It's not a phone case like previous years and that might be the best reason to buy one. We walk you through everything you need to know.
Last week, Apple released the MagSafe Battery Pack which, next to the MagSafe wallet, is one of my favorite accessories for the iPhone 12 family. When the iPhone 12 launched in October, MagSafe charging was the most surprising and curious addition. Apple took Qi wireless charging, which is used by current iPhone models and most Android phones, and added magnets. MagSafe ensures that your iPhone 12 is perfectly positioned to charge as efficiently as possible. It also allows for a number of new accessories like wallets, tripod mounts and PopSockets.
The MagSafe Battery Pack costs $99 (£99, AU$139). That's double the price of other magnetic battery packs from third-party companies like Anker and Mophie. Apple does add a neat bit of iOS integration, like the ability to monitor how much battery charge the MagSafe Battery Pack has from the iOS battery widget.
My biggest criticism is that I wished it had been available when the iPhone 12 launched. As a proud iPhone 12 Mini owner, it gives me that extra push to make it through a full day instead of needing to charge it in the late afternoon. And I have friends who really wanted to buy a 12 Mini, but were worried about how they'd cope with a shorter battery life and got the base iPhone 12 instead. I could see several getting a 12 Mini and a MagSafe Battery Pack -- and being very content.
Similarly, I can see people at an Apple Store buying a new iPhone 12, or the heavily rumored iPhone 13, and grabbing a MagSafe Battery Pack off the shelf. If you're looking for something that can double as a charging pad and an on-the-go wireless battery pack t, the MagSafe Battery Pack is a solid option. But if you are willing to part with some of Apple's built-in niceties, there are third-party options that are a better value.
I used the MagSafe Battery Pack for five days, and here's everything you need to know.
How does the MagSafe Battery Pack charge an iPhone?
It starts charging when you slap it on the back of an iPhone. There isn't a button to press. It charges the phone at 5 watts, which is equivalent to using an old Apple USB-A charger.
When plugged in, the MagSafe Battery Pack supports pass-through charging at a faster 15 watts. You need to use a 20-watt wall charger, which costs an additional $19 on top of the $99 price of the pack.
0 Comments