Satechi’s wireless iPhone 12 charger is like MagSafe Lite

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Satechi USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable
Satechi’s newest iPhone 12 wireless charger does most of what MagSafe does. But not everything.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable uses the magnets built into the iPhone 12 series to cling to the back of the handset, providing more reliable wireless charging.

That makes it similar to Apple’s MagSafe Charger. But Satechi’s cheaper alternative doesn’t offer faster powerups as Apple’s does.

Don’t call Satechi USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable ‘MagSafe’

The iPhone 12 includes magnets around the wireless charging coil of the iPhone 12. These automatically align the iPhone to a charger. Satechi’s latest offering uses these magnets to cling to the handset.

But the USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable does not offer the other benefit of MagSafe. Apple’s charger bumps the power transfer to as high as 15 watts on most iPhone 12 models. Satechi’s tops out at 7.5 watts. But it does cost 25% less.

And it has a 5-foot connecting cable and a slim profile with a space gray, metallic finish. It connects to a MacBook or wall charger via a USB-C port.

Satechi prepared a video overview.

The Qi charger works with earlier Apple handsets even if they don’t have the built-in magnets for automatic alignment. Those with an iPhone 11 or earlier model can get a Magnetic Sticker from Satechi to attach to the back of their handset to make it fully compatible.

Pre-order now

The Satechi USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable is available now for $29.99. For comparison, the Apple MagSafe Charger is $39 on Apple’s online store. The Magnetic Sticker is $9.99.

During the pre-order period, use code MAGNET to get 20% off Satechi’s regular price for its new charger. This is valid until December 16, and the product ships December 17.

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