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.
MagSafe Battery Pack
Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack allows users to recharge their iPhones without the hassle of cables or bulky power supplies. This multifaceted accessory can add about 2,000mAh of power to your iPhone on a single charge, acts as a 15W charger when connected to power, and requires no user input to work.
#9679 MagSafe #9679 15W charging when connected to Lightning #9679 Performs 7.5W wireless charging #9679 Supports reverse wireless charging from connected iPhone #9679 11.13Wh #9679 4.46in x 3.24in x.93in #9679 Get the latest deals on Apple gear #9679 Discounted start at 87.95
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The MagSafe Battery Pack is the successor to the Apple Smart Battery Case and is compatible with any iPhone with MagSafe. It has a relatively small charging capacity but has multiple unique features that make it a worthwhile purchase.
Previously, customers would have to purchase a battery case that precisely fit their current iPhone model. If the next model changed any aspect of the design, the old battery case would become useless to upgraders.
The move from a case to a magnetic pack enables it to be useful across device sizes and generations. So long as iPhones use the current iteration of MagSafe, the battery pack will work. This also enables easy sharing between family members, as long as everyone is sporting a MagSafe-capable iPhone.
Apple has packed some smarts into the MagSafe Battery Pack alongside the battery itself, so there is no need for user interaction. Instead, users need only attach the battery pack to begin charging their iPhone.
Features
The feature list for the MagSafe Battery Pack is short and straightforward. It is a battery pack meant to augment the internal battery of your MagSafe-compatible iPhone.
15W charging works when connected to power
The battery pack magnetically attaches to the back of the iPhone and charges it automatically based on several factors. For example, once the iPhone reaches 90%, the battery pack will stop charging to maintain efficiency.
Connecting the battery pack to power turns it into a makeshift MagSafe Charger. The battery pack will charge at 5W while also providing 15W of power to the iPhone. However, the power adapter will need to be 20W or greater to work correctly.
The unique feature of Apple’s battery pack is reverse charging. Connect the iPhone to power with the MagSafe Battery Pack attached, and it will be charged via the iPhone.
Apple hasn’t provided much detail about the reverse charging feature. Presumably, the iPhone will need to be fully charged before it starts passing power through to the battery pack.
The battery pack originally shipped with only 5W wireless charging but increased to 7.5W wireless charging via a firmware update released in April 2022.
Design and Dimensions
There is only one color option for the MagSafe Battery Pack — white. The soft-touch plastic material doesn’t attract fingerprints easily and feels almost rubbery to the touch.
It is designed to be the exact width of an iPhone 12 mini and slightly thicker than any iPhone 12 model. It measures 4.46in x 3.24in x.93in and weighs about 4 ounces.
There is a small cutout for an LED to indicate when the battery pack is working. It briefly shows a green light when connected to an iPhone or power.
Charge through compatible MagSafe cases
The MagSafe connection feels strong enough to grip the battery pack without fear of the iPhone dropping away. In addition, the strength of the magnetic connection feels stronger when using an official MagSafe case, likely due to the proximity of the magnets.
When anything MagSafe is used with leather cases, expect a slight indentation from the MagSafe magnets. This is expected and described in the product support information by Apple.
The MagSafe Battery Pack has a 1,460mAh capacity at 7.62V. This translates to roughly 2,920mAh since the iPhone has a 3.81V rating.
Since the battery pack sits external to the iPhone, it isn’t dependent on design compatibility. Users who purchased the MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12 can continue to use it with the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14.
Capacity Explained
Neither the 1,460mAh rating nor the 2,920mAh adjusted rating tells the whole story. Thanks to power transfer efficiency, neither of these numbers can define what the MagSafe Battery Pack is capable of providing.
Any iPhone with MagSafe magnets works with the battery pack
Several factors affect how well a battery pack performs, and while AppleInsider covered this in-depth before, here’s a quick overview.
Regular Qi chargers are estimated to have about 50% efficiency. Unfortunately, this means a battery pack rated at 5,000mAh will only provide about 2,500mAh to the iPhone.
Testing shows that MagSafe can charge at a much higher efficiency, around 70%. This means Apple’s 2,920mAh equivalent battery can charge an iPhone about 2,000mAh before being exhausted.
AppleInsider put this to the test with an iPhone 12 Pro Max at 1% battery. It charged 53% before the MagSafe Battery pack was completely discharged — in line with our expectations and the calculated 2,000mAh.
Reception and Controversy
When it announced the MagSafe Battery Pack, Apple didn’t provide any specifications, which led to the usual rampant speculation and drama surrounding Apple products. Fans hopeful for a high-capacity battery were disappointed by the 1,460mAh found on a regulatory label in official Apple photos.
It seemed that Apple was charging more than double to of its competitors for a seemingly weak device. However, as explained in the previous section, these early reports were overblown, and we’ve found that 2,000mAh for the battery size is more than adequate.
Third-party accessory makers like Anker provide battery packs with the MagSafe moniker but don’t offer many of the same features found in Apple’s. Qi charging is highly inefficient, and these batteries often require a power button or switch, so users have to remember to turn them off and on.
The third-party options are often much thicker for very little capacity advantage. As previously mentioned, a large and heavy 5,000mAh Qi-based battery will provide only a 2,500mAh charge, that’s only 500mAh more than Apple’s with none of the other perks.
The proprietary nature of the MagSafe Battery Pack does cause some competitive issues. Apple is the only one with built-in system animations, dedicated widget glyphs, and Smart device paring and control.
Review
Despite controversy and the proprietary nature of Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack, we found it has quickly become one of our go-to accessories.
The MagSafe Battery Pack is much smaller than competitor’s batteries
The simple design and no-button-needed interface are much better than third-party alternatives. Apple’s battery pack is thinner and lighter than the other options as well.
The system-wide animations and other small touches set this battery pack apart. When connected to an iPhone, a notification alerts the user how much charge the battery could provide.
Our testing revealed that charging a drained iPhone 12 Pro Max to 53% took about two hours. It produced very little heat and added hours of use to the large iPhone.
We like that the battery pack will charge while the connected iPhone is wired into CarPlay. The reverse charging feature is only available on Apple’s battery pack and adds another reason for the higher price.
You cannot charge the battery pack using Qi or Apple’s MagSafe Charger. That means if you’ve gone all-in on wireless charging, you’ll still need at least one Lightning charger for Apple’s battery pack.
While the MagSafe Battery Pack isn’t for everyone, we believe it is the best MagSafe-compatible battery pack on the market so far. The unique feature set and small size make it a standout option.
Price
Customers can buy the MagSafe Battery Pack for 99 from the Apple Store and other retailers. It is only available in white, though some accessory makers like Nomad are making skins to add some extra flair to the device.
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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.
ZEERA MagSafe Power Bank : The Best MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 13 iPhone 12 series
Get some extra power just by snapping the ZEERA MagSafe Battery Bank to the back of your iPhone 12.
A Design Upgrade
We have been listening to our customers and constantly improving our products. This time, we changed the color of the button from silver to black.
Key Features
- When you charge your ZEERA MagSafe Power Bank, you can not only charge it, but also wirelessly charge your iPhone at the same time.
- Benefit from its compact and lightweight design, ZEERA MagSafe Battery Pack can be even putting in your wallet.
- The USB C Interface on the ZEERA MagSafe Power Bank is not only capable of charging the battery pack itself, but also able to charge other devices such as iPad through a USB C to USB C / USB C to Lightning cable.
- Combine with ZEERA Magic Kickstand, you are allowed to use our MagSafe Power Bank with your iPhone at any angles and any places you want.
- ZEERA MagSafe Power Bank Kit comes with a Magnetic Charging Cable. Those ring magnets hold the ZEERA cable in a neat and tidy shape while remaining fully functional and extendable. Make your coil small or large keeping those counter tops looking great. Organizing your cables has never been this simpler.
- This slim, lightweightand portable battery pack is designed to keep your devices powered up when you need them most.
- Thanks to built-in magnets, it instantly aligns with your iPhone12 or iPhone 11 when equipped with an ZEERA MagSafe Case and starts wirelessly charging your devices.
CHARGE YOUR IPHONE12 WIRELESSLY, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
- By combining magnets and wireless charging technology in an ultra‑slim, compact design, we created a classy multi-functional portable charger you can easily keep on your phone to keep it charged wirelessly.
2-IN-1 PORTABLE BATTERY PACK WIRELESS CHARGER.
ZEERA MagSafe Power Bank is exclusively designed for iPhone 12 Series Devices And it’s universal for iPhone 11 series devices when equipped with ZEERA MagSafe Cases.
Specification
Model : ZEERA MagSafe Power Bank
Material : Aluminum Alloy
Battery : 3000mAh(3.7V)
Input : USB C 5V⎓2.4A
Output : USB C 5V⎓2.4A / QI Wireless 7.5W
Size : 856010mm
Weight : 80g