Moza 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Review: Smooth Handheld Video Without the Bulk

Smartphones can capture some amazing-looking video. However, once you begin moving around with your smartphone, whether walking or jogging, the shaky motion causes those video clips you were planning to use become unusable. The Moza Mini MX is one of the least expensive solutions for a three axis gimbal which will help eliminate that problem while avoiding being forced into purchasing an entire DJI product line.

The Mini MX is a portable hand held stabilized system designed for videographers using a smart phone they already have, and overall the Mini MX works very well as long as you are doing mostly handheld shots.

All inexpensive gimbals also offer trade-offs. In this case, all of the trade offs in the Mini MX are either completely invisible (and therefore do not affect the user), may be slightly annoying (depending on how you plan to use your gimbal), but should not be considered deal breakers. Below is what you can expect when owning the Moza Mini MX and where it has limitations, plus who would be better off looking elsewhere.

What the Moza Mini MX Actually Is

Moza’s Mini MX is a compact, portable, foldable smartphone stabilizer. Specifically, it has a three axis motorized system with a gimbal (pitch, roll and yaw) which is designed to keep your phone stable even as you move around. This product has a weight of approximately 412 grams, slightly less than one pound.

When folded, it is about the same size as a large sandwich. The purpose of folding is primarily for easy storage.

This product will hold phones ranging in width from 60 to 88mm. This includes all of the major brands of phones currently available (ProMax, etc.), as well as the larger Ultra models.

The load range of the phone clamp is from 136-272g. This should cover most cases and attachments that add a small amount of weight to the back of the phone. However, if you were to attach a very heavy metal case or an anamorphic lens attachment, it would put additional strain on the motors of the Mini MX.

The specs that matter

The rotation ranges provided by this product are substantial given its size: pan (340), roll (300) and tilt (140). Essentially, this means that you can perform inception-style roll shots and full pans without the arm fighting you. Additionally, the unit has a 1/4"-20 screw threaded into the base of the hand grip, so you can drop it onto a tripod or light stand for a locked-off shot or a hands-free timelapse.

One thing to be clear about: the Mini MX does not have wireless phone charging. That feature belongs to the pricier Mini-MI in Moza's lineup.

Stabilization Performance

This is the stuff that really counts. When walking around, your shots are going to be very stable. Even when you jog slowly, they will still be good enough to view as long as you keep some movement using your legs as a shock absorber.

The three axis gimbal does a great job of smoothing out the smaller hand movements (trembles) and side to side swing, which would make your untouched videos from a phone look amateurish. Reviewers have said time and again, that the Mini MX has better stabilization than many other gimbals in its price range, which matches expectations for a solidly designed three axis gimbal.

Where the limitations occur is with fast motion. Run with it, or spin the gimbal wildly back and forth, and there may be a slight delay before the motors catch up to correct the shot. This type of delay is normal for this class of gimbal, and is not indicative of an issue.

Many users of all brands of affordable gimbals report seeing similar behavior. So, while it is possible to get rock solid results with a gimbal at a dead sprint, you will probably have to move into another price tier.

Portrait and landscape switching

One feature that many people find to be their favorite is the ability to switch between portrait and landscape orientations with a single button click. Pressing the button causes the phone to rotate to vertical position. If you shoot both vertical social media content (e.g., Instagram Reels, TikTok), and horizontal content (YouTube Shorts), then this is easily worth owning a gimbal vs. a low-cost grip.

The Moza Genie App and Features

The Mini MX connects via Bluetooth to the Moza Genie smartphone app. As long as both devices are within about 5 meters of each other, you'll have a reliable connection. Within this app, you'll find all of the advanced features including Object Tracking (the ability to track a person’s face or a moving object), Timelapse, Motion Timelapse, and video editing tools.

As great as the app is when functioning properly, unfortunately, many users experience dropped Bluetooth connections or require restarting the app before it functions. Additionally, while there may be some lag during tracking, reviewers report it to be smooth once locked into place.

The free editing tools provided by the app also provide capabilities beyond what you would normally expect from a simple smartphone editing application. Unfortunately, the reliability issues experienced with these apps are common among most budget gimbal manufacturers. However, for those interested in purchasing one of these products, it is good to know beforehand.

Manual control without the app

If needed, you do not necessarily need to rely on the app for standard operation. All of the standard controls are located on the gimbal’s handheld controller and include joystick, button inputs for mode switching, and orientation changing.

While the Genie app provides additional functionality, it does so in conjunction with the physical controls and does not completely depend upon their reliability for proper function. In essence, if the app has connectivity issues, you can simply bypass its usage and continue to shoot smoothly using the controllers alone.

Battery, Build, and Everyday Use

The battery life on the Moza Mini MX is also an area where it really shines. Moza says it will run about 20 hours. While your actual usage may vary depending on how often you actually turn the motorized features on or how long you keep the camera rolling, you could easily take this thing out of your bag and shoot with it every day (casually) for a week without needing to recharge.

That being said, if you do need to top up the battery again, it will charge from 2.5 hours using a standard USB-C cable, the same one that likely charges all of the rest of your gear.

The build quality is fine. The Moza Mini MX is made of plastic and, by virtue of that fact alone, is super lightweight and inexpensive. It does not feel like "premium" material, but it also does not feel flimsy.

The foldable parts of the gimbal make a solid clicking sound when locked in place. The shape of the handle makes for a very comfortable grip during extended periods of filming.

The balancing learning curve

The first time you balance the camera in the gimbal will take about a minute, and there is some trial-and-error to dialing in a good balance point, but after a few tries, balancing will become second nature.

If the phone isn't roughly balanced before you power on, the motors have to work overtime and you'll hear them straining. Spend the extra thirty seconds sliding the phone in the clamp until it holds position on its own with the power off. One reviewer described it as their first handheld gimbal and said it was easy to operate even as a novice, which tracks once you get the balancing habit down.

How It Stacks Up Against DJI and Others

DJI offers its own alternative product, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6, and DJI has the better app as well as the superior tracking capabilities. The trade off is that the Osmo will cost you considerably more than the Moza, and it includes an extension arm (the Osmo) that the Moza does not. Therefore, if you are willing to spend more money to use a "plug and play" app, then the DJI is the safe choice.

The newer DJI Osmo Mobile 7P pushes the tracking even further with a dedicated module, but you're paying more for it.

Additionally, there are some brands such as hohem that offer gimbals with a variety of features at competitive prices. The hohem iSteady V3 Ultra has both AI tracking capability along with a built-in fill light, while the hohem iSteady X3 is a little smaller and has a detachable remote.

On the lower end of the price spectrum is the Aochuan Smart XE. This model has undercut many of the competitors when it comes to pricing. For those who may be interested in seeing all of the different options compared directly, we listed out all of the different models in our best gimbal for smartphone video buying guide.

For users looking for a gimbal they can take with them easily (due to size/weight), Moza makes the winner here. While Moza did not try to compete with DJI based on apps, they focused on making their gimbal something you would actually bring with you due to its low cost, light weight, and battery life.

If you're already deep into Moza gear like the Moza Air 2 for your bigger camera, staying in the family also keeps the app situation simpler.

Get this gimbal if you record casual video on your phone and don't want to have shaky footage anymore, or if you post to vertical platforms and need fast orientation switching and if you need a stabilizer small enough to actually bring along. It is a strong match for travel creators, event photographers (shooting B-roll), and anyone building out an iPhone filmmaking kit on a budget.

Do not get it if reliable app-based tracking is an important part of how you work, or if you need an extension rod for higher and lower angles right from the box. In those cases the DJI Osmo Mobile line is worth the extra spend.

But for smooth handheld footage without the bulk or cost, the Moza earns its place. If you'd rather ditch the phone entirely for run-and-gun work, a fixed-lens option like the DJI Osmo Pocket is a different but related answer to the same shaky-footage problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Moza Mini MX work with iPhone and Android?

Yes. The clamp will fit all mainstream smartphones (iPhones and Android) from 60-88 mm wide. The Moza Genie App is available for download on both iOS and Android. To ensure the Moza Mini MX at B&H is compatible with your exact model of smartphone, you can check it out before buying.

How long does the battery last?

According to Moza, they estimate about 20 hours of run time. This is impressive for a smartphone gimbal. In real world usage, this translates to a solid days’ worth of filming with still plenty of power left over. Recharging via USB-C takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Do I need the app to use it?

No. The joystick and buttons located on the handle allow you to control pan, tilt, mode switch, and orientation by using manual controls. While the Moza Genie App provides additional functions such as tracking, timelapse, and editing capabilities, the app is optional. Even if you experience issues connecting via Bluetooth, you are able to continue to film manually.

Is it good enough for professional work?

For casual and semi-professional handheld video capture, absolutely. For commercial paid gigs requiring tracking reliability, the app may be considered unreliable. Consider the Moza as a cost effective work horse for capturing B-roll and content. The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 would be preferred for critical applications.

Can I mount it on a tripod?

Yes. There is a 1/4"-20 screw thread located on the bottom of the hand grip allowing attachment to any standard tripod or light stand. This method would be ideal for setting up hands free timelapse or stationary shots.

How does it compare to a hohem gimbal?

While the hohem iSteady V3 Ultra offers more advanced features (such as AI tracking and an integrated fill light), the Moza keeps things simple and lightweight. If you want the most features per dollar, hohem is worth a look. If you want a compact, long-battery gimbal that just stabilizes well, the Moza holds its own.