Belkin Stage PowerGrip review: The best iPhone accessory for creators?

The best products are a fusion of designs. A combination of different ideas into a singular product that can solve manage multiple things at once. The iPhone not only redesigned the mobile phone, but also made the iPod obsolete.

The Belkin Stage PowerGrip isn’t going to have the same impact as the iPhone, but it does combine two rather different product ideas into one.

At its heart, this is another MagSafe power bank like the BoostCharge Pro. With a MagSafe-compatible iPhone (or a Qi-approved Android phone, if you can find one), it will use its 9,300 mAh battery to charge your smart device wirelessly.

But the Stage PowerGrip is more than just a wireless charger. It’s intelligent design (along with some added Bluetooth smarts) turn this power bank into a DSLR-styled grip for your phone, letting you take photos single-handedly with a much steadier position than the delicate phone holding we normally do.

There are some other cool design features in here as well that really help this $99 power bank stand apart. For anyone looking to create content, this is an easy recommendation.

What makes the Belkin Stage PowerGrip stand out?

The grip part. Boom-tish.

In all seriousness, yes, the chunky grip handle on one side of the PowerGrip is its secret sauce. It’s the element that gives the product an advantage over other power banks.

It’s a natural feeling for anyone who’s ever spent time with a proper camera to wrap your right hand around this grip.

But where the Stage PowerGrip really excels is in its multi-functional design. Primarily it’s a power bank, but it also pairs with your phone to be used as a remote shutter for your phone’s camera, letting you take photos naturally.

While you will primarily use the 9,300 mAh battery to charge using MagSafe, there’s also a retractable USB-C cable, giving you emergency access to charge any USB-C device. You can even charge multiple devices at once.

Beyond all that, though, the PowerGrip also functions remarkably well as a phone stand. Combined with the new Center Stage camera in the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, I found this was a really convenient way of recording video.

Plus, because it can also charge your phone while your phone is attached to the grip as a stand, you also get to use features like Standby mode, turning your phone into a digital photo frame or a brilliant alarm clock.

As I said, the versatility is incredible here.

Belkin Stage PowerGrip specs

Design and build quality

Belkin has put so much thought into the design of this product. There’s no doubt, from the moment you pop tin your hands, that it’s designed to invoke memories of digital SLR cameras.

The grip doesn’t just bulge out like the grip of a DSLR – the material has that textured finish that makes you feel like you’re holding a camera.

The small LCD screen that shows the power bank’s remaining charge is designed to look just like the viewfinder of a traditional camera.

And next to that, central to the rounded edge at the top of the PowerGrip where the MagSafe connection is on the other side, is a grey, plastic circle that evokes thoughts of a large lens.

There’s more, too. The retractable USB-C cable is discreetly tucked away, conveniently located if you need it, but completely ignorable if you don’t.

And at the bottom of the grip is a threaded hole for connecting the Power Grip to a tripod, like the one in Belkin’s Stage Creator Kit.

When you connect your iPhone to the back of the grip magnetically, there’s about a 2 cm gap from the bottom of the phone to the bottom of the grip. At first glance you may feel this is an oversight of the design team, but when you actually use it, the gap makes sense.

Firstly, holding the grip with a device that stretches all the way to the bottom would be a bit uncomfortable to hold. It would also put pressure on the phone that may force it to move, particularly if the magnetic connection is a bit weak (like the HMD Skyline).

But it also allows for you to plug in a microphone attachment, without sacrificing usability. You can use the PowerGrip as a stand, with a mic attachment like the DJI Mic 2 or Belkin’s own Stage Creator option, and it fits nicely.

Performance

As a charger, the Stage PowerGrip only supports 7.5 W wireless charging, rather than the faster 25W options of the Qi2 standard. I don’t think that’s too big of an issue, but if you expect it to charge your dead phone to 80% in 30 minutes, prepare for disappointment.

It offers a total of 15W output, which means that the cabled outputs will not be overly fast either. Again, if you’re prepared to accept a slightly slower charging speed, I don’t think that’s really a big deal.

The shutter button, meanwhile, connects via Bluetooth to your device. It works a bit more like a phone camera shutter than a DSLR shutter – there’s no half-press for focus. Instead, you press it and it takes a photo.

Hold the button down, and it will shoot in burst mode.

One thing I wish the PowerGrip did (but it doesn’t) is act as a shortcut to the camera app on your phone. I’m so used to using the iPhone 17’s camera button to quickly launch the camera app with a double press that I expected the PowerGrip’s shutter to do the same. It does not.

Verdict

Hands down, this is my favourite power bank.

It’s not because it’s a great power bank, though. In fact, compared to some other models on the market, the Stage Power Grip can be considered a bit slow.

But Belkin’s design has outdone themselves here. This isn’t just a power bank. It’s a comprehensive creative partner, giving you deeper stabilisation and control of your iPhone (and Pixel, I suppose) photography, while also letting you keep your phone charged.

With a RRP of $99.95, I’d argue that this is exceptional value for anybody looking to create content, or just get more out of their smartphone photography.

Buy the Belkin Stage PowerGrip if

• You’re a mobile content creator. The stabilisation from the physical grip and the tripod mount makes a massive difference to video quality.
• You value versatility over raw speed. It’s a charger, a stand, and a camera rig all in one pocketable device.
• You’re prone to forgetting cables. Having that integrated 0.75m retractable USB-C cable tucked away means you’ll never be caught out.
• You use Standby mode. It works brilliantly as a bedside or desk stand that keeps your phone juiced up in landscape or portrait while showing your clock or photos.

Skip the Belkin Stage PowerGrip if

• You need fast charging. With only 7.5W wireless and 15W total output, this won't rapidly top up a dead battery.
• You want a "Camera Control" shortcut. Unlike the native iPhone button, the Bluetooth shutter won't wake your phone or launch the camera app.
• You use a non-magnetic phone/case. Without a strong MagSafe or magnetic connection, the ergonomics, and safety of the grip fall apart.

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Nick Broughall

Nick Broughall is an award-winning technology journalist with 20+ years experience, previously Editor at Finder, Gizmodo and TechRadar. He founded BTTR Reviews and regularly contributes to News.com.au's Checkout section.