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MagSafe may be an old name for Apple veterans, but it has a whole new purpose. Apple slipped an all-new modular charging and accessories system into the iPhone 12, resurrecting the Apple charging connector removed when it switched to USB-C charging on the MacBook.
But since Apple doesn’t include a MagSafe connector or even a compatible power adapter in the iPhone 12 box, you probably have questions about MagSafe. And depending on where you find the answers, they may not be as specific. So forget what you read: here is the truth about MagSafe.
Myth: speeds are too slow with a third-party charger
Reality: As long as it’s 20W or more, it doesn’t really matter which charger you use
Loading is tricky. Depending on the phone you buy, there are several different protocols – QuickCharge, Warp Charge, Adaptive Fast Charging, etc. – but the most common is USB Power Delivery, used by Apple.
But if you buy a MagSafe charger for $ 39, you’ll need to bring your own power adapter, as Apple doesn’t provide one with the iPhone 12 or the MagSafe cable. This is where things get a bit tricky. MagSafe will charge the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max at a maximum of 15W (only 12W for the iPhone 12 mini), but to get those speeds you’ll need to use Apple’s new 20W charger. Otherwise, you will get a 12W charge.
Michael Simon / IDGWhen you insert the MagSafe charger, you get a nice animation in the front.
It looks worse than it actually is. I have tested MagSafe with multiple chargers and MagSafe worked well with all but one, the Choetech 100W charger. And while it’s true that none of them charged as fast as Apple’s 20W charger, they all filled my iPhone at about the same rate.
Apple 20W charger
The highest: 17 W
Battery life after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
Aukey 65W charger
The highest: 12 W
Battery life after 10 minutes of charging: 11%
Apple MacBook 60W charger
The highest: 12 W
Battery life after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
Anker PowerPort Atom III 60W
The highest: 12 W
Battery life after 10 minutes of charging: 11%
Samsung Fast Charger 40W
The highest: 12 W
Battery life after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
Ravpower 90W
The highest: 11 W
Battery life after 10 minutes of charging: 12%
You got the idea. Apple’s charger could hit higher speeds and would likely win in a zero to 100 test using the MagSafe charger, but that won’t make a noticeable difference. With every charger I used the speeds slowed down to less than 10W once they hit 50% charge when all chargers stabilized. So we’re talking about the maximum number of minutes.
Myth: MagSafe cases easily snap into place with magnets
Reality: Cases are just as hard to remove as iPhone 11 cases
I was a little wrong when I ordered the transparent MagSafe case with the ostentatious circular magnetic ring on the back. I felt the case had two purposes: to bring the MagSafe magnet to the back of the case for stronger contact, and to connect to the phone so that the case could be easily removed.
Michael Simon / IDGApple’s new transparent MagSafe case is not very easy to put on.
Only one of these things is true. Although the MagSafe adapter connects extremely well to the back of the MagSafe Clear case, which I tested, putting it on is just as difficult as the previous hard silicone case. Removing it several times leaves the same squeezing creases in the lower corners where the case has to be forcefully pushed away from the phone, and the buttons are just as stiff as in the previous transparent cases.
As it stands, your best bet is one of the silicone cases, but you’ll cover whatever color you choose for the iPhone 12. If you want a transparent case, look for a very thin one, like the Totalee’s range of cases, which are available in frosted clear or fully clear.
Myth: magnets are not strong enough
Reality: Although the wallet attachment is not ideal, the magnets are very strong for docks and racks
While the MagSafe accessories sold by Apple are somewhat limited, the mechanism lends itself to all kinds of practical uses. In my testing, the magnets are as strong as they should be. When I attach the MagSafe charger to my fridge, for example, I have to lift it up so that the magnetic capacities are there.
Jason Cross / IDGThe magnets in the charger and the MagSafe box are very strong.
When used with my iPhone 12, the charger is powerful enough to stay attached to the back with a bit of a push, but will still come loose when pulled lightly. The same goes for the wallet accessory, which won’t fall out unless pushed (although it can be accidentally detached when slipping into a pocket).
Once new props come out I think we’ll see the magnetic force increase as warranted. For example, a car air vent will need to be stronger to keep the iPhone attached when driving over bumps and curves, and depending on what MagSafe is capable of, they should be.
Myth: MagSafe is expensive and doesn’t do anything new
Reality: MagSafe is expensive and doesn’t do anything new again
There is no denying that MagSafe is expensive and not worth the money. The cases cost $ 10 more than their iPhone 11 counterparts across the board, and the required charger costs $ 39 on its own without the required 20W USB-C power adapter. Add to that the $ 129 Duo Charger, the $ 129 Leather Pouch, and the $ 59 Leather Wallet, and the cost of entry is certainly pretty steep.
AppleThe current crop of MagSafe accessories only scratches the surface of what it can do.
But like anything Apple-related, the first-time user tax will go down and the utility will go up. MagSafe fixes a lingering wireless charging issue – making sure the right contact has been made before you go – and third-party car mounts, cables, and docks are already on the way. Granted, it’s entirely possible that MagSafe will never take off and go quietly with the iPhone 15, but I’m willing to bet it’ll be a hit.
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