The Best Selfie Sticks for Android Phones

Over the years, with the popularity of selfies, selfie sticks have become one of the most popular camera accessories sold on the market. These sticks allow you to take better photos of yourself or a friend group as it helps you achieve an angle that would not have been possible otherwise. 

One of the biggest reasons for the immense popularity of a selfie stick is the freedom it gives. Using it, you can achieve any angle you want. Due to their high demand, many different selfie sticks are available on the market. You can find ones that are simple and easy to use, while others that have extra features making using the stick all the more dynamic. It is essential that you know all the different types and features on the market so you can choose one that suits your needs. 

How Does a Selfie Stick Work?

A phone attached to a selfie stick. 

To use a selfie stick, you simply attach your camera or smartphone to the mounting bracket, extend the pole to the desired length, and position the camera or smartphone to frame the shot. Some selfie sticks also have built-in buttons or Bluetooth connectivity to allow you to remotely trigger the camera’s shutter button and take photos without having to touch the camera itself.

The majority of selfie sticks use Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone, this means you will have to download a related App on your phone and pair it with the stick. Then you can use the app for taking photos and videos.

Once you have your camera or smartphone securely attached to the selfie stick and have positioned it to capture the shot you want, you can use the pole to hold the camera or smartphone at a variety of angles and distances, allowing you to take photos and videos of yourself and your surroundings that would be difficult or impossible to capture otherwise.

It’s worth mentioning that some places may have restrictions on the use of selfie sticks, like museums, historical sites and national parks, also some theme parks and events may prohibit the use of selfie sticks for safety and liability reasons.

Why should you use a selfie stick?

A phone attached to a selfie stick.

With the advancement of camera technology in phones, many casual photographers have started to using mobile phones to capture images. A selfie stick is perhaps the best accessory you can purchase for smartphone camera photography. It allows you to take photographs at different angles, prevent your arm from appearing in a distorted position, and take group photos. Here is why you should purchase a selfie stick. 

Capture more of the background

A selfie stick allows you to hold the camera or smartphone farther away from your body, which means you can capture more of the background in your photos. This can be especially useful for taking photos in crowded places or when you want to include a large landmark or natural feature in the background of your photo.

Hands-free operation

Many selfie sticks come with a built-in Bluetooth trigger that allows you to take photos without having to touch the camera or smartphone. This can be helpful for taking photos in challenging environments, such as at the beach or in the snow, when you don’t want to remove your gloves to take a photo.

Hands-free operation

Many selfie sticks come with a built-in Bluetooth trigger that allows you to take photos without having to touch the camera or smartphone. This can be helpful for taking photos in challenging environments, such as at the beach or in the snow, when you don’t want to remove your gloves to take a photo.

Avoiding Strangers 

When trying to take a picture of yourself, sometimes it becomes impossible to get yourself fully in a frame, which is why you need to ask someone else to help you. Although this is perfectly acceptable if you have a family member or friends with you, it can be dangerous if you ask a stranger. 

Since you do not know the stranger, you do not know whether or not they will take a good picture. Some people are shy and might not want to do it. On the other hand, some may completely ignore your wishes and take the kind of photo they want.

In such cases of street photography, a selfie stick is incredibly useful as you can use it to take the picture exactly how you want it and not be at the mercy of a stranger. 

Avoiding your arm

When taking a selfie, you may have noticed that it is sometimes difficult to avoid including your arm in the picture. When your arm extends toward the camera, it can become distorted and ruin the image you are trying to take. In such cases, having a selfie stick is incredibly useful as you can compose your shot without having your arm appear as a distraction in the picture. 

It is important to note that your stick will also appear in photographs, but due to its small and thin nature, it will most likely go unnoticed. Additionally, its placement below the camera will allow you to get a wide-angle shot.

Group Photos

One of the biggest advantages when taking photos with a selfie camera is that you can raise it away from yourself. This allows you to get a further away and wider view. 

The further your camera is from you, the more area it can capture, meaning you can easily take group photos. Although some cameras come with a wide-angle feature, it is often not enough to capture a group and the background behind them. In such cases, a selfie camera works wonders, giving you the perfect angle to capture the best group selfies. 

Creative Perspectives and Angles

Since selfie cameras are designed to be held in your hand, you can move them higher or lower to create interesting angles. Due to their length, you can get both overhead shots and ground-level perspectives. This allows you to film and take pictures at angles you would previously not have been able to. Additionally, some selfie cameras come with added features such as a Bluetooth shutter. Using it, you can take pictures no matter how far you extend the stick to take a picture. 

Things That You Need To Consider Before Buying a Selfie Stick

Two women taking a picture using a selfie stick. 

Not all selfie sticks are created equal. Using some, you can capture amazing overhead shots. At the same time, some are short and only allow you to take group photos with a few people. Depending on your use, you must consider certain factors before purchasing a selfie stick. Here are a few features of a selfie stick that are important to factor in before you make your purchase. Ensure that you also keep your budget in mind while making your decision.

Compatibility

Before you go ahead and order the best-looking or the most functional selfie stick, you should see if it is compatible with your phone or not. Most selfie sticks use a standard 1/4-20 tripod thread to mount the camera, but some newer models have a built-in clamp or holder specifically designed to hold smartphones. If you’re using an older phone, make sure the stick’s holder can support it.

Wired or Wireless

If you don’t like to deal with wires, a wireless selfie stick will suit you best, otherwise some people may find it simpler to just plug their stick in the phone’s port. Wireless selfie sticks require charging and operate on batteries, but once fully charged, they can get you throughout the day. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about charging a wired selfie stick. 

It is all about your personal preference; some say that a wired selfie stick is much easier to set up while others say that a wireless selfie stick with Bluetooth is a much more convenient option, especially the one that comes with a remote.

Portability 

If you are taking your selfie stick along wherever you go, you should look for a portable and lightweight selfie stick that you can easily carry. If you want a shorter retractable length selfie stick, you should go for the one that is around 7 to 8 inches when collapsed – you can put it in your pocket or bag. However, if you want to cover a lot more area and want a long selfie stick, look for one that has a retractable length of around 11 inches.

Ease of Set-Up

With wired selfie sticks, you don’t have to do any pairing, all you have to do is plug it into your phone’s port, and you are good to go. On the other hand, Bluetooth selfie sticks need to be paired with your phone, but once it’s done, setting up is extremely easy, and you will be able to connect your selfie stick with your phone by just turning on your Bluetooth. 

Power Source

Not all the selfie sticks are powered by the same power source. Wireless selfie sticks have rechargeable batteries that need to be charged while you don’t have to charge a wired one, as it requires a minimal amount of current that it can take from your mobile phone, just like your earphones.

If you will be traveling a lot and will not have access to a wall socket, you should buy a compact, wired selfie stick so you don’t have to worry about charging it. 

The Length of the Arm

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a selfie stick is the arm’s length. This length varies greatly. You can find selfie sticks with arm lengths of up to 10 feet, but a long arm is not necessarily good. Most people recommend that you stick to a selfie stick with an arm of three to four feet. 

One disadvantage of longer arm lengths is that it makes the selfie stick heavier, which means that you may have trouble traveling with it. Additionally, if you have a longer selfie stick, the added weight at one end makes it more prone to snapping. This means that the shorter your selfie stick, the more durable it will be. Ensure that you do not purchase a selfie stick that is too small. Otherwise, you won’t be able to achieve that wide-angle shot characteristic of this camera accessory

Extension Mechanisms

The extension mechanism is another factor that is important for you to consider. The extension mechanism refers to the stiffness in the arm when you expand or retract it. It is essential that you choose a selfie stick that has extension mechanisms that you feel comfortable with. 

Usually, selfie sticks require more pressure to extend, which is ideal if you are a beginner. A stiffer mechanism allows you to adjust the length and change it by very small measurements. On the other hand, if your selfie stick has a more fluid extension mechanism, you may struggle with extending it at a distance you prefer. 

Material

The material that the main body of your selfie stick is made of plays a huge part in how durable it is. Usually, selfie sticks are made using aluminum alloy or stainless steel. This material can make a massive difference in the functionality of your selfie stick. 

Aluminum alloys are a metal mixture that uses aluminum as the predominant metal. Since it is lightweight, it is easier to carry and operate. It also has a higher oxidation and corrosion resistance, allowing you to use it for a long time without rust.

Stainless steel is the other common material used to make selfie sticks. It is not resistant to the elements and is heavier to carry but stronger. This means it is less likely to break or bend even if you attach a heavier phone to it.

The Handle

To avoid holding the metal part of the selfie stick, they come with handles. The handle’s shape, material, and size will determine how easy it is to hold. One of the easiest-to-hold handles is made using rubber or foam. Many recommend looking for ones that come with grooves and dents in the handle, as they allow you to get a firmer grip. 

When purchasing a selfie stick, ensure that you test it out. Hold it in your hand at the longest length and turn it around. If it feels uncomfortable, you are better off choosing a different one. Also, avoid plastic handles, which are the most uncomfortable and tend to be slippery. 

The Clamp

When looking for selfie sticks, paying attention to the clamping mechanism is essential. Two clamping mechanisms are most commonly seen on the market. They include ones with a pull-away wire clamp or an extending plastic grip with fasteners. The pull-away wire grip clamps are much easier to use as they are easy to set up and hold onto your device well. One disadvantage is that they may loosen up if they bump into something. If you choose a selfie stick with this clamp, you should ensure that you are not making any sudden or strong movements. 

The second kind of clamp is the extending plastic clamp. These can take a bit longer to fasten, but once your device is locked in, it remains in place. This makes them the best in terms of security. If you choose this clamping mechanism, ensure that the edges of the clamp have a good bite or teeth so that it can hold onto the device firmly. 

Remote Control

Some selfie sticks come with a remote control that allows you to take photos or videos without having to touch the camera or smartphone. This can be helpful for taking photos in challenging environments, such as at the beach or in the snow.

Extra Features That Selfie Sticks Should Have

Here are a few extra features that selfie sticks should have:

Adjustable Phone holder

A selfie stick with an adjustable phone holder, which can hold different sizes of smartphones and keep it securely in place. This ensures that the phone doesn’t move while taking photos or videos.

Extendable Length

Some selfie sticks can extend to a certain length, but others can be extended to even greater lengths. Consider a stick that can be extended to a length that suits your needs, and that collapses to a size that’s easy to carry around.

Bluetooth Remote Control: A built-in Bluetooth remote control allows you to take photos or videos without having to touch the camera or smartphone, which is helpful in certain environments like when it’s windy or at the beach.

Tripod mode

Some selfie sticks have a built-in tripod feature, which allows you to convert the stick into a stable tripod for taking photos or videos hands-free. This feature is particularly useful for capturing long-exposure photos or for using the device as a live video camera.

Battery life

Some selfie sticks come with rechargeable batteries, ensuring that you won’t run out of power in the middle of the day. You should also look for a stick with a long battery life, or one that can easily be recharged while on the go.

Waterproofing

If you plan on using your selfie stick at the beach or by the pool, you may want to consider a waterproof model that will protect your camera or smartphone from water damage.

Pros and Cons of Selfie Sticks

Pros

Cons

They allow you to get a wider view.

They can be a safety hazard and have been banned in certain spaces.

You can get a different perspective, making your photography seem unique. 

They are not very stable if they are cheaply made.

You can take pictures yourself without asking for help from a stranger. 

 

Conclusion

Selfie sticks are an excellent camera accessory that you can use to take wide-angle group shots and pictures from different perspectives. This makes them an incredibly versatile tool that is a must-have for photographers. However, due to their popularity, a large variety is available on the market, making it a little challenging to choose the best one. Suppose you are looking to buy a selfie stick to up your selfie game. In that case, you should focus on its length, handle, compatibility, and all the extra features it offers. By doing so, you will be able to purchase one that fits your needs best.