SmallRig Monitor Review: a wireless monitor for mobile phones

Although I do not consider myself a «professional content creator»I have always enjoyed it very much record and take photos with my cell phone, whether to save travel memories or share moments of my life on social networks.

And let’s be honest: for the vast majority of us, and in my opinion, even for many professionals, the mobile is the ideal tool. It’s ridiculously portable, you always have it in your pocket and you don’t have to invest a fortune in expensive cameras or equipment.

But here comes my big frustration, and I bet it’s yours too: when I want take a selfie or record a vlog and watch myself doing itI am forced to use the front camera. Yes, the front is good, I don’t deny it. But it never has the quality, resolution or detail of the main rear camera, the good one.

I always thought: «Well, it is what it is, there is no solution». But everything changed the day I had the opportunity to try a type of product that I didn’t even know existed: SmallRig wireless mobile video monitor. Now, I can’t imagine creating content without it.

It’s the simple and brilliant solution I always wanted: an external and wireless display to take advantage of the best mobile camera by recording vlogs and taking selfies while still being able to see myself and stay in frame. Next, I will tell you how this wonder works and if it is worth buying the SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor for Phone (Vlog Kit).

SmallRig Wireless Mobile Video Monitor: A Screen for Selfies and Vlogs with the Rear Camera

The premise of this SmallRig product is as simple as it is ingenious: if the best camera on your phone is on its back cover… Why not put a screen on the back as well? The SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor is exactly that: a compact and lightweight video monitor It connects wirelessly to your phone to mirror your screen.

In essence, it turns the back of your phone, where the high-quality main camera is, into a perfectly equipped vlogging setup. Is a portable solution designed for both the casual and professional creatorallowing you to frame, review and record with the best camera without having to guess or rely on the front one.

What I like most is its design designed for action. In his version «vlog kit» not only includes the monitorbut also a universal adapter to use with any mobile phone, a tripod that is also a selfie stick and a remote control.

What is the SmallRig video monitor like?

First impressions count, and the SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor delivers with flying colors from the moment you open the box. The product arrives in a rigid cardboard box that gives the peace of mind that comes perfectly protected. When you take it out and have it in your hand, what is most striking is the premium feel.

It is not made of plastic. It has a Aluminum alloy finish that feels great. It’s surprisingly solid and well built, especially considering its price. But this does not mean that it is heavy. In fact, It is incredibly light (weighs only 129 grams), which is good for not adding extra weight to our mobile and for carry it in your pocket anywhere.

He design is clean and functional. On the lower edge we find only three essential buttons: the on/off one, one to increase the brightness and another to lower it. Right next to it, you have the USB-C port for charging.

And on one of the lateral edges, there is the indispensable 1/4″ universal threada standard attachment that allows us not only to add the tripod included in the kit, but also serves to mount any type of compatible accessory such as LED lights, microphones, etc.

Now, as it could not be otherwise, the star of this video monitor is its 3.9 inch screen. This offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and although it is not Full HD, the truth is that it fulfills its function perfectly: shows your mobile screen in real timeThat is, if we use the camera we can see that the framing is correct and that we are well focused.

On the back of the monitor, we find the feature that honors its great portability and ease of use: a ANNOUNCE IT FOR with elegant engraving «Small Platform» which allows quick and secure attachment to the mobile. But you don’t necessarily have to have an iPhone to enjoy the powerful magnetic hold.

The SmallRig wireless mobile video monitor works with Android and iPhone phones. For Android and iPhone 11 or earlier (which do not have the MagSafe ring) the kit includes a universal adapter that works with a clamp that fits phones with a screen width between 60 and 96 mm, that is, almost any mobile phone.

A detail that I really appreciate about the Vlog Kit version is the tripod included. It is a compact accessory with three folding legs that offers a lot of stability. But it also has a telescopic mast that can be extended to function as a selfie stick. Plus, its neck is adjustable, making it easy to find the perfect angle of inclination… Anything else? Yes, a remote control to record or take photos remotely.

My experience using the SmallRig video monitor… I can finally take vlogs and selfies with the best camera on my phone!

If the premise of this monitor had already convinced me, the experience of using it ended up conquering me. Its magic lies in the simplicity of operation. Basically, The monitor creates its own WiFi network to which your mobile connects. Once linked, it mirrors the phone’s screen in real time, operating similarly to technologies like AirPlay or Chromecast, but optimized for vlogging.

Ease of use is one of its strongest points. You literally just turn on the monitor and connect by scanning a QR code that appears on your screen or joining your WiFi network. Physical mounting is just as intuitive: if you’re using Android or an iPhone without MagSafe, you attach the adapter, adjust the clamp, and the monitor attaches magnetically. If you are an iPhone user with MagSafe (12 and up), you simply bring it close to the back and click!It is perfectly fixed.

Once set up, the experience of recording in the mode that matters most to me is great. To the record vlogs in 1080P at 60 FPS with the mobile’s native camera, The transmission is smooth, the image looks great and, most importantly, the latency is minimal… I could finally see myself while recording with the main camera!

Now, if we talk about record in 4K at 30 FPS, the story changes slightly. With my phone’s native camera app, lag or latency becomes apparent, which can be annoying. However, SmallRig has the solution: by use the Blackmagic Camera app4K streaming improves considerably, eliminating that annoying delay.

In my case, since I am not a professional creator and I prioritize the fluidity and low weight of the files, I usually record in 1080P, so This issue has not been a real problem. for me. However, I completely understand that for more demanding or professional creators, having to rely on a third-party application to record in 4K without latency could be a point to consider.

For the selfie photos with the rear camera, it’s just greatI don’t have any complaints. The quality of my selfies is different using the rear camera of my phone. You really notice the difference when using the best camera on your device. Perhaps the only negative thing I find is that, both for vlogging and selfies, the 500 nits of brightness fall short outdoors in direct sunlight.

Finally, The battery seems appropriate for the type of use. Its duration of around three hours (or two if I use maximum brightness) is more than enough for my casual recording sessions, although for intensive days it will be necessary to have an external battery on hand to recharge it via USB-C.

Final verdict: if you are into making content with your mobile, the SmallRig Monitor is something you should have

After testing the SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor (Vlog Kit), I can only confirm what I expressed at the beginning: this accessory has gone from an unknown product to a piece essential in my mobile content creation arsenal. Its proposal is simple and attacks the greatest weakness of vlogging: it frees us from the low quality of the front camera, allowing us to take advantage of the full potential of the main rear camera.

The set is a triumph of portability and functionality. Its size, weight, premium aluminum construction, ease of wireless connection and instant magnetic mounting make it a very easy tool to use and carry.

Regarding the Points to consider, such as latency in 4K with the native camera of the mobile phone and the brightness in very sunny outdoors, are not so important compared to its advantages. The reality is that, even with that little delay in 4K, the shot is not ruined if you are not making frenetic movements. Additionally, as we have seen, you always have the option of the Blackmagic Camera app for optimal fluidity.

In conclusion, It is a product that, due to its price above €60I would recommend to everyone. If you’re a casual user who simply wants to level up your selfies and videos, the ease of use and quality improvement you get with the rear camera makes it worth the investment.

And if you’re a professional content creator, this monitor offers a external monitoring solution at an unbeatable price. Other options on the market that fulfill similar functions and that solve the latency of 4K far exceed the cost of this wireless mobile video monitor from SmallRig. It’s not just a screen; It is the key to unlocking the true potential of your mobile camera.

THE BEST	WORST
Quality construction (aluminum). Very portable (lightweight and only 3.9″ screen) Easy to use, plug and install. Fast, long-range wireless connectivity (10 meters). 1080P streaming at 60 FPS without latency with native camera and up to 4K with the Blackmagic Camera app. Autonomy of 3 hours. Includes a tripod/selfie stick and a remote control. Very good price.	Latency when recording in 4K with the mobile’s native camera. Screen brightness under direct sunlight.