MagSafe Charger - Do Not Buy It!

Summary

In this video, Jerry reviews Apple's MagSafe charger for iPhone 12, highlighting its secure magnetic connection and faster 15-watt wireless charging capabilities. However, he criticizes the need for two hands to remove the charger and the short three-foot cord, which limits its convenience. Jerry also points out that the charger's fast charging is only achievable with Apple's specific 20-watt adapter, otherwise it defaults to a slower 10-watt charge. He concludes that the MagSafe charger offers no significant advantage over a standard USB-C to Lightning cable for most users, questioning its value at $40 without a bundled charger.

Takeaways

• 📱 MagSafe charger is designed for iPhone 12 and uses magnets to ensure proper alignment for wireless charging.
• 🔌 It addresses the issue of misalignment on traditional wireless chargers that can lead to ineffective charging.
• 🚫 The MagSafe charger requires two hands to remove from the phone, which is less convenient compared to standard wireless chargers.
• 🔌 It offers faster wireless charging capability, up to 15 Watts, which is more than the standard 7.5 Watts.
• 💡 MagSafe's secure connection is beneficial for activities like gaming without the cord getting in the way.
• 📏 The charger's cord is only three feet long, which may be inconvenient for certain setups and usage scenarios.
• 💸 The MagSafe charger costs $40 and does not include a power adapter, requiring an additional purchase.
• 🔌 Using non-Apple power adapters can limit the charging speed to 10 Watts, reducing the advantage over standard wireless chargers.
• 🔋 For the price of the MagSafe charger and an additional power adapter, one could get multiple standard wireless charging pads.
• 🚫 The reviewer concludes that the MagSafe charger does not provide significant benefits over a USB-C to Lightning cable for regular charging.

Q & A

What is the main issue with regular Qi wireless chargers mentioned in the script?

The main issue with regular Qi wireless chargers is that if the iPhone is not placed directly over the charging coils in the pad, the device will not charge properly, potentially leading to a dead battery.

How does MagSafe solve the alignment issue of wireless charging?

MagSafe uses magnets in the back of the iPhone that align with magnets in the charger to keep it connected and centered on the charging coil.

What are the benefits of using MagSafe over a standard Qi wireless charger?

MagSafe offers a more secure connection and proper placement via magnets, and it supports faster wireless charging up to 15 Watts, compared to the standard 7.5 Watts with a Qi charger.

What is the downside of the MagSafe charger according to the reviewer?

The downside is that unlike a standard wireless charging pad, it requires two hands to remove the MagSafe charger from the phone, which negates one of the benefits of wireless charging.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the length of the MagSafe charger's cord?

The reviewer finds the cord length of three feet to be too short, as it can be easily pulled out of the wall when moving or adjusting seating position.

What is the additional cost associated with the MagSafe charger if you don't already have a compatible charger?

If you don't already have a compatible charger, you would need to spend an additional $20 for Apple's 20-watt charger.

What is the maximum wireless charging speed the MagSafe charger can provide?

The MagSafe charger can provide up to 15 watts of wireless charging when used with Apple's specific 20-watt wireless charger.

Why does the reviewer suggest that the MagSafe charger provides no benefit over a USB-C to lightning cable?

The reviewer suggests that the MagSafe charger provides no benefit over a USB-C to lightning cable because a 30-watt adapter with a cable can charge the iPhone at 20 Watts or more, which is faster than the MagSafe's maximum of 15 Watts.

What is the reviewer's overall recommendation regarding the purchase of the MagSafe charger?

The reviewer recommends not buying the MagSafe charger as it provides zero benefit for regular charging and has several drawbacks such as the need for two hands to remove it and the short cord.

What potential future uses for MagSafe does the reviewer mention?

The reviewer mentions potential future uses for MagSafe such as new accessories, third-party charging docks, car docks, and possibly data transfer or a dock that turns the phone into a computer.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the necessity of the MagSafe charger for gamers?

The reviewer suggests that while the MagSafe charger might be useful for gamers who want to charge and play without a cord in the way, the short cord and the need for two hands to remove it make it less practical.