Last Updated on July 9, 2023
EDITOR’S NOTE: While this review is for the 2017 version of the Car Holder, Aldi released a new version of the Car Holder in 2018, and again in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The 2019-2021 version is called the Auto XS Cell Phone Car Mount.
On paper, the more recent versions would seem to be a slight upgrade over the 2017 version. It can be affixed to the windshield with a suction cup, or attached to an included plate that can be put on a surface with 3M adhesive. In practice, though, we found the 2018 model didn’t stay in place as well as the 2017 version: our 2018 holder tends to fall off our windshield often, while the 2017 rarely does. We think part of the reason is that the 2017 model had a bit of sticky adhesive on the suction cup, while the 2018 did not.
We’ve just about given up using our 2018 model because it won’t stay up. We haven’t tested the 2019 model, but if it is like the 2018 model this could be a problem.
The 2018 version. The 2019 model appears to be the same. (Click to enlarge.)
Of note: in 2018 Aldi also sold a magnetic car mount, which uses a magnet that attaches to a plate that goes on your phone or case or between your phone and case. We opted not to test this one; if you have, feel free to let us know in the comments.
Aldi sells a variety of Special Buy (ALDI Find) car accessories under the Auto XS line. They can appear at any time of the year, although we see a lot of them in the spring and summer, and include everything from trunk organizers and car covers to USB adapters and car cleaning supplies.
On the smaller end of the spectrum is this.
The Auto XS Car Cell Phone Holder, which retailed for $4.99 when we bought it, comes in a clamshell packaging. There are two pieces to it: a base that includes a suction cup on the bottom, and a spring-loaded clip that connects to the ball joint at the end of the base. There is no warranty, which is typical for the smaller Auto XS products, and there is no indication on the packaging who the manufacturer is.
The clip holds phones up to 3 1/8 inches (7.9 cm) wide and can be used in both a portrait or landscape position. I recommend you take measurements with your phone in the case before buying this; while it fit all of our phones without trouble, they all have screens of about 4.5″, so if you’ve got anything larger, you want to be sure it will fit.
Assembly is pretty simple. You unscrew the nut on the clip, then push the ball joint in until it clicks. Then you tighten the nut. Just like that, you have a cell phone holder.
Attaching it to the car is likewise simple. First, clean the surface — either the windshield or dashboard — that you intend to attach the clip to. Second, you pull the plastic wrap off the suction cup; when you do you’ll find there is a sticky residue on the bottom of the suction cup. Third, you lift a lever behind the suction cup, push it against the car surface, and then push the level back down.
All you need to do now is affix your phone, and you’ve got a car holder.
Nothing really fancy, but it seems to do the job.
Removal, by the way, is also pretty simple. You lift the lever, pull a tab on the suction cup, and you’re done. The suction cup does leave a bit of the residue on the car surface but it seems pretty simple to wipe off. We’re not sure how the suction cup will hold up if the residue wears off through repeated attachments and removals, though.
The Verdict:
It’s not particularly sophisticated and we’re not sure about its longevity, but for $4.99 it’s less than most car cell phone holders we’ve seen. Just make sure you take measurements, as it isn’t designed to hold phones larger than 3 1/8 inches wide.
I have bought the newer magnetic version- $6.99 The suction cup works great. i have had no problems with it. However, there were no instructions in my box..simply pictures. The rectangular piece (which I think is to be a magnet)– is only a piece of plastic. I am not sure how this is to work. I affixed the accompanying round magnet to my phone. I wish I would have placed it on my cover as I use an Otterbox and it will NOT go thru the cover from the back of my phone… lesson learned. I am going to try to pry it off the phone a “re-do” it to the otterbox Can’t say as I really like the big round magnet showing on my phone without the case anyway– i Would recommend this, especially if you want to try a phone mount….
My mount came with 2 magnets. A round magnet (1 adhesive side, 1 magnetic side) which I’m guessing is supposed to be used for mounting the base on the dash . It also came with a smaller rectangle magnet that I have placed inside my phone case.
Hubby and I bought 2 of the magnetic mounts. We really like them. The flat magnet sticks extremely well to the back of your phone and the opposing bit clips onto the air vent. Only issue is my car was stolen so now i have magnet on my phone and nothing to attach it to. That’s hardly the product’s fault. I would definitely buy the same again if they come back to Aldi.
My problem with the magnetic phone mount was that it would fall off the dash whenever it got hot outside. The magnetic mechanism works great but the whole thing is useless if it doesn’t stay up for more than a couple car rides at a time.
The phone holder is made of a quality reinforced plastic and uses 3M 9080A
adhesive tissue tape on the metal rectangular pieces that attach to either the phone directly or its case. The holder base that attaches to the windshield is done so with a 3M suction cup. The idea they mention 3M is a plus to me. It works well, although, having a sports car, it tends to show the vibration related to a taught suspension; something you probably won’t notice in tamer, suspension cars. Sometimes it turns slightly but all in all it keeps the phone, iphone 10s max, in position. The price of 4.99 cannot be beat either.