The Belkin Stage PowerGrip suggests that wireless magnetic power banks can offer more than just extended battery life for smartphones. Its innovative design provides additional features, and a retractable two-way charging cable allows for charging multiple devices without needing to carry extra cords. The accessory also enhances a smartphone’s ergonomics for photography, though this particular functionality has some limitations.
The PowerGrip is notably substantial in size and weight, weighing 272 grams. This heft is primarily due to its 9,300mAh battery, a capacity that ensures sufficient power to fully recharge a smartphone and still have enough to top off other gadgets like smartwatches and earbuds.
While lighter wireless power banks with greater capacity exist, the PowerGrip’s weight offers advantages. The accessory aims to transform a smartphone into a more camera-like device, largely succeeding. It securely attaches to any Qi2, MagSafe, or Pixelsnap-compatible smartphone via magnets. The magnetic hold is secure, though it may not feel as strong as some other accessories. There is no concern about the phone detaching on its own, but an accidental bump while holding only the PowerGrip could potentially dislodge the device.
The prominent grip is substantial, giving a smartphone the feel of a robust DSLR camera. Achieving a comfortable and secure one-handed shooting experience with an iPhone can be challenging, but the PowerGrip facilitates this, with its weight contributing to stability typically requiring two hands.
The PowerGrip can stand on its edge and be used as a hands-free smartphone stand.
The PowerGrip’s design enables it to stand on its edge, serving as a smartphone stand. This feature allows for hands-free recordings, video calls, or utilizing iOS’ StandBy mode. This functionality, initially unexpected, proves to be quite useful.
The PowerGrip’s shutter button is somewhat thin. A preference exists for round buttons positioned on top of a camera grip.
A dedicated shutter button on the PowerGrip connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. A single press captures a photo, while holding it down initiates video recording until released. A more optimal placement for the button might be at the top of the grip rather than its front edge. The absence of additional settings dials, commonly found on mirrorless cameras for convenient thumb access, is noticeable.
There are no other camera controls on the PowerGrip, and when using it one-handed, reaching useful functions on the phone with a thumb can be challenging.
Other smartphone camera grips, such as the Fjorden Pro and the magnetic Leica Lux Grip, offer more extensive controls, including customizable dials and two-stage shutter buttons for focus. These alternatives are significantly more expensive than the $80 PowerGrip, and their advanced controls typically require third-party camera applications. When the PowerGrip is attached, extending about half an inch from the bottom of a smartphone like the iPhone 16 Pro, reaching onscreen controls in the iOS camera app with one hand can be difficult, often necessitating an awkward grip adjustment or the use of a second hand for screen interaction.
Built-in retractable charging cables are becoming more common with power banks, and the PowerGrip’s can be used to charge itself or other devices.
The PowerGrip’s power output is a notable drawback. Wireless charging speeds are restricted to 7.5W, which is slow, especially considering Belkin has already introduced faster 25W Qi2.2 rates in other chargers. Fully charging a smartphone can take hours, and using a cable does not significantly improve speed. The PowerGrip includes an additional USB-C port and a built-in 30-inch USB-C charging cable. Belkin states a maximum power output of 15W, though measurements showed slightly over 18W when charging a OnePlus 12 with Plugable’s USB-C voltage meter. This output is shared when charging multiple devices concurrently. For instance, charging rates for the OnePlus 12 decreased to under 5W while simultaneously wirelessly charging an iPhone and a Kobo e-reader via the retractable cable.
A small but very bright screen on the front of the PowerGrip shows its remaining charge level and when it’s being used to charge other devices.
Considering its $79.99 price point, the Belkin Stage PowerGrip makes understandable compromises when compared to more expensive camera grip accessories like the $395 Leica Lux Grip or the $149.95 ShiftCam ProGrip, which primarily feature self-powering batteries. Potential buyers should carefully weigh these compromises. For those seeking extensive functionality in a single accessory, it presents a viable option. However, if superior charging performance or a grip with more advanced photography features is desired, managing multiple accessories might be a better solution.
