Do you ever watch a movie on your phone or use a Bluetooth keyboard with your phone? How do you prop up the phone at the optimal viewing angle? One way is to use a device stand like the SmartStand360. Let’s take a look.
What is it?
The SmartStand360 is a universal smartphone stand with a simple but effective design that attaches to your phone with 3M tape.
Design and features
The SmartStand360 is made of plastic and is available in several colors but I was sent the black version of the stand.
The stand is made of three pieces that are connected together in such a way that the pieces can fold into different orientations.
The base of the stand even swivels 360 degrees, which is where the name SmartStand360 comes from.
Installation on your phone
Installation of the SmartStand360 is simple. All you do is stick the 3M sticker on the back of the phone or case and then peel the backing off the 3M sticker attached to the stand.
Next, you stick the SmartStand360 to the sticker that you stuck to the back of your smartphone or smartphone case. I didn’t want to stick something to the back of my phone, so I stuck the SmartStand360 to the back of the Pitaka Aramid Pixel 2 XL case that I recently reviewed. That’s it, you’re done.
You can then unfold the stand to create different ways to prop up the phone on a flat surface.
Even with the pointy “kickstand”, the SmartStand360 keeps the phone steady.
The stand works just as well with the phone turned sideways.
Turn the “kickstand” 90 degrees for a proper stand.
The SmartStand30 can also fold into different configurations.
The hole in the “kickstand” allows you to hang it from things like fingers or hooks.
You can even fold the SmartStand360 into a loop and slide your finger through it to provide better grip on your phone.
And when you’re not using the stand, it can fold up into a small block.
One thing to be aware of is that if you want to remove the SmartStand360, you’ll need to pry it off with a flat tool like a butter knife. That 3M adhesive is strong stuff, so it does take a little effort and that’s why I do not recommend attaching it directly to the back of your phone as it will be really easy to scratch your phone when it comes time to remove the stand.
What I like
- Simple to install
- Inexpensive
- Can be used in different orientations
What needs to be improved
- Gets in the way when you’re not using it
- Can block fingerprint scanner on some phones
- Removing the stand can be tough
Final thoughts
If you don’t mind attaching the stand to the back of your phone or as I recommend, a case, then this inexpensive universal stand should serve you well. It can be used in a number of ways and orientations, which is nice. But just be aware that it can get in the way and removing it can be a bit scary.
Price: $8.00
Where to buy: SmartStand360
Source: The sample for this review was provided by SmartStand360.