Tired of the jarring video case? A smartphone gimbal helps stabilize content and create smooth clips. Today we review the Zhiyun Smooth 4, the best smartphone stabilizer on the market. At least one of the most popular, but does it live up to our expectations?
In the world of photography and video shooting, DJI and Zhiyun are the biggest names. The former has more branding power, but can also be expensive. Zhiyun is known for cutting competitive prices while delivering a high-end experience. Let’s see if that’s true in this Zhiyun Smooth 4 review.
See also: 5 Best Smartphone Games to Spend Your Money on
What you need to know about Zhiyun Smooth 4
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
- Zhiyun Smooth 4 (SMA04): $99 / £89 / €99
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 costs just $100 and is available in black. It is known as a high-end smartphone stabilizer that only a few competitors can access. DJI Osmo Mobile 3 (OM3) and Osmo Mobile 4 (OM4). The OM3 costs $99 and the OM4 costs $149. Because of this, DJI’s third iteration is Smooth 4’s most direct competitor. The OM4 is in completely different territory, especially considering its unique magnetic mounting mechanism.
Zhiyun’s 3-axis stabilizer has motors that can control yaw, pitch and roll movements. The unit measures 123 x 105 x 328 mm and weighs 547 grams (excluding the phone). Supports devices up to 210 grams. The 2,000mAh battery is said to last for 10 hours on a single charge. The device has a port that allows you to charge your smartphone while in use. If you need to charge, it can be done via USB Type-C in about 3.5 hours.
The box comes with a USB-C cable and a small tripod that attaches to the bottom of the gimbal with a standard 3/8 thread. There is also a foam case for storage and transportation.
what good?
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Spoiler alert: There’s a lot to like about the Zhiyun Smooth 4 and the company’s entire lineup. Only a few brands have become mainstream in the smartphone stabilizer market. Zhiyun is one of them. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is proof that Chinese manufacturers have what it takes to take on the giant DJI.
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is one of the best features I’ve seen in a smartphone stabilizer. The handle is made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. The arm of the smartphone holder is strong. The included tripod has one leg about 4 inches long for better stability. Most of the other stabilizer tripods we’ve tested have legs that measure half their length.
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Spoiler alert: There’s a lot to like about the Zhiyun Smooth 4.
I love the buttons and shortcuts in the Zhiyun Smooth 4. Rarely are you looking for a smartphone stabilizer that has nearly as many buttons for quick access. Additionally, the wheel doubles as 4 shortcut buttons for quick action, and there’s a huge wheel on the side that allows you to manually focus or zoom in/out. Trigger button on…