Phil multi-functional smartphone holder

The 3 Legged Thing Phil is a smartphone holder designed with photographers and content creators in mind. Unlike many of the plastic clamps I’ve used before, this one is built from magnesium alloy, giving it a premium and ultimately ultra-durable feel.

On the base is an Arca-Swiss compatible plate, which is obviously fully compatible with all 3LT tripods as well as a huge selection of other supports out there—essentially it just slots into an Arca Tripod clamp and can then be clamped into place, no faffing about with extra plates.

The phone clamp is able to securely hold phones between 58mm and 90mm wide, which covered both my iPhone and a bulkier Android model, though if you have an ultra-wide phone or a thick case, you’ll want to check the fit first; it should fit most phones, and of the ten or so that I tried in this test, all fitted without issue.

Two small but brilliant details? Are 1/4-inch / 3/8-inch thread on the back that enable you to add extension arms and the dual cold shoe slots that give you the option to slot in accessories such as a mic or lamp.

3LT Phil is a simple design that just works. Whether you’re shooting video, doing a live stream, or just need a stable mount for your phone, Phil feels reassuringly solid and up to the job.

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the 3 Legged Thing Phil was just how solid it feels. It’s made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, which gives it a feeling of durability without making it too heavy to chuck in a kit bag. Unlike cheap plastic mounts, this thing really does feel built to last.

The rubber-lined clamp is a great touch—not only does it grip my iPhone nice and securely, but it also protects it from scratches.

Speaking of adjustments, the wing knob is a great feature and makes adjusting the orientation of the phone nice and easy and, of course, quick. It is far easier than some other solutions that I have seen, which require you to flip the folder from landscape to portrait, rebolting in the tripod’s own base plate as you do so. Whether I was setting up for a video call or using the phone to film some vertical content, this mechanism just made it smooth and easy to use the 3LT Phil.

Another thing I love is its mounting flexibility. It’s Arca-Swiss compatible, but it also has 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads on the back, which means I can attach other accessories using a magic arm.

After using it for a while, I can confidently say this is one of those accessories that feels like an investment rather than a quick fix. It’s sturdy, well-designed, and built to handle years of use. A seriously solid choice.

One of the things I love about the 3 Legged Thing Phil is how versatile it is. It supports phones from 58mm to 90mm wide, which means it comfortably fits all phones I tried without any issues. The rubber-lined clamp grips the device securely, and there’s no worry about it slipping or getting scratched.

Mounting to a tripod is, especially for 3LT models, easy using the Arca-Swiss compatible base, which meant I could just slot it straight onto my tripod without needing extra plates. But if you’re using a different setup, the dual ¼” -20 and 3/8″ -16 threads give loads of flexibility for mounting on various rigs, magic arms, or stands.

The portrait-to-landscape rotation is smooth and easy, thanks to the wing knob adjustment.

The multiple attachment points are also an incredibly handy feature with a cold shoe slot on either end of the clamp, which made it easy to mount a mic like the Sennheiser MKE 400  or a small LED light such as the ZHIYUN M40 . Perfect for vlogging, live streaming, or just creating a compact mobile setup.

After using it for a while, it’s clear Phil is built for creators who need a rock-solid phone mount with proper pro-level features.

Mounting my phone in the 3 Legged Thing Phil was easy enough with the clamp securely holding both my iPhone 15 Pro and Vivo X200 Pro securely and I also liked the fact that the rubber-lined clamp means there’s no risk of slipping or scratches. It’s one of the most secure phone mounts I’ve used.

Attaching it to a tripod was also simple enough with no need to attach the tripod’s base plate before mounting. Essentially, with the Arca Swiss base, it just slots straight onto my Punks Billy 2.0 thanks to the Arca-Swiss compatible base, but if you’re using a different setup, then that base plate is standard, and in the images in the studio, you’ll see it mounted to an old Manfrotto tripod utilising the 1/4-inch thread on the base.

One thing I really likes through the use of the clamp was the smooth rotation between portrait and landscape. Adjusting the orientation is quick and easy using the wing nut on the back and the rotation is ultra smooth with no awkward catches or leavers—it just works.

The aluminium build feels fantastic—solid, premium, and built to last. It’s reassuringly weighty without being heavy, and it just feels like a properly engineered bit of kit rather than something that has been injection moulded and mass-produced.

One of the features that I really liked during the test was the dual cold shoe slots, which are a genuinely inspired touch. They make it easy to attach accessories like a mic or small LED light without needing extra adapters.

The 3/8-inch thread on the back also means I can mount a 3LT Pivot Magic Arm, which is perfect for holding a monitor or extra gear.

After using Phil for a while, I can safely say it’s one of the best, if not the best, I’ve used. The grip is rock-solid, the build quality is superb, and the mounting options are incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of accessory that just makes everything easier.

If you’re after a durable, well-built phone holder, the 3 Legged Thing Phil is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for photographers and content creators who need something sturdy and versatile, with multiple mounting options and smooth rotation between orientations.

That said, it’s limited to phones up to 90 mm wide, so if you’re using a particularly large device or a chunky case, it’s worth checking the fit, although to be honest I didn’t find a phone through the test that didn’t fit. Also, the manual adjustment system is rock-solid but might not suit you if you prefer a quick-release mechanism.

Still, after plenty of use, I’d say it’s a reliable, well-designed accessory that offers pro-level features in a compact, rugged package. Perfect for anyone looking to add a secure phone mount to their kit.