GPS navigator, radar detector, speakerphone and voice command recognition are just a small part of the phone functions used by modern drivers. At the same time, the smartphone should be conveniently placed in the car, so that on the one hand, it is in sight, and on the other hand, it does not fall when cornering and on bumps. This problem is successfully solved by magnetic phone holders in the car.
Features
There are many ways to place a smartphone in the cabin within sight. For these purposes, universal holders with clamping mounts, adhesive mats, pockets, handlebar clamps and other devices are used. The smartphone can also be placed near the cigarette lighter or audio outlets.
However, magnetic phone holders are becoming more and more popular. With their help, you can place the device almost anywhere in the cabin and be sure that it will not fall on the road. The design providesonly 2 main elements:
- Holder. Can be mounted on dashboard, duct grate or glass.
- Magnetic platform. It has a polymer gasket, which eliminates mechanical damage to the mobile device. As a rule, under the protective layer there are neodymium magnets - the main secret of securely fastening the smartphone.
The kit also always comes with a plate that can be placed under the case or glued directly under or on the case. Metal phones do not need this add-on, but devices with plastic back covers do. The design of the holder on the magnet also provides a tight hinge, which allows you to change the angle of the mobile device.
Benefits
- Compact. It has the smallest dimensions among car phone holders and seamlessly complements the interior of the car.
- Versatility. Suitable for mounting all smartphones, regardless of brand, screen size or case material. Can also be used to fix navigators, tablets, regular phones.
- Convenience. The only type of holders that are installed anywhere in the cabin: in the air duct grille, on the windshield, dashboard or rear-view mirror.
- Reliability. Small and bold: with a compact size, it holds large and heavy phablets. At the same time, the gadget is removed with a slight movement of the hand and is just as easy to install.
Flaws
- If the smartphone has a plastic case, then for a reliablefastening on the back cover of the phone you need to stick a special plate. However, it can also be simply placed under glass, and it will be invisible.
- Unreliable fixation under heavy braking or shaking. How well a phone holder will work depends on its quality. As a rule, the cheapest models are not able to provide a secure fit. The solution to the problem is to buy medium and high price brand holders.
On the suction cup
Smartphones are conveniently installed on the windshield. For these purposes, a suction cup phone holder can be used. In this case, the mount can be removed and reinstalled at different locations on the windshield. However, this versatility also has its drawbacks. The suction cups are not very secure and often fall off at high or low temperatures.
Adhesive based
There is another way to mount your smartphone on the windshield. We are talking about magnetic phone holders on double-sided tape. Unlike suction cup mounts, they are designed to be installed once without removal. At the same time, holders on a high-quality adhesive basis ZM are considered the safest: they are securely fixed on the surface and do not fall even with strong shaking or temperature changes. Some models come with a special base, which is pre-glued to the glass and provides even more secure fastening.
Into the duct grille
The most compact phone holders are installed in the deflector. They do not reduce visibility, but interfere with ventilation in the cabin. Drivers note that in summer, when the air conditioner is turned on, the smartphone case cools unpleasantly, and in winter, when heated, it heats up dangerously. You can solve the problem if you block the deflector, which is not possible in all cars. It is also worth checking the strength of the "blinds", making sure that they can withstand the load without breaking.
Ball Mounts
Magnetic holders can also be rounded. In this case, the role of the hinge is often performed by the rounded mount itself with a magnet, which is fixed into a plate with a recess of the appropriate shape. These phone holders are usually the most compact. However, if the round mount itself is small, then the plate is larger than analogs in other models, which can cause discomfort when using a smartphone outside the car.
Ring holder
Not all magnetic phone mounts are just for fixing devices in the car. Holder rings allow you to conveniently use smartphones in everyday life. They are also fixed on the body of the device using magnets, but they have a special mount. It is made in the form of a ring and has many functions:
- Prevents your smartphone from slipping out of your hands, especially in interactive mobile games that requireintense movements.
- Can be used as a stand to be placed horizontally or vertically on a table or other straight surfaces.
- Allows you to quickly release your hand by simply flipping your smartphone back.
The phone holder ring can rotate 180 or 360 degrees for convenient use. However, it should be borne in mind that the overall mount on the back cover of the device imposes certain restrictions. For example, it will be more difficult to put a smartphone in the pocket of jeans or outerwear, which is not always convenient.
How to choose
Before choosing a holder for a phone in a car, you need to decide on its location. Do not rush, because it is important to consider the future location of the smartphone for its convenient use. Foreseeing the placement is especially important when buying a magnetic holder on double-sided tape. To remove it, you need to cut off the adhesive layer with a thin thread so as not to damage the mount itself. Accordingly, the adhesive tape is not reusable. In addition, it leaves marks on the glass that can only be removed with a solvent.
When choosing a magnetic phone holder for your car, you should give preference to well-known brands: Drobak, Defender, Gembird, Pioneer, iOttie, Scosche, ExtraDigital, Samsung. High-quality and inexpensive magnetic holders are produced by Xiaomi and its division MiJia. However, as practice shows, many manufacturers have unsuccessful models. Before choosing a specific holder, be sure to familiarize yourself withreviews from real owners, watch usage videos. Fortunately, there is a lot of relevant information today, especially when it comes to well-known holders.
How to install
Even the best quality car phone holder can fail if installed incorrectly. It is recommended to place the platform on hard and smooth surfaces (glass, vertical or horizontal plastic sections, metal or wooden elements). Do not glue the fastener to fabric or leather, as even with good fixation, constant use of the holder may cause the upholstery to stretch or tear off.
It is important to pre-clean and degrease the surface. Often, manufacturers accompany fasteners with instructions that recommend preparing the surface before fixing the holder. It is necessary to clean the installation site with detergents, wipe it dry and degrease it with alcohol wipes, which are often supplied. After waiting for quick drying, you need to remove the protective film from the suction cup or adhesive tape and firmly press the mount for 10-15 seconds.
A top piece of advice that is often overlooked in the instructions concerns fixing the holder only to a warm surface. If the mount is installed in winter, the interior must be preheated. Otherwise, the phone holder in the car will not be fixed securely and may fall off.
It is also necessary to consider in what position it will be usedsmartphone. If it is convenient to install the phone horizontally, then the steel plate can be fixed in the center of the back cover. If the device will be used vertically, it is better to place the plate offset to the top.
In conclusion
Magnetic car phone holder is a compact, versatile and easy-to-use mount. With it, you can securely fix your smartphone on the dashboard, windshield, in the deflector grille, without fear for the safety of your gadget during strong shaking, braking and cornering. Choosing high-quality holders from well-known manufacturers, as well as taking into account the reviews of real owners on the use of specific models, you can get rid of many hassles and not regret your purchase.
