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.

Outlines

00:00

📱 MagSafe Charger Evaluation

The paragraph discusses the MagSafe charger for iPhone 12, highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages. The speaker, Jerry, initially criticizes the MagSafe charger but after a week of use, he shares his experience. He explains how MagSafe uses magnets to align the charger with the phone for efficient wireless charging, which can reach up to 15 Watts, compared to the standard 7.5 Watts. However, he points out the inconvenience of needing two hands to remove the charger and the short cord which limits its usability. He humorously describes scenarios where the charger gets disconnected easily. He also mentions the high cost of the charger when compared to other wireless charging solutions and concludes that the MagSafe charger does not offer significant benefits over a standard USB-C to lightning cable for most users.

05:00

🔌 The Limitations of MagSafe Charging

In this paragraph, the discussion continues on the limitations of the MagSafe charger. It is noted that the charger only delivers 15 watts of power when used with Apple's specific 20-watt charger, and other charging bricks can reduce this to 10 watts. The speaker argues that even with the faster charging capability, the MagSafe charger does not offer additional benefits over a standard USB-C to lightning cable when used with a 30-watt adapter, which can charge at 20 watts or more. The speaker concludes by advising against purchasing the MagSafe charger for regular use, but expresses optimism about the future potential of MagSafe technology for accessories and docks. He suggests that while the current MagSafe charger may not be practical, the concept could evolve into something more useful in the future.

Keywords

💡MagSafe

MagSafe refers to Apple's proprietary magnetic charging technology, which was reintroduced with the iPhone 12. It uses a circular array of magnets to attach wireless chargers and accessories securely. In the video, MagSafe is highlighted as a solution to the misalignment problem of traditional wireless chargers, ensuring the charger stays connected and centered for efficient charging.

💡iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is the smartphone model by Apple that features MagSafe technology. It represents a significant update in the iPhone lineup, offering new capabilities such as attachment of accessories via magnets. The video discusses the iPhone 12 in the context of its charging capabilities and how MagSafe enhances the user experience.

💡Wireless Charging

Wireless charging is a method of transferring electrical energy from a power source to an electronic device without the need for a physical connection. The video script discusses the limitations of traditional wireless charging pads, such as misalignment issues, and how MagSafe addresses these concerns by using magnets for secure attachment.

💡Alignment

Alignment in the context of the video refers to the precise positioning of the iPhone over the charging coil on a wireless charger to ensure efficient energy transfer. The video emphasizes the importance of alignment for wireless charging and how MagSafe's magnetic connection helps maintain it, preventing the phone from waking up with a dead battery.

💡AirPower

AirPower was a cancelled Apple product that was intended to be a multi-device wireless charging pad. The video mentions AirPower as an example of Apple's past efforts to improve wireless charging, which faced issues like overheating and never made it to market.

💡Xiaomi

Xiaomi is a technology company that developed a wireless charging pad with a unique feature to automatically align the charging coil with the device. The video uses Xiaomi's product as an example of innovation in the wireless charging space, contrasting it with Apple's MagSafe approach.

💡15 Watts

In the video, 15 Watts refers to the maximum wireless charging speed that the MagSafe charger can provide to the iPhone 12. This is contrasted with the slower 7.5 Watts offered by standard Qi wireless chargers, highlighting the potential benefits of using MagSafe for faster charging.

💡USB-C

USB-C is a type of USB connector that is used for charging and data transfer. The video mentions using a USB-C charging adapter with the MagSafe charger, emphasizing that the MagSafe puck does not come with a charger and requires a separate purchase, adding to the cost and inconvenience.

💡Accessories

Accessories in the context of the video are additional devices or items that can be attached to the iPhone 12 using MagSafe's magnetic system. The video discusses the potential for future MagSafe accessories, suggesting that while the current charger may have limitations, the ecosystem could offer more utility in the future.

💡Cord

The cord mentioned in the video refers to the power cable that comes with the MagSafe charger. The video criticizes the cord's short length, which can limit the usability of the charger, especially in situations where the user needs to move around or place the charger in a specific location.

💡iMac

iMac is a line of desktop computers by Apple. In the video, the presenter speculates about the future possibilities for MagSafe, including an iMac-like docking station where a phone could connect and potentially transform into a computer, illustrating the potential for innovative uses of the technology.

Highlights

Introduction to MagSafe charger for iPhone 12

MagSafe's magnetic system to ensure proper alignment for wireless charging

Comparison of MagSafe to regular wireless chargers to prevent misalignment and dead batteries

Apple's attempt to solve misalignment issues with the failed AirPower

Xiaomi's approach to automatic alignment in wireless charging

Advantages of MagSafe including faster wireless charging up to 15 Watts

Critique of the two-handed removal requirement for the MagSafe charger

Inconvenience of the short charging cord and its impact on usability

The need for a specific Apple 20-watt charger to achieve 15-watt charging

Comparison of MagSafe's value proposition to standard USB-C to Lightning cable charging

The additional cost of the MagSafe charger versus other wireless charging options

The potential future of MagSafe with accessories and third-party docks

The reviewer's final recommendation against purchasing the MagSafe charger in its current form

The suggestion that MagSafe might be useful for gaming near a power outlet

The reviewer's experience of setting up a charging station in an unconventional location

The necessity of having a charger already or the additional cost for an Apple charger

The reviewer's comparison of the MagSafe charger to other wireless charging pads

Transcripts

- This is the MagSafe charger for iPhone 12.

I've been pretty hard on it over my last few videos,

calling out what I see as some issues.

After a week of using it, is it any good?

Hey, I'm Jerry.

And when Apple announced the iPhone 12 a few weeks ago,

they re-introduced MagSafe in the iPhone

as a circular set of magnets in the back

that allow for attachments of wireless chargers

and new accessories.

The idea is pretty simple,

magnets in the back of the iPhone align with magnets

in the MagSafe charger to keep the charger connected

and centered on the charging coil

so you don't wake up with a dead battery.

That's the biggest issue with regular T wireless chargers.

If you do not place your iPhone on the device directly

over the charging coils in the pad,

then your device will not properly charge

and you wake up with a dead battery.

Even vibrations for notifications

have been known to move a phone just enough

so that it falls out of alignment

and stops charging.

Apple tried to solve this issue

with the failed air power charging pad

that never made it to market, because I guess, overheating.

Xiaomi developed a pad that automatically detects

where you place your device

and moves the charging coil to alignment.

That's actually pretty neat.

And a number of companies have been trying to find new ways

to make wireless charging better.

MagSafe is a bit of a simpler design

besides having a more secure connection

and proper placement via magnets,

you also get the benefits of faster wireless charging.

MagSafe can give you up to 15 Watts of wireless charging

versus 7 1/2 with a standard T wireless charger.

I said up to 20 Watts more than that in a minute,

so those are really the benefits of MagSafe.

That sounds pretty good, right?

Faster, more secure wireless charging.

Sure.

Here's what I don't like.

Unlike a standard wireless charging pad,

I need two hands to remove the MagSafe charger.

One of the benefits of wireless charging

is you can just place your phone on the charging pad

and when you're done or ready

you just pick it up and walk away without thinking about it.

You can't do that with the MagSafe charger,

the connection is easy.

Just place the wireless charging puck on a surface,

put your phone over it and it snaps on and connects,

it's that easy and it's kind of cool,

but then you need to pick it up to disconnect it.

I know this seems like a dumb thing to complain about

but if you're spending money to wirelessly charge a device

and you still have to do the same thing

you would do with a cord

that just doesn't seem like a benefit to me.

I have gotten comments on my channel saying

that the benefit of using MagSafe will be for gamers

so that you can charge your phone and play your game

without the court getting in the way.

Well, the cord is a little bit short,

but let's give it a shot.

I plugged in the MagSafe to an outlet right next to a chair

and sat down to play a game.

I got really into this real racing game

and I played for a long time.

And then I just kinda needed to stretch because, you know,

sitting for a long time makes your butt tired.

So you gotta move every now and then.

So you move forward just a little bit

and the cord and charger get ripped right out of the wall.

So yeah, I think three feet is too small.

Even sitting in a chair right next to the power outlet.

I was easily able to pull this out of the socket,

just adjusting my seating position.

And if you wanna use this on a desk,

you better make sure that your desk

is right up against a power outlet.

And if you have a deep desk like this one is

it still may not reach

unless you put the charger way at the far edge of the desk,

but then it's even more inconvenient

because to remove your phone, you still have to reach back

with two hands to disconnect it.

So now you need to find a place

to put this wireless charger.

Maybe you put it in the kitchen,

but then you have to stand up if you're gonna use it

and charge at the same time

or maybe you can find a dark empty hallway

that just happens to have a power outlet.

I guess that could work.

You could just stand in the hallway

but, you know, power outlets are about this high.

So unless you're gonna be like Dobby from Harry Potter

and kind of crouching over it, you're gonna need a chair.

So maybe you bring in a chair.

Yeah, that looks good.

Yep, I can do this.

I'll just sit here and use my phone,

but wait, where do I place the puck?

I guess I could put it on the chair,

nah, I'm gonna need a table.

Yeah, that'll work.

But since I'm gonna be spending time here,

I may as well get a plant, make it look nice.

Yeah.

Yeah, that works.

I've got a nice little charging station

in a dark empty hallway.

Now, of course, that only works

if you have a dark empty hallway with a power outlet

and a stool and a table and a plant.

Now, you may have noticed

that I was using this anchor USB-C charging adapter.

And that's because this $40 puck

does not come with a charger.

Apple's expecting that you already have a charger

of some kind or you shell out another $20

for Apple's 20 watt charger.

Okay.

For $60, you can almost get three

of these RAV Power wireless charging pads

with power adapters and spread them around your house.

All right.

So I know what you're thinking,

you already have a power adapter of some kind

and $40 does not seem too bad

for this wireless charging puck

that gets 15 Watts of charging versus the standard

7 1/2 watt charging that you would get with a T charger.

Well, I'm sorry.

The MagSafe charger will only give you 15 watts

of actual charging if you use

Apple's very specific 20 watt wireless charger,

any equivalent or even faster charging brick

will drop you down to 10 watt wireless charging

just 2 1/2 watts more than a standard T charger.

Okay.

Let's say you don't care that the cord

is only three foot long and you don't care

that you need two hands to remove the charger from the phone

and you have no issues paying $60 for the MagSafe charger

and the Apple 20 watt adapter.

You tell me it's all worth it

because the faster charging you get

compared to a standard wireless charger.

If this is the case, the MagSafe charger

provides zero benefit over a USB-C to lightning cable

and a 30 watt adapter which can charge the iPhone

at 20 Watts or more.

And a lightening cable comes in the box with the iPhone,

so you don't need to spend $60 for the wireless, wireless,

wireless charging pad with no benefits.

So if you don't understand what I'm saying yet,

I'm saying, do not buy this Apple MagSafe charger.

It provides zero benefit for regular charging

with maybe the exception of playing a game on the floor

next to a power outlet.

I'm not saying that MagSafe is a bad idea,

I think the future of MagSafe is actually going to be great

with new accessories and third-party charging docks,

car docks and whatever.

And maybe they can do data transfer at some point,

and we can get some kinda iMac like dock

that you connect your phone to

and that turns it into a computer,

I don't know, that's crazy.

I think the future of MagSafe is going to be fun

and interesting but that's not what this MagSafe charger is.

But, hey, if you're interested in the MagSafe charger,

you're probably interested in the iPhone 12 pro,

you can get more information on my thoughts

about the camera, the performance,

the design of the iPhone 12 pro

in my review right over here.

Hit the thumbs up if you liked it,

hit subscribe if you want

and I'll see you next time.