Most new model mobile phones can be charged wirelessly. I was looking for the best charger for my iPhone 12, when I came across the MagSafe charger which is specifically designed by Apple for the iPhone 12 series.
I’ve ordered one online and am now the proud owner of my own MagSafe charger. The MagSafe charger makes wireless charging of new model iPhones very easy and comfortable. I’m told that it is just as efficient with the iPhone 12 Pro as it is with many other Apple devices.
If you are an iPhone 12 user, read on and I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
- How the MagSafe Charger Works
- MagSafe Duo Charger
- MagSafe Charger Features
- MagSafe Charging Versus Traditional Charging
- How I Use My Magsafe Charger with My iPhone 12
- Cleaning the Magsafe Charger
How the MagSafe Charger Works
My iPhone 12 model, like yours, has a ring of 18 rectangular magnets built into the back, arranged in a circular shape. The magnets are underneath the wireless charging coil in each of our applicable devices. It is these magnets that allow MagSafe to charge my device.
It was explained to me that MagSafe uses this ring of magnets in my iPhone 12 to connect to accessories that also have magnets built inside. The Apple’s MagSafe charger snaps right onto the back of my phone, much in the same way a magnet snaps onto a refrigerator.
I understand why MagSafe does not work with older model devices. While the older devices often have the same wireless charging coil, there are no magnets in the phone itself. Thus, magnetic connections are not possible.
The Charger’s Functionality
My MagSafe charger looks similar to an Apple Watch Charging Puck. It is made of an aluminum body and soft white material. When I snap it onto my phone it perfectly aligns the charging coil in the MagSafe charger with the charging coil in the iPhone.
I had the opportunity to attend a presentation regarding the MagSafe charger and now understand the principle better. In this presentation, an x-ray of the inside of the Charger was shown to us. We could see the series of magnets inside.
It was explained to us that the magnets were the compatible aspect that made everything work. They are compatible with the magnets in the iPhone that surround the internal charging coil and a circuit board that manages the charging process.
MagSafe Duo Charger
Apple has also designed the MagSafe Duo charger which combines the MagSafe charger with the Apple Watch charging puck. This charger is ideal for travel as it is foldable. It costs $129.
Unfortunately, this MagSafe Duo charger cannot charge my iPhone 12 at the full 15W. It only charges at a maximum of 11W. If I add a 27W or higher USB-C power adapter, the Duo charger will charge up to 14W.
As the MagSafe Duo does not have a power adapter in the box, I’ll have to purchase it separately if I want it. I’ve been reminded by Apple that the 29W charger from Apple is not compatible, but the 30W version is.
12W To 15 W Charging
The MagSafe charger can charge my iPhone at a maximum of 15W. This is also the case with most of the iPhone 12 models. However, the smallest iPhone, the iPhone 12 mini, can only be charged at a maximum of 12W. The charging speeds are also affected by the temperature of the iPhone.
To achieve 15W (or 12W on the iPhone 12 mini) the charging speeds need Apple’s 20W power adapter. I can also use another appropriate 20W+ PD 3.0 charger.
Some of the newest chargers from other companies may include support for the MagSafe charger. I’m guaranteed to get 15W with Apple’s 20W power adapter.
MagSafe Charger Features
The MagSafe Charger makes wireless charging easy and comfortable. The charger’s perfectly aligned magnets work perfectly with my iPhone 12 and provide fast wireless charging up to 15W.
It is also compatible with Qi charging. This means I can use it on my AirPods models. For optimal charging, I can pair it with the 20W USB-C Power Adapter (sold separately).
It is interesting to me that once Apple has put specially designed cases, wallet attachments, and a MagSafe charger to use with the MagSafe iPhones on the market, third-party case and accessory makers are now also creating MagSafe-compatible products.
Compatibility
I can use the charger with my iPhone and iPad. The MagSafe charger is compatible with AirPods Pro, AirPods with Wireless Charging Case, and AirPods Wireless Charging Case.
In the iPhone 12 series it is compatible with the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and the iPhone 8 Plus.
MagSafe Charging Versus Traditional Charging
It takes me about an hour to charge my iPhone 12 from 0 to 50% with the MagSafe charger. This is slower than charging using a USB-C to lightning cable and a 20W+ USB-C power adapter, which usually only takes me only about 28 minutes to get to 50% charge.
Charging with the MagSafe charger is still much faster than charging with a Qi-based charger. The Q1 chargers max out at 7.5W.
My charging speeds are throttled down when the iPhone is warm. Therefore, when my phone is warm, charging will be limited to 80%. Generally, I move my iPhone and charger to a cooler place if it feels overly warm.
Lightning Accessories and Charging Animation
I always have to remember that when lightning-based accessories like EarPods, are connected to my iPhone 12 model, charging with MagSafe will be limited to 7.5W.
When I place my MagSafe charger on my iPhone, the iPhone’s display features a MagSafe charging animation. This is a MagSafe-like shape on the screen. Alongside this animation, I find the readout of the current iPhone charge.
Although the MagSafe charger works perfectly with my iPhone 12, it is not advisable to use it with older models. I’ve tried to use it with my older iPhone and the charging is very slow. It appears as if the charging is capped at about 5W.
How I Use My Magsafe Charger with My iPhone 12
To set up the charger, I connect the USB-C connector on my MagSafe Charger to a 20 watt Apple USB-C power adapter. I can also use a compatible third-party USB-C adapter, or connect to a USB-C port on a Mac or PC.
When I’ve done that, I place my MagSafe charger face up on a flat surface, away from any metal objects or other magnetic material.
I have to plug into a power source before I place my iPhone on the MagSafe charger. This enables the charger to verify whether it is safe to deliver maximum power. Sometimes I charge my iPhone with the case on, but I never charge with the MagSafe Wallet attachment still on the iPhone.
Apple warns users that the MagSafe charger can leave marks on silicone cases and even the leather cases designed for the iPhone 12 series. It is better for those worried about the marks that can be caused by MagSafe to choose silicone or clear cases instead of the leather versions.
MagSafe Warnings
I always ensure that I don’t put single-use cards like hotel cards against my iPhone’s magnet or near my MagSafe Charger. I also don’t put credit cards, key fobs, security badges, or passports between my iPhone and my MagSafe charger as this can damage the magnetic strips.
Luckily I don’t have a pacemaker, but Apple warns that like most other mobile devices, the iPhone 12 and MagSafe technology can cause interference with medical devices. This includes pacemakers and defibrillators.
It is recommended that the phone and charger are kept at least six inches away from the medical devices.
Cleaning the MagSafe Charger
I follow Apple’s recommendations regarding the cleaning of my MagSafe charger. I regularly clean it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
I avoid abrasive cleaning cloths and cleaning agents. I clean and disinfect my MagSafe charger with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or any other disinfection wipe.
I make sure that no moisture gets in any opening on the device.
Where Can I Get My MagSafe Charger
The MagSafe charger is available on Amazon for anywhere from $29 – $34. When I bought my charger via Amazon the all-inclusive price was $32.
Conclusion
This custom-made MagSafe charger for the iPhone 12 series is, according to my experience, the ideal charger to have. It works properly, looks nice, and has never let me down.
I can recommend the MagSafe charger to all iPhone 12 users.