Review: SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor

The SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor landed in South Africa last month that works with Android and iPhones. It is an accessory that mirrors the phone camera, aimed at those who shoot video exclusively on their smartphones.

Our review unit, the SmallRig wireless video monitor vlogging kit, was supplied by Orms who first launched it last month, but at the time of publishing, the accessory is currently sold out.

SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor Quick Look

• Monitor size: 106×69×14mm
• Supports 4K videos with the BlackMagic app
• MagSafe support for iPhone 12 upwards
• Fits 60-96mm Android sizes on universal clamp
• 1500mAh battery; up to 3 hours
• Screen: 3 level brightness and mirror mode

Inside the box

In addition to the SmallRig monitor, the vlogging kit comes with a phone clamp, phone support, remote control and charging cable with a user manual.

I initially thought the phone clamp with support was a tripod, but it is not. It holds up your phone, however, it does support the use of a tripod, which does not come with the device.

The monitor has a power button at the bottom, next to screen brightness adjuster, and USB-C charging port. It also has a 1/4″-20 threaded hole.

I also shot an unboxing video for TikTok:

@nafisaakabor Unboxing the new #SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor Phone Kit from @ormsdirect. EDIT: it comes with a clamp, not tripod. #contentcreator ♬ original sound – Nafisa | Tech Things

Set-up and Pairing 

The SmallRig wireless monitor is really simple to use and involves two main steps. The moment you switch it on, you will see QR code on the display.

Step one is to scan to connect via WiFi on your device. This means you will disconnect from your personal WiFi network.

Once you are paired to it, step two involves going into screen cast settings on Control Centre, and choose SmallRig, as per iPhone. On an Android, look for your Mirror Cast or similar settings.

It works the same way you cast your phone to a TV or another monitor, if you have done this before. It’s really that simple.

Using the SmallRig Monitor

Once you’re paired, and opened up your rear camera, you may notice a slight crop on the screen but for the most part, it delivers in that you can see yourself as you record through its mirroring feature.

In case it’s not obvious, the monitor is a mirror, it does not offer touch screen functions to the phone it is attached to. You have to still choose your settings on the phone.

If you are using the default camera app, it works fine. I don’t ever record in 4K so didn’t need to use the BlackMagic app to support that format, as recommended.

I use a third party app when I pair a microphone to my iPhone as the default camera app does not support third party mics. Bear in mind, as shooting video on your phone is an intensive task to begin with, you will feel it heat up since it is also paired to an external display for longer recording times.

An issue I found when pairing my mic to the USB-C slot on iPhone, is that the phone feels laggy as you have a mic paired on the port and a video through WiFi. I then switched to my mic as a Bluetooth connection.

There may be a few instances where it will disconnect and require re-pairing and between the slight lag, it does not take away from the convenience it brings.

While the battery life claims up to three hours, if you use the maximum screen brightness, which I did outdoors, it will last two hours. I do feel like I could benefit with a higher brightness because I shoot on my patio. Inside is totally fine.

I found that with the advantage of MagSafe on iPhone, the monitor fit solidly on the back of my phone, and I didn’t always need to use the clamp or use my tripod. If you are doing this, make sure you have a paired mic so it doesn’t sound muffled with the phone standing upright.

Android vs. iPhone

I’ve received questions about this after sharing the device on social media, whether it works with Android.

While it does seamlessly and magnetically latch onto the iPhone by default (iPhone 12 upwards), with Android, you have to use the phone clamp provided.

As you can see in the image above, I have it on the phone clamp for both Android and iPhone. In the images here, I am using an iPhone 16 Pro and a Samsung Z Fold 7.

Samsung did however supply me with a MagSafe cover for the Fold 7 but due to the placement of the lenses and where the magnetic ring sat, it couldn’t fit on the phone, it was too close to each other. I had to use the clamp with it.

The phone sits on the clamp, and the monitor sits on the magnetic part, supplied, and with the stand, it’s easy to shoot. I shoot my content at home so this was sufficient and I didn’t need to connect a tripod.

I personally think it works better with my iPhone because I can use it without the clamp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re content creator or vlogger who shoots exclusively on a smartphone with no ambitions to switch to a DSLR or similar, but are open to upgrading your existing set up, the SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor is a useful accessory to own. It’s easy to use, and allows you to make the most out of shooting with your rear camera through gaining the ability to see the screen in real time. The lag may be minuscule but it’s a small price to pay for convenience.

And as always, there are cheaper versions on the market but SmallRig is an established brand known for its camera stabilisers, lighting and control systems and smartphone accessories. And at R1 690 via Orms, it is worth the price if you make money from content creation.