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Fanboi4life

macrumors 6502
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Sep 16, 2012
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Will a MagSafe charger still have enough magnetic power to connect through thicker phone cases like Ottermans?
 
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We don't know for sure yet since no one has been able to test it. My guess is if regular wireless charging works through a given case, the MagSafe should work, too. But just a guess.
 
My guess is that it will only use the 15W charging with approved MagSafe cases.
Anything else will drop to Qi charging.
Certainly looks to be that way, according to their product info page. No magnets, no 15W charging. Which sucks, because I would’ve bought one of these if it meant I could use any third party case and still get 15W.
 

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Will a MagSafe charger still have enough magnetic power to connect through thicker phone cases like Ottermans?

the fact all the apple cases have additional magnets in the case seems to imply it will not. i would expect weaker magnetic response and also lower charging speeds as i think the whole secret to MagSafe is the passthrough of the magnetic field by the addition of magnets in the cases. i'm sure many will be testing the moment the phone hits next week, but i suspect MANY MANY 3rd party cases will implement their own magnets very quickly in response to MagSafe but this first batch of 3rd party solutions may not work all that well.
 
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the fact all the apple cases have additional magnets in the case seems to imply it will not. i would expect weaker magnetic response and also lower charging speeds as i think the whole secret to MagSafe is the passthrough of the magnetic field by the addition of magnets in the cases. i'm sure many will be testing the moment the phone hits next week, but i suspect MANY MANY 3rd party cases will implement their own magnets very quickly in response to MagSafe but this first batch of 3rd party solutions may not work all that well.

Yes I’m a bit concerned the ESR clear case I got will not work with the MagSafe charger for this reason. I guess we will know whether there is an issue with third party cases without the magnets when people start getting their phones next week. The think is I really don’t like the MagSafe outline on the official Apple cases plus I think the cases are over priced. I guess we will have to wait an see. I may have to stick with my Belkin 3 in 1 charger and forgo the fast charging.
 
I'd be surprised if it works full 15w with most non magnetic cases. But question mark as to how it will work for super thin cases like the Peel.
 
Certainly looks to be that way, according to their product info page. No magnets, no 15W charging. Which sucks, because I would’ve bought one of these if it meant I could use any third party case and still get 15W.
I would think that you could use a metal ring from Amazon. The diameter of the ring looks to be compatible with the MagSafe and is thin enough to place inside of the case you are using to still allow for charging... at least that is my plan.
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I'd be surprised if you got efficient charging by sticking a metal ring in between your phone and the charger.
 
I'd be surprised if you got efficient charging by sticking a metal ring in between your phone and the charger.
So far it works perfectly on 11PM and Qi charger... I guess I’ll wait and look at the performance once my 12PM comes in. Fingers crossed.
 
So far it works perfectly on 11PM and Qi charger... I guess I’ll wait and look at the performance once my 12PM comes in. Fingers crossed.

I have no doubt it works, but what is the efficiency of the charge relative to having the phone right on the charger without a case/ring?
 
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So far it works perfectly on 11PM and Qi charger... I guess I’ll wait and look at the performance once my 12PM comes in. Fingers crossed.

What purpose does this serve on the 11PM?
Are you using it so you can use a magnetic mount yet still wireless charge? Which mount are you using?
 
@Gjwilly. I use the metal ring to allow for wireless/mount charging. Although, my Qi only charges at 7.5. Will test the ring tomorrow when the MagSafe arrives to see if any interference or if it will charge my 11PM at higher rate. I bought the car mount on Amazon... can’t remember the brand.
 
@Gjwilly. I use the metal ring to allow for wireless/mount charging. Although, my Qi only charges at 7.5. Will test the ring tomorrow when the MagSafe arrives to see if any interference or it will charge my 11PM at a higher capacity. I bought the car mount on Amazon... can’t remember the brand.

Interesting.
I wouldn't expect that small ring to be enough metal for a solid magnetic mount.
How are you measuring the charging?
 
@Gjwilly I don’t have a meter, and even though the Qi states that it will charge at 10, I don’t hear the double-tone that I hear w/wired charging. Basic, but that is my measure along with a slower charge rate on the Qi. Also, that small ring hold really well. I’ve hit a few potholes and the phone didn’t fall off.
 
Qi works through thin/regular cases. Do android phones with 15W Qi charging have issues with cases?

My first thought it just that magsafe ensures the accurate positioning, and maybe 15w needs more accuracy than 5/7.5w? I woudln’t expect it to be anything particular about passing the signal through, just about attaching more securely.

Might even be a good thing not to have magsafe in the case if it weakens the magnets a tiny bit, so you still get ‘pull’ to get it in the right spot, but it removes easier with one hand.
 
Has anyone with a MagSafe charger been able to confirm how well it works with thin cases, such as Totallee?
 
Will a MagSafe charger still have enough magnetic power to connect through thicker phone cases like Ottermans?
Not at all, or just really slow like this article discuss?


Not at all - my understanding was it DID work with these Smart Battery cases (I have an iPhone 8 & bought the 12 Pro that hasn't come yet) but it absolutely is not charging. Anyone else actually charging with an Apple smart case?
 
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