Twelve South HiRise Deluxe for iPhone/iPad/Smartphone

Product developer, Twelve South, recently released a new charging stand for iPhone and iPad called the HiRise Deluxe. The stand is an upgrade to the best-selling HiRise also from Twelve South. This new and improved charging dock doubles as a hands-free stand. It’s designed to work with or without cases and meant to bring your iPad or iPhone closer to eye-level so that it’s easier for you to use your devices. Twelve South constructed the HiRise Deluxe out of steel, just like the other members of the HiRise family. One of the biggest features of the HiRise Deluxe is its inclusion of a MFi-certified Lightning cable. The stand is shipped with both a Lightning cable and a Micro-USB cable. The back post is adjustable to ensure you can use your devices whether or not it’s housed inside a case. HiRise Deluxe is great for your home or office because it’s still functional while it’s charging. The special design of HiRise Deluxe doesn’t block the iPhone speaker or headphone port like some docks do. When I received HiRise Deluxe, I was curious how well it would work since the charging cable was strung up through the shaft of the stand. I thought it might be a little awkward, but I quickly found that the cable fits tightly and securely. A big reason for this is because HiRise Deluxe comes equipped with height-adjustable clips. This means that HiRise Deluxe can work with practically any case on the market. This was an unexpected feature, but a very welcome one because it means that no matter what I decide to use with my phone, I don’t have to change my dock to suit its needs. I will admit that because of its unique design, I was a bit nervous about the security of my iPhone and iPad while on the stand. After all, the only thing locking the device into place is the Lightning plug/port connection. When I connected my iPhone, I noticed that while it locked into place well, the iPhone did seem a little loose and tilted easily from side-to-side. It’s secure while charging, but I really don’t feel safe trying to do anything else with my phone while it’s on the stand. I had similar issues with my iPad. Not only did my iPad Air 2 seem to shift back and forth while on the charging cable, but it also doesn’t have as much support from the back post. To me, it just seems like the HiRise Deluxe is not enough to safely hold or store an iPad on it. Twelve South states that the HiRise Deluxe is for both iPhone and iPads, but I just don’t feel very comfortable charging my iPad with it as it feels very lose and unsteady. I have, however, been using my iPhone 6 Plus with it to charge overnight. When an iPhone or iPad is on the stand, its back is resting on a small piece of plastic. For those who do not use a case, you don’t have to worry about damage to your device because the plastic prevents unnecessary scratches. Case users will love this stand. The HiRise Deluxe is a stylish, sturdy stand and I can recommend it as I feel it’s one of the better constructed charging stands I’ve used. The only real complaint I have is that I’m not a fan of the iPhone or iPad only being held up by the Lightning port. HiRise is available in three colors – silver, black or gold. "This product was received at a free or discounted price in exchange for my review. I am a technology journalist and pride myself on providing fair and honest reviews. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have."