Quad Lock versus SP Connect! Comparison of smartphone holders

In den letzten Jahren haben wir Partnerschaften sowohl mit Quad Lock als auch mit SP Connect gehabt und konnten verschiedene Produkte über Tausende von Kilometern testen. Obwohl unsere Erfahrungen aus unseren Motorradtests und -reisen stammen, gelten viele der Informationen, Eindrücke und Details, die in diesem Bericht erwähnt werden, auch für Auto- oder Fahrradhalterungen. Bevor wir jedoch zu den Produkten selbst kommen, werfen wir einen kurzen Blick auf die Unternehmen dahinter.

Quad Lock begann 2012 als Kickstarter-Kampagne für Smartphone-Halterungen. Das in Melbourne, Australien, ansässige Unternehmen erweiterte bald sein Produktsortiment um andere Formen von Transportmitteln und ist mittlerweile äußerst verbreitet. Die Halterungen und Produkte selbst werden in China hergestellt.

SP Connect ist der europäische Gegenpart und gehört zu einem Unternehmen, das 1988 von einem Österreicher in Deutschland gegründet wurde und unter anderem Snowboardbindungen herstellt. Seit 2016 ist das Unternehmen auch im Bereich Smartphone-Zubehör als SP Connect tätig. Der Hauptsitz von SP Connect befindet sich in Wien und die Produktion erfolgt ebenfalls in China.

Before we delve into the holders, let's examine the connecting locking mechanisms and their distinctions. The Quad Lock system features four diagonal grooves in the smartphone case with protruding edges in between, allowing the holder's head to securely attach. The smartphone is positioned at a 45° angle for locking and can be rotated in any direction afterwards. This enables smartphones equipped with the Quad Lock system to be mounted in both landscape and portrait orientations without the need to adjust the mount. However, the actual attachment process is slightly more intricate due to the spring-loaded safety tab on the side pressing against the back of the smartphone case, making it a bit trickier to align with the four grooves.

When it comes to the SP Connect system, all you need to do is align two notches on the case with the corresponding protrusions on the mount and then rotate the smartphone 90° in one direction. This process is simpler, especially when using just one hand, and provides a more secure fit, particularly with the anti-vibration module, which I will discuss later. Thanks to the quarter-turn locking mechanism, the smartphone can only be attached in portrait or landscape orientation with SP Connect. To switch between the two, you have to loosen the screw on the mount's head and rotate it by 90° before tightening it back in place. However, there is a downside to the SP Connect system. While Quad Lock may be a bit trickier to engage, its lack of moving parts means that the mechanism cannot become misaligned. On the other hand, with SP Connect, there is a risk of a ring in the middle of the mechanism on the smartphone case getting twisted. This can lead to the ring not returning to its neutral position when the phone is removed quickly under tension, causing the locking mechanism to fail the next time. SP Connect provides a small plastic piece for manually resetting the mechanism. Nevertheless, SP Connect has introduced an updated version of the locking mechanism, known as SPC+. This new standard not only works with magnetic mounts but also seems to have resolved the issue of the mechanism not resetting. Both the previous SPC mechanism and the new SPC+ system are now available simultaneously for most mounts.

Despite the varying designs and tactile sensations of the two systems, numerous YouTube videos and our own experience demonstrate that both locking mechanisms are durable and securely hold smartphones in place. They can even withstand rough handling at gas stations and challenging off-road terrain when installed correctly. Throughout all our test rides, not once did a smartphone become dislodged.

The same applies to the various mounts, with Quad Lock and SP Connect offering a wide range of options. We will provide an overview shortly, but first let's talk about the standard mount. Since both manufacturers have their roots in the bicycle industry, it is safe to say that mounts designed for round handlebars are the standard version, at least in the motorcycle and bicycle sectors. We primarily tested this type of mount, but we will explore other variations later on.

For the handlebars, SP Connect provides the Mount LT and Mount Pro, while Quad Lock offers the Handlebar Mount and a Pro version. The main difference between the Pro and non-Pro versions of both brands is the material used, with the cheaper mounts being made of plastic and the more expensive ones being crafted from CNC-milled aluminum. Both require Allen keys for installation and adjustment, with SP Connect using a 4 mm Allen key and Quad Lock using a 3 mm one. SP Connect mounts are compatible with handlebars ranging from 22.2 mm to 31.7 mm in diameter. On the other hand, Quad Lock accommodates a slightly wider range of 22 mm to 32 mm, with the Pro brackets extending up to 35 mm. To adjust to different tube thicknesses, both systems utilize small rubber rings placed between the handlebars and the mount clamp to prevent scratches. SP Connect's rings, which are the same for both Pro and standard versions, feature a small side wall on one side to prevent slipping during tightening. However, this design can be a bit tricky when attaching the mount to a tapered part of the handlebar. Quad Lock, on the other hand, uses plastic rings with two side walls as standard, which prevents slipping but may pose challenges on motorcycles with limited handlebar space. The Pro mount from Quad Lock offers a more user-friendly system with inner rings that have small elevations along the center, allowing for easier attachment and secure connection between the rubber ring and the mount clamp.

If you prefer not to attach the smartphone holder to the handlebars, Quad Lock and SP Connect offer a range of alternative options. For instance, we frequently utilized the Mirror Mounts attached to the side mirrors. However, both companies also provide mounts that can be affixed to the handlebar bridge, the steering head bearing, the brake reservoir, or via the retaining screws on the handlebar fittings. You will also discover a multitude of solutions for cars, bicycles, and other uses, including wall brackets. Additionally, there are interchangeable heads for the various mounts, such as anti-vibration modules, charging heads for contactless smartphone charging, and, increasingly, magnetic mounting systems for use in cars. With these, magnets automatically guide the smartphone into the correct position on the holder, but unfortunately, these systems from both manufacturers are not sturdy enough to endure the intense vibrations on the motorcycle.

Key distinctions we noticed across all the various mounts: Quad Lock typically requires more screws to be screwed and tightened per bracket, as there are occasionally screws stacked on top of each other. SP Connect is a bit simpler to install, but the two systems are fundamentally very alike. In terms of unique solutions, there are also varying systems between Quad Lock and SP Connect, so we suggest checking out the websites for those seeking specific brackets.

After focusing on the snap-in mechanism and various holders, let's now take a look at the cases. Both manufacturers provide cases tailored to specific models of smartphones. Quad Lock offers cases for Samsung Galaxy models, Apple iPhones, iPads, Google Pixel, and Huawei models. On the other hand, SP Connect provides cases for Samsung Galaxy, Apple iPhones, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi models. In addition to these, SP Connect also offers a wider range of universal solutions compared to Quad Lock. While Quad Lock only offers two variants of universal adhesive pads (one standard and one for magnetic mounts) that can be attached to the back of the smartphone, SP Connect goes a step further by providing adhesive pads, a universal clamp mount, and a universal fabric case.

The materials used for the standard covers are very similar. Both rely on robust plastic, the surface of which resembles harder rubber to the touch. The two rivals also have nothing in common when it comes to accuracy of fit and workmanship. The cases look high quality and hold the smartphone firmly in place. The fitting of the SP Connect case we tested was a bit tighter, making it more difficult to put on or take off the phone. Even in terms of weight and thickness, they are very close together. According to our measurements, a Quad Lock case for a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra weighs 46.85 g and adds between 4.2 mm (MAG case) and just under 5 mm to the thickness of the smartphone. The SP Connect case for the same Samsung model is only slightly heavier at 46.93 g, but only adds just over 3 mm to the thickness of the phone. Both manufacturers offer options for customizing the cases. Quad Lock, for example, in the form of interchangeable, colored rings (only compatible with MAG cases). SP Connect with cases in themed designs.

Even when not mounted on bikes, our cases had to endure a lot, especially in my case. The screen isn't really shielded, but other than that, the sturdy cases can handle rough drops and impacts on the road. However, there is still a lot of talk about damage caused by smartphone mounts, which can affect the high-quality cameras of modern smartphones.

It's a hot topic of discussion in forums and social networks: Mechanical camera stabilizers of expensive motorcycles are said to break due to vibrations. This is why SP Connect and Quad Lock offer anti-vibration modules. SP Connect's system consists of a rubber-mounted head for the mount with a foam ring around the holding mechanism. It takes some force to get the smartphone into the SP Connect module, but the phone then sits very firmly. With Quad Lock, instead of replacing it with the standard head, the anti-vibration module is installed between the head and the rest of the mount. The damping in this module is provided by three small rubber blocks positioned between two outer plates. As the anti-vibration module in Quad Lock consists of several moving parts, it initially seems quite wobbly and unstable. The smartphone has a lot of room to move and wobbles when in motion, but perhaps this is exactly what it needs to prevent damage to the camera.

When it comes to motorcycle camera stabilizers, Apple iPhone users have reported various issues, with some experiencing no problems even after covering long distances, while others encountering streaks in their images after just a few rides. Our editor Poky faced similar issues with his iPhone XR mounted on an SP Connect system, leading him to switch to an iPhone 13 with a Quad Lock mount. Although SP Connect has made improvements with their SPC+ system, the overall recommendation remains unclear due to the complexity of factors involved such as motorcycle type, smartphone model, and terrain. Our experience serves as a guide, but definitive conclusions are difficult to draw.

Are there at least major differences in the price-performance ratio? Not really! The pricing policy of Quad Lock and SP Connect is very similar for the most part. Smartphone cases are available from €30 and standard handlebar mounts from €50. Smaller price differences of around €10 can be found in the mirror mounts, the mount heads with charging function and the universal solutions. The only major difference can be found in the anti-vibration modules. The plastic module from Quad Lock is available from €18, the more solid module from SP Connect from €30.

If you were hoping for a definitive conclusion like "A is better than B", I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. The distinctions between Quad Lock and SP Connect are quite specific, just like the intended use for motorcycle phone mounts, so the details in this review can only offer some guidance. Do you prefer using your phone in portrait or landscape mode more frequently? In that case, Quad Lock is likely the superior choice for you. If you value the ability to easily and quickly attach your phone with one hand, while ensuring a secure fit, then SP Connect might be more appealing. Additionally, both manufacturers offer a wide range of versatile options and accessories, so you may find the perfect product for your specific needs.

Unsere Empfehlung, um das beste System für Sie zu finden: Behalten Sie unsere Erfahrungen und die hier bereitgestellten Informationen im Hinterkopf, durchsuchen Sie die Websites von Quad Lock und SP Connect und wählen Sie das System aus, das Ihnen die besten Zubehörteile und die passendsten Halterungen bietet. Letztendlich kann man mit Quad Lock oder SP Connect nicht viel falsch machen.

• Quad Lock iPhone cases
• Quad Lock Samsung Galaxy cases
• Quad Lock Universal Cases
• Quad Lock Magnetic Cases
• Quad Lock Handlebar Mount Pro
• Quad Lock Handlebar Mount
• Quad Lock Mirror Mount
• Quad Lock Vibration Damper
• Quad Lock Wireless Charging Head

• SP Connect iPhone cases
• SP Connect Samsung Galaxy case
• SP Connect Universal Clamp Case
• SP Connect Universal Adhesive Pad
• SP Connect Moto Mount LT
• SP Connect Moto Mount Pro
• SP Connect Mirror Mount
• SP Connect Anti Vibration Module
• SP Connect Charging Anti Vibration Module