The JOBY GripTight Micro Stand proves that great things don’t always come in the biggest packages. This pocket-sized smartphone stand is deceivingly durable and capable of supporting even larger smartphone models like iPhone 7 Plus and Google Pixel. We spent some time with this handy little tripod around the house and office and found it to be very sturdy, easy to use, and multifunctional.
Design: Utilitarian and easy on the eyes
The JOBY GripTight Micro Stand comes in two pieces: the spring-loaded smartphone mount and the foldable tripod with an aluminum ball head. Both components are made of heavy-duty materials like stainless steel, silicone, ABS plastic, and TPE rubber. The ball head is made of machined metal, which JOBY says offers 36 degrees of movement to help achieve the right angle for whatever you’re looking at or photographing. From the smooth spring action of the smartphone mount and the supportive and supple TPE rubber grip pads all the way down to the silicone grips on the tripod feet, it’s obvious that this isn’t a flimsy piece of equipment. And even though this is a small product (weighing only 0.1 pounds and measuring 0.71 x 1.34 x 3.35 inches HWD) that doesn’t offer a ton of variation in its positioning, it’s solidly built.
Setup Process: As easy as 1-2-3
There is very little involved in assembling the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand. All that’s required is twisting the mount into the tripod base by hand. The only other tool you need is a coin to make sure the mount is securely attached. Attaching the mount to the base is instantaneous and that informs the general experience of using this product. When the pieces are combined and not in use, they lie completely flat, but when you’re ready to use this device, it’s as easy as simply folding the legs of the stand to their full capacity, lifting the smartphone mount so that it’s upright, and then you’re ready to go.
Performance: Intuitive and uncomplicated
One of the first things we noticed about placing our smartphone inside the grip is how painless and easy it was. We experienced no pinching and the spring action had generous give, which allowed for fluid removal and placement of a range of phones. We were able to fit an iPhone 6S and iPhone X with relatively thin cases without much effort, though we did notice a lack of case made the process a bit smoother. We also managed to fit an iPhone 7 Plus without a case, but that definitely felt like the extent of the smartphone mount’s ability to stretch. Regardless of the device, adjusting the stand was a breeze, thanks to the ball head on the tripod. This effortless tilting action made it very easy to view content and shoot photos. It was also extremely handy for pulling up and following a recipe while we cooked dinner or accepted a video chat. The only slightly awkward performance hiccup we noticed was when we were moving the phone into a vertical orientation. This required a bit more trial and error than the seamless movement of tilting the phone when placed horizontally on the stand.
Price: Steep at first blush, but on point with use
Size and scale don’t necessarily correspond with value, but he $35 list price as a bit steep for this product upon first unboxing it. After assembling and using it within less than a minute of unpacking it, though, we immediately recognized the high-quality and heavy-duty materials and finishings. Plus the usability and portability are huge assets for go-to tasks like capturing video or snapping selfies without having to haul around an extra or larger bag and extra equipment. There are other mini tripod stands available for $20 and below that feature traits like flexible legs, Bluetooth shutter remote controls, and the ability to double as a selfie stick, but these products aren’t always made of premium materials. They also lack the ultra-convenience of being able to place the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand on a key ring or in a pocket or purse.
JOBY GripTight Micro Stand vs. Fotopro UFO2
There’s really no direct competitor to the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand, but the Fotopro UFO2 is an example of other heavier-duty, smaller smartphone tripods that fall well below the cost of the JOBY stand. The Fotopro UFO2 is only listed at $20 online (view on B&H Photo), but it’s flexible legs that can wrap around tree branches or bend to accommodate uneven surfaces come with a considerably larger size profile. It’s much larger and heavier than the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand at 11 inches tall and about 10 ounces. It comes with other bonuses like a 360-degree swivel head, waterproof legs that could come in handy for nature photos, and a Bluetooth remote that doesn’t require an app. All things considered, the Fotopro is still lightweight and portable, but the decision may come down to what you want in a small tripod. If you want those extra capabilities and don’t mind the bulk of the Fotopro that may be better for you. If you want a simple but multipurpose smartphone stand, the JOBY could do the trick. See what else is out there by browsing our full list of smartphone tripods. The JOBY GripTight Micro Stand is a compact and capable smartphone tripod and stand that serves multiple purposes for the average person. Assuming you’re not searching for a product that’s large, rugged, and strong enough to support your compact camera or entry-level DSLR, too, this stand should meet—and maybe even exceed—your needs and expectations.
