iPhone Battery Roundup - Qi2 Chargers
As iPhones continue to advance in features and capabilities, the demand for efficient and convenient charging solutions grows alongside them. Portable power banks have become essential companions, but not all are created equal. Today, we'll dive into three magnetic power banks designed for iPhones:
We'll also explore what Qi2 technology brings to the table and how it compares with Apple's MagSafe.
Interesting to me is that while MagSafe and Qi2 finally aligned on similar charging capacity of 15W, Apple announced a 25W MagSafe charger for the iPhone 16 Pro raising the bar once again!
Understanding MagSafe and Qi2
MagSafe is Apple's proprietary technology introduced with the iPhone 12 series. It utilizes a ring of magnets around the wireless charging coil, allowing compatible accessories to snap securely onto the back of the iPhone. MagSafe chargers provide up to 15W of power for faster wireless charging compared to standard Qi chargers.
Qi2 is the next generation of the Qi wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Announced to improve upon the original Qi standard, Qi2 incorporates a Magnetic Power Profile inspired by Apple's MagSafe technology. This means Qi2 chargers can offer magnetic alignment for better efficiency and faster charging speeds, matching MagSafe's capability of up to 15W.
One issue with wireless / magnetic charging is that it generates a lot of heat which will also slow down your charging speed. I always run into this issue when I am in a warm place (like a beach). In those cases, a wired battery will serve you much better.
Different Batteries with different tradeoffs
Native Union (Re)Classic Magnetic Power Bank
Crafted with recycled materials, the (Re)Classic power bank boasts an eco-friendly design without compromising on aesthetics. Its fabric finish provides a premium feel and prevents scratches on your device.
Capacity: Offers a 5,000mAh battery, suitable for providing around one full charge for most iPhones.
Qi2 and MagSafe Compatibility: Supports Qi2 technology, ensuring efficient charging at up to 15W. The magnetic alignment is compatible with MagSafe, allowing the power bank to snap securely onto your iPhone.
Weight: Approximately 123 grams, making it lightweight and highly portable.
Anker MagGo 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank (Slim Version)
This slim variant is designed for portability without sacrificing capacity. It has a sleek exterior with a soft-touch finish.
Capacity: A substantial 10,000mAh battery, capable of charging an iPhone multiple times.
Qi2 and MagSafe Compatibility: Supports Qi2 technology for up to 15W charging speeds. Magnetic alignment ensures a secure attachment to your iPhone.
Weight: Weighs around 200 grams, balancing portability with high capacity.
Pros:
High capacity in a slim form factor.
Pass-through charging allows you to charge the power bank and your phone simultaneously.
Supports up to 15W charging with Qi2.
Cons:
Very heavy due to increased capacity.
Very bulky for no good reason at all.
Anker MagGo 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank (Qi2 Compatible Version)
Similar in design to its slim counterpart but emphasizes its Qi2 compatibility.
Capacity: Features a 10,000mAh battery.
Qi2 and MagSafe Compatibility: Fully supports Qi2 technology, offering magnetic alignment and efficient charging at up to 15W.
Weight: Approximately 250 grams, marginally heavier due to additional components.
Pros:
Build in stand and display
Benefits from Qi2's improved charging efficiency.
High capacity suitable for multiple charges.
Supports up to 15W charging.
Cons:
Slightly heavier and thicker than the slim version.
Final Thoughts
To me the ideal battery is the Anker MagGo 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank (Slim Version) with a built-in stand. However, Anker doesn’t make this yet.
I have all three batteries, and my plan is to travel with the new 10,000 mAh Anker MagGo Slim as it balances weight and capacity very well and fits perfectly on the iPhone 16 Pro.
The choice between these power banks boils down to your priorities:
If portability and eco-friendliness are paramount, the Native Union (Re)Classic is an excellent choice. Weighing only 123 grams, its 5,000mAh capacity is sufficient for most daily needs, and its lightweight design won't weigh you down.
For those needing more power without too much bulk, the Anker MagGo Slim offers a high-capacity solution in a streamlined design, perfect for extended periods away from a wall outlet. At 200 grams, it balances capacity and portability effectively.
If you want the benefits of a built-in stand and if you're looking to embrace the latest in wireless charging technology and don't mind a bit of extra weight, the Anker MagGo Qi2 version ensures you're getting the most efficient charging experience available, with full support for Qi2's advancements. Its 250-gram weight is a fair trade-off for its features and capacity.
Other considerations
If you want a traditional battery without wireless charging the Anker Zolo Power Bank, 10,000mAh just came out and is light and easy to use. It charges 30W which is great for those new iPhone 16 Pro models that support up to 45W of charging.
I also just picked up the Twelve South Butterfly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Travel Charger. It’s much lighter than my previous solution and is very compact.
I’m also extremely excited about this new Anker 100W USB-C charger. It is just tiny!
Twelve South Butterfly over the Anker MagGo UFO for a travel charger? Was there a feature like the upright watch stand that made you go 2-in-1 vs the Anker 3-in-1, or just hadn't tried it yet...? Thanks for the awesome gear updates!