What you need to know about Apple’s MagSafe Charger

TBTech looks at everything you need to know about Apple’s MagSafe Charger and what to expect from it

MagSafe, in its easiest definition, is a safe way to use magnets in the charging of a device. At the Macworld Expo in 2006, Apple introduced MagSafe Chargers in conjunction with the MacBook Pro, the first Intel-based Mac laptop. Apple first invented the MagSafe Chargers for improved charging capabilities on its MacBooks. Rather than having the usual cord that plugged into the device, a MacBooks connection was made with a magnetic attachment. Throughout the last few years, the MagSafe Chargers went through various changes and has since been introduced into the iPhone branch of Apple products.

Magnetic connections

In 2020, with the introduction of the iPhone 12, Apple reinvented the MagSafe Charger. Built into the new iPhone 12 line is a group of magnets that surround the wireless charging coil. When paired with a MagSafe Charger iPhones are capable of join the two devices together to improve the overall experience of wireless charging. In 2021, all iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models have these magnets built into the back that adhere to MagSafe accessories such as cases, wallets, and chargers.

Previous Apple wireless chargers came with a major issue around the lining up the iPhone correctly to achieve the fastest charging capabilities. The new MagSafe Charger for iPhones has fixed this problem as the magnets automatically snap into place.

In a review, Jaclyn Kilani said that “I enjoy the convenience of it; just slap it onto the back of any iPhone 12, and it will snap automatically into place. Once the MagSafe magnets are connected, the iPhone will immediately begin to charge.” She went on to say, “I don’t have to worry about whether it’s lined up correctly for optimal charging.” Kilani, however, has stated that the magnetic connection is not as strong as she expected.

Disappointing charging speeds

Another feature of the MagSafe Chargers that needs to be considered is the speed that it can charge your iPhone at. While it may be faster than previous wireless Apple chargers, unfortunately the charging speed of the MagSafe Charger is much slower than Apple’s lightning connections.

In a review by Max Parker, he shared that the “MagSafe Charger has a maximum speed of 15W. Not exactly a world-beating figure when you compare it to the 65W fast charging of the OnePlus 8T, but it still beats Apple’s previous best of 7.5w for Qi wireless charging.” If in a rush, both Kilani and Parker have suggested that users revert to their cable and a fast plug. Parker found that with a USB-C 20W plug and cable, the iPhone 12 went from 0-to-50% in less than half an hour.

Slim and simple design

The MagSafe Charger comes in a small disc shape that is just over 2 inches in diameter and 0.2 inches thick. Andrew Hayward’s review on this product is that “the MagSafe Charger is very small and easy to cart around in a bag or pocket, and even the box it comes in isn’t much larger than the accessory itself.”

Is it worth it?

The Apple MagSafe Charger may not be for everyone. Kilani provided a simple but great breakdown of who should and who shouldn’t by the MagSafe Charger.

You should buy this if:

• You have a 12 or 13-series iPhone.
• You prefer wireless charging but worry about proper alignment.
• You’d like to use the MagSafe Charger with iPhone mounting accessories.

You shouldn’t buy this if:

• You need the fastest charger available on the market.
• You use your iPhone a lot while it’s charging.

The MagSafe Charger also costs twice as much as the average wireless charging pad. Hayward’s final verdict on this product is that it is that Apple’s MagSafe Charger works well at its intended task but it’s pricey for a small wireless charger that doesn’t even come with the needed power brick. Hayward advised that “if you already have a wireless charger, then picking up a MagSafe Charger is probably unnecessary,” he added that, “on the other hand, if this is new territory for you, then you’ll have to consider whether you’re willing to pay twice the price for twice the wireless iPhone 12 charging speed.”

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In my opinion, I feel that the decision is completely up to individual preference. Charging speed to me isn’t too much of a worry as most of the time my iPhone charges throughout the night while I sleep. On the odd occasion that I need to charge my phone during the day I personally like using my phone when it is charging, either doing my daily social media scrolling or watching a new Netflix show. With that being said, who doesn’t love a new Apple product?

Have you recently purchased the new Apple MagSafe Charger? If you have, we would be interested in hearing from you on what your experience has been so far. Send through an email to [email protected] with your review.

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