Free yourself from the Lightning port with the ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger
Even though the latest iPhones have standardized on the USB-C port, there are still devices in the world with Lightning ports. Including in my own home.
In the midst of this, a friend taught me "one way to charge a Lightning-port iPhone with USB-C".
One product for that purpose is the "ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger".
※To be honest, this product is unnecessary for iPhone 15 and later models that already have a USB-C port. It just adds hassle and weight while reducing charging efficiency. Please consider this strictly for iPhones equipped with a Lightning port.
Product Details
Size: 60 x 60 x 7 mm (measured)
Weight: 43g (measured)
Output: 7.5W
Detachable USB-C connector
Includes kickstand
Compatible models: iPhone 12 and later
※This product is listed as compatible with iPhone 12 and later because MagSafe support began with the iPhone 12.
Can be used with iPhone 12 and earlier if they support wireless charging
Even for models that do not support MagSafe, it can be used depending on the case as long as they support wireless charging (Qi charging).
Difference between Qi and MagSafe
In conclusion, "Qi" and "MagSafe" are essentially the same standard and are compatible with each other.
Qi charging is a charging method that uses the certification system for "Qi," an open international standard for wireless charging, and is based on 7.5W output.
The next-generation "Qi2" has also arrived, allowing for magnetic attachment and fast charging at up to 15W.
MagSafe is Apple's proprietary standard that adds magnets to Qi charging to increase charging efficiency, supporting 15W charging.
Ultimately, MagSafe uses the same principles as Qi charging and can be considered essentially the same thing; you can charge an iPhone with either Qi or Qi2.
The following models are compatible with wireless charging (Qi charging), but since they do not support MagSafe, 7.5W charging is the maximum.
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
iPhone X / XR / XS / XS Max
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE 2 / 3
If you want to use a smartphone that is not MagSafe compatible
For this, I used a MagSafe-compatible case for the iPhone SE 2 (which is the same size as the iPhone 8 and SE 3).
■ PinLiSheng MagSafe-compatible iPhone case
It is a high-quality case that protects all four sides well, and the back is thin and smooth. (Weight: approx. 27g)
■ If you want to use your favorite case
If you have a non-MagSafe device and want to use your favorite case, you can also make it compatible by attaching a MagSafe ring to the case, provided it supports Qi charging.
Using a MagSafe ring like this makes Qi charging possible. (*It may not work depending on factors like the thickness of the case.)
User experience with the iPhone SE 2
Simulating USB-C charging
I bought this product because I saw a friend using the same type of MagSafe charger with an iPhone 12 or 13, or rather, they told me about it.
I see, this really does free you from the Lightning port and lets you unify everything to USB-C...is what I thought.
That is exactly right, and being able to unify everything to USB-C is fantastic. Well, I could just honestly buy an iPhone 15 or newer, though.
It is easy to use
At 7mm thick and weighing about 43g, it isn't particularly heavy, but it does add noticeable weight.
Combined with this case (27g), the total is 70g, which brings the iPhone SE 2 (148g) to a total of 220g.
When used with a MagSafe-compatible case, the magnetic strength is sufficient, so it won't come off easily.
The stand function is also solid; it opens up to an angle of about 45° and stays fixed in any position.
It works well as a standard smartphone stand, and you can also hook your finger through it to hold the phone.
Personally, I found it most convenient to attach it with the charging port on the right side and the stand facing straight down.
Points to note
It gets quite hot
Also, when using an iPhone SE 2 with a MagSafe-compatible case and this product, the charger itself gets quite hot.
This seems to be normal for wireless chargers, but perhaps the aluminum material, which has high heat dissipation, makes the heat feel more intense.
When high temperatures persist, the charging output drops, and in some cases, the following warning was displayed. (Even though the room temperature was around 25°C)
You might worry that this heat could affect the battery, but since the iPhone manages this to protect itself, it should be fine, I suppose...
After researching, it seems that the damage to the battery from wireless charging is not significant when considering the iPhone replacement cycle.
However, it is hard to recommend for those who want to be as gentle as possible with their battery.
Charging speed is not fast
The ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger supports MagSafe at a maximum of 7.5W, so it cannot be called fast charging.
Additionally, the device has a temperature limit that determines the maximum current it can accept, which affects charging speed.
iPhones 12 and later that support MagSafe can charge at 15W, but for earlier models, 7.5W is the maximum.
A charger with 18W output (9V) or higher is required for charging.
While the maximum wattage of this product itself is 7.5W, a charger with 9V/18W output (USB PD or QC compatible) or higher is mandatory. It will not work with standard 5V chargers (those with USB-A ports).
If you are buying on Amazon, it is safer to choose chargers from well-known manufacturers like Anker or UGREEN. By the way, you can also buy 20W chargers at places like Daiso, but it is important to choose one that has a 9V output.
Summary
This time, I tried out the ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger using a MagSafe-compatible case.
The result is that it is a decent product overall, and the design and usability as a stand are also good.
The point of this is to go wireless to eliminate the Lightning port and enable USB-C charging.
The downside is that the maximum charging speed is 7.5W, which is not fast, and there is quite a bit of heat generation, which also affects the charging speed.
Considering that iPhone 8 and later models can fast charge at 18W when connected via cable, 7.5W is quite slow.
While the iPhone 11 and earlier models are limited to 7.5W, the iPhone 12 through 14 officially support MagSafe, so I think it is better to choose a Qi2-compatible (15W output) charger.
For the iPhone 15 and later, there is almost no benefit to these chargers. It is clearly better to charge directly via the USB-C port.
Wireless charging itself is a convenient feature, so it is also good to use other stand or mount-type chargers.
I would like to look for other stationary wireless chargers, such as stand types, in the future.