Building on the earlier suggestion, I disagree with the Manfrotto hype. The Element MII uses too much plastic in the joints. It's a standard recommendation because of marketing, not performance. Real owners know the leg locks on those consumer lines get gritty and fail quickly. For $150, get the Leofoto Ranger LS-223C Carbon Fiber Tripod and a SmallRig Foldable Phone Tripod Mount. It lacks a center column, which makes it significantly more stable for landscape shots. Most travel tripods fail because the center column acts as a lever for vibrations in the wind. Tip: A Pixel 10 Pro XL with a case weighs nearly 400g. Ensure your ball head is rated for at least 3kg to prevent the phone from sagging during long exposures.

To add to the point above: it is honestly such a nightmare trying to find gear that doesnt weigh a ton but also wont tip over the second a tiny breeze hits your Pixel! I have literally spent hours hiking only to realize my lightweight setup is basically a wet noodle for long exposures. Its so frustrating when you just want a stable shot without carrying a lead pipe... But ngl I finally found the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod and it is amazing! It fits right in that $150 budget and the build is fantastic for landscape stuff. If you can stretch the budget just a tiny bit or find a deal, the Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod is also a total beast. Its carbon fiber, super light, and the stability is just insane for the size. Love mine so much!

> it is honestly such a nightmare trying to find gear that doesnt weigh a ton but also wont tip over the second a tiny breeze hits ^ This. Also, I am totally obsessed with keeping my phone safe so I have to chime in! Even though I am still kind of a beginner, I have noticed some serious issues with weight distribution on these larger XL phones. It is absolutely terrifying when you realize the center of gravity is way off balance! You really need to be careful with the tension on your mounting hardware. I have seen setups where the phone isnt perfectly centered and the whole rig just lurches forward unexpectedly. It is fantastic to have a lightweight kit for hiking, but please make sure everything is actually locked down before you step away from the tripod. These Pixels are heavy and if the tripod legs are too narrow, a tiny gust of wind is gonna be a disaster. Always check that the mount is compatible with the extra width and weight of the XL because a lot of clamps are surprisingly flimsy and might snap under pressure...

I've been happy with my Manfrotto Pixi. Solid for years; no complaints, and it's under $30.

Consider Sirui carbon fiber; lightweight, but unfortunately the leg locks had issues after 2 years.

Amazon Basics tripod works, it's under $30. Spend saved money on editing software!

Over the years, lightweight tripods often compromise stability, especially with larger phones. I've tried many. For long-term landscape use with a Pixel 10 Pro XL, consider a used Manfrotto Befree. Check local camera shops; a slightly heavier, stable base is safer than a flimsy, new tripod. Prioritize build quality; avoid accidents.

Forget the hype. Manfrotto's market share proves reliability. Over the years, their Element MII ($120ish) balances price and function better than trendy brands in my experience.

Hey! I'd prioritize stability for that sweet Pixel. I've seen cheap tripods fail. Check out Manfrotto's Element MII – solid build. Worth the peace of mind for a $150 phone!

Instead of buying new, have you considered a DIY phone mount for an existing camera tripod? I've been using a modified Manfrotto head (from '08!) with a cheap phone clamp for years. Landscape shots are surprisingly stable. Saved a ton, and it's surprisingly solid. No complaints so far.