The surge in creator content owes a lot to how smartphones have made videography accessible. But the form factor of a smartphone isn’t really built for it to be a video-capturing device first. That is where attachments like the Ultraprolink Snap-Z Grip come in, making long video shoots sustainable for regular creators trying to capture your attention on social feeds.

I have used professional-grade smartphone grips before with good effect, but the Snap-Z Grip is a more basic and more affordable accessory. You feel it the moment you hold it: the grip does not come with a battery and is hence quite lightweight. The detachable controls on the grip run on a small coin-size, replaceable CR1632 battery used for pairing.

On Android, the buttons work perfectly as soon as you are paired.

The Apple-ready MagSafe ring at the back attaches it tightly to the iPhone and some Android phones; for others, there is a magnetic sticker in the box to make it compatible. The grip is comfortable for long video shoots and even has a groove for your index finger to rest. It connects over Bluetooth, with pairing triggered the moment you switch on the power button. There are three other buttons — a shutter flanked by a zoom toggle and a button to switch the camera. Interestingly, the controls can be taken out of the grip and used as a standalone remote.

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On Android, the buttons work perfectly as soon as you are paired. On the iPhone, though, you need to turn on the accessibility zoom function to get the grip’s zoom toggle to respond. I found this a bit strange, as this accessibility mode is a little tough to get out of. Once connected, the buttons have good rapport with the phone, and the zoom works smoothly.

The grip locks really tightly with the iPhone, but it sits a bit wider than the Pro Max models when you shoot horizontally. That does look odd. In vertical, it is near perfect, as the overhang gives you a handycam feel. On Android, depending on your phone, you will need to check both the fit and the magnetic lock.

The grip is comfortable for long video shoots.

At Rs 1,999, the Ultraprolink Snap-Z Grip is an interesting device for anyone who shoots a lot of video on their phone. Yes, it could have been a better product, but the idea here is ease of use and affordability thus democratising creativity a little further.