Ulanzi MT-84 Magnetic Phone Tripod Extendable magnetic tripod and selfie stick for MagSafe phones, with a Bluetooth remote
Overview
Having tested a wide variety of tripods, I know firsthand that while they all serve the same basic purpose, the devil is always in the details. Factors like height, weight, adjustability, build materials, and button layout are what ultimately make a tripod right or wrong for a specific task. Finding one that balances all of that is rarely straightforward.
That search led me to check out Ulanzi, a brand that has quietly become a familiar sight among content creators and photographers I know. I originally set out to buy the Ulanzi MT-44, but while placing the order, the Ulanzi MT-84 caught my attention. At first glance, the two seemed fairly similar, yet their features pointed to completely different uses. The MT-44 looked like a conventional, everyday tripod, while the MT-84 featured a round MagSafe-compatible head and an integrated wireless remote.
Instead of overthinking it and second-guessing whether I picked the right one later on, I simply bought both to see firsthand what sets them apart.
So, is the MT-84 the better choice, and who is it really for?
I've already shared my hands-on take on the MT-44 in a separate post, and now it's time to dig into everything worth knowing about the MT-84.
Product Description
The MT-84 is a telescopic selfie stick that also stands on its own as a tripod. The same unit works as a handheld selfie stick, a desk stand, or a floor stand.
According to Ulanzi, it folds down to about 38 cm (15 in) and extends to a maximum height of about 153 cm (60 in). It weighs about 390 g (0.86 lb), the base spans about 42 cm (16.5 in), and the pole is made of seven sections of aluminum alloy and plastic.
Instead of a spring clamp, the phone attaches magnetically through a ring or plate. Ulanzi lists a strong N52 neodymium magnet, one of the highest strength grades in common use, and the layout follows the MagSafe standard. Any phone, case, or accessory with a MagSafe-compatible magnet will hold, whether the magnet is built in or added as a stick-on ring. Ulanzi's product page mentions an included magnetic ring, but the box I received did not contain one. Ulanzi rates the hold for phones up to about 230 g in a slim case, while its spec sheet lists a 1 kg (2.2 lb) load capacity.
The mount sits on a ball head that, according to Ulanzi, rotates 360 degrees and tilts through 260 degrees, covering vertical, horizontal, and overhead framing. The magnetic plate can also be unscrewed to expose a standard 1/4" thread for screw-mounted devices.
A Bluetooth remote is included, attached to the handle and removable according to Ulanzi. It comes with its battery and has a stated range of about 10 meters, to trigger the phone's shutter from a distance.
Specifications
Dimensions & Weight
| Folded length | 38 cm about 15 in |
| Maximum extended height | 153 cm about 60 in |
| Weight | 390 g about 0.86 lb |
| Tripod base diameter | 42 cm about 16.5 in |
Capacity & Mounting
| Load capacity | 1 kg about 2.2 lb. Ulanzi's product page rates the magnetic hold for phones up to about 230 g in a slim case |
| Phone mount | Magnetic, MagSafe compatible (iPhone 12 and newer, and any phone or case with a MagSafe-compatible magnet) N52 neodymium magnet according to Ulanzi (N52 is one of the strongest standard magnet grades) |
| Non-MagSafe phones | Need a MagSafe-compatible case or a stick-on magnet Ulanzi mentions an included magnetic ring, but my box did not contain one |
| Camera mount | Standard 1/4" thread under the magnetic plate the magnetic plate unscrews to expose the thread |
| Remote trigger | Bluetooth remote, removable from the handle, 10 m range, battery included |
Build & Head
| Materials | Aluminum alloy and plastic |
| Pole | 7-section telescopic |
| Head type | Ball head, 360° rotation, 260° tilt |
Inside the box
Pros
Strong, Intuitive Magnetic GripThe magnetic head holds my phone firmly, and the grip pleasantly surprised me with how secure it feels. Snapping the phone on and pulling it off takes minimal effort and feels completely natural, provided your device or case is MagSafe-ready.
Compact Round MountThe round magnetic head keeps the top of the rig much sleeker than conventional spring-loaded clamps. It adjusts easily through different angles without the bulk and hassle of prying open a tight bracket every time you mount or remove your phone.
Flexible OrientationIt easily accommodates both horizontal and vertical framing, making it simple to capture photos and videos across any format I needed.
Integrated Bluetooth RemoteThe pill-shaped remote is small, comfortable in hand, and pairs reliably over Bluetooth. Having it slot flush into one of the tripod legs is a tidy design choice that keeps it accessible whenever needed.
Solid Build and FinishThe overall construction feels durable, with quality materials and clean assembly throughout.
Rigid Extension ColumnThe telescoping pole is not hard to extend, but it takes a bit of force, which is a good sign in a quality product that is unlikely to break. It inspires confidence, though I would still handle it with care. I generally leave it just short of maximum extension, and it consistently feels stable and secure.
Portable and LightweightIt folds down into a very small footprint that is effortless to pack and carry around.
Cons
Awkward Extreme AnglesAchieving certain framing setups can take some work. While standard orientations are simple, getting a steep downward tilt proved tricky and required extra adjustment before I could frame the shot without parts of the tripod getting in the way.
Cumbersome Head ReplacementWhile the head is technically removable, taking it off feels awkward and fiddly, making swaps impractical. You are also entirely locked into using MagSafe-compatible phones or cases.
Small, Easy-to-Lose RemoteEven though the remote docks snugly into the leg, a tiny piece like this is always prone to getting misplaced. While third-party replacements are inexpensive, losing the original ruins the clean, all-in-one setup.
Verdict
Both as a selfie stick and especially as a tripod, the MT-84 impressed me. While hybrid tripod-selfie sticks are nothing new, this one stands out for its solid build quality and thoughtful design. Made from dense, lightweight plastic with occasional metal accents, it feels durable rather than hollow, carrying the sleek, professional look shared across Ulanzi's latest lineup, such as the MT-44.
The included Bluetooth camera shutter is fairly basic, but having it seamlessly integrated into the tripod leg is a practical touch that keeps it accessible without adding bulk, provided you take care not to lose it.
The standout feature is clearly the magnetic mount. Snapping a phone on via MagSafe is fast, the hold is remarkably firm, and it covers almost every typical shooting angle. I did have to tinker with zoom and framing during one downward shot to keep the tripod body out of view, but it handled the job once adjusted.
Coming from traditional screw and clamp mounts, using a magnetic head feels like a real step forward for mobile creators. For smartphones and similarly sized gear, I think this mount is a genuine alternative to standard phone clamps, easily handling virtually any modern handset size and weight. Just keep in mind that you need a MagSafe-compatible phone, a dedicated case, or an adhesive magnetic ring to use it.
In terms of reliability, the magnetic hold is completely dependable for home and indoor setups. Outdoors, it remains solid for static shooting, though I would still avoid moving the rig around too aggressively while the phone is attached.
Packing multiple functions into a hybrid tool often brings compromises in price or performance. The MT-84 strikes a balanced sweet spot, delivering a versatile tool that executes its core features without feeling overburdened.
The Ulanzi MT-84 is strictly for creators whose phone, case, or accessory features a MagSafe-compatible magnet, without which it simply makes no sense to buy. For those who have that setup, this compact and well-built hybrid is a versatile addition to any kit. While not a replacement for a primary heavy-duty rig, it excels as a dedicated secondary mobile tripod and a reliable, everyday travel tool for creators on the move.
Where to buy
Below are the links to purchase the Ulanzi MT-84 (or similar models):
Photos
Additional Links
Ulanzi MT-84 Official Product Page
Official product page on the Ulanzi website
FAQ
Do I need a MagSafe iPhone to use the Ulanzi MT-84?
Does the Ulanzi MT-84 come with a remote shutter?
Can the Ulanzi MT-84 hold a camera?
How is the Ulanzi MT-84 different from the MT-44?
Got questions about the Ulanzi MT-84?
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