Review: Belkin's $39 Magnetic Wireless Charger is Limited to 7.5W, But Comes With 20W Power Adapter

[MacRumors]

Since Apple launched the MagSafe-enabled iPhone 12 models, accessory makers have been coming up with various magnetic charging options that are designed to replace the standard Qi-based chargers available for iPhones.

Belkin recently launched the Boost Charge Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad, which is one of its more affordable charging options at $29. The Magnetic Charger Pad is not MagSafe and can't charge at 15W. Like other chargers of this type, it is limited to 7.5W charging speeds.

MagSafe is Apple technology so to get those 15W speeds, you need to use hardware licensed from Apple. Belkin has done this for its multi-charging options, but not using MagSafe is more affordable.

At $39, Belkin's charger is the same price as the the MagSafe Charger from Apple, but that price point includes a 6.6-foot charging cable and a 20W USB-C charger to power it. With MagSafe, the charger is sold separately and is another $19 if you don't have one already on hand. If you do already have a 20W charger, you can get the Belkin charger for $29, $10 less than Apple's MagSafe Charger.

Design wise, Belkin's charger is a small wireless charging pad that snaps onto the back of an iPhone 12 model magnetically. Like other magnetic chargers, the magnets help it align in just the right spot for charging, so though you're not getting 15W, you are getting hassle-free alignment and optimal 7.5W charging.

The Belkin charger is made from a black or white plastic material that's nothing special, though I appreciate the long cord because it's ideal if you want to charge while using your iPhone at the same time. If you don't need all the cord, it comes with a cord wrap. The charger is thicker than a MagSafe Charger, and just a tiny bit bigger.

You can use this with any iPhone that charges with a Qi-based wireless charger, but it's best suited to the iPhone 12 models because of the magnet.

I tested the charging speed on the Boost Charge Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad and it was what I would expect from any 7.5W charger. It's not a charging speed that's ideal if you need power in a hurry, but it's as useful as any other Qi charger for charging at night or while your iPhone is on your desk during the day.

Bottom Line

If you want 15W charging speeds or already have an appropriate 20W+ charger for use with a MagSafe Charger from Apple, I definitely recommend that. It's sleeker and faster than this charger from Belkin, and there's no real reason to choose an inferior charger.

If, however, you don't have a 20W charger and don't necessarily need 15W charging speeds because you're going to use it overnight or in a trickle charge situation, then Belkin's Boost Charge Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad is perfectly adequate and worth checking out as an alternative option.

How to Buy

The Boost Charge Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad can be purchased from Belkin or from Amazon for $30 without a charger and $40 with a 20W charger.

Article Link: Review: Belkin's $39 Magnetic Wireless Charger is Limited to 7.5W, But Comes With 20W Power Adapter

 

[macintologist]

How would this Belkin charger work on a car charger?

 

[Morgenland]

7.5W in 2021. LOL.
I'm always unsure if people who need to save $10 can ever be happy with Apple products.
Isn't that more like the conversations among Android friends?

 

[swrobel]

So is it $29 or $39? The article says both at different points

 

[doboy]

So is it $29 or $39? The article says both at different points

You should read it carefully. It tells you.

 

[nutmac]

So is it $29 or $39? The article says both at different points

$29 without 20W USB-C power adapter, $39 with.

I'm always unsure if people who need to save $10 can ever be happy with Apple products.
Isn't that more like the conversations among Android friends?

Just as some Android users shell out $$$ for their phones and gears and some don't, some Apple users prefer to save money by purchasing 3rd party accessories.

 

[HiVolt]

This MagSafe situation is pathetic.

I truly wonder how greedy is Apple being with this, that hardly anyone has licensed it.

 

[Woyly]

I don’t get it why put out a MagSafe charger but only with 7.5w capability. Like why?

 

[Smigit]

It’d have been interesting to make the cable on this a removable lightening cable. Then you could use the “wireless” charging when speed doesn’t matter OR take advantage of the faster charging when needed by disconnecting the puck.

 

[orbital~debris]

What colourway is the Apple silicone case pictured in the article?

I’m guessing Pink Citrus but considered it may be Product (Red). Either way, it looks nice.

 

[venom600]

I don’t get it why put out a MagSafe charger but only with 7.5w capability. Like why?

Because instead of paying Apple's licensing fees you can use a generic Qi charger and put some magnets around it so that it attaches magnetically. Most people will never be able to tell the difference.

 

[jclo]

What colourway is the Apple silicone case pictured in the article?

I’m guessing Pink Citrus but considered it may be Product (Red). Either way, it looks nice.

It's pink citrus.

 

[apparatchik]

It’d have been interesting to make the cable on this a removable lightening cable. Then you could use the “wireless” charging when speed doesn’t matter OR take advantage of the faster charging when needed by disconnecting the puck.

That would even justify the 20W brick, currently it doesnt make much sense wether the charging brick is 10, 15 or 20W.

 

[Braderunner]

It comes with a decent length cable. The length of cable that comes with Apple’s is pathetic.

 

[patsfan83]

I've overnight charged my iPhone X for 3 years using a cheap wireless puck that put out 7.5w. Battery still at 81% health.

Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[ignatius345]

I don't know. I'm charging my iPhone 12 with a Qi charger like some kind of primitive and it's working just fine for me. It's fast enough for the most part and more importantly it works one-handed so I can casually place my phone down on it whenever I'm not using it.

I honestly don't get the appeal of something magnetic that you have to manually pry off the phone every time you pick it up. And before you say "you can use the magsafe charger while you use your phone" -- if I was going to do that I'd just plug it in via lightning cable, which is potentially even faster and much more efficient.

 

[lotzosushi]

Belkin, the overpriced and beyond basic brand for people who buy accessories at the Apple store and can't be bothered to find better/cheaper alternatives elsewhere. Always hated them.

 

[Christoffee]

I don't understand what's going on with MagSafe chargers. It feels like USB-C in its various interations.

 

[SurferPup]

I would buy a MagSafe compatible thin clear wireless receiver charger case for my Nokia 8.3 should one ever come to fruition. I would then be able to utilise with my Apple MagSafe accessories for attachment to my Nokia 8.3 . Putting it out there for those smart inventors with an eBay store.

 

[incoherent_1]

Please stop giving these “wireless” chargers a bigger platform. They are extremely inefficient and terrible for the environment.

 

[sparkinstx]

In general, I'm not impressed with Belkin's stuff. Their quality and specs have fallen over the years. They're kinda overpriced for what they offer, and nowadays there's too many other good options out there, like Anker.

 

[orev]

Fast charging reduces battery life, so slower is better unless you really need it fast (and in that case you should probably use the lightning connection anyway).

The 20W adapter probably is cheaper for them as they can stop manufacturing the lower wattage adapters that they also use in other products. If they move everything to 20W, they can bulk manufacture them to reduce the cost.

At least Belkin is a known brand, and you can go into a retail shop to buy one when you really need to. That's has a benefit that is worth the extra cost if you need them. As opposed to other cheapie brands that skimp on safety and could burn down your house.

 

[satinsilverem2]

It comes with a decent length cable. The length of cable that comes with Apple’s is pathetic.

Same that’s my only gripe about the Apple one is the short cord. It’s almost useless when in bed. I wish they made two in 1m and 2m

 

[Okta]

I've never understood Belkin. It's slightly cheaper in price but far cheaper in quality. You can find the equivalent for half the price with a simple google search

 

[3rdiguy]

I have the MagBak case and bridge for MagSafe charger and must say that it’s the perfect solution for my vehicle. I have a PD adapter so it charges fast

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