Car mount for smartphone. Choosing the perfect car phone holder

A modern person never parts with a smartphone anywhere, even in a car, when all attention should be focused on the road. To increase the safety of each of us and improve comfort, devices such as car holders were invented.

They perform several functions at once: they provide reliable fastening of the smartphone in a certain place so that it does not slip on different surfaces in the car and is not lost in the back seat; they make controlling the car and the smartphone much easier and more convenient, especially if you use Hands Free. And if you want to use your smartphone as a navigator, then you simply cannot do without such a holder. If you are starting to think about purchasing a much-needed gadget, then before the purchase itself it would be good to clearly understand what the most convenient holder should be for you.

There are smartphone holders designed for a specific model. They are usually equipped with charging and several other special functions, which makes it easier to use the gadget while driving. But such devices are also more expensive than universal ones. Purchasing them is justified only if you are not going to change smartphones often, but stay with the chosen model for at least a couple of years.

That is why, in most cases, it will be more practical to buy a universal holder, which can then be converted in a matter of seconds to use a completely different gadget. The phone can be attached to them in different ways:

using magnets, but this is not the best mounting method, since the smartphone can fall every now and then, although this method of mounting a smartphone is now the most popular;
using a cone clamp. Such devices are more reliable, but you will need to immediately check how easy it is to get the phone;
using polyurethane legs that expand to suit the specific size of the smartphone. Such holders still have the same problem: sometimes the phone is fixed in them so tightly that it cannot be easily taken out.

The holders differ not only in the way the smartphone is attached to them, but also in the way they are attached to the car panel. This is their main difference and the selection criterion for most motorists.

Suction cup holders are one of the most popular: they are easy to install and do not require damage to parts of the car interior. Most often they are attached to the windshield, but for this the surface must be perfectly smooth, clean and even, so if the glass has a significant slope, you may have to attach the holder to its upper part, which is inconvenient. The disadvantages of such fastening also include the fact that over time the holder begins to peel off and disappear, and if the suction cup is made of rough rubber, then at low temperatures it loses its elasticity and. Naturally, it falls off.

Adhesive-based holders can be attached to any surface, but after dismantling, a noticeable mark may remain. In addition, a smartphone that is too heavy may break the mount after a while. But for not very large compact gadgets, this is a good option.

The holder with fastening will definitely never fall off, but they are most often attached to ventilation deflectors. Here there are obvious disadvantages: possible noise when driving on uneven roads, broken deflector shutters, closed air nozzle, etc. Compared to all other fastenings, this is the least convenient and practical. It would be better if such a holder would be attached to a mirror, but there are very few such models.

An alternative to all holders is an anti-slip mat. It does not provide the same convenience of using a smartphone as a holder, but it can be easily removed and replaced.

1. Suction cup holder.

Holds your phone on the front panel or windshield.

2. Universal clip with flexible cord.

Allows you to rotate the gadget 360 degrees.

3. Mount on the steering wheel.

4. Width-adjustable bracket.

Installed on the fan grille.

5. Magnetic ball holder.

6. Universal magnetic holder.

7. Mobile phone panel with USB cable.

Flexible panel with anti-slip coating for a wide range of surfaces.

A car holder for a smartphone is an accessory that a driver should definitely not spare money on. In the future, the purchase of this accessory will pay off handsomely, and here’s why: Firstly, the motorist will not have to pay fines to the traffic police for talking on the phone while driving - the driver will be able to use mobile communications in Hands-Free; Secondly, a tablet or smartphone secured with a car holder will successfully replace a navigator, which means the driver will not need to spend money on additional equipment.

There are a huge number of car holders of various modifications on the market, and not all of them can boast of outstanding quality. Therefore, it is important for the driver to know what criteria should be used to choose a car holder for a tablet or smartphone, so as not to be disappointed in the purchase.

When choosing, you need to rely mainly on design features - and for this it is important to know the general layout of the car holder. The car holder consists of 3 elements:

Holding pad-fixer. The gadget is secured in the holder.
Vehicle attachment system.
Leg (bar) used to connect the elements mentioned above. Some models do not have a leg.

Before buying a car holder, a motorist should carefully consider each of its elements and draw a conclusion about how convenient this accessory model will be for him.

Mounting methods in the cabin

The most common way to mount the holder in a car is on a vacuum suction cup for glass .

To some extent, this method of fastening is convenient: the holder is easy to install and remove, there is no risk of damage to the interior. However, this option also has a lot of disadvantages. Firstly, the area of the windshield where such a holder can be placed is very limited. If a motorist affixes a suction cup to the top or middle of the windshield and inserts a tablet into the holder, it is clear that a significant field of view of the outside area will be lost, increasing the risk of a traffic accident. Second minus using a vacuum suction cup – unreliability. Contamination of the glass and the suction cup itself negatively affects the strength of the fastening; Over time, the holder will simply begin to fall off.

You can attach the holder on the dashboard– the front panel of the car. According to many drivers, this method of fastening is the most convenient.

Dashboard holders, as a rule, have very compact dimensions and, as a result, do not obstruct the driver’s view. In addition, many of these holders are equipped with a wide range of adjustments - the driver can tilt the smartphone to any degree and even turn the gadget towards the passenger in the front seat, so that, for example, it is more convenient for him to watch a movie.

To fix the smartphone on the front panel, mat holders are often used. Of course, such holders cannot boast of reliability and solid appearance, but they have a very attractive price. In Chinese online stores you can find rugs for only 9 rubles.

Holders with fastenings are popular among motorists. on the air duct grille. Such holders are free of a rod-leg - the holder of the mobile device is attached to the edges of the grill using protrusions-clothespins.

The main advantage of this method of fastening is that it strength. The design of the car holder for the air duct does not involve any Velcro or suction cups - therefore, the risk that the smartphone will fall along with the holder and break is minimal. This type of car holder is compact and does not block the driver’s view.

However, air duct holders also have disadvantages. Firstly, a gadget placed in such a holder can overlap the option control keys, Secondly, the driver is forced to look too far down the road to find out the necessary information.

A curious way is to mount on a telescopic rod. The rod is adjustable in length and is attached with hooks to the front seat pillars.

This holder is designed to entertain passengers in the rear seats - children or, for example, big bosses who are transported on official vehicles.

The most unsuccessful type of holders is with mounting in the cigarette lighter socket. Such models are rare, but still found on sale.

Why is it better to refuse to purchase such an accessory?

Looking at information on a gadget placed in a car holder will be simply inconvenient - you will have to bend down.

Using a holder that attaches to the cigarette lighter can lead to vehicle damage and costly repairs. It is much more profitable to prevent a breakdown by purchasing a car holder with a different fastening system - albeit at a higher price.

Methods for fixing a mobile device

All car holders can be classified into two large groups: universal And special. Special accessories are produced by gadget manufacturers; They are designed for specific models of mobile devices. Universal holders are equipped adjustable latches, as a result of which any device can be placed in them - “from small to large.” Manufacturers of mobile devices, of course, insist that motorists use only original accessories - they claim that universal devices erase the ends of gadgets, do not secure the devices well, and besides, they also look “so-so.” However, motorists themselves pay more attention to the disadvantages special holders:

Original accessories are significantly more expensive – 2-3 times.
If you buy a new “mobile phone”, you will have to purchase a new holder “in addition” - and think about where to put the old one.

Therefore, drivers much more often prefer to take Chinese holders with adjustable clamps. This is a very prudent decision: in fact universal accessories are not so bad, as manufacturers of original devices try to present them, and Chinese production has long ceased to be a sign of low quality.

The most common type of car holder lock is crab. The mobile device in this holder is placed on a stand and secured using side clamps:

This fixation method is the most convenient– especially if the clamps are spring-loaded to extend. The user just needs to press the locking button - the clamps are loosened, and the gadget ends up in the hand. If the clamps are spring-loaded for compression, more effort must be made to remove the smartphone - most likely, the driver will be forced to use both hands.

When purchasing a car holder with a “crab”, you should definitely check whether the clamps have soft rubber pads. Such overlays prevent scratches on the body of the gadget.

The three-point “bird’s foot” fastener is less common than the “crab” one - which is a pity, because such a fastening is also quite reliable. The smartphone is placed on two supports and secured to the top end using an adjustable latch.

Creatives quickly turned the “bird’s paw” into a “clawed paw” - a very attractive accessory for bright individuals.

An original way to attach a mobile device - on a magnet. Magnetic car holders look stylish and are quite convenient - for the reason that they are small in size and practically invisible at all.

However, magnetic holders are not without their disadvantages. Their disadvantages include the following:

The large device cannot be secured - the magnet strength is hardly enough to hold a 10-inch tablet.
The mount is quite fragile - during sharp turns and bumps, the mobile device may fall.
The magnet can only hold gadgets with metal cases. As for other smartphones, you will have to sculpt special stickers on their back edges. It is clear that owners of expensive gadgets will not be delighted with the need sculpt something.
Magnetic holders are more expensive than other types of holders. Even on Chinese sites the price tag is set at 400-500 rubles.

Alas, motorists who prefer reliability over showiness should avoid purchasing magnetic car holders.

Exotic option - retainer with many silicone suction cups.

Such a holder, of course, looks original, but in fact it is quite impractical. Firstly, only gadgets with a perfectly flat back surface can be securely fastened with it, Secondly, there is a high probability that the sticky base will quickly “disappear” and the holder will be useless. For these reasons, it is better to avoid holders with suction cup latches.

Do I need to pay attention to the additional functions of car holders?

Availability of additional functions do not do it considers it as the main criterion for choosing a car holder. Moreover, many additional functions contribute to a significant increase in the cost of accessories. What functions are we talking about? Qi, then its owner will probably be confused by the price of the accessory - the holder presented above from Samsung, for example, costs almost 5 thousand rubles! It will be much cheaper for the user to purchase an external battery and secure the smartphone with the battery in a “crab” holder.

Some holders are capable of performing, in addition to the main functions, an FM transmitter and a headset Hands-Free. There are not many such devices - as an example we can cite Promate FM14.

This holder has a built-in cable 3.5-Jack, which can be connected to the AUX output of any mobile device. Also Promate FM14 equipped with a microphone. By activating the microphone and connecting the cable, the user will receive Hands-Free and will be able to chat on the phone without risking a fine.

However, the owner of the company Promate Again, there are a couple of serious drawbacks: Firstly, it is attached to the cigarette lighter - the disadvantages of such accessories have already been mentioned above, Secondly, purchase of holder Promate“will cost a pretty penny” - its cost is about 1,500 rubles.

Conclusion

When choosing a car holder, the driver should put “at the forefront” reliability And safety– and secondly, think about how original the accessory looks and how it will fit into the interior of the car. There is no need to follow fashion and purchase a magnetic holder - such an accessory is spectacular, but not effective. In addition, you should not buy a holder with a lot of additional bells and whistles - it will be a waste of money.

The most reliable option for smartphone– This is a holder with a “crab” clamp, attached to the air duct grille. If necessary, place it in the car tablet It is better to fix the holder not on the air duct, but using a vacuum suction cup.

We found out what an ideal car phone holder looks like. It seemed to be made according to the behests of Apple, ignoring everything that was previously on the market.

Here is a photo of common holders. Ugh, disgrace:

And this is what it looks like Kenu.

It is not surprising that after that review, not only readers, but also the authors themselves followed the holder :)

Since then, Kenu has been considered the de facto standard in its niche, and thousands of its owners will agree with us.

Wait, what's his trick?

There are no ugly suction cups or stands. attached to air duct grille

. I love it. Round, rectangular, square, curved and even.

It looks ten times better than a regular smartphone car mount. At the same time, it holds up no worse and does not interfere with the driver’s visibility. And it just looks good – from an aesthetic point of view.

The Kenu holder is inserted into the air duct grille of any car. Let's just say: we have not yet met such cars that would be incompatible with it.

Despite its simple design, the mount has two “modes” to accommodate different grille thicknesses for a more precise, tight fit. You just need to turn it and that's it.

The side closer holds the smartphone so that, on the one hand, you can reach it with one hand if necessary, and on the other hand, you don’t have to worry about it flying out during sudden braking. For this"balance"

and they love Kenu: it’s clear that the issue was studied specifically.

Fashionable version – Nobody complained about the design. But if you own a top-class car with maximum equipment, luxurious leather interior trim and other bells and whistles, plastic

a holder of any kind can look a little “cheap” there.

Especially for such cases, Kenu produces: an “elite” version of the holder with a different body and metal color. Instead of a plastic holder, it uses a coating made of genuine leather

– not fashionable and semi-synthetic ECO leather, but the right, natural material. The texture is deep and noticeable from afar.

The metal logo and the inside of the clamping mechanism are anodized gold. The solution is not for everyone, but it looks good in real life and is perfect for light beige interiors.

No other differences were noticed in the “elite” Kenu Airframe: it is still the same excellent universal car holder for a smartphone.

So which Kenu should you buy now? In fact, any

I advise owners of expensive cars, where it will look more appropriate than glossy plastic. Either way, you get a cool, versatile item.

If you already have one, give it to your neighbor and make him give up the ugly Velcro. It's 2015, it's time to conform and put your smartphone in a decent holder, not a plastic monster;)

P.S.: keep codes for cool discounts:
kenuplus– 550 rubles discount with Airframe+
salekenu– 290 rubles discount from other Kenu.

Naturally, a regular do-it-yourself phone stand can be made easily and from scrap materials. This could be a plastic card, a cassette deck, or even a toilet paper roll. But the car holder must be attached somewhere, otherwise the gadget will fly all over the cabin. Here are 5 independent inventions that solve the problem of placing smartphones and tablets in cars.

1. Velcro

The cheapest way. Buy double-sided tape at an office supply store or adhesive tape in the sewing accessories department. Glue one side to the gadget, the other to the dashboard. Before gluing, the dashboard and back cover of the gadget must be wiped to ensure that no dust or dirt remains.

Advantages

Budget.

Flaws

Such a holder will only survive until the first hole or serious shock. And the gadget attached to it, most likely, too.

2. Binder clip (stationery clip)

Back to the stationery holder! We buy a paper clip, also known as a binder clip. We take out the staples, bend them as in the picture, wrap them with thick thread, put them in place and secure them with an elastic band. Then we attach the resulting device to the air duct and you’re done.
Advantages

Inexpensive, fits tightly and is easy to implement.

Flaws

The phone cannot be easily removed from such a clamp. It’s not a fact that winding a thread will really soften the impact on the phone. The angle of inclination cannot be changed. The air duct grille can be broken.

3. Wire

For those who are willing to sacrifice the integrity of the dashboard. This holder is only for tablets with a book case. Take strong stainless wire. Drill two holes with the appropriate diameter in the dashboard. Bend the wire and insert it into these holes. Hang the tablet by the case.

Advantages

All you need is wire and a drill.

Flaws

There will be holes in the dashboard. The tablet will not be securely fixed and will block access to the radio.

4. Screws or nails

The most brutal way. For the toughest men. Four screws/nails in the dashboard - and the phone is definitely not going anywhere.

Advantages

No one will want to argue with the owner of such a holder on the road.

Flaws

Damaged dashboard and scratched phone.

5. Metal

This method is for craftsmen and lovers of working with metal. Cut out the necessary parts for the future holder from a suitable metal. Bend it to the size of the gadget. Gather the parts together and connect firmly. Sand and paint. Add rubberized inserts and mounting for installation in the interior. Ready!

Advantages

Flaws

It is impossible to do this without special skills and tools.

There are three types of homemade products: flimsy, spoiling the interior, or requiring real skill. Why waste your time in vain if you can buy a phone holder for a dashboard or glass, for example, an OLMIO car holder for smartphones, which will fit into the interior of the car, won’t spoil anything and will allow you to use your phone conveniently?