Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Review: Anker's magSafe-compatible MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery also offers a

A double-duty device worth taking everywhere.

I've gone from hating on MagSafe when it first came out to relying on several MagSafe accessories daily. In just a few years, third-party accessory makers have innovated in this space, and there are now many useful MagSafe-compatible devices on the market.

Anker was one of the first accessory companies on the scene to release a power bank for MagSafe with the PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless, beating even Apple to market. It became a fast favorite with iMore staff and readers alike. With its latest effort, the MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery, Anker has upped the ante on utility even further, making it perhaps the best MagSafe battery pack so far.

Bottom line: Anker is known for its premium portable batteries, and the MagGo 622 does not disappoint. With a decent capacity, 7.5W fast charging, MagSafe compatibility, and integrated kickstand, it provides a new level of utility.

The Good

  • MagSafe compatible
  • 7.5W charging
  • Built-in stand
  • Works with iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 models
  • USB-C port
  • Matching colors

The Bad

  • Can't use Qi and USB-C output simultaneously
  • Adds bulk to your phone
  • It's not a great fit for mini iPhone models

$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy $60 at Walmart

Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery : Price and availability

Anker's MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery was released in October 2021 as part of a more extensive MagGo lineup. The 5,000mAh power bank is designed to work with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models.

It retails for $60 and comes in various muted colors, including white, black, blue, purple, and green. It's available at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and directly at Anker's site.

Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery: What's good

You are likely already interested in MagSafe, so listing it as a pro for the Anker MagGo 622 is a little redundant. However, it is worth noting that the magnets in Anker's power bank are strong, meaning that you won't have any issues with the charger falling off the back of your phone, even when getting it in or out of a pocket. The connection is rock solid.

The MagSafe connection is rock solid.

You get 7.5W wireless charging with the MagGo 622. That's faster than Anker's previous magnetic battery pack, which topped out at 5W and even bests Apple's first-party MagSafe Battery Pack.

It also has a capacity of 5,000mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 12 once over and is higher than Apple's own-brand offering, too.

A USB-C port on the bottom works as both an input for recharging the power bank and an output for powering up non-MagSafe devices. You can even use the Anker MagGo 622 as a quasi-wireless charging pad by plugging it into power while your phone is attached. Doing so will recharge both the power bank and your iPhone.

The integrated kickstand adds a whole new level of utility.

The integrated kickstand is the one feature that sets the MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery apart. With a design clearly inspired by Apple's Smart Folio, the stand sits flat against the battery pack, held securely by magnets when not in use, and folds out when you want to stand your phone up.

Your phone can be propped up in both portrait and landscape orientations, making it ideal for scrolling Twitter at your desk or watching videos on your commute.

The overall design of the MagGo 622 is thinner, flatter, and wider than the PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless, which makes for less of a bulbous bulge on the back of your phone. Instead, it sits more flush with the back of your device and extends right to the edges of an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13.

Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery: What's not good

Of course, attaching a battery to the back of your phone adds considerably to the overall thickness and weight. Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack seems to be most concerned with this, which is why it is thinner, smaller, and lighter than most others on the market, but it also has a smaller capacity.

MagGo 622 is not a great fit for iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini.

With a flatter and wider shape, the Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery is not a great fit for the smaller iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini models. It will work with these devices, but the edges of the battery will overhang those of the phone.

My last complaint with the Anker MagGo 622 is that you can't use both the Qi charger and the USB-C output simultaneously to power up to two devices. It's not a deal-breaker, and other similar products have the same limitation, but it would be handy in some circumstances.

Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery : Competition

There are now several MagSafe-compatible power banks out there, though Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack is the only officially certified option. It has some perks like special integration with iOS and 15W fast charging when plugged in. Still, it's also more expensive and has a lower capacity and slower wireless charging speed.

When it comes to third-party options, Anker is competing against its own PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless, which has the same capacity as the MagGo 622. However, the latter wins in every metric other than price.

Other similar products include the RAVPower Magnetic Wireless Power Bank and the mophie snap+ juice pack mini, both of which offer 7.5W fast charging and a 5,000mAh capacity for $50 or less. Neither of those options has a kickstand, however, and you also get more choice when it comes to the color with the MagGo 622.

Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

  • You want a fast-charging MagSafe power bank
  • You regularly prop your phone up to watch videos or read
  • You have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 model

You shouldn't buy this if...

  • Your phone does not support MagSafe
  • You don't want or need the kickstand
  • You rarely find your phone running out of juice

If you want a well-designed, fast-charging power bank that works with MagSafe, Anker's MagGo 622 is a top choice. Though it's more expensive than many competing products, the integrated kickstand sets it apart from the rest.

4.5 out of 5

If you're looking for the cheapest MagSafe option available and you're not interested in the kickstand, then there are several options available for you for as little as half the price of the Anker MagGo 622.

Bottom line: If you're looking for a MagSafe-compatible charger for your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, you can't go wrong with the Anker MagGo 622. It offers 7.5W fast charging, a secure magnetic connection, and serves double duty as a phone stand.

$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy $60 at Walmart


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