PH02 Max MagSafe Selfie Screen Review: A Game-Changer for Rear Camera Selfies and Reels
Hey there, tech enthusiasts and selfie lovers! Today, I’m diving into something super cool I recently snagged through an international purchase—the KingMa PH02 Max MagSafe Selfie Monitor Screen. If you’re someone who’s obsessed with snapping high-quality selfies or filming Instagram Reels and TikToks with your phone’s rear camera, this little gadget might just be your next must-have. Let’s break it down, unbox it, and see if it’s worth the hype (and the $67 price tag, shipping included!).
What Is the PH02 Max MagSafe Selfie Screen?
The PH02 Max is a portable, MagSafe-compatible monitor that attaches to your iPhone (or even Galaxy with an included sticker) to let you see yourself while using the rear camera. Why does that matter? Well, we all know the rear camera on smartphones offers way better quality than the front one—higher resolution, better lenses, you name it. But the catch? You can’t see yourself while shooting, which often leads to awkward framing or missed shots. This device solves that problem by mirroring your phone’s screen in real-time, so you can frame your shot perfectly.
I first heard about this concept last year during an Apple event when a friend suggested, “Hey, why don’t we develop something like this and sell it?” Turns out, KingMa beat us to it! I’d seen earlier versions like the PH01 on Tmall, but they weren’t MagSafe-friendly and felt clunky. The PH02 Max, though? It’s a sleek upgrade that caught my eye on Tmall late last year, and I couldn’t resist ordering one to test it out.
Unboxing the PH02 Max: What’s in the Box?
Let’s get into the fun part—unboxing! Here’s what you get for oughly $67 USD:
- PH02 Max Selfie Screen: I went with the bold pink color (because why not?), but it’s also available in black.
- USB-A to USB-C Cable: For charging and wired connection options.
- Bluetooth Remote: A handy little clicker for snapping photos or starting recordings.
- Velvet Pouch: Keeps everything neat and protected.
- MagSafe Ring Sticker: A bonus for non-MagSafe phones like Galaxy devices.
- Manual: Thick and retro vibes, mostly in English.
The packaging feels solid, and the accessories are a nice touch. That MagSafe sticker is a game-changer for Android users—stick it on the back of your phone, and boom, it’s compatible!
Design and Build: How Does It Feel?
The PH02 Max isn’t winning any awards for being ultra-slim—it’s about as thick as Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack—but it’s lighter than you’d expect at 105g. The build quality isn’t premium (you’ll notice some rough edges and basic branding), but it’s functional. It’s got:
- MagSafe Ring: Snaps onto your iPhone with satisfying magnetic strength. It even has alignment magnets at the bottom for extra stability.
- Buttons: A power button, a photo snap button (customizable, maybe?), and an “M” button for screen adjustments.
- Ports: Two USB-C ports—one for charging, one for wired mirroring.
- Extras: A lanyard loop (nostalgic!) and a 920mAh battery (2.5-hour charge time, 2-hour usage).
The magnets are strong enough to stay put during regular use, though it’ll wobble if you shake it hard. For vlogging or casual selfies, it’s plenty secure.
How It Works: Setup and Features
Setting up the PH02 Max is a mixed bag—it’s versatile but takes a little patience. You’ve got two connection options:
- Wireless (Wi-Fi Mirroring): It creates its own 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. On iPhone, use Screen Mirroring; on Galaxy, use Smart View. It’s slick when it works, but the connection can be spotty (more on that later).
- Wired (USB-C): Plug it into your phone for a lag-free experience. Less convenient but more reliable.
Once connected, your phone’s rear camera feed shows up on the 5.5-inch Full HD screen. You can:
- Flip the image with the “M” button (perfect for selfies).
- Adjust the aspect ratio (long-press “M” to stretch it).
- Snap photos or start videos with the Bluetooth remote or onboard button.
The display isn’t super bright—outdoor use might be tricky—but indoors, it’s clear enough to frame your shot. Bonus: it doubles as a remote monitor! Place your phone somewhere out of reach, and use the PH02 Max to see what’s in frame.
Real-World Testing: The Good and the Bad
I’ve been playing with this thing for a few days, and here’s the scoop:
The Good
- Rear Camera Selfies Made Easy: Seeing yourself while using the high-quality rear camera is a revelation. My selfies and Reels look sharper than ever.
- Vlogging Perks: If you shoot vlogs with your phone, this lets you check your framing without guesswork—especially handy for wide-angle shots.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with iPhone and Android, thanks to that MagSafe sticker.
- Decent Battery Life: Two hours of use is enough for most sessions.
The Bad
- Wi-Fi Woes: The wireless connection drops a lot—sometimes within 5 meters (16 feet). It’s frustrating to reconnect constantly, especially with my iPhone 16 Pro.
- Lag and Stutter: There’s a slight delay in mirroring, so fast-paced videos might not sync perfectly.
- Aspect Ratio Quirks: Letterboxing happens due to mismatched phone-to-screen ratios. Adjusting it feels artificial.
- Button Placement: The photo button on top is awkward to reach—side placement would’ve been better.
Who’s This For?
The PH02 Max isn’t perfect, but it’s a niche gem for:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: If you’re tired of front-camera quality and want crisp rear-camera shots.
- Content Creators: Vloggers and Reels makers who need precise framing on a budget.
- Tech Experimenters: Love quirky gadgets? This one’s fun to play with.
At $67, it’s not cheap, but it’s cheaper than crowdfunding alternatives with similar features. Plus, the included accessories add value.
Wishlist for the Next Version
If KingMa’s listening, here’s what could make the PH02 Max a slam dunk:
- Better Wi-Fi Stability: Less dropouts, please!
- Brighter Display: For outdoor visibility.
- Side Buttons: Easier access for snapping pics.
- Wireless Charging: Imagine charging your phone or earbuds through it—dreamy, right?
Final Verdict: Worth It?
The KingMa PH02 Max MagSafe Selfie Screen is a clever, if imperfect, solution for rear-camera selfies and vlogging. It’s not as polished as Apple’s ecosystem, but it’s practical and fun. My Instagram Stories with this thing got tons of DMs from friends asking, “Where’d you get that?!” So, yeah, it’s got some buzz potential—especially for selfie-obsessed folks or creators on a budget.
Would I recommend it? If you’re okay with occasional hiccups and love experimenting with tech, go for it. If you need flawless performance, maybe wait for a refined version. Either way, it’s a solid 7.5/10 for me.