Back in 2022, we crowned what seemed at the time like a remarkably simple accessory — a minimalist magnetic ring from Anker — as the ultimate MagSafe-compatible phone grip. It delivered convenience, reliability, and a smooth, fuss-free experience for those who wanted a dependable way to hold, mount, or position their phones securely. Yet in the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology, two years can mark the difference between clever utility and genuine innovation. The landscape of magnetic phone grips has transformed dramatically since then, expanding far beyond the humble ring that once defined the category.
Today, enthusiasts and everyday users alike can find models that feature not just a single ring, but two — or even three — interlinked magnetic rings designed to enhance stability and flexibility. This interconnected design allows for a firmer grasp on your device, whether it’s a recent iPhone, the newest Google Pixel, or practically any smartphone outfitted with a magnetic case or an adhesive mounting ring. By simply attaching one of these modern grips to the back of your phone, you gain a level of versatility that wasn’t possible just a few short years ago.
Among the wide array of magnetic accessories now available, two stand out as the most impressive examples I’ve personally tested: the double-sided Syncwire Magnetic Phone Ring Holder, which generally retails between fifteen and twenty-five dollars, and the more premium forty-dollar OhSnap Snap Grip 5. Each offers its own balance of functionality, ergonomics, and build quality. Unlike the original Anker ring that earned our long-standing loyalty, these newer models are double-sided, meaning their magnetic surfaces are active on both faces. This small yet significant refinement eliminates a common annoyance — the need to remove the grip when charging your device via a MagSafe charger or when attaching it to a magnetic car mount. Their magnets engage strongly and cleanly in either direction, so you can even stick your phone directly to metallic surfaces such as a refrigerator door, an office filing cabinet, or the steel frame of gym equipment.
However, what truly elevates these new designs above ordinary alternatives is the engineers’ careful calibration of magnetic strength. Striking the right balance determines not just usability but overall satisfaction. The OhSnap 5, in particular, employs magnets powerful enough to hold firmly to the phone without relying on any adhesive backing — a common weak point in earlier designs. At the same time, the opposing side is optimized to grip securely onto a magnetic car mount while still allowing you to detach the device effortlessly when needed. This thoughtful equilibrium prevents either frustrating looseness or excessive pull.
Interestingly, my wife’s ‘puffier,’ more cushioned version of the Syncwire model exhibits a similar ease of detachment, as I noted in my September video analysis, whereas the standard model holds on with slightly more persistence. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself walking away only to realize moments later that I’d accidentally left the Syncwire still clinging to the car’s magnetic charger — evidence of its tenacity. Despite that, it remains a beautifully engineered product, particularly because of its distinctive ratcheting hinge mechanism. This mechanism not only ensures smoother rotation but also minimizes the minor abrasions that earlier Anker rings tended to leave on a phone’s surface. Beyond its practical use, it has an unexpectedly delightful side benefit: it doubles as an excellent, tactile fidget toy for restless hands.
The OhSnap, by contrast, adopts an unconventional but highly adaptable design philosophy. Instead of a circular ring that one slides a finger through, it incorporates a set of flexible, interlocking arms mounted around a central disc. The disc can retract into the backplate or extend outward when in use, creating an intricate yet intuitive holding system. At first glance, it may look a bit unconventional — even quirky — but that visual oddity conceals remarkable versatility. You can pinch it lightly between two fingers like a PopSocket, or hook one or more fingers into the elastic ‘cage’ formed by the arms. The disc also integrates a subtle locking slot, allowing it to transform in seconds into a reliable miniature stand for watching videos or conducting hands-free video calls. For a closer look at this clever mechanism, you can refer to my October 2024 video covering the previous generation, the Snap Grip 4.
That said, its innovative shape and engineering precision come at a cost. At forty dollars retail, the Snap Grip 5 commands a premium price for what is, after all, a phone grip — especially one that has exhibited minor shortcomings in every iteration to date. For instance, my colleague Victoria Song experienced breakages with the delicately hinged ‘finger arms’ of the third-generation Snap Grip; the fourth revision resolved that fragility by reinforcing the arms but unfortunately introduced reliance on a somewhat irritating adhesive pad. Now, with the latest model, OhSnap has improved magnet strength and reduced bulk but inadvertently introduced a new issue — a soft-touch coating that begins to peel after a few weeks of daily handling. Thankfully, the peeling layer is superficial and can be scraped away cleanly without affecting performance, but such imperfections serve as a reminder that even promising designs continue to evolve through trial and refinement.
Despite these minor irritations, the Snap Grip 5 justifies much of its cost through improved ergonomics. It is noticeably slimmer and lighter than its Syncwire counterpart, making it feel more natural in the hand and less likely to snag on pockets or cases. I’ve also found myself far less prone to leaving it behind in the car after detaching my phone — an unexpectedly welcome improvement in everyday convenience. Still, as someone who values both affordability and tactile engagement, I remain partial to the Syncwire’s satisfying ratcheting click and sturdier feel. Yet, for gifting purposes, particularly during the holiday season, the Snap Grip 5’s refined aesthetic and thoughtful functionality make it a tempting choice. I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up wrapping one — or perhaps two — as Christmas presents this year.
And for those inevitably wondering about my setup: the case that all these magnetic wonders attach to is the Spigen Ultra Hybrid ZeroOne Edition. It’s become something of a conversation starter, and many readers and viewers have asked about it — so there you have it.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/847777/oh-snap-i-have-a-new-favorite-phone-grip
