Dinosaur phone holders are undeniably adorable, but as a technician who evaluates desk accessories daily, I look for stability above all else. After weeks of testing the popular desktop phone holder stand variations, specifically the silicone dinosaur models against rigid stands, my verdict is clear: these are charming desk toys that work best for static viewing, but they suffer from balance issues during active use.
The dinosaur phone holder market is dominated by two distinct styles: the soft, hollow silicone figures (like the Plinrise model) and the solid, upcycled plastic toys often found on Etsy. While both serve the same purpose, their functionality differs significantly. In this dinosaur phone holder review, I will break down the build quality, stability, and practical limitations of these cute gadgets to help you decide if they are a worthy addition to your workspace or just a novelty item.
Quick Verdict / Overview
According to our expert dinosaur phone holder review, The silicone dinosaur phone holder is a budget-friendly accessory that excels in aesthetics but falters in engineering. It is lightweight, portable, and soft enough to prevent scratches, but it lacks the weight to support heavier phones securely.
Quick Summary: Buy this if you want a cheap, cute stand for watching videos on a light phone. Avoid it if you use a heavy tablet, thick protective case, or plan to type on the screen while it is docked.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | High-grade Silica Gel (Silicone) / Recycled Plastic |
| Dimensions | 2.8″ x 3.1″ x 1.3″ (approx.) |
| Weight | ~2.6 oz (74g) |
| Price Range | $5.99 – $15.00 |
| Best For | Bedside viewing, Desk decoration, Secondary phone stands |
Image: A close-up side-by-side comparison of a hollow blue silicone dinosaur stand and a solid plastic upcycled dinosaur stand holding smartphones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Extremely cute and fun aesthetic | ✗ Hollow base makes it top-heavy with large phones |
| ✓ Soft silicone prevents device scratches | ✗ Tail obstructs the bottom screen and microphones |
| ✓ Lightweight and portable | ✗ Difficult to remove phones with PopSockets |
| ✓ Non-slip material grips the desk | ✗ Not stable for typing or tapping the screen |
Design & Build Quality
The design of these holders is centered around a “T-Rex” or “Brontosaurus” shape where the dinosaur’s tail and body form a cradle. Most modern versions are made from high-grade silica gel, which feels soft and rubbery to the touch, unlike the older hard plastic models.
Build Analysis: The silicone construction is flexible and durable, meaning you can drop the stand without it breaking. However, to keep costs and shipping weight down, manufacturers make the body hollow. This design choice significantly impacts the center of gravity. While the desktop phone holder stand category includes weighted metal bases, these dinosaurs rely on friction.
I inspected the seams and mold lines on the Plinrise model. While generally clean, some units arrive with residue or dust inside the hollow cavity, a common complaint in user reviews. The material is odor-free after a few days of airing out, though initial unboxing can reveal a strong chemical smell. If you prefer a solid feel, upcycled toy stands (which use solid plastic and a suction cup mechanism) offer more rigidity but lack the grip of silicone.
Image: Top-down view showing the hollow interior of the silicone dinosaur phone holder and the width of the tail groove.
Key Features & Performance
Performance is where the cute aesthetic clashes with physical utility. The primary feature is the “tail groove,” designed to hold the phone at a viewing angle. In practice, this groove is a double-edged sword.
Performance Test: I tested the stand with an iPhone 14 in a slim case. The phone sat securely in landscape mode for video streaming. However, when I switched to a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in a heavy-duty case, the dinosaur’s head drooped forward, and the entire unit tipped over if the table was bumped.
A significant issue identified during testing is the “suction effect.” Because the stand is soft silicone, it creates a vacuum seal against smooth phone cases. While this prevents slipping, it makes removing the phone awkward; you often have to peel the dinosaur off the back of your device or pick up both together. This is a minor annoyance for passive viewing but a major friction point for users who grab their phone frequently.
For those who need robust stability, perhaps for a workshop environment, you might consider a Dewalt magnetic phone holder instead, which relies on magnetic lock rather than gravity and balance. The dinosaur holder works best when the phone is perfectly centered, which requires conscious effort every time you set it down.
Image: A photo demonstrating the phone tipping forward in the dinosaur stand due to the weight of a larger device model.
Ease of Use & Ergonomics
Usability extends beyond simply holding the phone; it involves interaction. The dinosaur holder is designed for “set and forget” scenarios, not active interaction.
Usability Verdict: If you need to tap the screen to answer a call or type a message, the dinosaur will wobble. The light base (2.6 oz) does not provide enough counter-force to resist the pressure of your finger tapping on the display.
Furthermore, the design creates physical barriers to phone functions. The tail of the dinosaur often covers the bottom edge of the screen. This makes gesture navigation (swiping up from the bottom) difficult on many Android and iOS devices. More critically, several users report that the silicone body muffles the bottom microphone during calls. If you use this for hands-free Zoom calls, your audio may sound muffled unless you position the phone precariously on the very tip of the tail.
For users who require constant charging while docked, these holders are hit-or-miss. Some newer molds have a slot for the cable, but many require you to balance the phone at an awkward angle to plug in a cord. In contrast, a specialized desk phone holder with charger integrates the power supply directly, solving this ergonomics issue entirely.
Image: A user attempting to swipe up on a phone screen blocked by the dinosaur’s tail, illustrating the gesture navigation difficulty.
Price & Value for Money
The price of dinosaur phone holders typically ranges from $5.99 for mass-produced silicone models to $15.00 for hand-painted upcycled versions. This places them in the “impulse buy” category for most consumers.
Value Assessment: At under $10, the silicone holder offers decent value as a decorative piece. However, as a functional tool, its value is lower than a generic aluminum stand which costs the same but offers superior stability. If the stand breaks after six months—which can happen if the thin silicone tears—you likely won’t feel the financial sting, replacing it is cheap.
However, consider the utility cost. If you buy this expecting it to replace a sturdy desk mount phone holder for your study sessions, you will be disappointed. You essentially pay for the “cute factor.” For the price of a specialty coffee, you get a reliable stand for a lightweight phone, but a flimsy accessory for anything larger. It is an inexpensive accessory, but not necessarily a high-value investment for productivity.
Image: A split image showing a generic $6 aluminum stand holding a phone steadily next to a wobbly dinosaur stand.
Alternatives to Consider
If the novelty of the dinosaur wears off or if you need more professional utility, there are several robust alternatives that solve the stability issues inherent in the silicone design.
Alternative Options: For those needing a permanent fixture on their desk, a weighted aluminum or steel base provides the necessary friction to prevent sliding. If you need flexibility in viewing angles, an adjustable gooseneck or desktop phone holder stand with a heavy base is far superior.
- For Workshop/Garage Use: The silicone dinosaur is too messy and prone to dust. A Dewalt magnetic phone holder is a better choice. It mounts securely to metal surfaces and keeps the device suspended safely away from sawdust and dirt.
- For Charging: If your main use case is watching videos while charging, the dinosaur’s tail often blocks the port. A dedicated desk phone holder with charger integrates the cable management, allowing for a clean setup without balancing issues.
- For Heavy Tablets: The dinosaur simply cannot support the weight of an iPad Pro. A pillow-style stand or a hinged metal stand is required for larger screens.
Image: Three different phone stands side-by-side: a magnetic holder, a weighted aluminum stand, and the dinosaur holder.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The dinosaur phone holder is a classic example of style over substance. It is not the best tool for the job, but it might be the tool that makes you smile when you sit down at your desk.
Who is this for? This product is ideal for students, teenagers, or office workers who want a touch of personality on their desk. It works perfectly for holding a secondary phone or a lightweight primary device for passive activities like watching Netflix or Facetime on speaker mode.
Who should avoid it? Avoid this if you use a thick Otterbox case, a PopSocket, or a large phablet/tablet. If you type aggressively on your screen while the phone is docked, this stand will frustrate you. For heavy daily use, prioritize function over the prehistoric aesthetic and choose a weighted metal stand.
Image: The dinosaur holder sitting happily on a messy desk with a phone displaying a relaxing video background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are phone holder stands worth buying?
Yes, they are worth buying for ergonomics. Constantly looking down at a flat phone can cause neck strain (“text neck”). A stand raises the screen to eye level, promoting better posture during long calls or video sessions.
What are the disadvantages of a magnetic mobile holder?
Magnetic holders can interfere with wireless charging capabilities if the metal plate is not placed perfectly. Additionally, some magnets are not strong enough to hold phones on bumpy roads, whereas a gravity stand relies on physical weight.
Which type of car phone holder is best?
While this article reviews desk stands, for cars, vent mounts are generally best for compact visibility, while CD-slot mounts offer the most stability without damaging your dashboard.
Does the tail block the screen on dinosaur holders?
Yes, frequently. The tail design often covers the bottom 0.5 to 1 inch of the screen. This can make it difficult to use gesture controls (swiping up) to close apps or unlock the phone.
Is it legal to drive with a phone mount?
In the USA, laws vary by state, but generally, it is legal to drive with a phone mount as long as the device does not obstruct your view of the windshield or roadway. However, dinosaur holders are designed for desks, not cars, and should not be used while driving.
Why do people put their phone face down on a table?
People often place phones face down to prevent distractions, ensure privacy, or protect the screen. However, a phone holder allows you to keep the phone visible without constantly picking it up to check notifications.
Can the dinosaur holder charge the phone?
No, it is a passive piece of silicone or plastic. You must plug your cable in manually, and often the tail makes accessing the charging port difficult while the phone is seated in the cradle.
Conclusion
The dinosaur phone holder is a delightful novelty that brings a bit of joy to a sterile workspace. While it struggles with the physics of holding heavy devices and obstructs screen gestures, its low price point and cute design make it a forgivable flaw for light users. If you need a serious tool for work or study, look elsewhere, but if you want a fun desk buddy for your downtime, this little reptile is ready to help.
Ready to upgrade your desk setup? Browse our online store today to find the perfect phone stand that balances function and fun for your needs.
I’m passionate about technology and juggle various roles – tech enthusiast, business initiator, digital marketer, and blogger. I understand Digital Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMM, and the art of lead generation inside out. My aim? To simplify technology for you through straightforward guides and reviews. WordPress caught my eye while setting up my initial business site, and I instantly became a fan. When I’m not constructing websites, crafting content, or helping clients online, you’ll find me prioritizing my health, spending time with family, and exploring the world. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or read my complete biography.