I first ordered a different brand and when I got it, there were no instructions - not even a quick guide - and after watching a YouTube video on that brand, it appeared there was a piece or two missing. So I immediately returned that and ordered this one. There were instructions with this one, clear on how to assemble and all parts were provided. I read as many of the reviews as I could before ordering and I don't understand the ones that say this little tripod will not take stand up if the phone is turned to a down-ward pointing position, that it will tip over. The legs are flexible and adjustable and I curved them so they would withstand a top-heavy phone pointing straight down and it held just fine - no tipping over, no matter how long I left it in that position. I can't think of any reason I would take a pic or video of anything where this would be directly above it, pointing straight down - I could take that pic myself - but I had still had to find out for myself about that...as long as you position the flexible legs to handle a top-heavy load, it works fine. I used this to take pics of my fearful foster dog with the rescue I volunteer for because if he sees me holding my phone pointing at him, he turns away...but I've positioned the tripod with the phone on it to take pics of him where he can't see it, I can press the remote control to take a pic of him, and it works great!! And I'm going to put this outside by my bird feeders to take pics of birds while I am inside watching them! I do really like this.