Image: Anker. Figure A: Anker’s MagGo expenses an iPhone wirelessly and options an built-in foldable stand.
Like many enterprise professionals, I journey with a wide range of Apple gadgets and chargers. So every time an organization like Anker introduces a brand new iPhone accent to encourage productiveness when working remotely, I listen. Here’s my overview of Anker’s MagGo.
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What is Anker’s MagGo?
The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery, marketed because the MagGo, expenses an iPhone wirelessly and sells for $59.99. The cellular gadget additionally options an built-in foldable stand (Figure A) that operates just like an iPad folio cowl to place iPhone 12s and 13s at useful viewing angles when positioned atop a desk or desk.
The again of the Anker MagGo unfolds to create a stand that positions an iPhone at a handy viewing angle when positioned atop a desk or desk.
Which iPhones are appropriate with Anker’s MagGo?
The producer lists iPhone 12s and 13s as matches for the MagGo 622. However, Anker doesn’t advocate the MagGo for iPhone 12 and 13 mini fashions nor for iPhones utilizing non-magnetic telephone circumstances, reminiscent of OtterBox’s Defender collection.
And whereas Anker is but to check iPhone 14 mannequin compatibility with its wi-fi charger, the corporate indicated to me that there isn’t any motive Apple’s new iPhones received’t additionally work with these cellular gadgets.
What are the MagGo’s key options?
Anker’s MagGo delivers on the plain good thing about magnetic chargers: Their transportable capability and propensity to energy continued productiveness whereas working remotely. The MagGo presents different compelling options, too.
A streamlined battery pack
The MagGo’s 5000mAh battery and small footprint alone justify tossing the accent inside a laptop computer bag, backpack or carry-on. About the identical measurement as a deck of playing cards (Figure B), the MagGo I examined proved able to totally recharging a depleted iPhone.
Figure B
Image: Erik Eckel/TechRepublic. MagGo with a deck of playing cards.
The MagGo options 5 white LEDs that affirm the gadget’s battery cost, eliminating any guessing about how a lot the battery is charged.
Integrated kickstand
The built-in kickstand, just like the folio display covers discovered on iPads however positioned right here on the again of Anker’s MagGo, unfolds to create a stand. The accent then props up iPhones for higher viewing, whereas concurrently charging the Apple smartphone.
USB-C versatility
Maybe the MagGo’s greatest function is its capacity to recharge shortly and the inclusion of a USB-C port and cable, which make it doable to cost different USB-C gadgets.
As for AirPod Pros, you may as well join these to the MagGo to recharge earbuds to make sure you’re prepared for Microsoft Teams and Zoom video calls when working remotely.
Charge-level LEDs
The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery Charger consists of 5 LEDs on its backside edge (Figure C). These indicators illuminate to verify the MagGo’s cost degree.
Figure C
Image: Erik Eckel/TechRepublic. MagGo cost lights.
The MagGo’s LEDs affirm the wi-fi charger’s remaining battery capability.
Strong magnetic connection
The MagGo forcefully pulls MagSafe-equipped iPhones right into a mating posture with a snapping sensation. The use of sturdy magnets helps the connection full with 9N of safe drive.
Five shade choices
Anker presents the MagGo in 5 colours. No longer is matte black the one choice for a trendy battery pack.
Pros and cons of the MagGo
The Anker MagGo cellular wi-fi charger presents some tradeoffs, however simply what are these execs and cons? After utilizing the MagGo with a number of iPhones nearly day-after-day for per week, listed below are my takeaways.
Pros of the MagGo
I examined Anker’s MagGo 622 utilizing an iPhone 11 and a colleague’s iPhone 13. Even although the iPhone 11 doesn’t boast MagSafe know-how, the MagGo nonetheless charged my iPhone and helped me stay productive, together with when working remotely. Placing my iPhone on high of the skinny and compact wi-fi charger whereas conducting prolonged calls helped me stroll away from distant work places nonetheless boasting a wholesome battery cost.
Must-read Apple protection
My colleague’s iPhone 13, which advantages from Apple’s built-in MagSafe magnet, snapped proper onto the MagGo and commenced charging instantly. The bond with the MagSafe-equipped iPhone was each tight and assured.
One massive differentiating issue that separates the Anker MagGo from many opponents, reminiscent of Apple’s cabled MagSafe Charger, Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro Portable Charger and even Anker’s 313 Wireless Charge Pad is the built-in stand added by Anker’s designers to boost comfort and productiveness. The kickstand unfolds from the again of this slim battery pack. Just use your fingertip to tug the rear cowl away from the MagGo, and it folds like paper to kind a small stand to supply handy viewing when positioned on a desk or tray.
Even although Anker doesn’t advocate the MagGo for iPhone 12 and 13 mini customers, the charger nonetheless labored on these gadgets in my first-hand take a look at. The stand folded proper into place and pulled my take a look at iPhone 13 mini tight. The smartphone instantly started charging, all whereas holding the iPhone 13 mini at a handy viewing angle.
Thanks to the sturdy magnet, there’s much less probability a MagSafe iPhone will unintentionally disconnect from the charger. While the bond with my non-magnetic iPhone 11 labored, the telephone may nonetheless transfer round on the charger. The MagSafe-equipped iPhone 13 boasted a a lot better and guaranteed grip.
Due to the built-in LEDs, you by no means should guess how a lot battery stays on the MagGo, both. The LEDs show to verify the cost degree standing every time one other gadget is linked or the MagGo is charging. That’s a giant profit when engaged on the go reminiscent of in an airport or on a aircraft.
Another good thing about Anker’s MagGo is it produces 7.5 watts of energy versus the 5 watts usually discovered with different wi-fi gadgets.
Because Anker supplies 5 shade choices, you’ll be able to choose a MagGo that matches your iPhone. While I are likely to dedicate extra significance to the charging capability and skill to truly cost different gadgets by way of the included USB-C cable, others could also be extra impressed with the very fact you’ll be able to select from black, white, purple, inexperienced or blue (Figure D).
Figure D
Image: Anker. The wi-fi charger is offered in 5 colours.
Cons of the MagGo
The solely drawbacks in regards to the MagGo I observed are typical for wi-fi chargers. For instance, it’s essential to place the telephone accurately on the charging pad, and some hours are required to completely recharge the smartphone. Anker’s engineers have attacked the positioning drawback straight on by together with the sturdy magnet inside the MagGo that successfully snaps the iPhone into its correct place.
Don’t anticipate fast wi-fi charging both. The know-how’s sometimes simply not that quick no matter whose wi-fi charging gadget is in place, and that constantly proved true whether or not I used to be utilizing my SUV’s built-in wi-fi charger or certainly one of many wi-fi chargers I’ve bought or obtained as promotional giveaways. These gadgets work however require persistence.
My conclusion in regards to the MagGo
When needing to stay productive whereas working remotely, Anker’s MagGo is a great addition to any enterprise traveler’s bag. Capable of totally recharging an iPhone wirelessly, the MagGo cellular gadget consumes little house due to its tidy footprint, and in addition unfolds to enhance viewing angles.
It’s exhausting to discover a motive to not pack Anker’s MagGo for a bit of further juice while you’re touring or working outdoors the workplace.