Like many professionals, I travel with a variety of Apple devices and chargers. So whenever a company like Anker introduces a new iPhone accessory to encourage productivity while working remotely, I pay attention. Here is my review of the Anker MagGo.
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What is the Anker MagGo?
The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery, marketed as MagGo, charges an iPhone wirelessly and sells for $59.99. The mobile device also has a built-in foldable stand (Figure A) that functions as an iPad folio case to position the iPhone 12s and 13s at useful viewing angles when placed on a desk or table.
The back of the Anker MagGo folds out to create a stand that positions an iPhone at a convenient viewing angle when placed on a desk or table.
Which iPhones are compatible with the Anker MagGo?
The manufacturer lists the iPhone 12 and 13 as corresponding to the MagGo 622. However, Anker does not recommend the MagGo for the iPhone 12 and 13 mini models or for iPhones using non-magnetic phone cases, such as OtterBox’s Defender series. .
And while Anker has yet to test the compatibility of the iPhone 14 model with its wireless charger, the company told me there’s no reason Apple’s new iPhones won’t work. not also with these mobile devices.
What are the main features of the MagGo?
Anker’s MagGo offers the obvious advantage of magnetic chargers: their portable capability and propensity to power continuous productivity while working remotely. The MagGo also offers other interesting features.
A simplified battery
The MagGo’s 5,000mAh battery and small footprint alone justify throwing the accessory into a laptop bag, backpack or carry-on. About the same size as a deck of cards (Figure B), the MagGo I tested was able to fully charge a depleted iPhone.
Figure B
The MagGo has five white LEDs that confirm the device’s battery charge, eliminating any guesswork about the battery’s charge level.
Integrated kickstand
The built-in kickstand, similar to the folio screen covers found on iPads but positioned here on the back of Anker’s MagGo, folds out to create a stand. The accessory then supports iPhones for better viewing, while simultaneously charging the Apple smartphone.
USB-C Versatility
Perhaps the best feature of the MagGo is its ability to charge quickly and the inclusion of a USB-C port and cable, which allows other USB-C devices to be charged.
As for the AirPods Pros, you can also connect them to the MagGo to charge the headphones to ensure you’re ready for Microsoft Teams and Zoom video calls when working remotely.
Charge level LED
The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery Charger features five LEDs on its bottom edge (Figure C). These indicators light up to confirm the charge level of the MagGo.
Figure C
The MagGo’s LEDs confirm the remaining battery capacity of the wireless charger.
Strong magnetic connection
The MagGo forcefully pulls MagSafe-equipped iPhones into a mating posture with a snapping sensation. The use of strong magnets facilitates complete connection with 9N of secure force.
Five color options
Anker offers the MagGo in five colors. Matte black is no longer the only option for a stylish battery.
Advantages and disadvantages of MagGo
The Anker MagGo Mobile Wireless Charger offers some compromises, but what are those pros and cons? After using the MagGo with multiple iPhones nearly every day for a week, here are my takeaways.
Advantages of MagGo
I tested Anker’s MagGo 622 with an iPhone 11 and a colleague’s iPhone 13. Even though the iPhone 11 doesn’t have MagSafe technology, the MagGo still charged my iPhone and helped me stay productive, including when I was working remotely. Placing my iPhone on the slim and compact wireless charger while making long calls helped me get away from remote work places while enjoying a healthy battery charge.
My colleague’s iPhone 13, which benefits from Apple’s built-in MagSafe magnet, snapped right onto the MagGo and started charging immediately. The bond with the MagSafe-equipped iPhone was both close and confident.
A big differentiator that separates the Anker MagGo from many competitors, such as Apple’s MagSafe wired charger, Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro portable charger, and even Anker’s 313 wireless charger is the built-in stand added by the Anker designers to improve convenience and productivity. The kickstand folds out from the back of this slim battery. Just use the tip of your finger to remove the MagGo’s back cover, and it folds like paper to form a small stand for convenient viewing when placed on a desk or tray.
Even though Anker doesn’t recommend the MagGo for iPhone 12 and 13 mini users, the charger still worked on those devices in my first-hand test. The stand bent into place and held my test iPhone 13 mini snug. The smartphone immediately started charging, while holding the iPhone 13 mini at a convenient viewing angle.
Thanks to the strong magnet, there is less chance of a MagSafe iPhone accidentally disconnecting from the charger. While the link to my non-magnetic iPhone 11 worked, the phone could still move on the charger. The iPhone 13 equipped with MagSafe offered a much better and assured grip.
Thanks to the integrated LEDs, you also never have to guess how much battery is left on the MagGo. LEDs display to confirm charge level status whenever another device is connected or the MagGo is charging. This is a big advantage when working on the go, such as at an airport or on an airplane.
Another advantage of Anker’s MagGo is that it produces 7.5 watts of power versus the 5 watts often found with other wireless devices.
Since Anker offers five color options, you can select a MagGo that matches your iPhone. While I tend to place more emphasis on charging capacity and the ability to charge other devices via the included USB-C cable, others may be more impressed that you can choose between black, white, purple, green or blue (Figure D).
Figure D
Disadvantages of MagGo
The only downsides to the MagGo that I’ve noticed are typical of wireless chargers. For example, it is important to position the phone correctly on the charging base, and a few hours are needed to fully charge the smartphone. Anker engineers attacked the positioning problem directly by including the powerful magnet in the MagGo which effectively places the iPhone in its correct position.
Don’t expect fast wireless charging either. The technology isn’t usually as fast no matter what wireless charging device is in place, and that’s always been true whether I’m using my SUV’s built-in wireless charger or one of the many chargers cords that I have purchased or received as promotional gifts. These devices work but require patience.
My conclusion on the MagGo
When you need to stay productive while working remotely, Anker’s MagGo is a smart addition to any business traveler’s bag. Capable of fully charging an iPhone wirelessly, the MagGo mobile device consumes little space thanks to its small footprint, and also folds out to improve viewing angles.
It’s hard to find a reason not to pack Anker’s MagGo for a little extra juice when traveling or working outside the office.
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