I also often talk to a friend who does not have a pc (yes there are still people that don't!) and looking stuff up online for her so can't hold the phone
My phone has a thick rubber Otter case (very old unfortunately so the screen in the pic is well used!) and my tablet has a thick leather case on it
I love that it also has rubber feet which keeps it from sliding around
I can just turn my phone to it's side if needed but i would be more useful if it had a slot you can slide your charger through