NEEWER CA163 Magnetic Phone Mount Review – Is It Worth It?
Strong Magnet, Smooth Adjustments & Easier Tripod Filming
I've been switching from traditional clamp-style phone holders to magnetic mounts, and the NEEWER CA163 is one of my latest additions to my camera gear.
I purchased this mount specifically to replace the original phone holder on my iFootage Pico. I wanted something that would make attaching, removing, and positioning my phone easier without dealing with spring-loaded clamps.
After testing the NEEWER CA163 with both my iPhone and Google Pixel, I'm impressed with how securely it holds my phones, even with their cases installed. The magnetic connection feels strong, and the adjustable joints move smoothly while remaining firm enough to stay in position.
What I particularly like is the freedom to fine-tune the phone's angle and level without being limited to the preset positions found on many traditional clamp-style holders.
In this hands-on review, I'll show how the NEEWER CA163 performs on a standard tripod and my iFootage Pico, what I like about it, and whether I think it's worth buying.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
NEEWER CA163 Magnetic Phone Mount hands-on review, demonstrating magnetic phone attachment, angle adjustments, and use with a regular tripod and iFootage Pico.
What I Liked
Strong Magnetic Phone Attachment
One of my favorite features of the NEEWER CA163 is its magnetic connection. Both my iPhone and Google Pixel attach securely, even with their cases installed. The magnet feels strong, and I don't have to struggle with a spring-loaded clamp every time I want to attach or remove my phone.
Smooth, Firm Adjustments
The adjustable joints move smoothly but have enough resistance to stay in position. I particularly like being able to fine-tune my phone's angle and get it level without being limited to preset positions. That makes a noticeable difference when setting up a shot.
A Better Fit for My iFootage Pico
The main reason I purchased the NEEWER CA163 was to replace the original phone holder that came with my iFootage Pico. After using the magnetic mount, I much prefer the convenience. Attaching, adjusting, and removing my phone takes very little effort, which makes the filming process more enjoyable.
Works With My Regular Tripod
Although I originally purchased this mount for my iFootage Pico, I also demonstrated it on a regular tripod. It's a convenient accessory for switching between different filming setups without having to change how I attach my phone.
Easy Phone Changes
Because I use both an iPhone and a Google Pixel for different projects, I appreciate how easy it is to switch between them. There is no need to readjust a clamp for different phone sizes. I simply remove one phone and attach the other.
What Could Be Better
So far, I haven't found anything about the NEEWER CA163 that I would consider a significant drawback. The magnetic connection feels strong, the adjustments work smoothly, and it does exactly what I purchased it to do.
There are a few things worth considering before buying.
Phone and Case Compatibility
Make sure your phone or case supports magnetic mounting. NEEWER includes an adhesive metal ring for devices that need one, but I haven't needed it with my current setup.
Magnetic Mounting vs. Traditional Clamps
Although both my iPhone and Google Pixel attach securely, I would still be cautious about using any magnetic phone mount in situations involving heavy vibration, sudden impacts, or a risk of dropping an expensive phone.
Long-Term Durability
My initial experience has been very positive, but I haven't owned the CA163 long enough to judge how the hinges and magnetic connection will perform after years of regular use.
None of these considerations would prevent me from purchasing this mount again. For my tripod and iFootage Pico filming setups, it has worked exactly as I hoped.
Who This Is For
The NEEWER CA163 Magnetic Phone Mount is a great option for content creators, photographers, and anyone who regularly records videos using a smartphone and tripod.
I think it's particularly useful for people who:
Frequently attach and remove their phone from a tripod.
Use different phones for filming, as I do with my iPhone and Google Pixel.
Want more precise control over their phone's angle and position.
Use equipment such as the iFootage Pico and want an alternative to traditional clamp-style phone holders.
Prefer the convenience of magnetic mounting.
If you're tired of adjusting spring-loaded phone clamps every time you set up your camera, the NEEWER CA163 is worth considering.
My Verdict: WORTH IT!
The NEEWER CA163 Magnetic Phone Mount gets a definite Worth It! from me.
I originally purchased this mount to replace the clamp-style phone holder that came with my iFootage Pico, and it has worked exactly as I hoped.
The magnetic connection is strong, both my iPhone and Google Pixel attach securely with their cases, and the adjustable joints make positioning and leveling my phone much easier.
What I appreciate most is the convenience. Instead of opening a clamp and readjusting it every time I switch phones, I can simply attach my phone magnetically, make a quick adjustment, and start filming.
I also like that I'm not restricted to the preset positioning of many traditional phone holders.
Would I buy the NEEWER CA163 again? Absolutely!
For my regular tripod and iFootage Pico filming setups, it's an accessory I'm happy to recommend based on my hands-on experience.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.