Moment (M)Force case review: MagSafe for your iPhone 11

Moment's (M)Force case for iPhone 11 works with MagSafe

When Apple proudly announced the iPhone 12 on stage almost a year ago, MagSafe was a highlight of the event. This new magnetic connector opened up a whole new world of possible iPhone accessories, including mounts, chargers, wallets, and more.

As this required internal changes to the phone, there was no way for Apple to bring this feature to the prior-gen devices. Plus, it gave users a reason to upgrade. But thanks to these new cases from Moment, most of MagSafe's features are now available for iPhone 11 owners.

The new Moment (M)Force cases are available in a beautiful black canvas and a traditional walnut in a matte black bio-plastic TPU shell. The case has a smaller anchor point on the lower-right corner, which allows you to connect a lanyard if you so choose.

Each case also includes a drop-in Moment lens mount. You can connect any of Moment's lenses to the camera module with this bayonet system, including a wide-angle lens, a 2X Tele lens, a fisheye lens, a macro lens, and more. If you don't use Moment's lenses, you can leave the stock lens frame in place.

The magical part of these cases, though, is the magnets. Like with the iPhone 12, the case has a ring of magnets and an additional alignment magnet at the bottom. This allows MagSafe accessories to work with these older devices.

What iPhone 11 can and can't do with Moment's case

As impressive as it is to see what Moment has done with its (M)Force case for iPhone 11, it isn't quite the same as actual MagSafe.

MagSafe is capable of delivering charging power of up to 15W. However, iPhone 11 still only supports Qi. MagSafe is backward compatible with Qi, so the MagSafe charger will charge the enclosed iPhone 11 — but it tops out at 7.5W of power.

Another difference is the lack of NFC. Legit MagSafe has an NFC reader in the iPhone 12 and an NFC chip embedded in various accessories. To date, though, functionality is limited. The only practical benefits of NFC are that Apple-branded cases invoke a color-matched animation on the iPhone's screen and wallets trigger a vibration when they are removed.

Otherwise, there is a ton that this case does enable.

An iPhone 11 in a Moment (M)Force MagSafe-compatible case can work with MagSafe chargers. Both Apple's own and third-party ones, such as the one from Belkin. Battery packs like those from Hyper, or Apple's own battery will work too.

Unfortunately, while Apple's battery will charge iPhone 11, it won't show on the Lock Screen like with iPhone 12.

Other uses include connecting MagSafe wallets, using MagSafe docks, or perhaps MagSafe mounts. Moment makes a full line of mounts that we recently reviewed. There are vent mounts, tripod mounts, wall mounts, and others.

Should you buy Moment's MagSafe-compatible case?

If you have an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max and want to experience all the possibilities of MagSafe without upgrading to an iPhone 12, there is no reason not to consider Moment's new (M)Force cases.

These cases are reliable, offer six feet of drop protection, work with a wristlet or lanyard, mount Moment's lenses, look great, and now support MagSafe.

The only reason not to pick up these cases is that there is a lack of design options in the lineup. Some people won't like either look and may want patterns, vivid colors, or something a little thinner. If Moment opened this up to more styles or other manufacturers started integrating this, iPhone 11 owners would have many more options.

As it stands, the (M)Force case from Moment is the best way to bring most of MagSafe's features to the iPhone 11.

Pros

• Brings most of MagSafe's functionality to older iPhones
• Fits all sizes of iPhone 11
• Available in black canvas and walnut
• Works with Moment lenses
• Protective and durable with 6ft of drop protection

Cons

• Only two styles available
• Can't bring NFC or 15W charging to older devices

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Where to buy

The new (M)Force case from Moment for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max is available now for $49.99 but is currently on sale for $29.99.