Enlarge image
Photo:
Studio Proper, unsplash.com;
Assembly: Mac & i
Almost four years ago, Apple first built inductive charging into its smartphones with the iPhones 8 and X.
The process is compatible with the Qi industry standard - which has been praised from all sides.
With the iPhones 12 mini to 12 Pro Max, Apple is again deviating from the common line and adding an additional magnetic holder to the system.
The company calls the technology MagSafe, like the magnetic plugs on previous MacBook power supplies.
With the new MagSafe of the iPhones there are magnets in the mobile phone as well as in chargers and compatible cases.
They guarantee perfect alignment and a reliable hold.
So you can't accidentally move the iPhone and thus interrupt or slow down the charge, for example when fumbling around on the bedside table in the dark.
You only need a little force to pull off the MagSafe adapter, if you push it sideways instead of pulling on it.
You can do this easily with one hand.
Despite the magnets, it is still possible to charge an iPhone 12 on a normal Qi charging station.
And you can also refuel iPhones 8 to 11 and AirPods equipped with corresponding cases with the new MagSafe chargers.
Versatile MagSafe
Cases that are compatible with MagSafe must also contain magnets in order not to weaken the holding force between the adapter and the iPhone.
As a result, they stick to metallic surfaces even without a smartphone.
If you use a normal case, the holding force is weakened depending on its material and thickness, but the charging performance is significantly less.
In the leather case of the iPhone 11 Pro Max, for example, we could charge a 12 Pro with electricity without any problems, but it was no longer securely attached to Apple's MagSafe adapter.
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Nice side effect: The Apple cover with MagSafe lets you see the time in a recess - in a matching color
Photo: Apple
In addition to the covers with magnets, there are also accessories that only use the adhesive power of MagSafe, but don't care about charging. Apple itself provides a representative of this new type of accessory with the leather wallet. There are also MagSafe mounts for the car.
With wireless chargers with MagSafe, the contact with the iPhone is not only directed to the right point by the magnetic force of attraction, but also visualized acoustically and with a circular symbol on the display - provided the running iPhone shows the lock screen and the sound is not switched off. The Apple cases also tell the iPhone their color, so that a small animation in the right tone appears when they come into contact. Through a recess in the red Apple leather case you can see the digits of the time colored reddish when the display is otherwise dark.
Apple does not yet offer public licensing for the new MagSafe, at the time of the test only Belkin was able to adorn itself with it and sell its devices in the Apple Store.
However, other manufacturers offer products that function smoothly even without Apple's blessing.
We tested some of them as well.
The best power supply
While the iPhones 8 to 11 charge wirelessly via Qi with a maximum of 7.5 watts, MagSafe increases the output of the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max to a maximum of 15 watts - according to Apple, the iPhone 12 mini does not have a maximum of 12 watts.
The manufacturer recommends the new 20 watt charger from the iPad Air 4 (separately 25 euros) or the 30 watt power adapter from the MacBook Air (55 euros), each with USB-C.
Only they achieve the full 15 watts.
Even if you use a more powerful USB-C power supply like the 61-watt MacBook Pro, MagSafe only delivers up to 12 watts.
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The 20 watt power adapter with USB-C recommended for MagSafe was first included with the iPad Air 4
Photo: Apple
In the test, the iPad Air power supply actually managed 16 minutes faster than the three times as powerful of the MacBook Pro to charge an iPhone 12 to 50 percent via MagSafe (78 to 94 minutes).
However, since the highest currents are only called up by the battery in the first phase of refueling and are further throttled with the heating inevitably associated with induction, the difference is put into perspective with further charging.
When it reached 100 percent, the smaller power supply was only ready ten minutes earlier (196 to 206 minutes).
Charging adapters from other manufacturers sometimes bring their own power supply units with them and achieved better values for charging time in the test.
But even with the Apple power supply, they were faster than the original.
In our measurements with the iPhone 12 and a standard USB-C measuring stick from DeLock, we could never measure more than 9 volts and 1 ampere with the Apple adapter, which is just 9 watts.
At Satechi, for example, it was up to 9.9 watts with the same power supply unit and 18.9 watts with the USB-C to Lightning cable.
The 15 watts advertised by Apple seem to be more of a theoretical value, which is why we will only refer to times measured by ourselves in the following.
Charger
Apple MagSafe charger
Manufacturer:
Apple
Connection:
USB-C cable
Cable length:
100 cm
+
compact
+
fully compatible
-
no power supply unit
-
expensive
Photo:
Apple
Apple's MagSafe charger sets the standard for all adapters.
It is fully compatible with all functions, while being small and light.
On the charging iPhone you can read out the
serial number and firmware version
in the settings under
General / Info / Apple MagSafe Charger
.
This should not work in the case of counterfeit products.
The magnetic force is dosed in such a way that it docks perfectly and can be easily detached to the side.
Thanks to the slightly protruding silicone surface, the glass back of the iPhone does not scratch.
The price of 45 euros still doesn't seem justified to us, especially since you have to buy a power supply.
Apple MagSafe Duo charger
Manufacturer:
Apple
Connection:
Lightning socket
Cable length:
105 cm
+
simultaneously charges Apple Watch
+
fully compatible
-
no power supply unit
-
very expensive
Photo:
Apple
For one, the MagSafe Duo charger offers a magnetic charging surface for the iPhone 12, which we were able to refuel on at average speed.
On the other hand, it contains a charging station for the Apple Watch.
This can be folded up by 90 degrees so that watches with rigid bracelets can also be loaded.
If you turn the charging watch on its side, it becomes an alarm clock.
The serial number and firmware version of the Duo Charger can also be read out in the settings of the charging iPhone.
After use, it folds up like a travel alarm clock.
It gets its power via a supplied USB-C-to-Lightning cable, there is no power supply unit.
Nevertheless, Apple calls for almost 150 euros.
Belkin Boost Charge Pro
Manufacturer:
Belkin
Connection:
socket
Cable length:
150 cm
+
simultaneously charges AirPods
+
own power supply
-
unsuitable for other Qi devices
-
expensive
Photo:
Belkin
With its 15 centimeter boom, the Boost Charge Pro brings an iPhone 12 into an easy-to-read position - which you don't need when charging, but which helps when watching films and making videos.
Because of this construction, devices slide off the loading area without magnets.
The rather expensive adapter from Belkin also charges AirPods on its lower level and comes with its own 40-watt power supply.
This turns out to be quite bulky and cannot be used as a USB charger for any other purpose.
Choetech 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand
Manufacturer:
Choetech
Connection:
USB-C socket
Cable length:
105 cm
+
simultaneously charges AirPods
+
own USB-C power supply
+
cheap
-
unsuitable for other Qi devices
Photo:
Choetech
Like the Boost Charge Pro from Belkin, the 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand (Model T575-F) from Choetech supports its loading area vertically on a boom.
Here, however, it can be adjusted using a ball joint, but not horizontally (0 to 30 degrees) and therefore not flat enough for normal Qi devices.
AirPods can get their power on the lower surface.
The scope of delivery includes a universal USB-C power supply unit with 30 watts and Power Delivery as well as a USB-C cable.
The adapter thus achieved the shortest charging time in the test.
Choetech MagLeap
Manufacturer:
Choetech
Connection:
USB-C cable
Cable length:
145 cm
+
own USB-C power supply
+
just as fast as Apple's MagSafe adapter
+
inexpensive
-
hard contact surface
Photo:
Choetech
The MagLeap (model T517) from Choetech is a touch thicker and larger than Apple's original, but loaded almost as quickly in the test.
It costs less than half the price and comes with a USB-C power supply unit (20 watts and Power Delivery).
The permanently integrated cable measures 40 centimeters more.
The animation when docking also worked, and the adhesive force is also comparable.
Of course, the white surface feels a lot harder than Apple's.
Satechi 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand
Manufacturer:
Satechi
Connection:
USB-C socket
Cable length:
100 cm
+
simultaneously charges AirPods
+
just as quickly as Apple's MagSafe adapter
-
no animation
-
expensive
Photo:
Satechi
The 2-in-1 stand from Satechi, like the one from Choetech, holds an iPhone 12 vertically with a tiltable angle and is therefore not suitable for other devices that do not have magnets.
It also has a USB-C socket with a USB-C cable, but no power supply.
AirPods are charged on the lower surface.
An LED informs about active refueling.
With the two charging adapters from Satechi, the iPhone did not show any animation after docking, but woke up from sleep and played a sound.
Satechi Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable
Manufacturer:
Satechi
Connection:
USB-C cable
Cable length:
155 cm
+
compact
+
fast
-
no power supply
-
quite expensive
Photo:
Satechi
The Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable is slightly larger and thicker than its Apple counterpart and does not come with its own power supply either.
With the iPad Air 4 recommended by Apple, he charged the iPhone 12 astonishingly 26 minutes faster than the original.
The docking triggered a sound and the iPhone waking up, but not the circle animation.
Ultron / RealPower PC-MagSet
Manufacturer:
Ultron / RealPower
Connection:
USB-C cable
Cable length:
200 cm
+ the
same size as the original
+
cheap
+
USB-C power supply
-
sloppy workmanship
Photo:
Ultron / RealPower
With its RealPower PC-MagSet, Ultron created a copy of Apple's MagSafe charging adapter of exactly the same size, which at first glance can only be distinguished by the imprint on the back and the significantly longer cable.
If you look a second time, you can see that the white surface is made of hard plastic that has not even been completely glued in the middle.
But it costs significantly less than the original, including its own USB-C power supply with 20 watts of power and Power Delivery, which is also suitable for other devices.
In terms of charging times, the PC-MagSet does not differ much from Apple's charging adapter.
It can also be easily fitted into accessories such as the various Elago stands.
Power banks
Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K
Manufacturer:
Anker
Connection:
USB-C socket
Cable length:
60 cm
+
charging pad and battery pack
+
charges second device
-
no power supply unit
-
does not stick with standard cases
Photo:
anchor
Ankers PowerCore Magnetic 5K is a power bank with a capacity of 5000 mAh that sticks magnetically to the iPhone 12 (with 2815 mAh) and was only able to charge it up to 97 percent in the test - then the power was no longer sufficient.
The power bank needed almost four hours for this.
It took just as long to fully charge with its own power supply via a separately available USB-C power supply.
After all, it can also fill its own battery during this time.
For example, it can be used as a charging pad overnight and as a mobile power source during the day.
The magnetic connection to the iPhone saves you cluttered cables and a second power supply unit for the smartphone.
If you use a case for the iPhone without MagSafe magnets, the PowerCore slips off immediately.
A second device can be charged in parallel via the USB-C socket, four LEDs show the fill level.
Xtorm Wireless Power Bank FS400
Manufacturer:
Xtorm
Connection:
USB-C socket
Cable length:
30 cm
+
charging pad and battery pack
+
charges second device
-
no power supply unit
-
does not stick with standard cases
Photo:
Xtorm
The wireless power bank from Xtorm also has a capacity of 5000 mAh and was able to charge the iPhone 12 to 98 percent in just under four hours.
If it was attached to the power supply unit (sold separately), it took a little over four hours to fully refuel.
We used a USB-C-to-C cable from another manufacturer for this, because Xtorm only includes a short cable from USB-C-to-A.
Other devices can also be charged at the same time using the USB-C socket on the power bank.
As with anchor, the otherwise good adhesive force did not reach through a normal shell, but loading was not prevented.
Soft plastic completely encases the FS400, four LEDs provide information about the charge status.
Magnetic accessories
Satechi Magnetic Sticker for iPhone 11/12
Manufacturer:
Satechi
Type:
magnetic sticker
+
makes standard cases compatible
+
makes older iPhones compatible
+
cheap
-
applies
Photo:
Satechi
Für Fans von MagSafe, die noch ein iPhone aus der Generation 11 haben oder eine Standard-Hülle für ihr iPhone 12 nutzen wollen, bietet Satechi eine clevere Lösung: Ein zwei Millimeter dicker Sticker mit eigenen Magneten wird außen auf die Hülle oder das iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max geklebt. Er sorgt für ausreichende Haftung an MagSafe-Ladeadaptern. Damit der Sticker genau an der richtigen Stelle landet, legt der Hersteller selbstklebende Montageschablonen (auch für iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max) bei, die man anschließend entfernt. Geladen wird allerdings mit der bei Apple normalen Qi-Leistung von 7,5 Watt. Die Oberfläche besteht aus schwarzem Kunstleder.
Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro
Manufacturer:
Belkin
Type:
magnetic car holder
+
grip without clamps
+
ball joint
+
cable clamp
-
does not
charge
Photo:
Belkin
Die Haftkraft der Magnete im iPhone 12 macht sich Belkins MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro zunutze. Bequem mit einer Hand kann man das Smartphone andocken oder seitlich abziehen. Das Gleiche gilt für ein iPhone mit einer MagSafe-Hülle. Ein Standard-Case verringert hingegen die Anziehungskraft so sehr, dass das Telefon sofort abrutscht. Dies gilt auch bei sehr starken Erschütterungen während der Autofahrt. Die Halterung selbst wird am Lüftungsgitter festgesteckt, bietet ein Kugelgelenk zur Ausrichtung und eine Klemmnut für das Ladekabel. Letzteres muss man immer manuell in die Lightning-Buchse einstecken, was den Gebrauchswert des nicht eben billigen Zubehörs einschränkt.
Apple iPhone Leather Wallet
Manufacturer:
Apple
Type:
magnetic card holder
+
compact
+
valuable
-
only one function
-
expensive
Photo:
Apple
The iPhone Leather Wallet from Apple sticks to the back of the iPhone 12 mini to Pro Max and triggers an animation plus sound when docked.
Conveniently, a discreet warning sounds when the cover is removed - which can easily happen when you pull it out of your pocket.
A banknote and three (credit) cards fit into the wallet, which is as wide as an iPhone 12 mini.
Through an opening on the underside, you can slide the bottom of them up with one finger.
The wallet made of high-quality leather is available in four colors.
We think the price of 65 euros is definitely too high.
Erweiterungen für MagSafe
Elago bietet für Apples MagSafe Ladegerät clevere Erweiterungen an. Sie enthalten keine Magnete, sondern weiches Silikon mit einer Kabeldurchführung, in die der Adapter eingelegt wird. Bei dem Charging Pad (18,50 Euro) besteht der Nutzen einzig darin, das Rutschen der glatten Unterseite des Apple-Ladegerätes zu verhindern.
Der Grip Stand (20 Euro) dient zugleich als Griff für zwei Finger wie als Halterung, wenn das iPhone quer benutzt wird. Außerdem gibt es noch verschiedene Charging Stands: Der MS1 (25 Euro) besteht komplett aus Silikon und hält das iPhone drehbar in aufrechter Position. Er sieht ähnlich aus wie ein schräg angeschnittener Zuckerhut. Der MS2 (25 Euro) hat dieselbe Funktion, gleicht aber einer angeschnittenen Kugel. Beim MS3 (28,50 Euro) setzt Elago einen eleganten Aluminium-Bogen in V-Form als Träger für ein Silikon-Inlay ein. Der ähnlich funktionierende MS4 (33 Euro) besitzt demgegenüber die Form eines unvollendeten Dreiecks.
Alle MagSafe-Pads und -Stands von Elago sind in verschiedenen Farben erhältlich und kompatibel zu den flachen Lade-Adaptern von Apple und Ultron.
Hüllen
Apple iPhone Clear Case mit MagSafe
Manufacturer:
Apple
Type:
magnetic case
+
transparent
+
fully MagSafe compatible
-
rigid and slippery
-
expensive
Photo:
Apple
The Clear Case is one of the cheapest Apple cases with MagSafe, it still costs 55 euros.
Thanks to its transparent material, the iPhone can show its beautiful color, which other cases usually cover.
Unfortunately, the case is quite slippery and the iPhone can only be freed from the rigid second skin with great difficulty.
The three switches on the phone are difficult to operate, and the iPhone 12 tilted slightly on the table in its case.
Apple also offers variants for the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Apple iPhone silicone case with MagSafe
Manufacturer:
Apple
Type:
magnetic cover
+
handy
+
flexible
+
fully MagSafe compatible
-
slightly sticky
Photo:
Apple
The silicone case with MagSafe also costs 55 euros, which almost completely covers the color of the iPhone, but is available in six colors.
There are three sizes for the iPhones 12 mini, 12 and 12 Pro as well as 12 Pro Max. The flexible material makes the case easy to put on and take off.
In addition, the three switches on the side of the phone are easy to use.
It lies securely in the hand and does not wobble.
The unpleasant property of silicone, however, is a certain stickiness, which also attracts dust.
Apple iPhone leather case with MagSafe
Manufacturer:
Apple
Type:
magnetic case
+
high-quality
surface
+
fully MagSafe-compatible
-
wobbles a little
-
expensive
Photo:
Apple
If you pay ten euros more, you get the high-quality leather case from Apple, the surface of which neither sticks nor slips and lies comfortably in the hand.
The material is not quite as thick as the silicone case, which makes the device subjectively feel slimmer.
Unfortunately, this causes the iPhone 12 to tip over on the table very easily.
The buttons on the side are even easier to use than without the case.
Apple offers three sizes and five colors.
Apple iPhone leather sleeve with MagSafe
Manufacturer:
Apple
Type:
magnetic cover
+
high-quality surface
+
shows time in recess
+
screen protector
-
does not protect during operation
Photo:
Apple
In English, Apple calls its case »Sleeve«, because it almost completely envelops the iPhone.
There are only cutouts for the upper loudspeaker and for the part of the display that shows the time and this even in the color of the case - a novelty at Apple.
One or two credit cards or the like can be put in a compartment on the inside.
The scope of delivery also includes a leather arm loop.
With the sleeve, the entire iPhone including the display is always protected while on the move, but the bare device is pulled out to use it.
If it then falls out of hand there is no protection.
Nomad Rugged Case |
MagSafe
Manufacturer:
Nomad
Type:
magnetic cover
+
protective frame
+
real leather
+
valuable
- material mix
Photo:
Nomad
Anders als beim Leder-Case von Apple reicht das Leder bei Nomads Rugged Case nicht bis an das Display heran, sondern ein Rahmen aus Polycarbonat schützt die Ränder. Die darin enthaltenen Knöpfe ließen sich im Test gut bedienen. Das echte Leder macht einen wertigen Eindruck und liegt angenehm in der Hand. Die eingebauten Magnete sorgen für eine gute Haftung an MagSafe-Ladeadaptern, allerdings erzeugen sie keine farblich angepasste Animation oder Töne beim Montieren. Das ist verschmerzbar, da man ja die Hülle nicht sehr häufig ab- und aufzieht. Nomad bietet drei Größen (12mini/12 und 12 Pro/12 Pro Max) und drei Farben (Rustic Brown/Black/Natural) an. Mit einem Preis von 50 Euro erscheint die Hülle nicht überteuert.
Nomad Rugged Folio | MagSafe
Manufacturer:
Nomad
Type:
magnetic case
+
protective frame
+
real leather
+
screen protector
-
material mix
Photo:
Nomad
Ebenso wie Nomads Rugged Case enthält auch das Rugged Folio einen Rahmen aus Polycarbonat, der Stürze abfedert. Zusätzlich schützt ein Deckel das Display. Dieser hat auf der Innenseite drei separate Fächer für Kreditkarten (oder Geldscheine). Leider geht das iPhone nicht automatisch in den Ruhezustand, wenn man die aus wertigem Leder gefertigte Hülle zuklappt, da Apple die nötigen Sensoren beim iPhone 12 nicht implementiert hat. Die Knöpfe ließen sich gut bedienen, das Laden per MagSafe funktionierte einwandfrei. Nomad bietet wieder drei Größen für die iPhones 12 mini, 12 und 12 Pro sowie 12 Pro Max an, aber nur zwei Farben (Rustic Brown/Black).
Fazit
Das drahtlose Aufladen von iPhones wird durch MagSafe etwas schneller, zuverlässiger und smarter. Zu Letzterem tragen farblich angepasste Animationen und Hinweistöne ein wenig bei, sind aber vor allem nettes Beiwerk. Mehr praktischen Nutzen bietet die Haftkraft etwa bei Halterungen und Ständern. Davon werden wir in Zukunft sicher noch viel mehr sehen. Apple selbst langt bei den Aufpreisen für den Magnetkreis wieder mal kräftig hin. Zum Glück gibt es andere Hersteller, die kompatibles Zubehör auch günstig anbieten.
