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I wanted a portable power bank for my 13 Pro without a USB cable & have faster than 5w wireless charging (latest firmware enables 7.5w)
Yes I can get a regular power bank + USB cable / MagSafe Charger but I'd prefer not to if I can.
Is the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack perfect? Definitely not! My wish list: 1) cheaper!!! 2) have a larger capacity so it can charge my phone to 100% rather than 60% only, 3) have more grip (the outer shell is very smooth), 4) can charge more than 7.5w (15w would be ideal), 5) USB-C/A port that can charge other devices.
There are other MagSafe Battery Packs that supports iPhone 12&13 series like the Belkin Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 2.5K, but these 3rd party ones have a few issues that I just can't ignore: 1) magnet not strong enough, 2) it's not smart (aka charge your phone to 100% vs. stops at 90% and sips power), 3) gets hot, 4) magnet not align properly and fails to charge the phone.
More info regarding the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT212174
Q. Any other alternatives if I don't want to pay the 'Apple tax'?
A. If you're using the iPhone 12 series then you have a lot more to choose from; if you're using the iPhone 13 series then I'd say the 'Belkin BoostUp Charge 2500mAH Magnetic Power Bank for iPhone 13/12' might be your best bet. Just make sure you know the cons: 1) magnet not so strong, 2) it gets hot, 3) its not 'smart'.
Price reference:
- Apple ($139): https://www.apple.com/au-hed/shop/product/MJWY3ZA/A/magsafe-…
- Officeworks ($139): https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/apple-mags…. (Product Code: AMJWY3ZAA)
Officeworks Jandakot was able to price match + beat it by 5% + reserve one for me. Kudos to the team there 🙏
Jesus H Christ - makes those $10 Xiaomi power banks look like the deal of a lifetime