MagSafe Battery Packs vs Traditional Power Banks: Which One is Right for You?
Nowadays, power banks are practically everyone’s go-to travel companions. Even though our phones have evolved to be extensions of ourselves and have become increasingly intelligent, their battery life is still a major drawback for most smartphones. Nevertheless, we are fortunate to have power banks and MagSafe battery packs to ensure that we have a problem-free day.
As new ideas are dawning on the technological space, we begin to see competition as well as variations in products. However, we all know that the Apple line has always stood out and will continue to. For this reason, some people are curious to know whether or not the MagSafe battery pack is better than the traditional power banks. If you’re still in the dark, count yourself fortunate because this article will illuminate your path in making the right choices between Magsafe Battery Packs and traditional power banks.
Power banks have been a chief in the game until the advent of MagSage technology brought about more advanced devices like the MagSafe Battery Packs which have undoubtedly boosted users’ confidence over time. At first, when the MagSafe Battery Pack was launched, the controversies and worries surrounding its use, durability, and effectiveness were pretty much exaggerated. Power banks and MagSafe battery packs all have drawbacks just like everything else. Even though these drawbacks won’t stop you from purchasing one, you still need to be aware of its restrictions and the type that is most suitable for you.
Now, Let’s See Some Of The Key Differences…
Easy to Carry, Use Attach to Your Phone
When we look at things just the way they are, it is obvious that the MagSafe battery packs are easier to carry, use and also attach to your phone. If you look at the traditional power banks, they do not have any magnetic technology that would allow them easily get affixed to your smartphone. In some cases, you either look for a safe place to keep both your phone and power bank or you suffer the stress of holding both in your hands. However, with the Magsafe battery pack, you can seamlessly hold your phone and battery pack together as though they are one. You do not have to worry about fall-offs because the MagSafe technology ensures your Phone and battery pack’s safety.
Wireless Effortless Charging
The only way to use the traditional power bank (which is true for virtually all types of traditional power banks) is to connect it to your phone with the aid of a USB cord. Apart from the stress of going about with your cord, you also have to deal with its maintenance. This is because cords get spoilt easily when they’re not properly kept. But the MagSafe battery pack offers you heart-warming wireless charging. Just attach your battery pack to your phone and you’re good to go. No worries about cords.
In addition to the above, the MagSafe Battery Pack has Smart Battery Cover which guarantees additional protection. It also allows you to charge with the least amount of user involvement possible while making use of the MagSafe accessory technology present in iPhone 12 and later.
Efficiency/Effectiveness
We all know that the greater the capacity (mAh) of your power bank, the long-lasting it would be. As a result, when buying traditional power banks, people look for Power banks with the highest possible capacity that they can afford to purchase. In other words, if you have a phone with 4000mAh, a 10000mAh power bank would charge your phone twice over. Although third-party battery packs could still be attached via magnets, MagSafe battery packs are still the ideal choice because they trade size for power and efficiency.
Take for instance, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 4,323mAh battery, however, due to the low efficiency of Qi charging, it could only be charged to roughly 50% with a 5,000mAh battery. On the other hand, a 1,460mAh MagSafe Battery Pack could charge an iPhone 14 Pro Max to around 40% of its capacity. The reason why these figures might not even seem to make much sense is that a vital quantity ( which is voltage) is lacking. To make up for the iPhone’s lower 3.81V, the MagSafe Battery Pack’s 7.62V rating converts to an effective 2,920mAh. Given this figure and the great charging efficiency of MagSafe, it is understandable how the MagSafe Battery Pack can effectively supply 1,729mAh to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
So, Which One is Right for You?
Apart from the difference in cost price (which is reasonably fair) between traditional chargers and MagSafe battery packs, I would definitely opt-in for a MagSafe Battery Pack with those sizes and charging capabilities. Upon start-up, a launch animation for the MagSafe Battery Pack displays how much battery is still inside. If a 20W external power supply is connected, it can also function as a 15W MagSafe charger and it nonetheless provides a large capacity with magnetic attachment in the smallest available form. Apple’s power pack is so compact that it easily fits in any or backpack. Apple even added to the MagSafe Battery Pack’s utility with a mid-life update. Apple upgraded the battery pack’s charging rate in April 2022 from 5W to 7.5W. Depending on the model, settings, use, and environmental factors of your iPhone, the MagSafe Battery Pack offers an extra charge that you won’t find with traditional power banks. If you’re unsure about what to buy, check out the wireless power bank below.
HaloLock 10,000mAh Kickstand Wireless Power Bank (59.99)
It is compatible with all caseless iPhone 14/13/12 series phones and iPhone 13/12 series phones with a MagSafe or HaloLock case or standard case with the HaloLock Universal Ring. With this device, your phone starts charging automatically as soon as you magnetically attach it. interestingly, you can transform your power bank into a stand for browsing or FaceTiming on the go. If you’re always busy on your phone or the type that does not appreciate any interactions, pass-through charging lets you simultaneously charge your phone and power bank without interruptions.
Conclusion
Without a large battery, you can now keep your iPhones charged in a compact style while moving around. Also, because it is MagSafe, it is compatible with every iPhone as long as it is an iPhone 12 or later and had a MagSafe cover. Other battery packs can accomplish the same thing, but some of those first models, which were introduced in the summer of 2020, are so large that they would not work with the iPhone 14 Pro’s enormous camera bump.
Considering everything, the MagSafe Battery Pack is undoubtedly a great investment and we’re eager to see what Apple will do next in this area.
Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack extends your iPhone 12’s battery with a snap
The common truth with phones is that as the design gets thinner, the battery life shrinks. The iPhone 12 family is no different — 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max included — and on intense days with FaceTimes, lots of typing and gaming, the battery percentage can drop quickly.
So what’s the fix? Traditionally, it’s a portable battery pack that you plug in or a battery case that snaps onto your phone. The new solution is the 99 MagSafe Battery Pack, which attaches to the back and wirelessly charges your iPhone. And we’ve spent several days with the MagSafe Battery Pack, using it on the entire iPhone 12 family. Let’s let lightning spark and unpack the latest iPhone accessory.
If you want a purpose-built battery that doesn’t add much weight and brings a ton of function, we’d say the 99 MagSafe Battery Pack fits the bill.
The who, what and how
Who this is for: The MagSafe Battery Pack is a purpose-built accessory that takes advantage of the iPhone 12 design and aims to stretch the battery life a bit more. It’s ideal if you don’t want to be bothered by carrying a separate portable charger.
What you need to know: This accessory gives iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max users a simple and engaging way to extend battery life. over, it integrates with iOS in a way that other batteries or options can’t. However, it’s not the longest-lasting or fastest charger out there.
How this compares: Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack is neither the thinnest nor the fastest portable charging solution. Traditional battery packs might be larger and a whole separate device, but they offer more mAhs and ports, which let you charge more devices. Third-party solutions — like Anker’s or Hyper’s magnetic power banks — still easily attach to the back but don’t offer the software integration and slim designs. Often, they’re larger and produce a bit more heat when in use. No other portable battery offers deep integration with iOS, though. The MagSafe Battery Pack is firmly an extender that won’t fully recharge an iPhone but offers convenience and a few neat tricks for 99.
Snaps to the back
The MagSafe Battery Pack is centered around power and design, the latter of which takes unique advantage of Apple’s MagSafe technology. This Battery Pack quickly snaps to the back of the iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max. Magnets built into the back of the iPhone match up with magnets on the battery pack itself. And it snaps with a satisfying thud on the back.
Like Apple’s Smart Battery Cases, this accessory will create a hump on the back of your phone. The MagSafe Battery Packs measures in at about 11 millimeters thick and weighs in at 113 grams. That’s smaller than the original iPhone and close to the size of a MagSafe Wallet. It’s a hard shell plastic design that comes only in white with a gray Apple logo centered at the top. Previous Smart Battery Cases have opted for a soft silicone shell, but this harder plastic seems better against denim and drops. Namely, it doesn’t scuff as quickly and doesn’t show dye from jeans after some early tests.
The bottom of the MagSafe Battery Pack features a Lightning port and a single LED indicator that lets you know when it’s charging. You won’t find a Lightning cable included in the box, though you’ll need one to charge the battery pack. Here’s the best Lightning cable of 2021. When you plug the Battery Pack into a Lightning cable for charge, the LED indicator will glow orange for a bit, and green when it’s fully charged. We imagine Apple opted for the Lightning port as you already have that for the iPhone it will be attached to.
Now, regardless of your iPhone — 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max — you’ll get the same MagSafe Battery Pack. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach. On an iPhone 12 Mini, it covers the bottom back, matching perfectly with the edges. On the 12 or 12 Pro, you have some more wiggle room on the left, right and bottom. With the 12 Pro Max, it sits centered on the back with plenty of space. The bigger the iPhone, the more back room.
So it’s a small hump on the back that, while noticeable, isn’t obnoxious. The iPhone 12 or 12 Pro is still easy to hold with the MagSafe Battery Pack on and it makes the 12 Mini easy to cradle. We’re also happy to report that it still fits in our skinny jeans front The magnet provides a strong connection that we haven’t been able to knock off by waving our phone around or sliding in and out of spaces like jeans.
There’s nothing truly fancy here, though we can’t help but wonder why Apple didn’t offer this new accessory in other colors. A MagSafe Battery Pack color-matched to a purple iPhone 12 or blue 12 Pro would have been delightful.
It’s an extender, not a super-fast portable battery
The MagSafe Battery Pack isn’t competing against traditional portable batteries or fast chargers. It’s best thought of as a battery extender. When you have a long day where the iPhone 12 needs to go the extra mile, you can attach the MagSafe Battery Pack and get a charge going.
Apple doesn’t typically share many specs, and with the MagSafe Battery Pack, the company initially didn’t state the battery size. The rear of the battery pack reveals the cell inside: a 1,460mAh (11.3Wh). Both numbers relate to total capacity, but the Wh is close to that of an iPhone 12 or 12 Pro, so we’d imagine it’s not a small 1,460mAh cell inside but potentially two of them. Apple’s charge rate here is faster than alternatives from Anker (45.99; amazon.com) or Hyper (39.99; hypershop.com), which feature bigger cells and a cheaper price tag.
And after nearly a week of testing, you can expect the MagSafe Battery Pack to deliver around 60% of power to the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. With the iPhone 12 Mini, that percentage is higher, and on the 12 Pro Max, it’s slightly lower. It’s firmly an extender here, though, and the amount of power you’ll get will vary depending on what you’re doing on the iPhone while charging. With the MagSafe Battery Pack just attached to the iPhone, it wirelessly charges at a relatively slow 5 watts. This is both to conserve battery health and for heat. And having it connected doesn’t generate a tremendous amount of heat either. It’s similar to the level of warmth that a Smart Battery Case delivers.
For instance, being on FaceTime or playing a game is more taxing on the battery and the charger, therefore you won’t see a real-time wild jump, especially at 5 watts. We attached a fully charged MagSafe Battery Pack to a dead iPhone 12, and after an hour of charging, it hit 46% with about 25% battery left in the pack. That’s pretty great. During a long workday, we attached the MagSafe Battery Pack before our commute home to ensure we’d have enough battery life. On a regular night, we’d end with about 15% to 20%, and we left with 30% to 40% while using the device for streaming and communication while commuting home. So, yes, the charge varies, but it’s an extender when just attached to the back.
If you have the MagSafe Battery Pack plugged in with a cable while it’s attached to the back of your iPhone 12, the charging speed zips up to 15 watts. That’s a much faster standard that the MagSafe Wireless Charging Puck can produce. It’s pretty handy as well since the MagSafe Battery Pack is dual purpose; you can use it to keep the iPhone going while on the go or have it plugged in on your desk in a wireless charging capacity.
What’s really cool is that if you have your iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max plugged in with the MagSafe Battery Pack attached, the phone will charge the pack as well. This is done through reverse wireless charging, and it’s the first time this capability has been unlocked on the iPhone. It’s similar to how the Pixel 5 or a Samsung Galaxy can charge a pair of earbuds or another Qi-enabled device off the back. This charging feature is a pretty neat bonus.
Alongside a simple design and extra battery life, the 99 price tag also affords some convenience. The MagSafe Battery Pack is integrated with iOS in a way that no other battery pack can be. Similar to what happens when you connect a MagSafe wallet or case, the MagSafe Battery Pack flashes a graphic and the battery level of the pack once you connect it. The battery indicator in the top right corner of iOS will glow green when it starts to receive power. As soon as it’s attached, it will begin delivering power to the iPhone. You will need iOS 14.7 to take full advantage of all the MagSafe Battery Pack has to offer.
Bottom line
Like previous Smart Battery Cases, it’s all about the convenience here — not the size of the battery. You can get much larger batteries for less than the MagSafe Battery Pack’s 99 price tag, but they don’t snap to the back of your phone in an instant or integrate with iOS. You can monitor the battery life of the pack right in a widget, and the iPhone can push power to the MagSafe.
If you want a purpose-built battery that doesn’t add much weight and brings a ton of function, we’d say the 99 MagSafe Battery Pack will help you cross that finish line at the end of a busy day. It’s not an endurance charger, though. Those looking for a purely larger amount of power should look at Hyper’s or Anker’s magnetic packs.
Note: The above reflect the retailers’ listed price at the time of publication.
Brilliant MagSafe power bank cuts cables with two-way charging [Review]
The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe doubles down on wireless charging. It clings magnetically to your iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. And it can do both at the same time. There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000 mAh of capacity.
I tested the MagSafe accessory with my iPhone 13, and I’m pleased with how well it works.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe review
Apple built magnets into the wireless charging coils its handsets — a setup it calls MagSafe. All accessory makers need to do is put magnets and charging coils in their external batteries and there’s no longer a need for a cable. Handset and power bank cling together while charging.
The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe takes this idea and runs with it. The device includes a second MagSafe charger so you can put it on your charging stand or puck to juice it back up.
It also has a USB-C port so the external can power non-wireless devices. Or get replenished itself.
OtterBox’s MagSafe power bank is a simple plastic rectangle. I think the designers were going for unobtrusive, and they accomplished that. You can get it in black or white to better match your iPhone.
The edges and corners are very rounded so the external battery is comfortable to hold. That’s important when it’s attached to your iPhone.
I’m reviewing the 5,000 mAh version, which has a casing that’s 3.8 inches by 2.5 inches by 0.6 inches (9.7cm x 6.4cm x 1.5cm). It weighs 0.31 pounds (139g).
The 3,000 mAh version is 3.8 inches by 2.6 inches by 0.5 inches (9.7cm x 6.4cm x 1.2cm). It weighs 0.24 pounds (107g).
To translate all those numbers into real-world use, you can use your iPhone with the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe attached, but it’s just a bit cumbersome. Especially the 5,000 mAh version. I can hold the handset and the power bank fits in the palm of my hand. But it comes close to doubling the weight of the phone.
I think it’s worth it. When we get down to the Performance section you’ll see this accessory nearly doubles the battery life of the iPhone 13. You won‘t get that in something the size of a credit card. And all MagSafe battery packs are about this size or larger.
Plus, the external battery is removable. Put it on when you need it; take it off when you don’t.
Dual MagSafe charging mats
The back of the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is the side you put on your iPhone. You see the usual circle and line so you can correctly orient the magnets.
The two are not reversible. One side sends power while the other receives. But you can put the OtterBox battery on a MagSafe charger, then put your iPhone on the power bank and both will get juiced up.
In case there’s any confusion, the iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 series support MagSafe, but no other Apple handsets.
Buttons, LEDs and USB-C port
A set of four LEDs on the bottom edge of OtterBox’s MagSafe power bank lets you estimate how much power is left in the battery.
These blink when power is flowing into the accessory. And one of the LED turns green when power is flowing to the iPhone.
Press a button that’s also on the bottom edge to activate the wireless charging mat.
Between the button and the LEDs is a USB-C port. You can use this to charge a non-MagSafe device, like an Apple Watch. Or use it to replenish the power bank itself more quickly.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe performance
I did real-world testing on the 5,000mAh version of OtterBox’s MagSafe power bank by having it charge my 6.1-inch iPhone 13. The external battery was able to raise the battery level of my handset by 87%.
That’s nearly a full charge, and all you need if you clip the accessory to your iPhone when the first battery alert goes off at 20%.
During wireless charging, my iPhone’s battery level was going up between 18% and 20% every half an hour.
The power bank and iPhone got warm during the charging process, but that’s not surprising. The iOS handset is Smart enough to slow down charging if it heats up too much.
Wired charging
To compare wireless and wired charging, I also used the USB-C port to charge the iPhone 13. In 30 minutes of charging this way, the battery level went up 26%.
That’s definitely faster than wireless charging, but requires charging cable.
Recharging
Completely juicing OtterBox’s accessory back up via a MagSafe connection takes over 6 hours. It’s something better done overnight.
For a faster charge, using the USB-C port and a powerful charger. In my test, the power bank was replenished this way in 2 or 3 hours.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe final thoughts
If you regularly find yourself with a low iPhone battery, then you need a power bank. And MagSafe means you don’t also have to carry around a cable.
OtterBox’s external battery nearly doubles the amount of time you can use your iPhone. And while it’s bulky, it is no more so than any rival.
Pricing
The 3,000mAh version of the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is 49.95. The 5,000mAh one costs 69.95. Each comes in black or white.
If you want to shop around, the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini (49.95) also offers 5,000 mAh of MagSafe charging. Or there’s the Sanho HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack (49.99). While both support MagSafe charting, neither of these can be charged themselves via a MagSafe connection. They depend on USB-C.
OtterBox provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
First impressions: Apple’s MagSafe battery pack isn’t perfect, but you’ll probably still want to get one
When Apple first unveiled the iPhone 12 and MagSafe back in October, it immediately hit me that the perfect use case was for battery packs. Finally, nine months later, an official Apple MagSafe battery pack is here. We’ve got our hands on one and have plenty of thoughts to share.
Design and finish
First and foremost, the battery pack isn’t silicone like Apple’s previous Smart battery cases. It’s a soft-touch plastic that feels unlike any other existing Apple product. In fact, it feels almost like the inside of the original 2006 white MacBook. The white soft-touch plastic is also an entirely different shade of white than Apple’s white silicone case. It’s much lighter and much more explicitly white. So if you were planning on using the MagSafe battery pack with a white MagSafe case, just know that they don’t quite match. It won’t look as seamless as the old white Smart battery cases.
The battery pack itself is thicker than the iPhone 12 inside of a MagSafe silicone case. It’s pretty chunky. It’s also fairly heavy and certainly adds a bunch of weight to your light iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini. It certainly will make the stainless steel pro models feel even heavier than they already do. But keep in mind that this battery pack is easily removable — that’s the main benefit of MagSafe. Unlike the old battery cases, you can keep a case on and remove the battery when you don’t want the extra weight.
On the other side of the battery pack, there’s a smooth silicone gray pad that prevents the back of your iPhone from getting scratched up. On the bottom of the battery pack, there’s a lightning connector that lets you charge the battery on its own or charge both your iPhone and the battery pack together. There’s also a small LED next to the connector like the one on the Airpods charging case that indicates the power status.
The MagSafe battery pack fits nicely on the back of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max sizes, but it can feel a bit awkward because of how thick it is. On the iPhone 12 mini, though, it feels more natural. This is because the MagSafe battery pack is just as wide as the iPhone 12 mini, so it feels flush with the case. One concern I have is that you can see the thin white edges sticking out from the front of the iPhone 12 mini. This is because the magnets let the pack shift around a bit.
Charging
The MagSafe battery pack snaps right onto the back of your iPhone 12 like the MagSafe wallet, although the magnets are significantly stronger. While charging both the battery pack and the iPhone together, you can feel the battery get warm. This shouldn’t be surprising given that the battery is using Qi charging coils.
When the battery is connected to an iPhone, you can connect a lightning charger directly to the battery, or you can plug it into the iPhone. As we’ve written about, when you plug your lightning connector into your iPhone, you can use it to wirelessly charge the battery pack in reverse.
Since the MagSafe battery pack is basically just a Qi charger with magnets, it can charge any other Qi-compatible device. For example, you can plop your Airpods or Airpods Pro on the MagSafe battery pack if you remove it from your iPhone. Technically you could also charge Android phones, older Qi-compatible iPhones, and other wireless earbuds with Qi charging cases. This is a really great bonus that comes with the battery being easily removable.
Software
The MagSafe battery pack integrates with iOS 14.7, so you’ll see its charge in the battery widget and on the Lock Screen. Unfortunately, iOS 15 beta 3 doesn’t include the necessary components to correctly show the battery pack’s status. Although you can see the charge with a different icon. Hopefully, we’ll get beta 4 soon. In the meantime, you can see what the MagSafe battery pack looks like in the battery widget below from an image on Apple’s website.
When charging your Airpods on the MagSafe battery pack, you’ll see their charge status in the battery widget as well. This is expected behavior, of course, since they already do that when on another Qi charger.
The MagSafe battery pack is far from perfect. It’s thick, and it’s heavy, but it provides necessary utility. This is an Apple product that absolutely tackles function first and form second. There are surely plenty of reasons behind Apple’s decisions with this accessory, particularly due to limitations and safety concerns that come with Qi technology. The battery itself weighs about a quarter of a pound, so it’s not particularly light. It’s 2.5″ x 3.75″ and just under half an inch thick.
Lots of folks were wondering if the MagSafe battery pack would work when you have a case on your iPhone. The answer is yes! At the moment, we’ve only been able to test the MagSafe battery pack with Apple’s first-party cases or approved third-party MagSafe cases. It likely won’t work well with cases that aren’t Apple-approved.
If you charge your iPhone using an iPad Air or iPad Pro, keep in mind that you cannot charge it when the MagSafe battery pack is connected. You can charge them separately, but not together.
If you were a fan of Apple’s most recent Smart battery cases and frequently used the built-in shutter button, you’ll be sad to know there isn’t one on the MagSafe battery pack. Instead, you’ll just have to use the volume buttons.
In terms of battery capacity, we expect that the MagSafe pack can recharge an iPhone 12 mini entirely while it can likely recharge the other three models enough to save you in a pinch. We’ll be back in a few days to let you know how the battery performs, but it’s too early to tell.
Conclusion
The MagSafe battery pack is available for pick up at Apple retail stores starting today for 99. You can also order one online and have it shipped to your home. The battery pack is available in one color, white. So you can’t pick one up to match your red or black MagSafe cases.
Are you picking up a MagSafe battery pack for your iPhone 12? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below!
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OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe review: Magception — charge this magnetic battery with MagSafe
Bottom line: OtterBox’s magnetic wireless power bank comes in 3000mAh or 5000mAh capacities, has two colors and has dual-sided magnets. It has a USB-C port to charge other devices at 5W and magnetic charging caps out at 7.5W.
Pros
- Comes in 3000mAh or 5000mAh capacities
- Has USB-C for charging other devices at 5W
- Magnetic wireless charging with 7.5W output
- Small and compact, dual-sided magnets
- Two colors to choose from
Cons
- – Plastic housing feels cheap
- – No stabilizing line below magnetic ring
- – Magnetic hold is not very strong
- – Doesn’t automatically charge upon attaching
You can always trust i.
Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
When Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 lineup, I was intrigued but unsure if it would be a huge deal for me. After all, the first accessories were just wallets and chargers, essentially. But as time passed, more MagSafe accessories came out, including PopSockets and even battery packs. Once these kinds of accessories made their debut, I became hooked — MagSafe is now something I simply cannot do without.
While Apple has its MagSafe Battery Pack, many other brands are coming out with their own versions. Brands like Anker, mophie, RAVPower, and others have magnetic battery packs; though they aren’t officially MagSafe-certified, they work well. OtterBox, a brand known for tough and durable cases, has been branching out into power products recently. The latest addition is the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe.
How does the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe stack up with all of the other options out there? Let’s find out.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe: Price and availability
While OtterBox products are usually found at multiple big-name retailers, the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is only available directly from the OtterBox website. It comes in two capacities: 3000mAh or 5000mAh and both versions are available in either black or white. However, the white version is currently out of stock, but you can sign up for email notifications of when it’s back in stock. The 3000mAh version costs 50, while the 5000mAh version is 70.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe: One of the only dual-sided magnetic battery packs
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe comes in two battery capacities: 3000mAh or 5000mAh. It also comes in two colors: black or white. For my testing unit, I got the black color in 5000mAh.
The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is made of a lightweight plastic material that serves as the housing for the battery. Since this is OtterBox, the plastic is supposed to be tough and durable, designed to survive accidental drops. The side that attaches to your phone has a magnetic circle with all of the regulatory information underneath it. The side that faces outward simply has the OtterBox logo towards the bottom. On the bottom edge, you’ll find four LED status indicator lights, a USB-C port, and a button to turn the battery pack on and off — this one does not automatically start charging once you attach it to your iPhone.
On my iPhone 13 Pro, the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe fits decently, leaving a bit of space at the bottom. I don’t have an iPhone 13 mini, so I can’t test it out myself, but there should not be an issue with that device. However, due to the large camera bump on the iPhone 13 Pros, the fit can vary depending on the case that you choose to use.
With the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe, you have 7.5W charging speeds via MagSafe, which is a little more than even Apple’s own MagSafe Battery Pack. However, since this is not an official MagSafe certified charger, you will not get 15W output, nor do you get the MagSafe charging animation on your best iPhone with iOS 15. Still, it’s faster than Apple‘s and comes in larger capacities, so that’s a plus. And there is a USB-C port, so you can also use this to charge other non-MagSafe devices with the appropriate cable.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe: Magnetic hold is weak, no stabilizing line
One of the most significant issues with the OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is that there is no stabilizing line underneath the magnetic circle. Because of this, the battery pack itself is quite prone to sliding around, especially if you put it with your phone in a
While MagSafe launched with the iPhone 12 and only had a few supported accessories, there is no shortage of great MagSafe battery packs nowadays. One of my personal favorites is the Anker MagGo 622. This portable little power bank packs in 5000mAh of power and charges at 7.5W speeds. It also has a USB-C port to charge other devices, and it even doubles as a portable stand for your MagSafe iPhone. Plus, the price is pretty good at just 60 for a double-duty product.
Another preferred MagSafe battery pack I’ve been using is the Anker MagGo 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger. While this acts as a MagSafe stand and wireless charger first and foremost, the stand itself has a removable MagSafe battery pack. The detachable battery pack has a 5000mAh capacity, and since it charges up while it’s in the stand, it should always be topped off and ready to go with you. It even has a USB-C port to charge other devices, and it’s quite slim. Honestly, I never go to Disneyland without this in my bag. While the price is a little high at 120, it is basically a 4-in-1 product, which is well worth it.
Of course, we can’t forget about the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack. This is the official one from Apple, but it’s a smaller capacity and, oddly enough, only charges at 5W speeds. It’s also much more expensive at 99 for what many consider an inferior product than third-party offerings. But it does integrate with iOS 15 to tell you how much juice is left, which is nice, and the only MagSafe battery pack to have such a feature.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if.
- You want a dual-sided MagSafe power bank
- You want options when it comes to capacity and color
- You want something that charges faster than 5W
You shouldn’t buy this if.
- You want strong magnets
- You want a battery pack with more grip
- You don’t have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 device
The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is a small and compact little battery pack, making it perfect for throwing into your bag or slipping into your And it attaches magnetically to your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 device, which is convenient for wireless charging with 7.5W output speeds. Plus, OtterBox made it in two capacities, 3000mAh or 5000mAh, so you can pick the size that fits your needs best. It also comes in white or black, which is nice. OtterBox’s Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe is also unique in that it has dual-sided magnets, so you can even mount this battery pack onto a MagSafe stand or even charge it with another MagSafe charger or battery.
However, the number of issues with this magnetic battery pack, especially for the price, keep me from fully recommending it over competing products. It tends to move around a bit because of the hard plastic housing (it’s slippery) and no stabilizing line under the magnetic ring. It’s also a little thicker than other products, and honestly, the plastic makes it feel cheap. For the same price, you can find better magnetic battery packs out there.