If you already have a wireless charging system, and you love it, this part is not for you. If you are on the fence, keep reading.
It does, at first glance, seem a little unnecessary to buy into a “wireless” charging device that isn’t truly wireless. Any Qi charging unit must be connected to a power cord, and the MagSafe collection is no different. Furthermore, in some ways, the old fashioned charging system that is just plugging your phone into the wall does provide some advantages to the MagSafe system:
Wired charging is faster and more efficient than wireless charging.
Charging via USB cable provides 20w worth of power delivery versus the 7.5-15w capabilities of the wireless. It can take more than twice as long to charge your phone on a dock or mat.
Wireless charging can diminish your battery life over time.
Many Qi chargers can overheat your phone battery which will age your battery much more quickly than even Apple intended.
Wireless chargers can be more expensive than standard charging cables.
A cable charger is, on average, roughly half the cost of most wireless brands.
Your phone cannot be used during a wireless refueling session.
If you are using a MagSafe charging pad or dock, you have no phone for a small while. No social media stalking. No slack. No quick email. No calling an Uber.
You still need a power cord and an outlet for a wireless system.
Something needs to be plugged in somewhere either way . . . so what’s the point?
We get it. It does seem like there is no value to an upgrade. But our team still uses the MagSafe charging system. And, because it’s our blog, we are taking the space to tell you our opinion.