pressing the power button will flip the display. This means the text will be mirrored and difficult to read, but you'll have no trouble framing your shots.

It's worth noting, though, that this mirror-flip action sometimes means that the monitor needs to be mounted upside down. On an iPhone using MagSafe magnets, the monitor only fits in one orientation, so you might need to flip the phone upside down when filming in landscape. However, the phone clamp accessory adds some more flexibility, as you can slide it up and down the phone to accommodate.

The display has a relatively low 480x800 resolution, so it won't look as clear as your native phone screen, but it's just bright enough to use outdoors. Personally, I don't think the resolution matters too much. I'm not using this screen to manually focus; I just need to know what's in the shot, and what's not.

The wireless design is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it means you can mount your phone on a tripod and walk up to 10 meters away while still being able to monitor your shot, and that's super handy. On the other hand, it introduces latency, and depending on your shooting method, it could be significant.

I got the best results when shooting with the Blackmagic Camera App, on both Android and iOS. It kept the latency to a minimum, even while recording at 4K60. Using the native camera app to record 4K video on either platform causes noticeable lagging; it's only properly stable at 1080p.

How much this matters will depend on your workflow. Personally, I like to use the Blackmagic app for video shooting on any phone that supports it, and most mainstream flagships do. Unfortunately, some of my favourites, like the Vivo X200 Ultra, don't support it.

I still found the monitor useful for 4K recording with that phone, as even though the video feed would lag, it gave me enough information to help keep my shots framed correctly - which is all I wanted from this product. Plus, if you shoot at 1080p, you won't have such issues.

Of course, a monitor like this isn't exclusively for video shooters; you can also use it to take high-quality self-portraits with the rear cameras. This is where the included Bluetooth remote comes in handy.

I would have preferred to see an integrated solution, with a shutter button built into the monitor itself, but this workaround does the job too. The remote is about as basic as they come. It's just a little fob that pairs over Bluetooth, and it has one shutter button for iOS and one for Android (although I found that both buttons worked on most of my Android phones).

It's a little clunky, but hey, if you want to shoot self-portraits with the telephoto, this is the best method I have come across so far. Doing so will allow you to create a unique perspective that's much less smartphone-like, and may even create the illusion that you have a mate to hold the camera for you.

SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor: Verdict

The SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor for Phone is by no means a perfect product. The unit itself looks polished, but the experience of actually using it is on the clunky side. That said, I frequently need to film myself for YouTube videos, and this has become an invaluable tool for doing so.

It makes shooting with a smartphone much more viable as a solo content creator, as you can frame shots perfectly, even over long distances. It's nice and compact, too, which means you still get the portability benefits of shooting with a phone.

I do wish I could trigger photos and recordings from the monitor itself; that seems like an obvious addition, and the separate trigger is an unusual workaround. Of course, I'd love to see the latency issue at 4K addressed as well, but it seems all of the wireless monitor options have this same issue. At least it works well with the Blackmagic App.

For my needs, this product is absolutely worth the price, and it's something that will continue to live in my kit bag for the foreseeable future. I'm sure we'll see a more streamlined implementation at some point, but as of right now, this is as good as it gets.

Alternatives

Some smartphones these days have 4-figure price tags, so it pays to look after them. If you drop one, you’ve only got yourself to blame but if you’ve given phone-holding duties to a specialist tripod mount and something goes wrong, you’re sure to feel really peeved. There are plenty of cheap smartphone mounts on the market with a nasty, plasticky look and feel. I wouldn’t trust them as far as I could throw them (without phone attached).

By contrast, 3 Legged Thing is a company that I trust. It makes quality tripods and other supports from premium materials that look great and perform even better. Phil is its multi-functional smartphone holder and mount, and a worthy match for even the most pampered phone.

3 Legged Thing Phil: Specifications

3 Legged Thing Phil: Price

Last time I looked (about 2 minutes before writing this review) the 3 Legged Thing Phil was available for about $30 / £30 in the USA and UK respectively, but with no availability in Australia. Maybe gravity works differently down under. Where available, I think that Phil is competitively priced, considering the quality of its build and the smartness of its design and finish.

3 Legged Thing Phil: Design & Handling

Over many years I’ve amassed more tripods and tripod heads than I know what to do with, apart from maybe sell a few on eBay. Like many of us, I shoot an increasing proportion of my stills and video on a smartphone these days, for which all of my tripods and heads are useless. Why? My phone doesn’t have a 1/4in socket for mounting on a tripod.

That’s where Phil comes in. It has spring-loaded jaws for biting down on my phone (in a sensitive manner) and a wealth of connection points for attaching it to tripods, monopods, desk mount systems, window mount clamps, pivoting magic arms and other paraphernalia. Not entirely by coincidence, 3 Legged Thing makes all of these other items as well.

There’s no hint of plastic cost-cutting in Phil’s make-up. When it comes to 3 Legged Thing’s tripods and other supports, the parts of the process tend to be either top-quality carbon fiber or aerospace-grade magnesium alloy. It’s the latter that’s used here, for all the key components. The phone holding cradle is black, whereas the rear bracket has color options of blue, lava orange, darkness matte black or metallic moss green. They all look rather lovely, which makes choosing a color the most difficult purchase decision.

The spring-loaded action of the clamp feels just right to me. There’s not too much force required to open the clamp and fit it to your phone, but when you release the clamp it holds the phone very firmly in place. There’s a knob on the rear for locking the width of the clamp and more securely holding the phone. I like that the areas of the holder that come into contact with the phone at the top, bottom and rear all have a rubberized surface, which not only has anti-slip abilities but also protects my phone from getting marked or scratched.

Rotation is a dual-function matter. Naturally you can rotate the phone to face forwards or backwards in the mount, depending on your preference and how you’re shooting. The bigger challenge is rotating between landscape and portrait orientation shooting. As it turns out though, it’s no challenge at all. There’s a knurled black dial concentric and just behind the main clamp which loosens to enable rotation of the cradle against the supporting bracket, then tightens to lock everything back in place. To make life even easier, there are click steps at 90-degree intervals throughout the whole 360-degree range of rotational movement.

Let’s talk connectivity. You can connect the phone holder to a tripod, tripod head, magic arm or other support via one of two 3/8in threaded sockets. Both are fitted with 1/4in adapters, in case you need the smaller size. Going further, you could for example connect the holder to a tripod head using the bottom one, and then add a magic arm for holding the likes of an LED lamp or microphone to the other. Alternatively, you can connect Phil to any Arca Swiss style tripod head quickly and easily, using the like-minded profile base.

Completing the wide range of connection options, there’s a pair of cold shoes mounted at either end of the phone cradle. It gives you extra options for connecting the likes of an LED lamp but I found the fitment a bit on the tight side and struggled to slot a couple of my accessories into the shoes.

3 Legged Thing Phil: Performance

I wouldn’t describe it as overkill but the Phil holds my phone with even more security than I feel the need for, and that’s no bad thing. I found the holder really quick and easy to fit, and the same goes for adjusting its rotation. All in all, it’s a safe, secure and high-performance holder and mount for mobile phones.

3 Legged Thing Phil: Verdict

There’s a lot to love about the 3 Legged Thing Phil. It’s wonderfully compact and lightweight to carry around, easily adapts to fit almost any phone, and holds it with the utmost safety and security for peace of mind. On top of that, it has quick and simple rotational adjustments to switch between landscape and portrait orientation shooting, and a wealth of connection options including two threaded sockets, an Arca Swiss type base plate and two cold shoes. It’s simply a great bit of kit that will enhance your mobile lifestyle.

Alternatives

If you're like me and are a little sick of carrying a camera around when your phone is perfectly serviceable, but then you miss that feeling of "proper" camera controls, then a phone grip might just be the next best thing!

What is a phone grip? Phone grips are purpose-built extensions that clamp to or around your handset, adding a sculpted, DSLR-style handgrip – and the best also add a physical shutter button, dials, cold shoe, or tripod thread. By giving your fingers a little more support, a grip also reduces hand fatigue, steadies the phone for sharper images, and minimizes accidental screen touches.

We have seen a range of phone grips from companies like Snapgrip, as well as Android device makers like Xiaomi make its camera case a big selling point of its latest camera-focused 15 Ultra.

Perhaps inspired by its partner Xiaomi, Leica is getting into the grip game. Leica actually purchased grip company Fjorden last year, but this is the first foray into phone grips from Leica directly. However, rather than a slight redesign that Leica often favours (*cough* Leica D-Lux 8 *cough*), this is an entirely new and unique design.

Fjordens grip is a small MagSafe-compatible bump that adds manual controls and just enough depth to get your fingers around. Meanwhile, the Leica Lux Grip goes in the opposite direction with a sizeable aluminium handle, designed more for control than slipping into a pocket – it's big, it's bold, but is it any good?

Leica Lux Grip: Specifications

Leica Lux Grip: Price

Launching for $329 / £260 / AU$495, but now reaching a post-tariff price of $395 in the US (it briefly was $625), the Leica Lux Grip is likely the most expensive grip you're going to find for an iPhone.

You are paying for a premium quality build, and of course, for Leica's logo, but with a lot of much much cheaper alternatives out there like the Snapgrip ($69.99), PGYTech MagCam Grip ($59.99), Telesin Fun Shot ($34.99) or even the Fjorden Grip ($139.99) that all basically do the same thing (and more) – I struggle to find the cost of the Lux Grip justifiable for anyone except a die-hard Leica fanboy.

Leica Lux Grip: Design & Handling

The Lux Grip is the model of premium quality you’d expect from Leica – beautifully designed with a solid aluminum body, and an engraved Leica logo – although in white, rather than Leica’s more iconic red dot. The grip houses two customizable function buttons, along with a two-stage shutter release and a command dial, and at the bottom is a standard ¼-inch thread for mounting to a tripod. The Lux Grip also comes in a very nice tan leather case with a felt interior to keep the grip snug and protected when not in use. As a design piece, the whole package is absolutely lovely.

Thanks to the MagSafe array of magnets built into all iPhones from the iPhone 12 and up, the Leica Lux Grip can snap on and off in a second, which is incredibly convenient, but I found the magnets just aren't quite strong enough for me to be fully confident in my phone staying attached.

Several times when using the grip I felt my iPhone slip out of alignment, and a couple of times, I managed to knock my iPhone against something, which knocked it off the grip entirely. This isn’t specifically a Lieca issue, and I have experienced the same thing with gimbals like the Insta360 Flow Pro 2 – but I am reluctant to trust magnets alone to prevent my $1000+ iPhone from taking a trip to the ground.

The grip is also not the most comfortable to hold. It is just a flush cylinder rather than moulded to the shape of a grip, it doesn’t quite sit right in the hand as you reach up to use the buttons and dials. The metal material is smooth with no additional grippy texture or material; the grip could have really benefited from a leatherette or patterned finish on the underside at least. The cold metal also just feels a bit sterile in the hand.

Unlike the more svelte Fjorden grip, the Lux Grip also just sticks out too far, making it near impossible to slip into all but the biggest of pockets, which, when I did get it in there, it then caused an odd-shaped bulge.

But for those shooting video, the design of the Lux Grip does leave the USB-C/Lightning port free for other accessories like a microphone when in landscape. However, there is no cold shoe attachment on the grip, so wireless receivers connected via a cable will just have to dangle. However, there is just enough room behind the grip to squeeze in small receivers that plug directly into the USB port, like the DJI Mic Mini or Rode Wireless Micro.

Leica Lux Grip: Performance

Overall, the Leica Lux Grip is good to use, the buttons and dials have a nice click to them, and add that tactile control you’re likely after if you’re in the market for a camera grip.

Battery life is also excellent, with the grip lasting for around 1000 exposures, and in my time with the grip, taking around a hundred shots using the grip barely made a dint in the battery.

However, the massive downside to this is that the grip is only compatible with the Leica Lux app, so if you were hoping to use this with the native iPhone camera app, a specialist camera app like Halide, or even Instagram – you’re out of luck.

This also means that since Leica has chosen not to make its app for Android phones (despite a major partnership with Xiaomi), even with a MagSafe case, the Lux Grip will not work on your Android device.

The saving grace here though, is that the Leica Lux app is actually very good. The app offers a number of Leica “looks” for your phone images, either through emulating some classic Leica lenses, or tuning images to some of Leica’s classic color science or monochrome profiles. These vary from image to image – no filter is going to turn a bad image into a masterpiece – but they do a great job of styling phone images with a little more pizazz for sharing on social media.

However, don’t rush out to buy the grip just to use the Leica Lux app – you don’t need the Lux Grip to access any of the features in the app; you can use the app standalone with just the touchscreen of your iPhone. You do get a 12-month free trial of the app with all the pro features unlocked with the purchase of the Lux Grip. After that, the app will cost $6.99 per month, but compared to some other subscriptions, it seems like reasonable value if it becomes your default camera app.

Leica Lux Grip in 1 Minute

Leica Lux Grip: Verdict

I can't deny that the Leica Lux Grip is beautiful. Made from machined aluminium, with minimalist style and a smart leather case, it all screams premium. The controls themselves are lovely – buttons click nicely, and the built-in battery powers roughly a thousand frames.

But unfortunately, beauty only runs skin-deep. In use, the cylindrical handle never quite sits comfortably, its smooth metal without any grip or moulding is too slippery, and I don't have full confidence in the MagSafe holding up my expensive phone alone.

The biggest letdown of the grip is its compatibility. It is locked to the Leica Lux app and won't work with any other camera apps, including the default iPhone one. The Leica Lux app is really very good, but as you don't actually need the grip to access it, the images you capture are no better than those you’d shoot with the Leica Lux app alone.

Factor in the current eye-watering price tag, and the fact that rivals costing a fraction of that work with any camera app. Unless you’re a Leica devotee, it's hard to justify the Leica grip as the best option.

Alternatives

A new rumor from a reputable source - analyst Ming-Chi Kuo - has reiterated previous claims that Apple could be working on incorporating cameras into future versions of its AirPods. But don't go thinking these will be some sort of high resolution color cameras for snapping selfies of your ear canals.

Read more: the best iPhone for photography

Rather, the rumors hint at these being infra-red cameras intended to enhance the versatility of Apple's wearable tech. Camera-equipped AirPods could include low-resolution IR sensors that might detect when the users turns their head, as well as gleaning computer vision information about the surrounding environment, which could then feed information back to your iPhone or Apple Watch for processing, enabling your iPhone to 'see' even when it's in your pocket.

The AirPods' data may potentially work in conjunction with Apple's Vison Pro headset to considerably increase its field of view. Of course, such cameras could also be integrated into the Vision Pro, but by housing them in AirPods instead, the weight of the headset would be reduced, making it more comfortable to wear.

The rumor suggests that AirPods equipped with IR cameras might enter mass production in 2026, while a lighter version of the AirPods Max is claimed to launch the following year. Watch this space...

Peak Design is today launching a new phone case: the GNAR Case. Intended to supplement the brand's existing Everyday Case (already available for various models of iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy phones), the GNAR Case is designed for motorbike and bicycle riders who want additional protection for their phone when it's mounted to handlebars.

Case thickness has been increased from 2.4mm in the Everyday Case to 3.2mm in the GNAR Case, enabling it to withstand a drop from up to 4.5m (15ft), while still maintaining a slim feel. The case is constructed from 100% recycled polycarbonate with a soft microfiber internal liner, plus a rubberized TPU bumper for additional shock protection. This also features a diamond-knurled edge texture to enhance grip, even when you're wearing gloves, while extra-wide anodized aluminium buttons further improve phone usability. Like Peak Design's other phone cases, the GNAR Case incorporates Peak Design's magnetic and mechanical locking 'SlimLink' connection, making it effortlessly easy to securely attach your phone to a handlebar mount, or any other mount in the Peak Design range.

The Peak Design GNAR Case is available now for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $59.95. From April 24-27th the case will be included in Peak Design's Make The Switch Sale, during which it'll be offered with a 40% discount.

New smartphone models such as the iPhone 16 Pro have a collection of cameras that enable you to capture candid street photos via a 5x optical zoom or include more of a landscape using a .5x ultra-wide lens (which also functions as a macro lens). However, a smartphone photographer (or videographer) should consider expanding the range of their camera using a third-party kit like the Apexel 10-in-1 Phone Lens Kit, as this enables them to enhance the look of their clips and stills in a variety of creative ways. 

This highly affordable kit features a collection of lenses and filters. The lenses might be useful in enabling you to capture closer or wider angles (depending on the spec of your smartphone camera), but the key strength of the kit is the filters, as they enable your smartphone to capture more distinctive-looking shots in-camera (such as adding streaks of motion blur to the edge of the frame for a more dynamic portrait or enabling you to capture detail that was previously hidden by glare and reflections). 

Apexel is a company that specialises in smartphone lenses and I’ve tested and reviewed a few of their products already, such as the impressive Apexel 36x Telephoto that is great for capturing wildlife at a distance with a powerful optical zoom. Some Apexel kits (such as the Apexel 2-in-1 Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit - were less compatible with my iPhone 16 Pro due to the shape of their universal spring clip mount, but the clip that ships with the 10-in-1 kit fitted perfectly and enabled me to enjoy testing the ten components on a model shoot.

Apexel 2-in-1 Clip-on Lens: Specifications

Video review

Above: video showing the Apexel 10-in-1 lens kit in use

Apexel 10-in-1 lens kit: Price

The Apexel 10-in-1 Phone Lens Kit is surprisingly affordable! At a recommended retail price of $25.99/£26/AU$68, you get a mix of 10 lenses and filters, which is a fraction of what you’d pay for a single DSLR lens. 

The quality and effectiveness of the lenses and filters in this kit varies, but even with the odd dud (such as the rather blurry Starlite filter), there’s enough here to enjoy experimenting with to add a range of creative in-camera effects to your smartphone-sourced stills and clips. 

Apexel 10-in-1 lens kit: Design & Handling

The Apexel 10-in-1 Phone Lens Kit ships in a small but sturdy zippable case. The foam interior of the case has recessed slots in which you can store the 10 small circular lenses and filters safely (without dropping or losing them on a shoot). Each lens/filter has a little lens cap to protect its glass - though there’s no cap for the base of each lens like you’d get with a DSLR lens kit. Helpfully, each lens/filter is labelled (ie Flow Filter, Radial Filter), so that you can identify its role with ease. The lid of the case has a little mesh pocket where you can store the largest lens - the 198º Fisheye. A useful lens cleaning cloth is also provided.

The carry case ships in a card sleeve on which features helpful thumbnails illustrating what each lens/filter can produce. There’s also a bit of descriptive text for each lens, though some of the captions indicate that English is not the writer’s first language. 

Like some of the other Apexel lens kits that I’ve tested, this one ships with a universal clip mount. This is basically a black plastic peg with a spring in it. The peg clamps over your smartphone’s body and you then need to position its threaded hole over your smartphone’s main camera. You can then screw each lens/filter onto the mount’s thread and view the effect of the filter/lens in your smartphone’s Camera app display.  

With a previous Apexel test subject - the 2-in-1 kit - I couldn’t get the smartphone clamp mount to align perfectly parallel with my iPhone 16’s main camera lens. This caused unwanted blurred edges, plus the lens hood was visible around the edge of my frame. The universal mount on the 10-in-1 kit is better designed and it fitted perfectly over my iPhone 16 Pro’s main camera, so there was no unwanted vignetting or visible lens hood.

Apexel 10-in-1 lens kit: Performance

To test the Apexel 10-in-1 Phone Lens Kit, I popped it into the top compartment of a Brevitē Jumper backpack (which I was also testing) and headed to the city. To compare each Apexel lens and filter, I decided to hire a model so that I could capture some colourful clips and stills to illustrate the Apexel 10-in-1 kit review. Models can be expensive, but I figured that it was worth the expense as I was also generating assets for a Colbor CF5 Fog Machine review (plus it made a change from using myself as the main subject!). For tips on working with models check out my opinion piece: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/photography/photo-technique/7-tips-for-better-model-photography-in-2025

Before the shoot I made a checklist in my iPhone 16 Pro’s Notes app so that I could ensure that I’d captured enough clips and stills using each of the 10 lenses and filters in the Apexel kit. I often find that without a list I return from a busy shoot and then realise I’m missing some key assets. Check out this review’s supporting video to see footage captured using each lens/filter in the kit. I’ll run through the performance of each Apexel lens/filter in the 10-in-1 kit, starting with the Telephoto 2x Lens…

1: Telephoto 2x Lens

My iPhone 16 Plus has a 5x optical zoom, which is the equivalent of a 120mm telephoto lens. I therefore wasn’t expecting the Apexel 2x lens to be of much use to me. Indeed the Apexel 2x lens didn’t even zoom in as close as the iPhone’s native 2x (52mm) lens. When the Apexel 2x telephoto was clamped to my iPhone the edges of the frame looked blurry, and the center wasn’t that sharp either. This isn’t a lens that I’d envisage using again. For me this lens will be redundant in future shoots but that’s not an issue as there are plenty more to play with in this kit!

2. Apexel 0.63x Wide Angle lens

The Apexel 0.63x Wide Angle is piggy-backed onto the Macro lens. You need to unscrew the Wide Angle lens before you can use the Macro - more on that lens later. The iPhone 16 Pro’s native .5x (13mm) camera captures striking wide angle footage in which the edges of the frame aren’t too distorted. The optical effect of the Apexel 0.63x Wide Angle lens is much more evident. Vertical lines near the edge of the frame become curved, barrelling outwards. The edges of the frame are also vignetted with a soft blur. I liked this exaggerated and artefacted wide angle look as it added character and texture to my footage, especially when I tracked through a corridor of pillars to follow my model (using a Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal - https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/gimbals/hohem-isteady-m7-review). 

3. Apexel 15x Macro lens

The Apexel 10-in-1 kit’s Macro lens gives you a 15x optical zoom. To use the Macro lens you first need to unscrew the attached 0.63x Wide Angle lens to separate the two. To get a subject looking sharp you need to place the Macro lens in very close proximity to the subject. Since I was photographing a model I tried to get a close up of her eye (rather than the usual flower/insect test subject). The Macro lens has a very narrow depth of field so when Olga’s eyelashes were sharp her iris and pupil where blurred (and vice versa). I was impressed with the Macro lens as it gives a more blurred bokeh than you can using capture the iPhone’s native Macro mode. 

4. Apexel 198º Fisheye 

After my close encounter with Olga’s eyeball I headed inside to test a more creative lens - the 198º Fisheye lens. This causes the center of the frame to bulge outwards in a very distorted fashion. The closer you are to the subject, the more they come distorted - which creates a less than flattering look when shooting a model. The edge of the frame features a circular border due to the extreme wide-angle nature of the lens. This may not be a flattering lens to use in portrait photography, but it could be suitable for a nightmare sequence or to illustrate a sinister POV shot in a drama sequence. 

5. Apexel Radial filter

Unlike the Fisheye lens, the Radial filter is perfect for portrait photography. The center of the frame is nice and sharp but details begin to blur in a subtle way towards the edge of the frame. This blurred vignette helps draw attention to the sharp main subject in the center of the frame. By adding the blur in-camera, the filter helps you commit to a particular look (rather than experiment with the radial blur filter in Photoshop). I can see me using this filter again quite often in future portrait shoots.

6. Apexel Flow filter

The Apexel Flow filter produces a similar blurred vignette to the Radial filter, but highlights in a scene become striking motion-blurred streaks. I think this would have to be my favourite component of the Apexel 10-in-1 kit  and I’ll enjoy using it to add extra texture and energy to portraits.

7. Kaleidoscope x3 filter

This is where things get really creative. The Kaleidoscope x3 filter creates three semi-overlapping versions of your subject that produces a psychedelic look. This works particularly well when shooting video because as you rotate the rim of the filter the three overlapping images also rotate. The challenge is to rotate the filter without getting your finger in shot (or dislodging the clip mount!)

8. Kaleidoscope x6 filter

As the name suggests, this filter does a similar job to the Kaleidoscope x3 filter but it adds six offset and overlapping images.  I found this effect a bit too busy!

9. CPL filter

The CPL (circular polarizing) filter is very effective. When shooting Olga by a fish pond, I couldn’t see below the water’s surface due to the reflection of the blue sky. By rotating the polarizing filter I was able to cut through the reflection to see below the water’s surface. It’s a shame that the fish that live in the pool didn’t make an appearance. But all in all a very useful and effective filter.

10. Starlite filter

I’ve used Starlite filters before on my old Canon DSLR and I didn’t really like them. You’re stuck with  rather dramatic look as star-shaped points of light radiate outwards from every light source in the frame. The Apexel Starlite filter does a similar job, causing four diagonal points to streak out from the center of any light sources in the frame. The overall look of the filtered image is also rather soft, so I can’t see myself reaching for this particular filter very often in the future.

Apexel 10-in-1 lens kit: Verdict

As you can see from my run down, some lenses/filters in this kit are hits (such as the Radial and CPL filters), while others (like the Starlite filter) are misses. However given the cheap price of the 10-in-1 kit I’d still consider it a ‘must buy’, especially if you want to experiment by adding creative in-camera effects such as streaks of radial blur or barreling wide angle vignettes to your clips and stills. The only real filter fail in this kit is the rather blurry Starlite filter and the 2x Telephoto is too weak to be of use to my iPhone 16 Pro. However that still leaves 8 lens/filters that I can call upon if I want to add some creative in-camera effects to my portrait photos or video sequences. 

Alternatives

Check out our full guide to the best add-on lenses for iPhones and smartphones

When it comes to photography these days, I’m primarily an iPhone user, though I have a long history of writing about Canon photography for PhotoPlus magazine and Nikon photography for NPhoto Magazine. One of the main attractions for using an iPhone 16 Pro is that I can change lenses in a tap (or a swipe of the Camera Control button), quickly summoning a 13mm lens for wide-angle shots or a 120mm lens for a telephoto opportunity. The iPhone’s ultra-wide 0.5x lens can also be used to capture macro subjects (such as bees pollinating a flower) while creating a soft and abstract background bokeh. Although I’m impressed with the multiple cameras in built into my iPhone, I’m always interested in the opportunity to expand their scope using third-party lenses such as the Apexel Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit.

Apexel is a Chinese-based company that designs and manufactures a wide range of smartphone lens kits. For example, the Apexel PhoneMicro5 Microscope Kit enables you to delve deeper than a typical macro lens to photograph microscopic textures and details. The Apexel 36x Telephoto lens conjures up a more cinematic look by compressing the distance between far and close subjects, which is great for smartphone movie makers. I was therefore keen to see how the Apexel Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit might expand my smartphone photography.

The concept of a third-party lens kit being able to capture both wide-angle and macro shots was intriguing, given that the specifications between the lenses are so far apart - a 0.45x super wide angle and a 12.5x macro! So, does this kit deserve a place as one of the best lenses for iPhone and Android phones? Read on to find out.

Apexel 2-in-1 Clip-on Lens: Specifications

Apexel 2-in-1 Clip-on Lens: Price

The Apexel Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit retails at $26.99 / £24.99 / AU$55.95 on Amazon. Your first thought may be ‘you get what you pay for’ and this is true to a degree. However, despite its low price, I can’t dismiss the Apexel Wide Angle & Macro lens kit. Its wide angle lens may not be able to compete with the Ultra Wide lenses on the latest and most expensive smartphones (such as the iPhone 16) but Apexel’s macro lens does capture a better bokeh than my iPhone 16, so the kit is still worth considering for the Macro lens alone at such a cheap price.

Apexel 2-in-1 Clip-on Lens: Design & Handling

The Apexel Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit consists of a 0.45x super wide-angle lens and a 12.5x macro. On unboxing the kit I was surprised to see that the wide angle lens was attached (by a screw thread) to the macro lens which was built into a black plastic clip. You can use the wide-angle lens while it is threaded to the macro lens, but you need to unscrew and remove the wide-angle lens when you want to shoot a macro subject. The tiny instruction sheet taught me that. Oh, the box also contains a small black faux leather drawstring bag to transport the 2-in-1 kit, plus a handy mini glasses cloth to keep the lenses clean.

This plastic clip attached to the macro lens is a universal smartphone mount that operates like a clothes peg. Apply pressure to open the clip’s spring grip, slide it over the width of your smartphone’s body, and slide it so that the stacked wide-angle and macro lenses overlap the main camera on your smartphone. The spring in the clip then holds the lenses in place. It sounds like a simple mechanism to use, but I did encounter (and eventually solve) a couple of problems in relation to aligning the lenses with my smartphone.

The Apexel Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit’s spring clip mount is less sophisticated than the universal grip mount that ships with the Apexel 3 in 1 Smartphone Microscope Kit. With the latter’s more expensive mount, you can slide the lens thread hole vertically and horizontally until it perfectly overlaps the smartphone’s main lens. The cheaper Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit’s plastic clip is harder to align. I couldn’t get it to overlap my iPhone 16 Pro’s main camera due to that model’s three-lens configuration.

Fortunately, Apple had also lent me an iPhone 16 with a two-lens layout, so I was able to use the Apexel spring clip to get its stacked wide-angle and macro lens to overlap the iPhone 16’s main lens and start my test shoot. I thought this would be a quick and easy gadget to test (compared to a gimbal with mechanical parts), but it turned out to be more of a challenge than I expected.

Apexel 2-in-1 Clip-on Lens: Performance

I took the Apexel Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit to London for my first test shoot. I figured that the city’s architecture would be a fitting subject for testing the wide-angle component of the kit. However, after clipping the lenses onto my iPhone 16 and starting to snap some test shots, I noticed that the black edge of the wide-angle lens hood appeared around the border of the frame, despite my iPhone 16’s camera being placed directly in the centre of the lens. These heavily vignetted edges would need a fair bit of cropping to get a clean composition. If I tried to slide the clip to minimise the presence of the lens, then the edges of the frame became blurred. I figured that the wide-angle component of the 2-in-1 kit was going to lose it a couple of stars!

On my second test shoot in Scotland, I made a couple of important discoveries that improved the results captured by the Apexel wide-angle lens. When the kit was clipped to my iPhone 16, the third-party Apexel lens was slanted at a slight angle to my iPhone’s lens (due to the way the iPhone’s two lenses extrude from the body of the phone). Perhaps this was causing the heavy vignetting!?

I realised that I needed to create a wider gap between the kit’s rubber clip and my smartphone’s lens. By placing a thin lozenge-shaped sweet (a Fisherman’s Friend) between the edge of the Apexel’s plastic clip and the body of my iPhone 16, I was able to get the Apexel’s lens running perfectly parallel with my iPhone’s lens.

This impromptu hack dramatically reduced the unwanted vignetting and gave me much better wide-angle shots of Scottish landmarks such as castles and viaducts (and it also rescued the kit from a low star rating). Another huge tip (which is actually in the tiny manual that ships with the kit) is to shoot stills in a 16:9 aspect ratio. This crops the shot and hides the vignetted edges (which are very noticeable if you shoot in 4:3).

The wide-angle shots captured by the iPhone’s native .5x camera are wider than those captured by the Apexel 0.45x super wide-angle lens, so owners of older smartphone models will find the wide-angle component of the Apexel lens more useful than those owning higher-spec smartphones.

However, the Apexel wide-angle lens has more character. The iPhone counteracts the distortion captured by its own wide-angle lens, whereas with the Apexel lens, vertical lines in architecture shots barrel more dramatically, especially towards the edge of the frame. This striking barreling is even more noticeable when panning or tilting the iPhone to capture a wide-angle video clip.

To explore the results of the macro component of the 2-in-1 kit, I needed to unscrew the ultra-wide-angle lens and pop it safely into the drawstring bag. I was then able to place the macro lens a few centimetres (between 3 - 6cm) from a subject to capture a macro shot. After unclipping the mount, I was able to compare the Apexel bokeh with the background blur produced by the iPhone’s Macro mode. I was impressed by the background bokeh captured by the Apexel Macro Lens. The iPhone’s Macro Mode had a less impressive bokeh, with background objects looking sharper compared to the smoother and more abstract bokeh, but captured by the Apexel lens.

Apexel 2-in-1 Clip-on Lens: Verdict

Given the affordable price of this kit, it should appeal to smartphone photographers and videographers, even if their device can capture a wider field of view than the Apexel kit’s wide-angle lens. Using the Apexel kit’s wide-angle component, the vertical edges of architectural subjects barrel dramatically towards the edge of the frame, adding a retro cinematic look that’s ‘ironed out’ when using a smartphone’s native wide-angle lens. The barrel distortion produced by the Apexel wide-angle lens adds character to your footage. It may also enable owners of older smartphones to capture a wider field of view than those who have the latest iPhone model. It’s just a shame that in the case of the iPhone 16, I had to devise a way to get the Apexel wide-angle lens to run more parallel to the edge of my iPhone’s lens to reduce distortion and hide the presence of the lens hood at the edge of the frame. A thicker rubber pad on the edge of the clip would solve this design problem (and save me from wasting a Fisherman’s Friend each time I wanted to capture a wide-angle clip!)

The built-in 12.5x macro lens, on the other hand, is the surprise star of the Apexel 2-in-1 kit. The background blur captured by my iPhone 16’s x0.5 13mm lens was inferior to the bokeh captured via the Apexel lens. With the iPhone, I could still see detail in objects behind my subject, whereas when using the Apexel lens, the bokeh was far more blurred, leading to pleasing abstract colours and textures. Check out the supporting video to see an example.

Alternatives

Trends driven in part by social media towards retro cameras have made vintage-inspired cameras harder to find – but an upcoming modular smartphone case could soon give the iPhone that coveted look. While phone cases that look like old cameras aren’t difficult to find, the China-based brand Fotorgear is crafting a case that not only makes an iPhone look like a retro camera but function like one too.

The Fotorgear Retro Photography Kit is a case designed for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a version for older iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max cameras in the works. The case takes inspiration from the vintage aesthetic and wraps the smartphone in a metal-textured frame with a leather-like wrap.

But, what makes the Fotorgear Retro Photography Kit unusual is that it’s actually a modular kit that adds physical controls to the smartphone – in other words, it’s not just for looks. The base kit will give the iPhone that old-school look, but users can also slide in another grip to the bottom to give the thin iPhone a more camera-like grip.

At the top of the case, the kit can also add what the company is calling the Retro Bar, which adds physical camera controls. The bar communicates with the iPhone through Bluetooth, enabling the case to add two knobs, a physical shutter, a zoom toggle and a cold shoe slot.

Using the FotorGear Camera App, those physical controls can be customized to control different camera settings including exposure compensation and switching digital color filters.

The case’s enclosure around the iPhone camera is built with magnets, making the case compatible with FotorGear’s square filters or with 67mm circular filters using a magnetic adapter. The case is also compatible with the brand’s T-mount lenses, to add external optics, and also looks to be compatible with a magnetic ring stand.

I tried out camera-like smartphone cases several years ago as the industry shifted away from point-and-shoots and towards smartphone cameras. I wasn’t impressed with the early models at the time – beyond the Bluetooth connection introducing lag, they just didn’t feel like a camera. A case can change some of how a smartphone feels, but it isn’t going to completely change it into the feel of a dedicated camera.

The Fotorgear Retro Photography Kit hasn’t officially been launched yet, but I’m intrigued by the mix of physical controls, filter compatibility, and that retro look. I personally don’t look at the case and want to replace a compact camera, as I think there’s something to the separation between a smartphone and a real camera to record memories without distractions.

But could a case elevate those snapshots I grab with my iPhone when I can’t reach for a dedicated camera? Could a retro case be the next best thing to those pricey retro compact cameras? Without actually feeling the case's ergonomics and trying out those Bluetooth-connected controls, it’s hard to say. But the announcement has at the very least piqued my interest.

The company expects pre-orders of the FotorGear Retro Photography kit for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to begin shipping March 18. The kit lists for $249 (approximately £193 / AU$394) with a pre-order discount bringing the price down to $199 (£154 / AU$315.

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ShiftCam in partnership with a media production company called Tusk, has introduced the CINEMA // Series, a mobile lens and filter system designed to elevate smartphone filmmaking. This system offers seven attachable lenses and eight cinematic filters, enabling filmmakers and content creators to capture high-quality footage with their iPhones with a cinematic feel. The Cinema Series is positioned as an affordable alternative to traditional cinema gear, in a compact package for the device that is likely already in your pocket.

If you don’t know ShiftCam, it has been making mobile accessories for the past several years with a focus on snap-on lenses for iPhone including its most recent LensUltra Series – which we were pretty impressed with when we tested them.

Unlike the LensUltra series which is aimed at more general photography and videography on an iPhone, the new Cinema Series is aimed exclusively at creating cinematic video on the Netflix-approved iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

But, honestly, the new Cinema series and LensUltra series look a little too similar to me – with both kits having the exact same makeup of lenses with very similar specs and compatibility with magnetic snap-on filters. The proof will really be in the pudding of whether these lenses can actually render more “cinematically” or if this is a redesign of the LensUltra kit – I hope to be able to put them through their paces soon.

The filter set includes a circular polarizer (CPL) to reduce glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces, a black mist 1/2 filter to soften highlights and reduce digital sharpness, two variable neutral density (VND) filters (1-5 stops and 6-9 stops), which allow adjustable light reduction, as well as neutral density (ND) filters in ND64, ND128, and ND512 strengths.

The Cinema series lenses are crafted with fluorite crystal optics and multi-layer coatings for clarity, color accuracy, and reduced distortion. The collection includes a 16mm wide angle lens, an 8mm 200º fisheye lens, a 25mm 10x macro lens for extreme close-ups, a 60mm telephoto lens, and a 75mm telemacro lens, as well as two 18mm 1.33x and 15mm 1.55x anamorphic lenses.

The Cinema Series is being launched on Kickstarter today, with the full set available for $1,949, which yes, is very expensive – but a lot cheaper than even one proper cine lens.

NOTE: As a word of caution when backing any project on Kickstarter, there is a chance you won’t ever receive the product, and there are no refunds for canceled projects. However, as an established brand (and a product that seems to already be developed and produced) you can have some confidence in the Cinema Series landing on your front porch when the funding period ends.

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For more lens options for your iPhone check out our guide for the best lenses for iPhone and Android.

Founded in 2011, Apexel are an award-winning company who cater for the needs of the ever-growing smartphone market by offering a wide range of lenses. I’d already been impressed with Apexel's PhoneMicro5 Smartphone Microscope Kit with its ability to capture detail at a macro and microscopic level.

As a keen smartphone photographer I enjoy using the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x (120 mm) optical zoom, as this enables me to capture candid street portraits of distant subjects without distracting them. In theory, I can dial past the 5x optical range to get a closer view of my subject with a digital zoom. However I never zoom digitally, as this can lead to a fuzzy-looking picture (though on the iPhone 16 Pro the digitally zoomed results are surprisingly good). I was therefore excited to get hold of an Apexel lens kit that promised to capture distant subjects more clearly with an impressive 36x telephoto range. 

Moment is another company who produce add-on lenses for smartphones, but to attach these lenses your phone needs to reside in a dedicated Moment case with a built-in lens adaptor. If you upgrade your phone you’ll need to buy a new Moment case to continue using your lenses. 

Apexel, on the other hand, favors a universal spring and clip mount that should fit most smartphones. Each Apexel lens can be screwed onto a thread on the clip mount. This means you can easily use an Apexel lens with any smartphone and the  Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens screwed securely to my chunky iPhone 16 Plus via its mount. I decided to use the iPhone 16 Plus to test the Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens because at 2x (52mm) it lacked the  5x (120mm) optical zoom range of my iPhone 16 Pro, so the 16 Plus needed more assistance to capture distant subjects.

Specifications

Pricing

The recommended retail price for the Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens Kit is £64.00, though I found it on the Amazon Store for less at £58.99/$69.99. It wasn’t available in the Australian Amazon Store at the time of writing my review - but can be bought direct from Apexel for $AU106.

I think that the price is very reasonable considering the extra range of subjects that become available thanks to the 36x optical zoom. Given its relatively cheap price the lens has a solid metal build with glass rather than plastic lenses, plus you get all the accessories you need to shoot sharp shots and stable clips. There are some noticeable blue fringes of chromatic aberration in high contrasting areas which cheaper lenses can suffer from. But this is a cheap (but reasonably priced) lens that will expand your abilities to shoot new subjects with your smartphone.

Design and handling

The star of the Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens Kit is of course the telephoto lens itself. The main body is constructed of a reassuringly solid black aluminum, with an ABS plastic focus ring at the tip. There’s also a lens hood at the tip to prevent the sun’s glare from spoiling your shots and a lens cap to protect the glass component when the kit is in transit. 

I wondered if the lens hood could be removed, but it turns out that it when you unscrew it, the lens and focus slider become exposed. I discovered that the exposed telescopic focus mechanism was greased to help you pull focus smoothly. However after screwing the detached hood unit back onto the lens I found that the focus operation was stiffer to perform. So I highly recommend that you don’t unscrew the front of the unit. Fortunately I’d done all my testing before I started taking things apart for this design and handling section! 

At the rear of the lens is a small screw thread designed to attach the lens to the supplied universal phone clamp. When the lens is not attached to a smartphone there’s a small plastic cap to protect the glass element at the rear of the lens. It’s such a small cap that I’d be scared of losing it when it’s detached, but it could be stored safely in the supplied fabric lens carry case that ships with the Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens Kit.

The universal phone clamp’s springs enable you to mount any smartphone into it. A slider on the mount needs to be positioned so that the clamp’s screw-threaded hole overlaps your smartphone’s main camera. You can then screw the telephoto lens into the mount and enjoy a 36x optical zoom in your phone’s Camera app.

When you look through the zoom lens the slightest movements are greatly  exaggerated, so you’re in danger of capturing blurred stills if shooting handheld. For this reason the Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens Kit ships with a mini tripod. The tripod is made of a sturdy black aluminium alloy but it has a limited range of height adjustment. 

Oh, one last thing. The kit also ships with a rubber eye-piece that you can pop onto the rear of the lens. This enables you to use it as a monocular to get a closer look at distant subjects with the naked eye. However, I found that the field of view was very narrow when using the telephoto lens as a monocular.

Performance

Above: sample video showing the Apexel 36x in action on a model shoot, and filming birds and squirrel  in my backyard

I’ve enjoyed watching wildlife in my back garden for years but thanks to the telephoto capabilities of the 36x Apexel lens I was able to capture good quality stills and clips of them for the first time, though I did have to climb a slight of a learning curve before I could get good results. The supplied mini tripod is essential to keep the lens steady and the slightest wobble can add shake-induced blur. For example when shooting video with the iPhone 16 Pro you can also tap an icon to capture an additional photo. Each time I did this I could see the camera ‘bump’ slightly in the video clip, which spoiled the footage.

Before capturing shots of birds at a feeder suspended in a tree I needed to set up the tripod. At only 27.5 cm at maximum height the mini tripod had to be placed on a kitchen table to get a good view of the bird feeder. The next challenge was to get the birds in focus. Due to the extreme 36x zoom there’s a very narrow band of focus, but I was able to turn the focus ring until the image looked sharp on my iPhone 16 Plus’s display. This narrow band of focus added an impressively soft and abstract bokeh to the background trees.  

I started off filming the birds using the iPhone’s 1x (26mm) optical zoom (magnified 36 times by the Apexel lens). This gave me a sharp shot of the feeding birds. I then tapped on the iPhone’s  2x (52mm) option for an even closer look at my feathered friends. This captured slightly softer looking footage (even when tweaking the focus) and blue chromatic aberration fringes in high contrast areas were more noticeable.)

When shooting video with the Apexel 36x telephoto lens I enjoyed using the iPhone 16 Plus’s Slo-Mo mode, especially when birds flew in and out of shot. See my supporting video. I then turned my lens on the distant tree line in an attempt to capture a squirrel. I could see the squirrels with my naked eye jumping from branch to branch but the 36x zoom gave me such a narrow field of view that it was impossible to target them, especially when trying to adjust the iPhone’s angle of tilt using the tripod’s limited ball-joint head movements. I then decided to frame a particular section of branches, shoot in Slo-Mo and was (eventually) lucky enough to capture a squirrel entering and leaving the frame.  

I then headed to the city to test the Apexel 36x telephoto lens with a human subject in an urban environment. After aligning the spring clip mount with the iPhone’s main camera I found it a bit of a fiddle to screw the long telephoto lens into the mount’s small threaded hole. To attach the telephoto lens (and attached iPhone) to the tripod you need to slide the supplied plastic O ring along the barrel of the lens. The O ring has a tiny thread that you can screw the tripod into. You can rotate the telephoto’s barrel in the O ring so that your smartphone is at a portrait or landscape orientation but initially I found that the ring would slip (especially when the phone was rotated to a horizontal/landscape position.)  However I found that by rotating the tripod’s thread it added pressure to the O ring (making it grip the telephoto lens barrel more strongly). My iPhone would then stay nice and level on the tripod and no longer slip.

London’s Barbican centre has impressively long stone walk ways so I placed Maddy my model at one end of a concrete corridor and popped the tripod mounted Apexel telephoto lens on a waist height barrier.  Maddy was a dot on the horizon to my naked eye but she filled the iPhone’s frame when using the 1x camera and the Apexel 36x telephoto lens (see video). 

As the lens produces such a shallow depth of field it was a challenge to get her staying sharp, especially when she started walking towards camera. When using the 2x (52mm) iPhone camera alongside the 36x telephoto I got a more cinematic look, with close and far objects appearing compressed together. I was also able to capture a mid-shot of Maddy at the far end of the corridor and the background bokeh was even stronger. However the high contrasting edges of her black leather coat and the lighter blurred bokeh created noticeable blue fringes of chromatic aberration, where the elements in the lens failed to focus various wavelengths of light effectively on the camera sensor. This is a sign of cheaper lens but at £58.99/$69.99 this is a cheap lens, so I can’t really complain about a little fringing! 

Verdict

The Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens Kit opens up a wide range of new subjects to the smartphone user, making it a useful purchase for nature photographers and videographers. Budding paparazzi ‘togs might find it useful though it should be a challenge to get your subject in shot using such a tight zoom. 

Personally I preferred using the Apexel 36X Telephoto Lens to shoot video as I could tap the shutter button and leave the camera untouched during a recording. When tapping to snap a still there’s a danger of capturing shake-induced motion blur as any movement is greatly exaggerated in a 36x telephoto image and the mini tripod isn’t heavy enough to negate this. For a small price increase you can buy a version of the kit that includes a camera remote trigger and this would be a sensible purchase if you plan to shoot more stills than clips. 

As well as capturing clips and stills of wildlife I enjoyed shooting my model with the Apexel telephoto lens in an urban environment, especially when the lens compressed foreground, mid-ground and background elements to create a more cinematic look. However I did struggle to get a sharp focus on my distant model and she began to blur when walking towards the camera due to the extremely shallow depth of field. The lens is also prone to capturing chromatic aberration around contrasting areas (such as dark branches against a bright sky), but this is not surprising given its affordable price and as they say, you get what you pay for - and this kit is still worth paying for despite its limitations.

Alternatives

With the iPhone 16 Pro, the smartphone finally got the Max-level zoom lens – and now smartphone photographers have a slimmer photo case option too. Announced on March 4, the PolarPro LightChaser Pro 16 Slim brings a wide range of add-on lenses and filters in a slimmer, lighter design. The case is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including a gold kist filter for a retro film look, neutral density filters, and specific effects lenses.

Like the LightChaser Pro case, the LightChaser Slim outfits the iPhone with a range of accessories using the Slide Lock Mount. The design allows mobile photographers to quickly swap out different lenses and filters.

But, unlike the original case, the Slim offers that compatibility with less bulk. Part of that slimmer design skips the grip and Defender lens cap to protect the iPhone’s cameras that the original case has, but both can be added back in with accessories.

The new Slim case, which will be available for both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will support several add-on photo accessories. That list includes a selection of mist filters, including the Gold Mist designed to mimic the look of Kodak Gold film, as well as the Black Mist filter. Both mist filters add an atmospheric effect and soften and spread out light sources.

The Slim case can also place PolarPro’s special effects or FX lenses. The catalog of FX filters include optics that warp and bend, as well as adding prism effects to smartphone photography.

The new LightChaser Slim case and accessories are available beginning today from PolarPro. The case retails for $49.99 (approximately £39.40 and AU$80.54). Filters start at $49.99 while lenses are $69.99 (about £55.17 / AU$ 112.41).

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If you have ever dreamed of owning a Leica camera and can’t quite afford their premium prices, or perhaps you are just a Leica obsessive who looks on non-Leica color science with disdain – you can now get as close as possible to a full Leica camera experience on your iPhone with Leica’s brand new Leica Lux Grip and Leica Lux app.

The newly announced magnetic grip attachment snaps to the back of an iPhone using Apple’s built-in MagSafe magnetic array and connects to the phone via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pairing. The grip looks to be designed and built to Leica’s usual premium high-quality standards and is made from metal – although thankfully aluminum and not brass like a Leica M11 – and weighs just 130 grams.

The grip features a two-stage shutter release, with a half press activating the focus and a full press taking the image. There are also two custom buttons – although by default one will switch between shooting modes, and the other can be used to access frequently used settings – you can change these using the Leica Lux app. Finally, there is a control dial on the front of the grip for flicking between settings like zoom, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.

The Leica Lux Grip works in tandem with the Leica Lux app, which is available right now for free on the iOS App Store, (sorry Android users, but this is not for you), and doesn't actually require the Lux Grip to use.

Not to be confused with Leica Fotos, which is used for transferring images from Leica cameras – the Leica Lux app was released last year as a pro camera app for capturing images with classic Leica Looks directly from the iPhone cameras. The app can also mimic the style of certain Leica lenses as well as get in-depth with manual capture controls.

Unfortunately, some of the best looks in the Leica Lux app are locked behind a paywall, but buying the Leica Lux Grip grants one year of Lux Pro (usually $69.99/year or $6.99/month) which unlocks all of Leica Lux’s Looks and lenses.

This is not the first iPhone camera grip from Leica, with its Fjorden sub-brand previously releasing another much more discrete MagSafe compatible control grip – although interestingly, this time around, Leica has decided to brand this new grip with its own name.

The Leica Lux Grip is available immediately from Leica stores and will cost $329 / £260 – and the Leica Lux app can be downloaded right now from Apple’s App Store for iOS (or iPadOS).

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As a smartphone video maker, you may be satisfied with your device’s built-in stabilizer, so a gimbal won’t be on your ‘must purchase’ radar. However, a gimbal does enable you to greatly expand your shooting options, especially if you need your smartphone to pan and tilt to follow you as you walk and talk. Check out my opinion piece on the pros of adding a gimbal to your smartphone kit bag.

Insta360 designs and manufactures a wide range of action cameras. As the ‘360’ in the company name suggests, many of their action cameras – such as the Insta 360 X4 – capture a 360º field of view in photos and video clips. The company also gives GoPro and DJI a run for their money in the shape of a wide range of action cameras, including the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 (which can shoot up to 8K).

Insta360 also produces light and portable gimbals for the smartphone market, and here we’re testing their latest model – the Flow Pro 2. Released in January 2025, the Insta360 Flow Pro 2 is an upgraded version of the Flow Pro (which was released in March 2023). Two years is a lot of time in ‘gimbal years’ so we’d expect to see a range of design improvements and extra features in the Flow Pro 2.

As a portable and compact gimbal designed for smartphone users, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro compares to the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. Both have a plastic body, a magnetic quick-release clamp to attach your smartphone to the gimbal, and AI tracking to help the gimbal keep you in the frame. Both the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro also enable you to remote control your gimbal via an Apple Watch, though this method’s control options are fairly limited as we’ll explain later.

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro: Specifications

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro: Price

The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro launched with a price of $159.99 / £149.99 / AU$239.99, but this lacks the accessories shipped with the more expensive Creator Bundle at $189.99 / £169.99 / AU$289.99 (which is the version that we tested in this review).

The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is widely available to buy, though we couldn’t see the Creator Bundle for sale on the Australian Amazon Store. Fortunately, the Standard Bundle was available there.

You can also purchase the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro from the Insta360 site (and compare the different bundles with ease). The Standard Bundle Insta360 Flow 2 Pro compares in spec and performance with the DJI Osmo Mobile 6, though the latter device is a little cheaper at a list price of $139 / £145 / AU$204. Check out out Alternatives section for more on the DJI Osmo 6.

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro: Design & Handling

On first unboxing the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro it strongly reminded me of the DJI Osmo range of smartphone gimbals, such as the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. Both the Osmo Mobile 6 and the Flow 2 have white/light grey plastic bodies that are folded for compact transport (though you can buy a darker Slate Grey Osmo too). Both unfold to release the gimbal arm and both have a magnetic spring clamp that enables you to connect your smartphone to the gimbal with a click.

A key difference (and improvement) in design can be found in the Flow 2 Pro’s tripod. The Osmo range ship with a mini tripod that you have to attach to the gimbal’s base via a screw thread. This enables the gimbal to stand on its own while you talk hands-free to your gimbal-mounted smartphone.

Like the Hohem iSteady V3, the Flow 2 Pro has a tripod built into its shaft. You simply need to pull the legs out and spread them, which enables you to set the gimbal to tripod mode more quickly than by screwing on a separate tripod (like your do with the DJI Osmo range). While the Hohem iSteady V3’s built-in legs are spindly wire supports, the Flow 2 Pro’s built-in tripod legs are sturdier and wider in shape, offering more stability when using the gimbal in tripod deployment.

Another key design feature is the Flow 2 Pro’s ability to pan your iPhone through 360º - and then keep panning to track a subject. Older gimbals (such as the DJI Osmo 5) lacked this continuous rotation feature.

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro: Performance

To test the Flow 2 Pro I took it for a sightseeing trip to London. I kept the supplied spring clip attached to my iPhone 16 Pro throughout the day so I could quickly whip out the gimbal, unfold it, and magnetically attach the iPhone to it in seconds. The gimbal made the iPhone very comfortable to carry and the control dial’s buttons enabled me to select modes to alter the way the gimbal behaved (such as activating FPV mode so that the iPhone would tilt, and follow my hand and wrist movements - see my video for examples).

I also enjoyed triple-tapping the Flow 2 Pro’s trigger to smoothly rotate the iPhone through 180 degrees so I could start by filming a selfie and then swap to my point of view in a continuous take. This is perfect for travel bloggers who want to feature themselves while exploring a location. A small wide-angle mirror on the front of the gimbal is designed to help you keep your face in the frame when filming a selfie, though in practice I found that my face was sometimes offset instead of appearing in the center of the frame.

The free Insta360 smartphone app provides many useful ways to maximize the results produced by the Flow 2 Pro - such as generating impressive 360º panoramic photos that you can animate to create eye-catching content on your social media feed. Alternatively, you may want to use the Flow Pro 2 while filming via your smartphone’s native camera app so that the gimbal-sourced footage matches other footage that you’ve shot. For example, when shooting with an iPhone you may want to add a background bokeh to your subject using Cinematic mode - a mode that’s not available when shooting using the Insta360 app. Fortunately the Flow 2 Pro supports your iPhone’s Apple Dock Kit feature. This enables your iPhone to enjoy the AI-tracking features of a third-party device such as the Flow 2 Pro, so you can use your gimbal-mounted iPhone to record in Cinematic mode while the Flow 2 Pro will AI-track your every move.

On my test shoot, I set the Insta360 app to Timeshift mode. This captures a moving timelapse sequence (or hyperlapse) that looks very striking and dynamic. Check out my supporting video to see me whizz through a tunnel at high speed. The app also enables you to capture and stitch 360º panoramas that you can animate and share. I found this feature rather fun and impressive.

After extending the built-in tripod legs I was impressed at how effective Flow Pro 2’s AI tracking was. It panned and followed me smoothly through more than 360º as I walked and talked on location. Having received an Apple Series 10 Watch for my birthday I was excited to try it out as a remote control for the Flow 2 Pro. I was able to start recording with a tap on my watch's screen and I could also activate AI tracking. I could also swipe the watch’s screen to fine-tune the angle of tilt or pan it slightly, though this was more of a fiddly technique that required multiple swipes. In practice I got better and quicker results by turning on Gesture control in the Insta360 app, making my Apple watch superfluous. I could get the Flow Pro 2 to track me and start/stop recording by simply raising my hand and spreading my fingers.

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro: Verdict

I thoroughly enjoyed testing the Insta360 Flow Pro 2. The gimbal and attached iPhone 16 Pro took up so little space that I could film with them while gliding through crowds of people in the London Underground as if I were invisible! I doubt I’d be able to do that while carrying a larger gimbal supporting a DSLR! If you’re a travel vlogger then the Insta360 Flow Pro 2 is perfect for capturing smooth pans, tilts (and even creative barrel rolls) while you walk through a scenic location.

Thanks to its sturdy (and built-in) mini tripod legs you can rest the Flow Pro 2 on a surface and quickly present to camera hand-free while it tracks you through 360º. There’s plenty of space between the iPhone’s USB-C port and the gimbal’s arm so you can attach a small wireless receiver (such as the Boya Mini I was using) to your gimbal-mounted iPhone and capture high-quality sound from a distance.

Small gimbals can be rather limited when recording very low-angle camera moves. Fortunately, you can stretch out the Flow Pro 2’s built-in selfie stick and physically rotate its hinge to go to ‘Free Tilt’ mode. This physical operation can be a bit fiddly to master but it does enable you to make the gimbal flow close to the ground and then crane up high while keeping the horizon level.

The supporting Insta360 app does offer a host of ways to produce eye-catching social media content via the Flow 2 Pro and it also tells you which mode you’re shooting in (such as PF or FPV). It can be harder to discern the selected gimbal mode when shooting in your native Camera app as there’s no built-in screen on the gimbal itself. If you do need to suddenly switch from shooting horizontally to vertically (to capture an Instagram reel for example) then you can do so with two taps of a button, which makes the compact and lightweight Flow Pro 2 the perfect accessory for solo shooters who like to work fast (while keeping a low profile). If you’ve yet to buy a smartphone gimbal then I can certainly recommend that you go with the Flow 2 Pro.

Alternatives

One of the biggest advantages of using a mirrorless camera over a smartphone is access to a range of impressive telephoto zoom lenses – but a Hong Kong company is aiming to give smartphones a massive 20x to 60x zoom with an add-on lens. The Apexel 20-60x is an add-on zoom lens that gives smartphones up to a 60x zoom, but it needs manual focusing.

Smartphone add-on lenses aren’t uncommon, but the Apexel 20-60x is large enough that it looks more like the zoom lens used on a DSLR or mirrorless camera. The lens uses 13 elements in ten groups in order to give smartphones a 1440mm equivalent reach. That’s a pretty impressive range to give to a smartphone.

However, the large reach isn’t the only thing about the Apexel 20-60x that’s giving off real telephoto lens vibes. The lens includes both a zoom ring and a focus ring. Most smartphone add-on lenses still use the smartphone’s autofocus. But a 20-60x zoom isn’t a normal smartphone add-on lens. The more telephoto reach you give a lens, the more that optic will exaggerate background blur. That manual focus ring is likely a must to get the shot in focus.

The lens also incorporates a screw-on filter design at the front, which means photographers can add 58mm filters to the lens, such as circular polarizing filters or star filters.

Apexel says that the lens also doubles as a monocular. That makes sense, as I know a lot of birders who aren’t photographers will place their smartphone lens up to their binoculars to take a photo of a bird they saw (with rather poor results, however).

Apexel claims that the lens has less than four percent distortion, which is impressive for a typical smartphone add-on lens and not just one that offers a massive 60x zoom. Smartphone lenses are simply lenses over another lens, so they tend to suffer from some distortion. Another impressive claim is that the lens allows in 99.5% of light, so the lens isn’t cutting back too much of the light that’s coming in.

The Apexel 20-60x is launching on Kickstarter. But, it’s not just the crowdfunding platform that’s giving me pause, besides the manual focusing. The add-on lens is being sold as a bundle with a tripod – and I suspect a tripod is nearly required to get a decent image from a 60x add-on lens attached to the front of a smartphone. The company says it can be used handheld, but a 60x lens without stabilization will likely show dramatic improvement when used with a tripod rather than handheld. Using a tripod negates a bit of the smartphone’s best feature: portability.

We loved the recent Apexel PhoneMicro5 smartphone microscope kit, but were less impressed with the brand’s earlier 200x microscope lens – it’s hard to judge a lens based on specs alone. The image samples the company is sharing on the Kickstarter page look a bit crunchy or overprocessed, while others seem too soft.

The Apexel 20-60x is launching on Kickstarter, with an estimated ship date of May 2025. The expected list price is $300 (roughly £240 / AU$477), with those willing to take the early Kickstarter risk getting as much as 47% off. The campaign has already exceeded $40,000 USD (about £32,00 / AU$23,720), more than ten times the original goal.

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Browse the best telephoto lenses (for real cameras) or the best smartphone lenses.

As an iPhone photographer I enjoy the using the Apple Camera apps’s Macro option to capture close-ups of a wide range of subjects. Regardless of which lens I choose my iPhone will automatically switch to the .5x 13mm Ultra Wide Camera if it detects that my subject is in close proximity to the iPhone. A flower-shaped icon appears,  indicating that the iPhone is now shooting in Macro mode on the Ultra Wide lens. This enables me to capture effective macro shots of textures, creatures or products. However on my iPhone 16 Plus the .5x Ultra Wide Camera is only 12 MP whereas the main 1x Camera captures a 24 MP picture. So when shooting in Macro mode I can only capture a smaller 12 MP picture on my iPhone 16 Plus. 

Another challenge that smartphone users face when shooting macro pictures is getting close enough to their subject without casting the device’s shadow on the subject. The Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit overcomes the shadow problem by using a tiny LED ring light to illuminate your subject - even if the smartphone’s lens is placed directly against a surface such as a piece of paper or the back of your hand. 

The PhoneMicro 5 Kit also lets you magnify your subject more powerfully than you can with a smartphone’s lens by offering three microscope strength lenses that range between 100x, 150x and 200x magnification. Although most of the components of the Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit are constructed of plastic, its lenses are glass and enable it to capture more clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness than iPhone and Android models. Until this review I’d not encountered an Apexel smartphone lens product but like the company Moment with its T-Series of lenses, Apexel produce a wide range of lenses that expand your smartphone’s shooting capabilities. Whereas Moment only offer a 10x Macro lens, Apexel push the boundaries from macro to micro by offering up to 200x magnification. 

Another key difference between Moment and Apexel is the way the lenses are attached to your smartphone. With Moment you need to buy a smartphone specific case so that you can attach a Moment lens to the case’s mounting connector.  This means that if you change your phone model you’ll need to purchase a new case. With Apexel lens kits such as the PhoneMicro 5 you can attach them via a spring-mount so they will fit most smartphone models. I was able to easily attach the PhoneMicro 5 to both  an iPhone 16 Pro and a chunkier iPhone 16 Plus for this review.

Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit: Specifications

Lenses: 100x, 150x and 200x. Equipped with CPL Polariser.

LED: 3 brightness levels, warm and cool color temperature and UV Light.

Battery life: 5.5 hours

USB: Type C

Phone compatibility: Universal

Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit: Price and availability

You can pick up the Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit for $99 from Amazon in the US, and from Amazon in the UK for £79.99

The Apexel PhoneMicro 5  3-in-1 kit ships with the 100x, 150x and 200x microscopes but to save cash you can buy the microscope modules (with a quick-mount smartphone stretch clip) separately. If I had to pick just one microscope I’d go for the 200x version as this dramatically increases the detail in macro/micro photos. The 150x microscope is only $5 cheaper so you may as well pay a little extra to see a lot more macro/micro detail! Mind you I also like the bokeh produced by the 100x lens when shooting products/toys so buying the lenses as a 3-in-1 bundle gives you the lot for around half the price of buying them individually.

Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit: Design & Handling

The Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit ships in a compact branded card box that slides open to reveal a black foam insert that safely stores a quick-mount smartphone stretch clip and three oval-shaped quick-mount microscopes.  There’s also a canvas bag in which you can transport the box’s contents when you’re out on a shoot.  The quick-mount stretch clip has a spring that you need to pull to extend the mount to fit the width of your smartphone. I attached it to my iPhone 16 Plus which is a rather wide device. However the springed clip had no trouble stretching far enough to clamp the microscope mount to my iPhone. 

Once the spring-mounted stretch clip has been firmly clamped to your smartphone you simply clip one of the three black plastic microscope modules into the mount. You can unlock the mount’s textured screw head and then slide the attached microscope module left or right until it is directly above your smartphone’s main camera and then twist the screw head to secure the microscope’s lens in place. 

The three microscope modules are identical in size and they can quickly and easily be snapped into place on the spring mount. They range in magnification power as indicated by a label on each microscope - from 100x through 150x to 200x magnification. At the top right of each microscope module is an on switch that activates the circular LED light that surrounds the microscope’s lens. Directly below the on switch is another switch that toggles the LED between 12 different lighting modes such as a warm or cool colour temperature (as well as focusing light on the left or right half of the attached microscope’s lens.) The LED can be set to UV to bring out striking detail in textures such as the veins of a leaf. In addition there’s a handy lens wipe that you can use to make sure that the three microscope module lenses are free from dust or finger-prints (which can happen when you clip a microscope module onto the spring mount.)

Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit: Performance

When I attached the clip-mounted microscope to my iPhone 16 Plus I noticed that the mount was at a slight angle. This was due to the fact that my iPhone 16 Plus’s lenses stick out by a few millimetres from the rest of the iPhone’s body.  This raised a concern that the clip-on microscope module would be tilted at an angle instead of running parallel with my iPhone’s main camera lens. Fortunately I was able to slide the spring’s right-hand clamp forward by a few millimetres so that the PhoneMicro 5 Kit’s microscope lens was no longer tilted at a slight angle as it overlapped my iPhone’s main camera.  

To help solve this alignment issue the PhoneMicro 5 Kit ships with a collection of small rubber strips (EVA Pads). You can stick these self-adhesive padded onto the rear of the spring-mount so that it can be aligned more effectively against the body of your smartphone. If the PhoneMicro 5 Kit’s microscope lens isn’t perfectly placed directly over your smartphone’s main camera then you might get vignetted edges in the resulting photos, or a varying range of focus. Fortunately it’s a quick and easy operation to move the spring mount up or down and unlock its screw thread to slide the mount left or right until its perfectly aligned with your smartphone’s lens. You can then clip on the microscope module of your choice and you’ll capture vignette-free pictures at 100x, 150x or 200x magnification. I found it very easy to clip a microscope into the spring-mount and then press two opposing springed switches to remove and replace one microscope with a another.

One issue I was initially concerned about was the possibility that the left-hand plastic clamp on the spring-mount would trigger my camera accidentally as it pressed against the iPhone’s side buttons. Although the spring overlapped the camera button it didn’t trigger it, so I could manually snap a shot using my iPhone 16’s Camera Control button which remained unobscured by the spring-mount. I could also trigger a shot by tapping the onscreen shutter button in the Camera app. 

Once I’d got the hang of aligning the spring-mount over my iPhone’s lens and attaching/detaching the three different microscope modules I enjoyed discovering microscopic photo opportunities afforded by the PhoneMicro 5. I started by snapping a macro shot of a Spaniel’s fur using the iPhone 16 Plus’s Macro mode, and then switched to using the 200x microscope. The iPhone’s Macro mode captured an unevenly lit shot of the dog’s hairs (due to shadow caused by the iPhone’s closed proximity to the pup.)  The focus of the shot was uneven too due to the angle at which the phone was held. The PhoneMicro 5’s 200x reach captured much closer and larger strands of hair and particles of doggy dandruff were much more noticeable. 

Once I started exploring the microverse I began to get inspired creatively. By viewing the PhoneMicro 5’s instruction sheet at 200x magnification I was able to capture the very fibres that the paper was constructed of, which I used to add a creative weathered texture to a portrait in Photoshop (see image above).  When shooting the skin on the back of my hand the resulting 200x image looked like a slab of meat in a butcher’s due to the microscopic textures that it captured. This prompted me to start moisturising! When switching to the UV light source at the tap of a button my hand’s skin then looked like the surface of an alien moon captured by a satellite. 

The 200x and 150x lenses need to be placed directly against the subject to get it in focus, so these are the most useful for capturing microscopic pictures to create textures or produce images for a science project. The third clip-on module is slightly different. This 100x lens is designed to focus on its subject from 10mm, so you could use it to shoot a microscope style shot of an insect such as an ant without squashing it. My hobby is toy photography, so the 100x lens enables me to capture details on my toys that I couldn’t easily see before. It also added a super soft bokeh to close-ups of toy character’s faces. I can see this particular lens also being useful for product photographers who need capture a close encounter with a product’s specific features.

Apexel PhoneMicro 5 Kit Verdict

The Macro mode on newer iPhone models is very effective, so do you need a third party macro lens? I think the Apexel PhoneMicro 5 3 in 1 MicroscopeKit does deserve a place in your kit bag because it’s quick and easy to attach to most smartphones and it makes it easier to get even closer to macro subjects thanks to its 200x microscope module. The three microscope modules’  built-in LEDs (with their 12 light settings) ensure a more evenly lit macro subject (and you avoid the frustration of trying to angle your smartphone to stop it casting a shadow when using the phone’s native Macro mode). The 100x lens is very effective at adding a soft bokeh to product and toy photos and it provides a safer way to shoot delicate subjects (such as insects) without harming them.  All in all this kit should act as a springboard to your creativity as you point your smartphone’s camera towards a new direction - into the microverse!

Alternatives

See our guide to the best lens attachments for iPhones and smartphones

Filmmaking accessories manufacturer TIlta has brought its Khronos Ecosystem to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This modular system features a protective case that not only safeguards the iPhone but is embedded with integrated circuitry to provide power and connectivity to a wide range of accessories, including handles, lights, microphones, and a whole lot more.

The iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max is one of the best iPhones for filmmaking, and the Khronos Ecosystem could well be one of the best iPhone rigs to aid the movie-making process. You can learn more about the Khronos Ecosystem in Tilta's swish YouTube video.

Dedicated controls enable you to achieve precise focus, zoom, and other camera adjustments, while camera pass-through retains full access to the iPhone 16 camera control functionality, including its capacitive camera control button.

The lightweight design shaves 15% off the weight compared with the previous generation for improved portability, and an anti-slip quick-release system ensures that setup and removal are effortless. The cases are now available in five colors, including new Forest Green, Orange, and Black options to complement the original Space Gray and Titanium White colors that were first available for the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max.

The Khronos case is available standalone, or as part of a Handheld Kit, which includes a Focus PD Handle, filter tray, and two neutral density filters. The Focus PD Handle is an ergonomic grip that contains a rechargeable battery and has a dial to control the phone's focus and zoom along with a record button.

There is also an Ultimate Kit, which includes everything in the Handheld Kit, plus a Daylight Mini LED Light, Cooling System, USB-C Hub, and additional Circular Wooden Handle for even greater handling flexibility.

Now more than ever people are creating content with their camera phones, and with an increased demand for quality aesthetics, lighting has just as much a part to play as a great camera – enter Godox.

Photography and lighting specialist Godox, known alternatively as Flashpoint or Wistro in other regions, has just announced the Godox MA5R, a pocket-sized tool that combines a full-color LED light with a magnetic wireless power bank. Designed for content creators on the go, it blends portability and versatility providing convenient access to professional lighting for capturing spontaneous moments.

The MA5R is incredibly lightweight and portable as it is intended to be used while magnetically attached to the rear of a camera phone. It boasts a profile just 13mm deep making it easy to carry around in a pocket, purse, or even on the phone.

This gadget has a split yet harmonious personality, with one side serving as a pocket 5W LED light that provides 220 minutes of continuous maximum output, and the other side, a magnetic wireless power bank.

The MA5R has some pretty impressive features squeezed into its tiny form factor. It has a bi-color and adjustable color temperature range of 1800K to 10000K which can cool or warm the scene. The MA5R also provides 'full-color versatility' which Godox states, "allows you to customize the lighting to fit your mood". In addition, it includes 14 pre-programmed special effects, popular among higher-end video production lights.

Another ingenious piece of design feature on this light is a separate selfie light, positioned on the opposite side of the main light. This enables users to horizontally turn the light on the magnet to present a small light on the side of the camera phone facilitating a fill light option for enhancing selfies and vlogging.

The power bank feature enables you to charge your phone when out and about, providing up to 220 minutes of extra power, which if you are creating content, can drain quicker than is ideal. The MA5R can also be controlled via the Godox light app, supporting both NFC and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Godox MA5R will be available in six vibrant color options – red, white, pink, green, black, and blue. Godox has not yet provided a release date for the light however it is more than likely to be coming in the early part of 2025, and is priced at just $49 (UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed).

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Belkin has announced a power bank with a difference: the Stage PowerGrip doubles as a DSLR-style ergonomic grip, complete with a shutter button to make taking photos on your phone a more natural experience. It certainly is an unusual design for a power bank, but could well join the ranks of the best iPhone camera grips.

The 'battery bump' provides a comfortable grip, as found on traditional DSLRs and interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras, while housing a 10,000mAh battery to keep your phone topped up. MagSafe-compatible 7.5W wireless charging provides power to your phone, and there are also USB-C ports for powering up any other devices while out and about. There's a retractable USB-C cord for recharging the device, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to bring the cable.

The shutter release button atop the bump connects to the phone via Bluetooth to make shooting with the iOS camera app easier and promises to offer a much more natural photo-taking experience than using the on-screen control or the fiddly volume buttons.

Announced at CES 2025, the device is available in various colorways to match popular iPhone color options, namely powder blue, sandbox, fresh yellow, pepper and lavender. An LED display shows how much battery charge is left in percentage terms. The Stage PowerGrip can also act as a phone stand. It is due to go on sale in May 2025, and pricing details are yet to be announced.

With the release of a new range of iPhones - in this instance four new iPhone 16 models - there’s the simultaneous release of a collection of third-party iPhone cases and cages. Neewer produces an impressively wide range of iPhone-compatible accessories - from teleprompters to LED lights, so it's no surprise that they provide iPhone 16 cages too.

The latest iPhones may have the toughest smartphone glass to date (according to Apple), but without a case or cage, they can be a bit slippery to hold due to their smooth glass and metal bodies (and I still cringe when I see the hairline cracks on my un-cased iPhone 14 Pro Max). A plastic case offers a stronger hold while offering extra protection. A cage such as the Neewer Cage encases your iPhone in aluminum alloy for extra protection. It also offers a host of ways to expand your shooting abilities - especially if you’re a video maker - as we’ll explain in this review.

We tested the iPhone 16 Pro in the PA073 version of the Neewer iPhone cage, but there’s also a PA074 version for iPhone 16 Pro Max users. If you shoot with other phones, you should find the best cage for your handset in our best iPhone camera grip guide.

Neewer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro: Specifications

Neewer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro: Price

You can pick up the Neewer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro for $49.99 from Amazon. This is cheaper than the similarly specced SmallRig Brandon Li iPhone 16 Pro Cage, though you will need to spend an additional $31.99 for the essential PA045 Quick Release Side Handle.

Neewer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro: Design & Handling

Your iPhone 16 Pro is an expensive bit of kit, so it feels securely protected when you slide it into the aluminum alloy body of the Neewer Cage and swing the secure locking mechanism into place. It evokes a VIP stepping into a bullet-proof military HUMVEE, especially due to the cage’s matt black finish and curved beveled edges. Your iPhone slides into the cage firmly but smoothly thanks to surrounding rubber pads that act as shock absorbers that protect it further.

It’s unlikely that you’ll drop the cage thanks to its sturdy and easy-to-grip PA045 Quick Release Side Handle (sold separately), but if you do you’re less likely to fear that your iPhone 16 Pro will get damaged. You can attach the side handle (via its locking mechanism) to a variety of mounting slots around the edge of the cage. This PA045 Quick Release Side Handle is an essential accessory for the cage so don’t forget to add one to your order if you decide to buy the Neewer cage.

The Neewer Cage does far more than simply protect your iPhone. Thanks to 1/4” threads and cold shoe slots you can attach third-party accessories to your iPhone and create a shooting rig that sports an LED or a shotgun mic.

The front of the cage has slots that enable you to attach a backplate with a 17mm filter thread, so you can screw on filters such as a Neewer ND (sold separately) and shoot in high-contrast locations. The cage also ships with a T-mount backplate so you can attach Moment T Series Lenses to your iPhone 16 Pro rig. The back of the cage is exposed so that you can attach MagSafe accessories (such as a battery pack) to your cage-mounted iPhone 16 Pro.

Neewer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro: Performance

To test the Neewer PA073 iPhone 16 Pro Cage I took it with me on vacation to Tunisia. I was keen to see how the Neewer cage would help me film a mini video travelogue of a camel trip that I had booked. I attached the quick-release grip to the left of the cage so I could hold the rig in my left hand and start recording video by pressing the iPhone 16 Pro’s new Camera Control button with my right hand.

There’s a small recess in the metal rim of the cage so that you can more easily access the Camera Control Button. If you don’t need to use the Camera Control button then this recessed section can be filled by a silicone insert (which I managed to lose at one stage but found again once retracing my steps). Once my camel had stood up from his kneeling position I found myself 6 feet above the ground (so I wouldn’t have been able to retrieve the iPhone if it had slipped from my grip onto the stony road surface).

Luckily the additionally purchased PA045 Quick Release Side Handle enabled me to keep a sturdy grip on the cage-mounted iPhone 16 Pro with my left hand while gripping a wooden handle on the camel’s saddle with my right hand while his movement caused me to sway. This side handle is well-designed. It features a detachable Allen key that you can use to adjust the height of the handle to suit your requirements. Nice design touch!

Since I was recording video I could quickly trigger a recording and then re-grab the camel’s saddle handle to stop myself from toppling off. I set the iPhone 16 Pro to shoot in Action Mode. This ironed-out camera wobbles from the camel’s swaying motion very effectively as you’ll see from the supporting video that I shot for this review. After getting used to the camel’s movement I gained the confidence to swap the cage-mounted iPhone from one hand to another to capture a range of angles and experiment with different Camera app settings and shooting modes. The handle gave me a reassuringly firm grip on my valuable iPhone 16 Pro at all times and I can’t imagine shooting in such challenging conditions without the support of the Neewer Cage. As a side note, the camel was extremely uncomfortable to sit on even with a padded saddle. I thought I’d dislocate my hips when first climbing onto the saddle. I also think my wife had a much more comfortable camel ride than I did. Enough said!

The Neewer Cage also shipped with a backplate with a 67mm Threaded Filter Adapter that enabled me to clip a Neewer branded ND filter (sold separately) over the iPhone 16 Pro’s three front-facing Cameras. The filter has metal handles that you can rotate it to let more or less light into the Cameras. To test the ND filter I got up at 06:00 am to film the sun rising over the ocean’s horizon. As you’ll see from my supporting video the ND filter made a huge difference and I was able to capture more of the sun’s color and shape while plunging foreground people and beach furniture into striking silhouettes. This ND filter proved invaluable as a holiday photo accessory.

The Neewer PA073 Cage also ships with a 17mm Threaded Lens backplate that enables you to screw a lens over the Main Camera of the iPhone 16 Pro. Neewer had lent me an 18mm wide-angle lens that I could screw onto this backplate. As the iPhone 16 Pro’s 0.5x Ultra Wide lens is an optical 13mm it can capture a wider view than 18mm, but the Neewer lens did a decent job of capturing a wide angle with less distortion at the edges than the iPhone’s Ultra Wide angle could, so I can see its worth. If you own any Moment T series lenses then you can attach them to the Neewer PA073 Cage courtesy of an additional supplied T Mount Lens Backplate Adapter. The Backplate adaptors attach to the cage by pushing two metal prongs on an adaptor into two slots in the cage. I found this a bit of a fiddly operation to start with but got more adept at it after a few attempts.

Oh - one small niggle. You can’t attach a wireless mic receiver to the iPhone 16 Pro’s USB-C slot as the thickness of the cage blocks the receiver’s connector. This is not a problem unique to the Neewer Cage. However as you’ll see from my video the sound recording from the iPhone 16 Pro’s four built-in mics was excellent, especially thanks to the new Camera app’s new Audio Mix tools that enable you to dial down the presence of unwanted background noise (or take-ruining wind rumble).

Neewer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro: Verdict

The Newer Cage for iPhone 16 Pro was an essential accessory for filming my vacation travelogue as I was able to video a wide range of different angles from the top of a swaying camel and produce relatively smooth and well-composed clips. There was much less danger of dropping the cage-mounted iPhone 16 Pro, so the cage will be perfect for those planning to film action or sport. The additional cold shoe mounts and 1/4” threads enable you to add accessories such as LED lights and shotgun mics, which will help you improve you improve your video and audio production values. The supplied backplates also enable you to attach filters and lenses to enhance your photography/videography still further. The only downside is the inability to attach a wireless mic receiver, but this is less of a problem thanks to the excellent results produced by the iPhone 16 Pro’s built-in mics and the new Audio Mix tools.

Alternatives

The iPhone 16 Pro represents the pinnacle of Apple's smartphone technology, but even this advanced device isn't immune to the perils of everyday use. That's where the best screen protector for iPhone 16 Pro comes in, offering a defense barrier against scratches, drops and other potential damage. 

After all, even if you're covered by insurance or your phone carrier's protection, it'll be a massive pain to get it repaired. Plus you'll have to go without your phone for all that time. Far better to stop it getting broken in the first place.

With that in mind, a top-tier screen protector is a great investment; maintaining your device's pristine condition and protecting its resale value next time you come to upgrade. So we've curated a list of the best screen protectors for the iPhone 16 Pro, based on our expert knowledge and experience. 

Our top choices

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FAQs

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How to choose a screen protector

When selecting a screen protector for your iPhone 16 Pro, consider the following. Firstly, and most obviously, make sure the protector is specifically designed for the iPhone 16 Pro and not another phone in the iPhone 16 range, as they do differ in size. Go for one made from tempered glass, to ensure the best protection and feel. Look for a 9H hardness rating or higher for maximum scratch resistance.

Also consider options like blue light filtering, privacy screens, or antimicrobial coatings, although bear in mind these may push the price up. And think about how difficult you find it to install screen protectors. Some come with alignment tools to make it easier.

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How we test screen protectors

To curate this list, we assessed the type and grade of materials used in each protector. We also evaluated how user-friendly the application process is, and checked that the protector doesn't interfere with the screen's clarity or responsiveness. We consider the track record of the manufacturer and customer reviews, and compared features and quality against the price point.

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When you are investing in the newly-announced iPhone 16 Pro Max, you're not just getting a beautiful screen, you're getting the biggest iPhone screen ever! But even with Apple's durable design, that screen isn't invincible. That's where the best screen protectors for the iPhone 16 Pro Max come in; offering a vital layer of defense against daily wear and tear, accidental drops and unexpected impacts.

We've drawn on our long experience of using and reviewing up the best iPhone screen protectors to curate a selection of the top options for Apple's newest premium model. We've considered a range of factors including durability, clarity and ease, so whether you're looking for military-grade protection or a budget-friendly option, we've got you covered.

Once you've picked a screen protector, you'll also want a reliable and sturdy phone case. So check out our guides to best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases, and you might also find our roundup of the best camera lens protectors for the iPhone 16 Pro Max of interest.

Our top choices

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FAQs

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How to choose a screen protector

When choosing a screen protector for your iPhone 16 Pro Max, ensure it's designed for your specific model to ensure proper coverage and compatibility with cases. Pay attention to materials: tempered glass offers superior protection and feel, while plastic films are more flexible and less likely to shatter. For maximum scratch resistance, look for a 9H hardness rating or higher. You might also want to consider additional features such as blue light filtering, privacy screens, or antimicrobial coatings based on your needs. Plus, if you're not confident in your ability to apply a screen protector perfectly, some protectors come with alignment tools for easier application.

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How we test screen protectors

When testing screen protectors, we evaluate the type and grade of materials used, the ease of installation, the clarity and touch sensitivity, the manufacturer's track record and user reviews, and value for money. We don't just swallow claims about drop protection and durability whole but base our recommendations on our personal experience of using screen protectors, our knowledge about the reliability of the brand, and user feedback from both fellow journalists and consumers.

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Following the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro earlier this week, makers of smartphone accessories have been falling over themselves to tell us about their new products. And so we've already published guides to both the best iPhone 16 Pro cases and the best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases, not to mention the best camera lens protectors for the iPhone 16 Pro & Max.

But on the whole, these have largely been tweaked versions of existing products. And that's fine, of course… but here's something completely new.

Moment has just unveiled an evolution from their snap-on filters called the QuickLock Filter System. Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models, this new line claims to offer a new way for photographers interact with their smartphones. 

Traditional screw-on filters can be fiddly to apply, while magnetic ones can feel less than secure. Moment says its proprietary QuickLock filters, which attach to a Moment phone case, offer the best of both worlds. In that they're easy to attach and remove, while secure enough that they won't detach during use, and robust enough to withstand the demands of professional use – and they cover all three of the lenses on the four iPhone models.

Certainly, the ability to quickly swap filters without worrying about them falling off could be a game-changer for anyone involved in run-and-gun shooting. We haven't got our hands on these filters yet to test their claims. But Moment is a reputable company – and produces some of the best add-on lenses for smartphones around.

Four to choose from

The QuickLock system covers all three lenses on the four iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models. They aren't cheap, but Moment believes their combination of high-end optics and practical usability makes the cost well worth it.

There are four distinct filter types, each designed to address specific iPhone photography needs.

1. Mobile VND (2-7 Stop) QuickLock Filter: Offering a range of 2 to 7 stops, this filter allows you to control exposure in bright conditions. 

Moment says they're "like sunglasses for your camera lens [that] lets you adjust the strength of the filter by rotating the filter ring. This way, instead of carrying multiple filters for different lighting conditions, you can carry just one and adjust for your specific shot." Variable neutral density filters are particularly useful for video, allowing you to adjust brightness to get the shutter and aperture you want to use.

Made with premium Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass, these filters are crisp edge to edge without color fringing or cross polarization, while the filter rings are precision machined from aerospace-grade metal.

2. Mobile CineBloom QuickLock Filter: Available in 5%, 10% and 20% densities, these diffusion filters add a dreamy, film-like quality to images, softening hard edges and smoothing skin tones. Moment says they: not only catch and bloom light but soften hard edges and provide a smoothing effect on skin tones, making wrinkles less noticeable." The glass is made by fusing a microlayer of NanoBlack particulates between two layers of top-grade Japanese filter glass.

3. Mobile AntiGlare CPL QuickLock Filter: This circular polarizer (CPL) filter is designed to reduce glare and enhance color saturation, which could be especially useful for landscape and architectural photography. It works by rotating a piece of polarized glass in front of your lens to cut out unwanted glare.

Moment says this filter: "makes the skies bluer, trees greener, waters deeper, and allows you to shoot through glass without that hazy look. It does this by changing the light angle bouncing off of bright surfaces, scattering the light rays you don’t want directly in your shot."

4. Mobile CineClear UV Protection QuickLock Filter: This clear filter safeguards the phone's lens from scratches and debris while maintaining image quality. Resistant to dust, fingerprints, and reflections, it's made from premium Schott B270 glass with 98.5% transmission rate and 16 layers of optical coating. Moment says it: "won’t degrade your image quality and maintains full functionality of the iPhone camera system [...] allowing you to protect your expensive camera phone and make it much easier to clean, without the hassle of removing your phone from the case."

The VND filter is priced at $75 and the other three options costing $50 each. Pre-orders are currently open, with shipping expected to begin by the end of September.

Note that the QuickLock Filters are designed to work exclusively with Moment's phone cases, which need to be bought separately. 

Moment has also released a range of other accessories for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, including cases, universal grips, cages, and a new shotgun mic.

Looking for the best iPhone 16 Pro cases? Apple's flagship smartphone has only just been announced, and isn't on sale until 20 September. But one thing's for sure: with such a premium price tag, you'll want to keep it safe from drops, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. 

So if you're planning to buy an iPhone 16 Pro, there's no better time to be prepared and start hunting for the best phone cases. That way, you'll ensure that your shiny new smartphone is protected from day one. And if you want extra protection, check our guide to the best lens protectors for the iPhone 16 Pro.

We've spent years testing and researching cases from reputable manufacturers, and we've drawn on that experience to provide you with the best options for protecting your iPhone 16 Pro. Our selection below caters to a range of needs, styles and budgets, and yes, all of them are compatible with wireless charging.

The best iPhone 16 Pro cases in 2024

How to choose the best iPhone 16 Pro case

Selecting the perfect case for your iPhone 16 Pro involves considering several key factors. First and foremost, think about the level of protection you need. If you're someone who tends to be a bit clumsy or works in a demanding environment, you'll want to prioritise cases with higher military-grade ratings to ensure your device stays safe from drops and impacts.

Next, consider the thickness of the case. Some users prefer a slim profile that maintains the sleek feel of the iPhone, while others are willing to add a bit of bulk for extra protection. It's all about finding the right balance between safeguarding your device and maintaining a comfortable feel in your hand or pocket.

Additional features can greatly enhance the functionality of your case. If you often watch videos or make video calls, a case with a built-in kickstand might be invaluable. For those looking to streamline their everyday carry, a wallet case with card slots could be the perfect solution. Some cases even offer wearable options, which can be great for active lifestyles.

If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, MagSafe compatibility is an important consideration. Ensure that your chosen case supports this feature if you plan to use MagSafe chargers or accessories.

Style is another crucial factor. Your case is an accessory you'll see and use every day, so choose one that reflects your personal aesthetic. Whether you prefer a clear case to show off your iPhone's design, a colorful option to express your personality, or a sophisticated leather finish, there's a case out there to suit your taste.

Lastly, consider your budget. iPhone cases range from affordable options to premium choices with advanced features. Determine how much you're willing to invest in protecting your device and look for a case that offers the best value within your price range. Ultimately, the ideal case for you is one that strikes the right balance between protection, functionality, and style, all while fitting comfortably within your budget. 

How we test iPhone cases

Our recommendations for phones cases are the result of a comprehensive evaluation process based on thorough research, grounded in our long history of testing cases and assessing who are the most reputable manufacturers. 

We understand that a phone case is more than just a protective accessory; it's an integral part of your daily interaction with your device. As such, our testing methodology is designed to assess various aspects of each case to ensure it meets the diverse needs of iPhone users.

Also see our guide to the best cases for the iPhone 16 Max, and our guide to the best iphone microphones

Apple has just unveiled its new flagship iPhone – the iPhone 16 Pro Max, a phone with a heavy focus on content creation.

The announcement focused on the addition of a new camera control button, putting greater emphasis on the iPhone being considered a viable camera for video and photography. SmallRig has taken notice of this and has created an iPhone case that enhances the camera's versatility.

Upgrading to the latest iPhone is often a challenging decision, however, the SmallRig FilMov Lightweight Photography Case Kit may just be the reason to make the switch and puts added pressure on the compact camera market.

First and foremost the FilMov Lightweight Photography Case is a protective phone case with raised edges for the screen and lenses it offers security against drops and impact. The case also features MagSafe compatibility a must-have in today's demand for wireless charging.

Utilizing the case for the everyday is vital, but the ability for expansion into a camera rig is where the case shines.

The new 'Phone CapGrip' slots onto the end of the case and provides a substantial grip, more reminiscent of a traditional camera than a phone. The grip is designed to elevate the shooting experience, providing improved tactile feedback and control of the new Capture Button.

Expansion is part of SmallRig's raison d'être, improving versatility through additional accessories such as handles and tripods. This case is no different, as the CapGrip includes 1/4"-20 threaded holes for extra mounting options.

The theme of expansion continues onto the lens which features a detachable backplate that enables the attachment of external lenses and filters. Included in the kit is a T-mount adapter that enables the use of T-mount lenses, and the case is also compatible with SmallRig's 67mm and 17mm filter adapters (sold separately).

Other notable features of the case include seamless mounting in SmallRig's external phone cages such as the recent Brandon Li collaboration, a CapGrip locking feature, and a lanyard loophole.

The SmallRig FilMov Lightweight Photography Case Kit is available to preorder now for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro, both at the price of $34.99 / £35.90 / AU $58.90 – although there does seem to be a limited deal on the SmallRig website at the time of writing.

The 68mm and 17mm filter adapters and other lenses and accessories are also available to purchase individually.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best iPhone for photography, the best phone cases, and the best camera phones.

If you're looking for the best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases, we're guessing you don't want something cheap and nasty. After all, now you've decided to invest in the most expensive of the new Apple's iPhone 16 range, you won't want to skimp on protection, nor looks for that matter. Which is why we've pulled together the very best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases for you to choose from.

After all, this premium device deserves a case that matches its high-end specifications and sleek design. And, of course, the best phone case will not only shield your device from drops, scratches, and daily wear but also enhance its aesthetic appeal. If you want extra protection, check our guide to the best lens protectors for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

With countless options already available, we've put our experts to work to find you a case that offers the right blend of durability, functionality, and style, befitting your spanking-new iPhone 16 Pro Max. So whether you prioritize robust protection or a slim profile, you'll find the best iPhone 16 Pro Max case for your needs in our round-up below; all compatible with wireless charging.

The best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases

How to choose a case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Choosing the ideal iPhone 16 Pro Max case involves considering several crucial factors. Protection level is paramount: if you're prone to accidents or work in challenging environments, opt for cases with higher military-grade ratings. Case thickness is another consideration; some users prefer a slim profile, while others don't mind added bulk for extra security. 

Additional features such as kickstands or card slots can enhance functionality, while MagSafe compatibility is essential for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. Style is also key: select a case that reflects your personal aesthetic. Lastly, consider your budget to find the best value within your price range.

How we test

In all honesty, there's no way to test a phone case thoroughly enough without actually putting our own phones in danger. So we base our recommendations on things like comfort and grip, weight and bulkiness, case texture, plus any additional features such as integrated kickstands. 

Our recommendations are based on comprehensive evaluations and extensive research, drawing from our long history of testing cases for previous iPhone generations and identifying reputable manufacturers. 

See also best iPhone charger, the best iPhone microphones, and the best iPhone printers

Last year SmallRig teamed up with filmmaker Brandon Li to create the SmallRig x Brandon Li Mobile Video Kit for iPhone 15 Pro Max. It's one of the best iPhone camera grips on the market enabling users to turn their iPhones into a serious filmmaking option. Now an upgraded version is scheduled for release with updated features and universality across Apple and Android devices.

The SmallRig x Brandon Li All-in-one Mobile Video Kit will offer "the ultimate solution for professional smartphone videography" – looking at the specs it's hard to disagree!

The kit includes a universal phone cage, adjustable to fit most phones on the market. The inclusion of a magnetic attachment and a clamp fixation means that the phone is safe and secure when in use, and adjustable to various sizes.

From the cage, the design enables attachments of rotatable side handles complete with M.2 SSD enclosure and wireless remote. The handles also feature SmallRig's Hawk Lock system, enabling quick and efficient adjustments and removal.

The cage also provides users with a 67mm filter adapter. Unlike phone-specific filters, this enables a standard filter size to be placed on the rig, meaning that you can utilize the best ND filters and polarizers, and the kit also comes with a magnetic VND filter of its own.

A 4-in-1 USB docking station enables further rig expansion. SSDs, power banks, and microphone receivers can all be operated via the docking station, meaning a clean setup with fewer hanging wires.

As with all SmallRig cages expansion is the name of the game and this phone rig is no different. Included on the cage interface are sixteen 1/4" -20 threaded holes, 5 cold shoe mounts, 6 QR mounts, and 2 strap slots.

This kit offers a lot for phone videographers, which is vital now that content creation and phone videography are more in demand. The advancement of phone video capture has also improved dramatically, to the point that they can be considered viable filmmaking options, take the short film ¡Suerte! as a prime example!

The SmallRig x Brandon Li All-in-one Mobile Video Kit is available for preorder now for release on September 21, 2024. The kit will cost $239.99 / £243.90 / AU $397.90.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best cameraphone for photography, the best iPhone camera grips, and the best cameraphone for video.

It doesn't matter how careful you think you are, there's a possibility you'll drop your expensive phone at some point. So as Google's latest flagship smartphones hit the market, buying one of the best Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro cases is a wise investment indeed.

These advanced new phones may boast cutting-edge features and sleek designs, but their glass bodies still demand robust protection against drops, scratches, and everyday wear. That's why we've brought together this list of the best phone cases for the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, including a diverse range of options to suit every need and aesthetic preference.

So whether you're seeking maximum protection, eco-friendly materials, fashion-forward designs or just the cheapest case that's still decent, our guide will help you find the best way to safeguard your Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro.

Best Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro cases

FAQs

How to choose the best cases for the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro

To choose the perfect case for your Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro involves carefully considering a number of factors. Most importantly, consider what level of protection you need. If you're generally clumsy and are likely to drop your phone at some point, go for a case that offers drop protection, preferably military-grade. But if you're sure-handed and think that's unlikely, you might prefer a lighter case which, while it won't protect against drops, will be more portable and will still protect your phone's glass against scuffs and scratches.

Remember to consider wireless charging compatibility when choosing your case. Some thicker or metal-infused cases might interfere with wireless charging, so be sure to select a case that supports this feature if it's important to you. Also consider whether you want a case with built-in card storage, and/or a kickstand.

Finally, think about look and feel. Are you drawn to intricate patterns, do you favour a clear case to showcase your device. Or maybe you just don't care as long as it's functional and doesn't cost too much?

How we test cases for the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro

When it comes to Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro cases, our recommendations are based on factors like comfort, grip, weight, bulk, texture, and additional features such as kickstands or card slots. We also consider compatibility with wireless charging and other Pixel-specific functions, the manufacturer's reputation, and overall value for money.

Ultimately, our goal with these lists is to recommend only those Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro cases that we would use ourselves, focusing on trusted brands and reliable products. Or to put it another way, we prioritize real-world usability and protection for your Pixel device over marketing hype.

Battery charging: not usually an exciting subject, but here's some charging news that could get the juices flowing(!). Realme has just debuted its new SuperSonic Charge, which at a mind-boggling 320 Watts is capable of fully charging (1-100%) a 4,420mAh phone battery in just 4 minutes 30 seconds. Charging to 50% takes less than two minutes, while a 26% charge can be achieved in just one minute.

Read more:
The best camera phones in 2024
The best budget camera phones
The best GaN chargers

Phone manufacturers have been steadily ramping up charging speed for several years now. Realme itself has progressed from 65W fast charging in 2021 with the X7 Pro, through 150W and 240W charging in 2022 and 2023, respectively. You'd think that would be fast enough, but with arch-rival Xiaomi boasting 300W charging speed for its Redmi brand, Realme couldn't surrender the competition.

Increasing charging speed isn't just a matter of turning up the wattage in the charger and hoping for the best. To achieve such incredible charge rates, Realme has engineered a special battery design containing multiple cells which can be charged simultaneously, thus reducing charge time. In order to pack multiple cells into a super-slim overall profile required for a svelte smartphone, Realme apparently took inspiration from the folded solar panels used on satellites, folding four super-thin cells into a stack to form the overall battery module.

The design is said to offer a 10% higher capacity for its physical size than conventional form factors. Realme's SuperSonic Charge charger is also special. Dubbed "Pocket Cannon", it has a high power density of 3.3 watts per cubic centimetre (up from 2.34 watts per cubic centimetre in Realme's previous 240W charger) and is advertised as 93% efficient during charging. The charger is compatible with multiple fast-charging standards and can be used to charge two USB-C devices simultaneously.

Of course, with ever-increasing charge speeds comes the usual question about exacerbating long-term battery degradation. Conventional wisdom suggests that slow charging is kinder to a battery than rapid charging, while regularly rapid charging a battery from near fully discharged to completely full is also said to place added strain on lithium batteries. However, I get the impression that for most consumers, any consideration for long-term battery life will likely come a distant second to the convenience of rapid charging. And should a phone's battery capacity take a noticeable hit after a year or two as a result of frequent fast charging, then it's simply time to ditch the phone and upgrade.

See our guides to the best GaN chargers, the best smartphone power banks,  and the best solar chargers

Are you tired of running out of space while filming on your phone? SmallRig has you covered with the new SmallRig Universal 2-in-1 SSD Clamp.

SmallRig is a leading manufacturer of everything you could need for your camera rig, and it seems like every week it releases a new product to make our lives as filmmakers that much easier. This release is focused on the growing trend of content creation, especially those who use their phones for video.

The SmallRig Universal 2-in-1 SSD Clamp does exactly what it says on the cover, enabling the user to clamp an external SSD to your camera/phone rig or directly to your phone.

Cameraphone video technology has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years and it has become the go-to for social media content creators, but it also has the power to create high-end movies. I recently wrote about ¡Suerte!, a short film shot entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it looked exceptional.

One of the downsides to using a phone, however, is the lack of storage space it offers, which is why this new SSD clamp delivers more than at first glance.

The product itself, much like all SmallRig products is expertly designed and considered making it easy to use and connects external SSD drives to the phone via USB-C, enabling more storage and the security that what you capture will be saved.

The 2-in-1 element of the clamp refers to the dual way in which it can be mounted, either via a cold shoe to a cage or via MagSafe technology which mounts it directly to the phone (phones compatible with MagSafe). This provides the user with versatility and quick mounting options while on the move, which is usually the case when shooting on your phone!

It also comes with a magnetic sticker which enables you to mount the clamp on other surfaces such as a laptop. This makes it extremely convenient when swapping the SSD from the shooting rig to the editing station.

The clamp is compatible with most SSDs on the market, including the popular Samsung T7 and T9, and other hard drives with a thickness of 8.0 - 16.0mm. The SSD is protected when in the clamp, as silicone padding on the inner edge provides security against scratches.

The SmallRig Universal 2-in-1 SSD Clamp is available now for $29.99 / £30.90 / AU $49.90, either directly from SmallRig or SmallRig stockists such as Amazon and B&H.

Although targeted primarily toward smartphones, the clamp can of course be used for cameras also by use of the coldshoe mount. The versatility and simple design nature of the clamp means it is also possible to swap out the SSD for a small or phone power bank, providing it fits the dimensions.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best phones for video, the best camera rigs, and the best gimbals for phones.