MagSafe vs wireless charger: Which one is better for Your iPhone?

Wireless charging has completely transformed the way we charge our smartphones, becoming a boon for those tired of tangled cables or worn-out ports. However, if you have an iPhone, then you are left with the option to choose between MagSafe and a traditional wireless charger. 

With the introduction of MagSafe during the launch of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models in 2020, Apple reimagined wireless charging. While it has made wireless charging safe and convenient, it has complicated the decision of choosing the right wireless charger for the iPhone. If you are wondering which one is better for your iPhone, then you have come to the right place. Let’s look at MagSafe vs wireless charger and how they stack up in terms of speed, convenience, alignment, and compatibility.

Wireless charger

A wireless charger is a charging device that uses Qi (pronounced “chee”) technology to wirelessly transfer energy from a charging pad to your iPhone. It relies on electromagnetic induction and works by placing your iPhone on a flat charging surface, and the device begins charging your phone without plugging in.

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Most wireless chargers work on the Qi standard, and they work with a wide range of devices, including iPhones (iPhone 8 and newer), AirPods with wireless charging case, and Android phones. The biggest benefit of Qi wireless charging is its universal compatibility, and they are available in a wide range of budget options.

With iPhones not including a charger anymore, a wireless charger could be an affordable alternative, but do remember that the charging speeds can be slower. Another challenge with wireless chargers is that if the phone isn’t perfectly aligned, charging can stop, and in the case of some wireless chargers, your iPhone may slide out of position during charging. 

Magsafe

In 2020, Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 lineup as a new proprietary magnetic charging and accessory system. It uses an array of magnets built into the back of the iPhone to perfectly align with a charger or other snap-on accessories. They are also Qi-compatible, but they enhance the experience by ensuring your iPhone stays perfectly placed for fast and reliable charging.

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With certified MagSafe chargers, iPhone users get faster wireless charging with speeds up to 15W. While charging faster, they also need not worry about alignment since the phone perfectly snaps into the ideal position thanks to magnets. MagSafe offers a secure connection while the ecosystem means you can connect wallets, stands, battery packs, etc, to the back of your iPhone.

MagSafe vs wireless charger: Which one is better?

The difference between MagSafe and a traditional wireless charger boils down to your preference. If you have an iPhone 12 or newer model and are looking for faster, reliable charging and the option to snap magnetic accessories, MagSafe is the way to go. It delivers a seamless connection to MagSafe accessories and lets you enjoy safe and secure charging with minimal fuss.

However, if you are on a budget or own an older iPhone model or have multiple devices with wireless charging capability, then a traditional Qi wireless charger is a better option. It offers versatility, compatibility while being a universal and economical option. If ditching cables is your goal and you want a premium experience, then MagSafe is a clear winner but with Qi2 standard bringing similar experience soon to non-Apple wireless chargers, the competition is likely to get heated.