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nquinn

macrumors 6502a
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Jun 25, 2020
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In searching around, it seems like most 3rd party wireless chargers, even if they support 15w, will say 'limited to 7.5w for iPhone'.

My understanding is that the Apple one starts at 15w and then throttles down to 7.5w or so at 50%.

Am I missing any trustworthy wireless/Qi/magsafe style chargers out there that might be cheaper than the $40 iPhone one that can do a full 15w?
 
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In searching around, it seems like most 3rd party wireless chargers, even if they support 15w, will say 'limited to 7.5w for iPhone'.

My understanding is that the Apple one starts at 15w and then throttles down to 7.5w or so at 50%.

Am I missing any trustworthy wireless/Qi/magsafe style chargers out there that might be cheaper than the $40 iPhone one that can do a full 15w?
The Apple is the cheapest. It stays at 15w past the 50% mark, but definitely throttles as it gets >70%. But that's the same as wired/Qi chargers as well.
 
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Right but if not cheaper than $40 might as well just get the Apple OEM charger. It has gone for $30 at verizon store (though you do still need the an AC adapter)
The problem with the Apple one is it doesn’t come with a stand or any kind of mount. It really doesn’t seem to be any more convenient to pick up the puck and put it on the back of the phone versus plugging in a cord. If you have a stand then you’re just setting your phone on it so I think that becomes more convenient. For home I bought one off of Amazon for I think $10 that fits the Apple charger. It seems to work well for what it’s designed for.
 
The problem with the Apple one is it doesn’t come with a stand or any kind of mount. It really doesn’t seem to be any more convenient to pick up the puck and put it on the back of the phone versus plugging in a cord. If you have a stand then you’re just setting your phone on it so I think that becomes more convenient. For home I bought one off of Amazon for I think $10 that fits the Apple charger. It seems to work well for what it’s designed for.
Eh, I use a 3rd party round one with no stand at home. It just sits on an end table next to the couch and works fine.
 
Eh, I use a 3rd party round one with no stand at home. It just sits on an end table next to the couch and works fine.
Of course it works but to me if I have to pull a puck off the back of the phone it’s the same as unplugging it. I did that for a while but I just didn’t see any advantages over the plug and it charges slower. With the stand I can just grab my phone so that adds a little bit of convenience vs the plug.

What’s the advantage of using a 3rd party puck versus the Apple one? I bought a Belkin one that also has a little pop out stand. It seemed like a cool idea at the time but I don’t use it that much anymore.
 
For me I put the phone on and off it a hundred times a day as I walk around working from home. Leas worries about the lightning port wearing out.

I had issues on all previous iphones with that port failing
 
The Apple is the cheapest. It stays at 15w past the 50% mark, but definitely throttles as it gets >70%. But that's the same as wired/Qi chargers as well.
It’s not the cheapest but competitive.

There is a Belkin on sale at amazon right now for $15 with wall charger
 
Link to that Belkin? I've yet to see a 15w MagSafe charger that's cheaper than the original Apple.
Oh, I don't think this one is a true 15w for iPhone though. Like 99% sure it's only 7.5w. So you're correct - none cheaper @ 15w that I know of.


I've seen the Apple version go on sale for $30 at the Verizon store, but it doesn't include a wall charger! (which is kind of ridiculous because you know this will be used as an additional charger)
 
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Oh, I don't think this one is a true 15w for iPhone though. Like 99% sure it's only 7.5w. So you're correct - none cheaper @ 15w that I know of.


I've seen the Apple version go on sale for $30 at the Verizon store, but it doesn't include a wall charger! (which is kind of ridiculous because you know this will be used as an additional charger)
I have one of these Belkin chargers and it's going in the trash. It is the slowest charger I've ever used on anything and it makes the phone hotter than it should for the ridiculously slow charging speed.
 
I have one of these Belkin chargers and it's going in the trash. It is the slowest charger I've ever used on anything and it makes the phone hotter than it should for the ridiculously slow charging speed.
Have you used other 7.5w chargers before? Is it worse than those?

I use a generic choetech one at home and it is slow, but I just leave it sitting around for casual use and will throw my phone on a 20w lightning quick charge if I need something faster.
 
Have you used other 7.5w chargers before? Is it worse than those?

I use a generic choetech one at home and it is slow, but I just leave it sitting around for casual use and will throw my phone on a 20w lightning quick charge if I need something faster.
This is the first one I tried. Belkin is a brand name. I expected better.
 
This is the first one I tried. Belkin is a brand name. I expected better.
I've heard from a few Apple podcasts and other areas that despite Belkin being a large Apple partner their quality is very low.

Remember vendors aren't only selected on quality - logistics and ability to produce enough is probably a bigger factor.
 
I've heard from a few Apple podcasts and other areas that despite Belkin being a large Apple partner their quality is very low.

Remember vendors aren't only selected on quality - logistics and ability to produce enough is probably a bigger factor.
After my experience with this thing, I can see why they might have a low opinion. It really is junk.
 
I use Apple MagSafe chargers with 3M mounting tape. I also don’t like using the port if I don’t have to.
 
I use the Apple puck - anything 3rd party, appears to need “Made for iPhone” certification in order to give the 15W charge. And that brings the cost up to the point where the Apple is the best choice, for me anyway.

I have a 3D printer, so I’ve printed stands that it pops into & a car mount for it too.
 
I use the Apple puck - anything 3rd party, appears to need “Made for iPhone” certification in order to give the 15W charge. And that brings the cost up to the point where the Apple is the best choice, for me anyway.

I have a 3D printer, so I’ve printed stands that it pops into & a car mount for it too.
Ya. Best deal I've found is Verizon on sale for $29 - 10% cashback - 5% chase freedom points with paypal = roughly $26 and $2.60 in airline rewards. ($23 effective)
 
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