Apple veterans may be familiar with the name MagSafe, but now it has a different meaning. Apple launched a new modular charging system and accessories with the iPhone 12, bringing back the name of the old charging connector that Apple removed by incorporating the USB-C charger into the MacBook.
But since Apple doesn’t include a MagSafe connector or any other compatible power adapter in the iPhone 12 box, you probably have questions about MagSafe. And depending on where you find the answers, not all of them may be correct. So forget what you read: here you will find the whole truth about MagSafe.
Myth: speeds are too slow with a third-party charger
Reality: As long as it is 20W or more, it doesn’t matter which charger you use
Charging systems are complicated. Depending on the mobile you have, there are several different protocols (QuickCharge, Warp Charge, Adaptive Fast Charging, etc.), but the most common is USB Power Delivery, which is the one used by Apple.
But if you buy a MagSafe charger for $ 45 / MXN $ 999, you’ll need to use your own power adapter, as Apple doesn’t include one with the iPhone 12 or the MagSafe cable.
This is where things get complicated. MagSafe will charge the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max at a maximum of 15W (only 12W with the iPhone 12 mini), but to achieve these speeds you will need to use Apple’s new 20W charger. Otherwise, you can only charge at 12W.
It looks worse than it really is. I have tested MagSafe with several chargers and it worked well with all but one: the 100W charger from Choetech. And while it’s true that none of them charged as fast as they did with Apple’s 20W charger, they managed to charge my iPhone at almost the same speed.
Apple 20W 20W charger
Maximum speed: 17 W
Battery after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
Aukey 65W charger
Maximum speed: 12 W
Battery after 10 minutes of charging: 11%
60W charger for Apple MacBook
Maximum speed: 12 W
Battery after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
Anker 60W PowerPort Atom III Charger
Maximum speed: 12 W
Battery after 10 minutes of charging: 11%
Samsung 40W Fast Charger
Maximum speed: 12 W
Battery after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
Ravpower 90W charger
Maximum speed: 11 W
Battery after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
You can already get an idea. Apple charger can reach the highest speeds and will surely win 0% to 100% load tests using MagSafe charger, but the difference would be minimal.
With all the chargers I have used, the speeds slowed down to less than 10W after reaching 50% load. But we’re talking about a difference of just a few minutes.
Myth: MagSafe covers are easy to remove thanks to magnets
Reality: The cases are just as difficult to remove as the iPhone 11
I was a little wrong when I bought the clear case with MagSafe with the ostentatious magnetic circular ring on the back. I thought the case had two purposes: to bring the MagSafe magnet closer to the back of the case for a better grip, and to connect to the mobile for easier removal of the case.
Only one of these things is true. While the MagSafe adapter attaches extremely well to the back of the clear case with MagSafe, which I tested, getting it in place is just as difficult as it was with previous hard silicone cases.
Pulling it repeatedly leaves the same marks on the bottom edges, where the case needs to be forcibly removed from the phone, and the buttons are still just as stiff as previous clear cases.
Thus, it is better to opt for a silicone case, even if you will cover the color you have chosen for your iPhone 12. If you want a transparent case, opt for a very thin case, like those offered by Totallee.
Myth: magnets are not strong enough
Fact: Although the wallet attachment is not ideal, the magnets are strong enough for brackets and brackets
Although the MagSafe accessories sold by Apple are somewhat limited, the mechanism makes it useful in many scenarios. In my tests the magnets are how powerful they should be. When I put the MagSafe charger in the fridge, for example, I have to remove it with my fingers, so the magnetic capabilities are there.
When used with my iPhone 12, the charger is powerful enough to hold on the back, but you can easily remove it with a little pull. The same can be said for the wallet accessory, which won’t fall out unless you pull it out (although it can accidentally fall out of a pocket).
When more props appear, I think we will see that the power of the magnets increases. For example, the car mount will need to be more powerful to hold the iPhone while driving on a rough or curved surface, and given MagSafe’s capabilities, it should be.
Myth: MagSafe is expensive and doesn’t add anything new
Reality: MagSafe is expensive and doesn’t bring anything new yet
MagSafe is really expensive and not worth it. The cases are $ 10 / MXN $ 100 more expensive than their iPhone 11 versions, and you need a charger that costs $ 45 / MXN $ 999 without the 20W USB-C power adapter also needed.
To this must be added 149 $ / 3499 MXN $ for the dual charger, 149 $ / 3499 MXN $ for the full leather case and 65 $ / 1699 MXN $ for the leather wallet, and the entry price is definitely quite high.
But as always with Apple, the price of being one of the first will drop and its convenience will increase. MagSafe fixes a persistent wireless charging issue (make sure ignition is on properly) and there are already car mounts, cables, and bases from other brands in the way.
MagSafe may not succeed and quietly fade away with the iPhone 15, but I bet it will.
Original article published in igamesnews US.
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