Test: MagSafe 10000 mAh external battery from XtremeMac

Since I got my iPhone 12 Pro, I haven't taken advantage of MagSafe and accessories that attach to the back of the iPhone using a magnet system at all... Big mistake, it's a feature that shouldn't be overlooked and I just discovered why thanks to the XtremeMac Magnetic Power Bank which provides between 2 and 4 recharges for your favorite smartphone!

So I've had this little object in my hands for a few weeks now and here is my first feedback!

Unboxing the MagSafe Power Bank

There is actually little to say when unboxing this XtremeMac MagSafe external battery. The packaging is very classic, but quite quality. All the contents of this small white box can be retrieved by pulling out a small drawer. Inside, we find the battery, a white USB-A to USB-C cable, a warranty information paper and a magnetic sticker in the shape of a circle. This last element probably allows the accessory to be adapted to a device that does not have MagSafe technology.

It is worth noting the complete absence of instructions for use or quick start. It is not that the device is very complicated in itself, but it would have been interesting to get a little more detail on the product.

First surprise when unboxing, I was expecting classic black plastic, but the XtremeMac MagSafe external battery is covered with a thin, soft and fluffy layer. This is a very good surprise, because the battery feels very pleasant in the hand.

Getting started and using

The XtremeMac MagSafe Power Bank is of course very easy to use. To charge it, you can use the USB port-C which is reversible and therefore allows you to recharge the battery and use the battery to charge your iPhone. It is not possible to charge the battery by induction, the MagSafe device only works on output.

Once the battery is charged, you can use it to charge a smartphone or any portable device either using one of the two USB ports (A or C), or using the MagSafe connector... and it is the latter that makes this accessory so interesting.

The battery's MagSafe magnet is very effective and thus keeps the battery securely in place on the back of your iPhone.

To start charging or check the remaining charge level in the battery, the latter is equipped with a small side button.

Charge capacity

The XtremeMac MagSafe Power Bank claims a pretty impressive 10mAh capacity. Is it really?

One thing I discovered while testing this product is that using a power bank in wireless mode (MagSafe) was 2x less efficient than a wired battery. Inductive charging technology causes energy loss when charging. This loss reaches 50% when charging wirelessly, this is one of the limits of wireless charging… which however has real advantages in terms of mobility and practicality! This loss of efficiency of MagSafe charging is normal, this technology had to make compromises.

Therefore, this battery does not allow me to charge my iPhone 12 Pro only once and a half while on paper, the iPhone battery 12 Pro has a capacity of 2836 mAh. In theory I should have been able to charge it about 3 times.

Note that when using the MagSafe charger, the battery power reaches 15W maximum and therefore charging is a little slower than wired... but again, nothing surprising!

On the other hand, using wired charging via the USB-A port or via the USB-C port, the battery's promises are kept and the battery offers a 20W charge! Wired charging allows you to use the full capacity of this powerbank, which represents a little more than 3 charges with my iPhone.

To compare, Apple's official MagSafe power bank which costs €119 only allows you to charge an iPhone 0.4 to 0.7 times depending on the model.

A real asset for mobility

The XtremeMac powerbank offers a very nice capacity of 10000 mAh for a small size (11 x 7 x 1.7 cm) and a weight of only 185g.

With its dimensions and charging capacity, this external battery is really an essential accessory for mobility when you see how quickly iPhones discharge. So if you don't want to have to follow our 7 tips to save your iPhone battery, This accessory is made for you.

Even though its charging capacity is halved in MagSafe mode, this possibility it offers to charge an iPhone by induction is really very appreciable. Indeed, I see at least two very concrete advantages.

First of all, you won't have to lug around a cable in addition to the battery when you're on the go. It's always a pain to have a cable tangled in the bottom of a bag or in a pocket.

Secondly, by attaching itself to the back of the iPhone, this accessory is truly versatile. How many times have I walked around with a classic external battery in one pocket, connected by a charging cable to my iPhone in another pocket… and I won't tell you the hassle as soon as I have to use the phone with the cable dangling… With the MagSafe device, everything fits into a single pocket without a cable getting tangled everywhere. Of course, it's a little less comfortable in the pocket, because it's more bulky… but the gain in practicality is so great that it's a lesser evil!

In short, this battery is truly an essential portable accessory for me!

Another feat of this accessory, this MagSafe external battery can charge 3 devices at the same time: via MagSafe charging, via the USB-A port and via the USB-C port. Practical!

Finally, perhaps more anecdotal, but nevertheless useful, XtremeMac has managed to fit in a small foldable rod allowing you to use the battery as a stand to hold your iPhone. This way, you can charge your iPhone easily while watching a movie comfortably!

Features of the XtremeMac Magnetic Powerbank

Conclusion

In my life, there will be a before and after this battery. It is a real revelation. The XtremeMac MagSafe external battery is truly an essential accessory on the go. No more cables in your pockets, the battery fits the iPhone to become one and simplify your life.

With its small size, its featherweight, its impressive capacity of 10000 mAh and its price of only €59.99, it really slaps the comparable accessory from Apple, which is barely smaller and just a little lighter (114g) for a ridiculous capacity (1 mAh) and a scandalous price (€460).

In short, if you are looking for a smart external battery for your iPhone, this accessory from XtremeMac seems like a really good idea to me!