Kenu Airframe Plus is a great car mount for phablets

By Mark Guim
last updated

Phones have been getting bigger, so don't be surprised when you stumble upon older universal accessories that don't fit recent phablets. Probably one of the most common accessories is the car mount{.nofollow}. You use it to keep your smartphone in sight and ready for GPS directions, streaming music, or hands-free calls inside the car. If you're looking to get one for your phablet like the Lumia 1520, Lumia 1320, or the new Lumia 640 XL, you should consider the Kenu Airframe Plus. Check out our hands-on video to see it in action.

The Kenu Airframe Plus fits smartphones and phablets with displays ranging from 4 to 6 inches. It also supports devices with oversized cases. You place the mount into your car's vent. You don't have to worry about suction cups attached to the front windshield that might block part of your view while driving. The clips on the back are stiff but expandable enough to squeeze into the vent for a secure fit.

The Kenu Airframe Plus has a spring-loaded expandable grip for your device. Just pull the jaw and insert your phone. There's also another way to use it that might not be too obvious. You can use Airframe Plus as a portable desk stand. Insert a card into the clip on the back and then place it on a flat surface. Since the clips can be rotated, you'll be able to view your phone in portrait or landscape mode.

The original Kenu Airframe is very popular at Amazon with over 1,500 reviews, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars. The newer Airframe Plus was created to fit the growing phones and phablets. We're very happy with the Airframe Plus, but it's not perfect. The grips will securely hold your phone and hug the car vent, but car vents are still moveable. This means there will be movement on bumpy roads. It's also not a good idea to use the heater for the front vents. During cold weather, you should probably use the heaters at the bottom.

You can buy the Kenu Airframe Plus on Amazon for about $20, or you may even find it at your local electronics stores for about $30.

Mark Guim
Mark Guim

Mark Guim is Video Editor at Windows Central. He switched to Windows because the MacBook Pro isn't Pro enough. You can follow him on Twitter at @markguim.

31 Comments
  • Not good.
  • Will it fit a Lumia Icon that has a case on it? I had a dashboard mount that worked great with my Icon when I didn't have the case on, but with the case it was a little too deep to fit good (also the mount lost it's adhesiveness in direct sunlight, which made it useless in the summer). This looks good but it has to be able to accomodate the case as well...
  • It will definitely work with a case. It is well designed so it is not dependant on the sides wrapping around to the front of the phone, just the tension on the sides of the phone holds it very securely. I'm a huge fan of both the original Airframe and the Airframe Plus.
  • Thanks for the information. My old mount had what you described, the front of it wrapped around, and that didn't work well with the case. Maybe I'll give this one a try.
  • I like how most if not all of Mark's articles come with videos. This is one of those things you don't know you need untill you try it and can't live without it. I prefer this over the mounts that use 3M tape mounts
  • Can be found in the Teknikmagasinet stores in Sweden.
  • I have the Airframe + for my Lumia 1520.  Technically, the 1520 does fit in the airframe but I wouldn't recommend it as it's a very tight fit.
  • Yes its super tight. I was wondering if I put it in hot water and try to expand it , it might fit my L1520 with the case on..
  • Does the 1520 fit with a case? I have an amzer.
  • works with any case up to 3.4 inches wide.
  • I have amzer case to and no. You can kinda get it to fit, but it won't be flush, it would be at an angle. I took mine off when I did use it.
  • ^Seconded
  • I'd say no since barebones the phone barely fits.
  • I use it for my 1020 one year now. It is exactly that i ve been looking for. Very satisfied.
  • My entire AC vent is blocked when using this and my 1520. Can't do it! I'm in TX, I needs my air.
  • Hmmm... I'm in a very hot climate too... that might be an issue.
  • I use the m8 for windows. Mine sits on top of my dashboard on a suction holder with the case on. As I'm always on with my here drive or my Sygic. My family and friends always ask me why do you put them on even when your going down the road? Eh I have the feature why not use it. Getting back to the stand I like on the dash rather than on the vent it gets very humid in new England in the summer. Why block the cool air flow.
  • Yea Mikeso, I'd consider another route. That vent it blocks is a necessity!
  • Please keep your eyes on the road, while driving a car..... Thanks a lot from this motor cycle driver....
  • I use a magnet mount with my 1520 with a case and it works great. The best part is that you just touch your phone to it rather than having to use 2 hands. $23 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008IOQ3K6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage...  
  • Magnet mounts are a no go if you use wireless charging.
  • I like this style of jaw/grip, but not the vent mount. I'd rather pair this with a custom mount from ProClips.
  • Some great ideas. All look pretty good. Not a big fan of the vent mount either.
  • I'm worried it would drop my phone  like a hot pocket (I know the saying is hot potato but you really shouldn't be eating hot pockets anyway :p)
  • Does it work with 1520 with Diablo case
  • It will only work with no case on. The airframe + can only fit devices up to 3.4"wide and the Lumia 1520 is exactly 3.4"
  • These are great..but dont pay the absurd American market price! I got an unbranded one from aliexpress for 2$ free shipping!!
  • i bought a generic one for my 635 but i guess it doesnt it with a bigger size(width)...Might buy this one for the upcoming 640/XL...
  • Junk. I had one for my 1020. It pressed in the power button so much that it broke the power button. So be very careful if you use this.
  • This one has held my 1520 for 9 months and hasn't blown its springs yet. And my 1520 is in the fat jkase diablo case. http://www.amazon.com/Holder-Windshield-Degree-accommodates-bumpers/dp/B... I wouldn't mind using something else, I've just never found anything else that will hold a 1520. I was hoping with the advent of larger phones from Samsung & Apple the market would expand, but hasn't really happened yet. 
  • I hate any mount that uses a claw to hold the phone now... I use the Scosche magnetic ones that are available at walmart and it holds my 1520 without issue.  So easy to use and easily tilt-able to landscape-portrait on the fly