Smartphone Video Lighting: Mini Flash vs Fill Light Grip
By Red Dot Photo | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Buying Guides
Compare the Ulanzi MFL01 mini flash and CG02 fill light grip for smartphone video. See which portable lighting kit fits your shooting style, with honest trade-offs.
Quick answer
For steady handheld video with a built-in light, choose the Ulanzi CG02 grip. For a compact add-on that boosts light without changing how you hold your phone, the Ulanzi MFL01 mini flash is the simpler pick.
What each light actually does
The Ulanzi CG02 is a smartphone camera grip holder with a fill light built into the handle. It gives you a stable way to hold your phone while adding continuous light for video or selfies. The Ulanzi MFL01 is a mini portable phone flash that clips on or attaches to your phone, offering a compact light source without altering your grip. The key difference is whether you want a combined grip-and-light solution or a separate light that works with your existing setup.
Trade-off: built-in convenience vs. flexibility
The CG02's fill light is always with the grip, so you don't need to carry an extra accessory. But it locks you into using the grip as your primary handle. The MFL01 is more flexible: you can attach it to different phones or even use it off-camera, but you'll need to manage it as a separate piece. If you often switch between phone models or want to position the light away from the lens, the MFL01 gives you more freedom.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose the CG02 if…: You want a single device that stabilizes your phone and provides fill light for handheld video or selfies. The grip design helps reduce shakiness while the light is always ready.
- Choose the MFL01 if…: You already have a phone grip or tripod and just need a compact light to add. It's also a better fit if you want to use the light off-camera or with multiple phones.
- Consider your budget…: The CG02 is priced lower than the MFL01 in this store, but the MFL01 offers more placement flexibility. Weigh the cost against how you actually shoot. If you're unsure, think about whether you need a grip at all. If you do, the CG02 gives you two tools in one.
Product facts at a glance
- Ulanzi CG02 Smartphone Camera Grip Holder with Fill Light: The Ulanzi CG02 is a smartphone camera grip holder with a fill light, designed for steady shots and effortless content creation. It combines a stable grip and light in one unit, so you can shoot handheld video without juggling separate accessories.
Ulanzi CG02 Smartphone Camera Grip Holder with Fill Light - Ulanzi MFL01 Mini Portable Phone Flash: The Ulanzi MFL01 is a compact, portable phone flash designed to pair with a phone for added light when shooting. Its small size makes it easy to carry and attach to any phone, giving you a flexible lighting option without changing your grip.
Ulanzi MFL01 Mini Portable Phone Flash
Who should buy what
Best for
- Vloggers and selfie shooters who want a stable grip with built-in light for handheld video
- Creators who prefer a single accessory that stays with the phone
Not for
- Users who already own a phone grip or tripod and only need a separate light source
- Shooters who want to position the light off-camera or use it with different phone models
