My Favorite Galaxy Z Fold Charging Stand Just Got a Lot Better
Ever since I bought my 3D printer, I’ve developed a bit of a habit. Periodically, I will head over to sites like MakerWorld or Printables just to see what is new. I love searching for the devices I’m actually using to see if any enterprising individuals have designed a clever accessory for them.
About eight months ago, that is exactly how I found a MagSafe style charging stand for my Z Fold 7. It was a simple project involving a solid print with a cutout for a charging puck, but it worked so well that it has lived on my desk every single day since. It became a permanent fixture in my setup. I was surprised and pretty excited when the creator, Allison, reached out last week to show me a brand new version that’ll fit my Fold 7 (and Fold 8 with its identical design) with some serious improvements.
More Than a Simple Update
While my original DIY print served me well, seeing the new version side by side really highlighted the imperfections in my own printer setup. My machine just isn't dialed in as well as it should be, and the difference in quality is immediately obvious. Allison clearly spent a lot of time addressing the small friction points from the original design.
The Hinge Gap: This is a very smart addition. There is now a cutout in the center for people who use cases with hinge protection. On the old model, those bulky hinges would push the phone away from the magnets, but now the device can sit perfectly flush.
Premium Aesthetics: The new model features carbon fiber style accents and a texturized finish. It feels much more like a finished product you’d find in a store rather than something just pulled off a hobbyist's heat bed.
Improved Grip: Allison added a rubberized base and rubberized feet. This adds some much-needed weight and grip so the stand stays put when you are docking your phone.
Textured Charging Puck: Unlike the slick plastic of the original, the new charging surface has a grippy texture to keep your device from shifting around.
I tested it with a few different setups to see how it handled various cases and magnets.
I started with my Z Fold 7 in a Thinborne case. This case has the MagSafe ring placed slightly lower than standard to avoid the camera bump, which causes the phone to float slightly above the base. However, the magnets are more than strong enough to hold it steady. When I switched to a case from Benks with full hinge protection, the new center gap did exactly what it was supposed to do. The phone snapped right into place and sat perfectly on the ledge.
I also tried the Magic V6 and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Even though they are not the primary targets for this specific model, they snapped on firmly and charged without a hitch. It is truly a single charging stand that can fit almost any foldable. Allison says there will be more bespoke version of this stand coming as well though.
The DIY Kit vs. Fully Built
One cool detail about this is that this project accessible to everyone. You have a few different options if you want one for yourself. You can still download the files and print it yourself for free. If you want to save a little money but ensure you have the right parts, there is a $25 DIY kit that includes the charging puck, the rubberized feet, and the accent pieces.
If you want the best possible version, you can buy it fully assembled for $39.99. They even have a specific Galaxy Z TriFold version available for $42.
Final Thoughts
It is honestly mind-boggling to see what talented designers in our community can produce. Allison has taken a great concept and turned it into a professional piece of gear. If you want to support a fellow foldable enthusiast and maker, I will have the links ready for you. It is a great way to help a member of the community while picking up a very cool piece of desk gear.
