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We tried a new phone stand from one of our favorite brands. Here's how it compares

After two weeks of testing the Twelve South Curve Nano, the latest accessory from the popular maker of the AirFly headphones adapter, I've come to a few conclusions. This phone stand is well designed, fits easily into every sort of bag I own and it's super simple to use. But for as much as it makes me more productive, it's not a perfect fit for me. That's OK, though, because not everything is right for everyone; we all have different needs. And I do think it could improve many folks' workflows at the relatively low price of $35 (before any potential discounts). For everyone whose budget dictates minor upgrades over a whole new phone, this might be the new trick your old dog needs. Twelve South Curve Nano Phone Stand This folding iPhone stand is small and fits into most bags, and it makes it easy to keep your phone upright in portrait and landscape positions. I've recently been fighting diametrically opposed obsessions, as I both want to be informed and spend less time on my phone. Phone stands help me find a great middle ground, allowing me to check my phone without holding it, opening the lock screen and getting sucked into the apps. This is especially true for when I want to scroll without actually holding my phone in my hand, which makes me feel like I'm less attached to the screen by keeping it at a safe distance. I wish I had packed the Curve Nano when I was recently traveling, as it's much smaller than the stand I charged my phone on at night, and I would have been able to connect a charging cable while I used the Curve Nano. I first realized I wanted to keep my phone upright and vertical when I was testing the new PopSockets Kick-Out, which is half grip and half kickstand. That made for a winning combination in my testing, especially because I rely on the PopSocket part to help me hold my larger phone. The upright mode constantly proves useful, no matter if I'm answering a doorbell buzz from downstairs and want to see the video feed or viewing an array of message notifications from multiple apps. So, when I learned Twelve South was taking its own stab at the phone stand, I realized I needed to experience its take on my new favorite accessory category. And fortunately, I've learned it does at least one thing better than the Kick-Out. The best part of the Curve Nano is how it literally elevates your phone, specifically supporting all MagSafe iPhones, which means the iPhone 12 and later, and any Qi2 phones (more on that below). Frequent FaceTime callers will love how it enables hands-free video calls because we're all tired of holding our phones in the air during a long chat. It's also great for when I'm posted up at a coffee shop (or working at my dining room table) and just want to glance over and see the big time on my iPhone 16 Pro Max's always-on display and any errant notifications (which I've all but banned from my Apple Watch). The Curve Nano is also strong enough that it can keep the iPhone elevated when it's rotated horizontally in landscape orientation. This is my favorite of the stand's few features and an improvement on the PopSockets Kick-Out, which keeps your phone closer to the surface below when in landscape. And that positioning makes me feel and look like I'm in an 'As Seen on TV' infomercial, craning my neck slightly down to see what's going on. Also, the Curve Nano's foldable design allowed me to easily pack it into its fabric travel case, which helps me keep it clean and secure in my bag so I don't have to think about packing it. But as I implied above, the Curve Nano isn't going to replace my PopSockets Kick-Out. My iPhone 16 Pro Max's large dimensions make a phone grip that much more of an essential for me, where I'm OK with keeping an accessory snapped to the back of my phone constantly. Speaking of which, the Curve Nano and the Kick-Out both require you snap them off when you want to refuel with a MagSafe charger or a car phone holder, which is pretty easy. So, even though it's not going to be a part of my routine going forward, I could easily see the Curve Nano stand as a must-pack for iPhone users who like a little more productivity. It's a triple threat, as it's compact, easy to use and affordable. Seriously, I have to point out the $35 price, because those who don't need a phone grip will get more value here than with the $40 Kick-Out. What phones work with the Twelve South Curve Nano? What phones work with the Twelve South Curve Nano? The Curve Nano doesn't have many specs to speak of, but its magnetic back snaps onto all MagSafe-compatible iPhones (which are the iPhone 12 and later, excluding the iPhone SE and iPhone 16e) and any phone that supports the Qi2 standard. At the moment, very few phones include Qi2 support, but we hope that changes in the coming months. What colors does the Curve Nano come in? What colors does the Curve Nano come in? I tested the Coastal Blue model, and Twelve South also sells the Curve Nano in a off-white Dune and black Slate designs. How big is the Curve Nano? How big is the Curve Nano? As you can see, it's not as wide or as tall as an iPhone. At 4.4 by 2.6 by 0.3 inches, it's slightly taller than a standard deck of cards. CNN Underscored comprises a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. Electronics writer Henry T. Casey has been testing gadgets for in-depth product reviews for more than a decade and has been trying to figure out the right combination of portable charger and phone stand for even longer.