PopSocket or Phone Grip? — Red Wireless

Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide which way to go.

If you’ve ever dropped a smartphone before, you know exactly how terrifying a situation it can be – and why so many choose PopSockets or Phone Grips to help them get a better handle on their device!

But, at first glance of these two add-ons, it’s tough to determine which one may be best for you.

PopSockets have exploded in popularity

The odds are pretty good that you’ve seen these weird circular discs that have been slapped directly to the back of someone’s smartphone or smart phone case and wondered exactly what it is, how it works, and whether or not it makes using the phone a lot easier – or is more than a little bit of an inconvenience.

These discs are called PopSockets and are attached directly to phones or cases with a sticky and reusable adhesive material. When not in use, they collapse like an accordion to lay flat against your phone, but can easily “pop out” so that you can get a better grip on your device.

Their big selling point is that they add a lot of extra stability and additional grip to today’s super slick and slippery smart phones without adding a lot of weight or heft. The fact that they can lie flat is a big plus, and they certainly make snapping selfies without any “camera shake” more easy than ever before.

You can also use a PopSocket as a bit of a bootleg smart phone stand, too.

Lay the phone on its side with the PopSocket popped out and it will stay in position, allowing you to watch movies, stream things from Netflix or YouTube, or just enjoy your phone in horizontal mode, hands-free.

Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and roses when it comes to PopSockets.

There’s plenty of concern that these accordion style accessories aren’t going to last forever, and eventually lose their adhesiveness and pop right off of your device – with your phone tumbling to the ground because of it.

You also have to wary of the PopSocket popping out all on its own when you least expect it to, grabbing on to clothing and accessories and causing your phone to fall. This has happened more than enough times to make people start to wonder whether or not these accessories are worth it.

Lastly, all PopSocket accessories must be stuck to your smartphone with adhesive glue, which can be next to impossible to remove if you’re ready to stop using this handle later on. As such, you run the risk of messing up the clean looks of your phone or your case if you can’t get the adhesive off.

What about Phone Grips?

Phone Grips, on the other hand, offer a little bit of extra stability and more security compared to the completely circular PopSocket.

You’ll be able to get a better grip on your phone, securing it with one hand, and making sure that your fingers aren’t going to slip out of position and send your phone plummeting to the earth.

Phone Grips work wonders for those that have slippery or clammy hands, which makes them very popular with people that want to use their phone while they’re at the gym. These accessories also work nicely when your fingers are cold (as in the winter), something that PopSocketers often complain about!

The stand feature with a Phone Grip is a lot easier to use as well, really maximizing the way that you can deploy the stand. You’ll be able to get your phone set up in either portrait or landscape mode depending on how you deploy your Phone Grip, letting you set your phone up for totally hands-free operation in any configuration – and then flipping back and forth as often as you like without difficulty.

Phone Grips also stick flat to your device when they haven’t been deployed. They have a slightly larger “bump out” compared to PopSocket options, but they been designed specifically for that bump out to never interfere with normal use of your phone and to not get tangled with clothing, accessories, or your headphones in the way that a PopSocket can.

There are a few downsides when it comes to Phone Grips as well. These add-ons also have the adhesive issue, with glue sticking to your phone or case when you want to take them off. In addition, some of the rings on Phone Grips are too small for larger fingers, and a fair number of people have complained that they’re simply not as comfortable to use as PopSockets.

Check ‘Em Out

PopSockets and Phone Grips are the most popular options available on the market right now, and for good reason. Beautiful, minimalist, and offering a lot of grip and security, you’ll be pleased to know that your phone is definitely more secure when you have a PopSocket or a Phone Grip attached.

Now that you’re up-to-date on the pros and cons of each handle, we suggest that you try them on for size to see which fits best for you and your device.

Stop by any Red Wireless location and take a gander at the wide variety of PopSockets and Phone Grips that we carry in-store!