This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I used the older SYNCWIRE double-ring magnetic phone grip as my main grip for about a year. The new model keeps the double-ring design, 360° rotation and magnets on both sides, while reducing weight and thickness. If you mainly use a ring as a finger grip and a stand, I would choose the new model.
One thing to watch: in my testing, the outward-facing magnet felt stronger than on the older model. When you take the phone off a strong magnetic car mount, the grip can stay on the mount instead of the phone.
What I tested
- New SYNCWIRE magnetic phone ring stand
- Older SYNCWIRE magnetic phone ring, used as my main grip for about a year
- Galaxy Z Fold8, shown in the comparison
- The weight, thickness and maximum stand-height figures below are my own measurements
Weight and thickness
| Older model | New model | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | about 35.6 g | about 23.9 g |
| Thickness | about 6 mm | about 4 mm |
| Max height as a stand | about 67.5 mm | about 64.6 mm |
The new model is more than 10 g lighter and about 2 mm thinner in my measurements. On the phone, it feels less bulky to me.
What stayed the same
- A double-ring design for adjusting the stand angle
- 360° rotation
- Magnets on both sides
- Portrait and landscape stand positions, demonstrated with the Galaxy Z Fold8
What changed in everyday use
After a day with the new model, I noticed a small but welcome change. With the old ring, I had to find one particular spot to lift the ring up. The new one is easier to catch from the other side as well, so I can flip it up without looking at the back of the phone.
In my use, the phone-facing magnet was strong enough for everyday use. The outward-facing magnet felt stronger than on the older model, so with a strong magnetic car mount, check which side lets go when you remove the phone.
Should you pick the new or the old one?
- New model: my choice if a lighter, thinner finger grip and stand is the priority.
- Older model: worth considering if you often attach the outer side to a strong magnetic mount, or want the slightly greater maximum stand height I measured.
Watch the comparison
The video is in Japanese, with English subtitles, an English title and description and an auto-generated English audio track from YouTube. Useful chapters: 06:36 weight and thickness, 07:45 magnet strength, 09:23 on the Galaxy Z Fold8, 13:16 the outer-magnet caveat, 19:42 the small improvement I found after a day.
Limitations
I used the older model for about a year before this comparison. My observations of the new model include a day of use, not a long-term durability test. These findings relate to the products and setup shown in the video.
Products
New model: SYNCWIRE MagSafe ring stand on Amazon Japan
Older model: SYNCWIRE MagSafe ring on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All MagSafe Rings & Stands (49) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.