It might sound like something quite simple, but merely propping your phone up on something is always a bit of a pain.
On a train, at your desk, at home, you might find that you’re using a chair, a pillow, a bottle or some other random object to prop your phone up – just so that you can watch a movie, TV show or YouTube video.
Step forward, then, the KIKR S1. It’s a fully adjustable phone stand which comes complete with 20W wireless charging on the base and in the main stand too.
We’ve got one right here to test but you can get in on the Kickstarter action to bag yourself one.
The S1 folds down into a fairly compact shape so that it’s easy enough to carry around in your pocket, then it’s just a matter of unfolding it, bringing the stand up and unfolding the main holder.
The tilt and height is fully adjustable, with the S1 holding the position of your phone well and, thanks to anti-slip feet, it’ll not move around either. Simply set the most comfortable viewing angle and then you can watch your media without having to worry about the phone or stand falling over.
The stand can also be used for work and, by simply pairing a Bluetooth keyboard and perhaps a mouse, you can use the phone or a tablet as your main screen.
The stand extends up to 171mm in height and the phone holder itself has beautifully cushioned feet that will extend out and give a 125mm panel for your phone to rest on – it’ll fit phones of all shapes and sizes.
The S1 also provides wireless charging – not just on the base but also in the phone holder itself. The 20W dual wireless chargers (which are powered by a USB-C port on the rear) will support 10W, 7.5W and 5W too. Airpods and other Qi-enabled devices (watches and smartphones) can be charged this way, so no matter how long your journey – your phone and gadgets will remain charged throughout.
I tried my phone in both landscape and portrait orientation on the stand and yes, whilst you might need a small amount of adjustment to ensure that the Qi pad in your phone meets the one in the stand, it worked brilliantly. Headphones and smartwatches can charge on the base while you watch a movie and charge on the actual stand.
Folding down to a compact size, the stand gives you a huge range in terms of tilt and extension. If you’re using a low table to put this on, you simply pull the rear section up for additional height. It’s like a monitor stand, but with a far greater range of angles and options. Just pull to the desired length and it’ll hold that height. Then, tilt the stand and it’ll do the same.
Finally, pull the feet and they will “click” into various lengths to fit the phone or tablet you’re placing on the stand.
A phone stand, a tablet stand, the ability to charge two devices wirelessly, 20W charging, soft ant-slip protection and a compact design (weighing in at 263g). This really did win us over here at Coolsmartphone.
We’ve got a hands-on video with the device below. Just ignore the part where I tell you that the blue LED means it isn’t charging – it’s the other way around. Green LED means there’s power and it’s ready, blue LED means it’s wirelessly charging!
Overall, a great device for holding and charging your phone plus any other smart gadgets you might have with you. Plus, even if you don’t have a phone that charges wirelessly, there’s the opportunity to buy a Qi receiver as a special add-on. Either that, or you can just plug straight into your phone from your mains / portable charger.
Head to the Kickstarter project page for more details. We were very impressed. Well built, well designed, great features, sturdy, solid and well-priced.