I have one prerequisite when it comes to portable charging banks: I only use ones with built-in cords. I don’t like having to bring a loose cable with me, then having it run from the phone to the charger. Charging banks with built-in cables are not as readily available and usually cost a lot more. But they’re worth it.
If you have an iPhone 12 and up and/or an iPhone or Android device with a MagSafe case, however, there’s a new category of portable charging banks you can consider: magnetic ones. These don’t need any cables at all, not even built-in ones. One such model that caught my eye is the UGREEN 10,000mAh magnetic power bank.
What Is the UGREEN 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank?
The UGREEN 10,000mAh magnetic power bank offers 7.5W charging of smartphones and other MagSafe devices. Selling for US$50, the 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank includes a strong 10N magnet inside to ensure that it securely attaches to the back of the iPhone.
The 10,000mAh capacity can provide power for the whole day and charge an iPhone 15 Pro up to 1.9 times. The portable power bank can charge two devices at the same time using both the magnetic option and the wired port. In addition, it supports two-way charging so that it can be charged itself while it’s simultaneously charging your device. The USB-C port supports a maximum power of PD 20W.
Made from a skin-friendly silicone material, it weighs 7.8oz. The LED indicator shows battery level, so you know when to recharge the UGREEN power bank before going out.
This model also has security and safety features including Overcurrent Protection, Overheating Protection, Shortcircuit Protection, and Overvoltage Protection.
UGREEN 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank Review
The first thing I noticed when taking this power bank out of the box is that it’s heavier than I imagined. This isn’t like a traditional portable power bank: it has some heft to it (just under half a pound), but the trade-off is worth it for the convenience. That said, it will add weight to your pocket, backpack, or purse.
It secures beautifully to iPhone: I use a MagSafe compatible case and it connects without issue, instantly recharging the phone without me having to power it up via a button press. You can continue to use the phone while charging, though you’ll want to use with two hands versus one given the added weight and bulk. With that said, if you want to lift the phone to take a selfie, you can do this without any hindrance from cables, which is a plus.
My iPhone 14 charged at a decent rate, though, as expected, it’s not as fast as wired charging, and not as fast as is capable for MagSafe charging, which technically mazes out at 15W. It’s a shame this doesn’t charge as quickly as MagSafe technology would allow. But if you’re looking to keep your phone boosted while you’re out, it will do the trick and provide enough power to recharge your phone in full, and then some. The charger itself doesn’t get overly hot and while it’s heavier than expected, it’s still relatively small and pocketable.
I used this portable charging bank to simultaneously charge my iPhone 14 and the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the latter plugged in via USB-C cable. It effortlessly recharged both devices at the same time. Within a few minutes, the Osmo Pocket 3 went from 25% battery to 30%, charging at a rate of about 1% every 45 seconds. Thus, it was fully recharged in under an hour.
While charging two devices will drain the battery more quickly, this is a great option if you want to be able to charge your iPhone and earbuds on the plane, for example, or power up both during your commute home so they’re ready for your nightly run.
Should You Buy The UGREEN 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank?
The design is the big deal here: the UGREEN 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank secures to the back of your phone (naked or with a MagSafe case) so there are no cables needed, not even a built-in one. To me, that alone is worth the price of entry.
If you use on-the-go charging often, you’ll appreciate the ability to recharge this unit and pop it on your phone as needed. Since there isn’t a built-in cable or an AC adapter like with other models, you will need to bring along a cable to charge the power bank itself. But once fully charged, it will easily last you all day. If you do bring along other cables, you can also use the USB-C to recharge a secondary device via wired connection or charge the charging bank itself.
The UGREEN 10,000mAh magnetic power bank offers simple and effortless portable power on the go, without having to rely on a wire of any kind. It’s the definition of cutting the cord.
Find the UGREEN 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank on Amazon for about $60.