Sametop reached out to us recently because we have a history of testing new products for them and providing feedback, as well as reviews for our followers. The latest item in the lineup is another hit. The Jaws Clampmount + Phone Holder offers the functionality of a GoPro jaw-clamp mount plus the added bonus of a phone adapter.
One benefit of a jaw-clamp mount is being able to shoot with a GoPro or a phone hands-free by using existing objects as your “tripod.” Because of its flexible design and rubberized jaws, this Sametop unit should provide you with plenty of opportunities to mount your GoPro or phone in a whole new way in a variety of locations.
Here are photos of the new Jaws Clampmount with the pros and cons noted.
One of the things about Sametop that has always impressed me is their ability to provide products with the same quality and feel that accessories by GoPro offer but at a lower price. This unit is no exception. And it includes everything you need to connect a GoPro or a cell phone, including larger phones.
A jaw-clamp mount is only as good as the jaws. The Sametop unit offers jaw springs as strong as I’ve seen on these types of devices. The clamp also has good rubber pads, so you’ll get a more secure grip. You can also attach it without worrying about scraping whatever you’re clamping the jaws to.
Many adjustments are possible, and mounting and unmounting a camera are quick and simple. The unit uses well-known and well-tested GoPro shackle mounts for attaching a GoPro or the cell phone holder. It also uses a similar clamp to attach the jaws to the flexible arm. This is a nice touch since it’s easy to operate but allows you to remove the jaws from the arm and store them much more compactly. The two parts could have been permanently mounted to each other. Sametop going the extra step shows how well they think things through. It also means you could attach your phone to just the clamp without using the flexible arm, opening up even more possibilities.
The screw on top is used to move the phone holder clamp up and down to accommodate different-sized phones. It operates smoothly but secures the phone nicely.
The screw on the back is used to loosen the phone holder bracket. This lets you quickly turn the phone for vertical or horizontal shooting. Being able to make that adjustment quickly and easily without removing the phone from the holder is a really nice touch.
I mentioned the unit can hold relatively large phones. For reference, I’m using a Google Pixel 8 Pro. It easily fits in the bracket without its protective case. Even with my case and a popsocket on the back, I could use the Sametop clamp. I just had to flip the phone over in the bracket. This means the bracket covered part of my screen, but I like that the bracket opens large enough to accommodate the phone with the case. The bracket isn’t wide enough that I couldn’t tell what I was looking at on my screen or operate my on-screen control.
You said there were cons to the Jaws Clampmount..
OK, overall, I think this is a great unit and offers good value, just like all the Sametop products I have tested and used.
But not every product is perfect. I have only used the unit a few times. So, I don’t have any longevity information to provide. Other Sametop products I have are still going strong after lots of use. But jaw clamps are notorious for having their springs weaken and not clamping down as tight as they initially did. And the flexible arms can wear out so that they don’t stay quite as stable as they once did. That means finding that perfect bend can be tricky, especially with this unit’s ball-and-socket style.
Over time, I could see that, despite a relatively strong clamp, larger phones and GoPro cameras could cause an issue because of their weight if you’re trying to keep the flexible arm at a specific angle.
Again, I haven’t had this unit very long, so I don’t want to suggest it won’t hold up. I just see those as potential downfalls after a lot of use. It should serve you well for a long time. And at the price point Sametop offers its products, I believe you’ll always get your money’s worth.
Keep in mind, too, that you often see jaw-clamp mounts like this designed for a GoPro or a phone. This unit gives you both options for the same price. Plus you’re carrying around one product instead of two. And to me, that’s always a good deal!
If you want to check out the Sametop Jaws Clampmount + Phone Holder, visit our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/4eI3vVp.