Elago M5 Stand, Minimalist Phone Stand Done Right [Review]

Elago M5 Stand, Minimalist Phone Stand Done Right [Review]

June 19, 2024 11:02 EST • Alexandre Vallières-Lagacé • 4 minute read

In the world of smartphone accessories, finding a stand that balances minimalist design with practical functionality can be challenging. Elago, known for their thoughtful accessories, offers the M5 Stand as their take on the perfect phone stand. Let’s see how this seemingly simple accessory performs in daily use.

Design

The M5 Stand exemplifies minimalist design principles with its clean lines and single-piece aluminum construction. The black anodized finish gives it a premium look while resisting fingerprints and scratches. The stand’s angle provides an optimal viewing position for most use cases, from video calls to casual media consumption.

Strategic silicone padding appears in all the right places - protecting your device from the aluminum, preventing scratches, and providing stability. The front lip is perfectly sized to support phones securely without interfering with screen access or bottom-mounted speakers.

Cable management is thoughtfully integrated into the design, with a rear channel that keeps your charging cable neatly organized and readily available. This detail transforms what could have been a simple stand into a more complete desk solution.

Features

  • Premium aluminum construction
  • Non-slip silicone padding
  • Integrated cable management
  • Compatible with most smartphones
  • Stable base design
  • Bottom edge access for charging
  • Angled for optimal viewing
  • Available in multiple finishes
  • Supports both portrait and landscape orientation

Performance

The M5 Stand’s performance lies in its stability and practical design choices. The stand remains firmly planted on your desk thanks to its weight and non-slip base. The viewing angle, while fixed, is well-chosen for most use cases, positioning the phone’s screen at a natural height for comfortable viewing.

The stand works well with most smartphones, from compact iPhone minis to larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy series. The open design accommodates various case thicknesses, though extremely rugged cases might be a tight fit. Both portrait and landscape orientations are stable, with no wobble during touch interactions.

The integrated cable management proves particularly useful in daily use. The channel is sized appropriately for both standard USB-C and Lightning cables, keeping them readily available without creating clutter. This feature really shines in a desk setup, where cable management can make the difference between a clean workspace and a messy one.

In daily use, the M5 Stand excels at its primary function while adding value through thoughtful design features. The stand’s stability means you can tap and swipe without worry, even when using larger phones. The raised front lip provides confidence that your device is secure without impeding access to the bottom of the screen.

Using an iPad is not really recommended as the stand is able to hold it, but every single tap will make the whole thing shake too much.

The stand’s minimalist design and premium finish allow it to integrate seamlessly with various desk setups. Whether paired with a MacBook in space gray or a more colorful setup, the black finish remains understated yet elegant. The small footprint means it doesn’t dominate your workspace, yet it’s substantial enough to feel like a quality piece of desk equipment.

While not specifically designed for portability, the M5’s solid construction means it can be tossed in a bag without concern. The lack of moving parts or complex mechanisms ensures durability, though the aluminum finish may show wear if frequently transported without protection.

The build quality is exceptional, with the aluminum body feeling solid and well-finished. The silicone pads are precisely cut and firmly attached, showing no signs of peeling even with extended use. The anodized finish proves durable, maintaining its appearance despite regular handling.

Conclusion

The Elago M5 Stand demonstrates that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. While its price point ($39.99 US, $54.99 CA) might seem high for a phone stand, the premium materials, thoughtful design, and excellent build quality justify the investment for those who appreciate well-crafted accessories.

For users seeking a premium phone stand that combines minimalist design with practical functionality, the M5 Stand is an excellent choice. It may not offer the adjustability of more complex stands, but its chosen viewing angle and thoughtful features make it a reliable desk companion that enhances rather than complicates your workspace.

The M5 Stand’s success lies in its execution of a simple concept. Rather than adding unnecessary features, Elago focused on getting the basics right - stability, build quality, and practical design elements that enhance the user experience.

Review Summary

M5 StandElago
M5 Stand

A premium aluminum smartphone stand combining minimalist design with practical functionality.

Elago M5 Stand

The Good Stuff
  • Premium aluminum construction
  • Elegant minimalist design
  • Non-slip silicone pads
  • Cable management
  • Stable base design
The Bad Stuff
  • May not fit very thick cases
  • Premium price for a basic stand
  • Limited angle adjustment
The Ratings
Design
100%
Build Quality
90%
Functionality
80%
Value
80%
Overall: 88%
Disclaimers: This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
For more information on how we score products, please read how we review products.