Baseus's latest lineup of MagSafe battery packs are an excellent alternative to Apple's oddly exclusive iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, and there are three to choose from all at a fraction of the cost.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Apple's products and design, but sometimes the company does miss the mark. When Baseus sent me these battery packs, I didn't realize I'd be writing about them alongside Apple's latest iPhone lineup, but I'm glad I am.
Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is an oddity that thankfully has been widely addressed by third-party device makers. I've written about Baseus accessories before, and generally enjoy what they have to offer.
This time, I'm checking out the PicoGo line of MagSafe batteries. There are three options I've tested — a big 10,000 mAh model, a super-slim 5,000 mAh model, and a mini 5,000 mAh model.
Also, they've all got something Apple's MagSafe Battery doesn't — color options.
Baseus PicoGo MagSafe batteries review: An Apple alternative
The Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim MagSafe battery is an interesting option because it offers Qi2 charging in a thin and light battery pack. You'll get 20W over a USB-C connection or up to 15W over MagSafe.
Baseus PicoGo Ultra Slim
Of course, the max theoretical speed of standard Qi is 15W, but a battery pack will likely see lower charging speeds depending on heat dissipation. There's no good way to test the charging wattage of MagSafe batteries, but expect the actual charging wattage output to vary when not wired.
Expect 7.5W output when attached to an iPhone and up to 15W when the battery is wired. The battery also supports passthrough charging so the iPhone and battery can charge simultaneously when connected to power.
I didn't have any notable issues with the slim battery, even with its older Qi rating. It stays relatively cool during use thanks to the aluminum housing and Baseus's power management chip.
The 5,000 mAh rating is fairly standard, and Baseus notes that due to charging inefficiencies, it's closer to 2750 mAh to 3,250 mAh. That's expected, and it's nice to see Baseus being honest about its battery capacities with users.
Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, for comparison, is rated at 3,149 mAh and charges the iPhone at 12W. It seems that Baseus and Apple's ultra-slim batteries are operating at similar capacities, though the Baseus battery will charge a tad slower thanks to first-generation Qi.
When looking at the battery pack on an iPhone Air case (still waiting on my order as I test these) it sits barely thicker than the camera bar. Its shape is also nice in that it creates a kind of step that rests nicely in your palm while using the iPhone one handed.
The Baseus Ultra-Slim option is almost as thin but much shorter than Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe Battery
The slim Baseus battery is also much shorter and is compatible with any MagSafe iPhone and Google Pixel. It's only a sliver deeper and operates just as cool.
If you're looking for a MagSafe battery alternative to Apple's $100 iPhone Air exclusive, then the Baseus Ultra-Slim model is an excellent option that maximizes portability.
Baseus PicoGo MagSafe batteries review: A thicker, but still slim option
I've got a couple of 5,000 mAh MagSafe batteries from other companies, and they're pretty chunky. In fact, one model is only slightly slimmer than this next Baseus pick, but at half the capacity.
Baseus PicoGo 10,000 mAh trades thickness for capacity and power
The Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim Qi2 MagSafe battery 10,000 mAh model is exactly what it sounds like. It's twice the capacity of the other model, about twice as thick, and charges at twice the speed.
It's still fairly slim given its capacity — living up to the product name. There's nothing of note here versus the 5,000 mAh model besides the addition of Qi2.
The size and weight of the battery will certainly be notable during use compared to its smaller sibling. However, the battery is still compact enough that it isn't too awkward to hold while it is attached to your iPhone.
The faster charging speed is noticeable, but it's not incredible. There's really not going to be huge gains between a 10W to 15W charge versus a 7.5W charge unless your iPhone is at 20% or below.
Like with any wireless charger, especially battery packs, speeds will vary with external conditions. The iPhone and battery packs will control how much power is being transferred to control temperature and preserve battery health.
Yes, in ideal, perfect conditions with your iPhone battery low, you'll see as much as 2x the charging speed up to at least 50% of your iPhone capacity versus a gen-1 Qi charger. It's not insignificant, not to mention Qi2 is theoretically more efficient, so you're getting more bang for your mAh.
While the 10,000 mAh model isn't going to win a slimness contest versus Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, it's going to win in nearly every other metric. It is universally compatible, can charge up to 27W wired, and offers Qi2 15W wireless.
It's also cheaper by more than half.
Baseus PicoGo MagSafe batteries review: micro MagSafe
The Baseus PicoGo AM31 Mini MagSafe battery is compact in its other dimensions while remaining about as thick as the 10,000 Ultra-Slim model. It has a 5,000 mAh capacity but also has Qi2 and 20W wired fast charging.
Baseus PicoGo Mini adds a stand to your Qi2 charger
This model meets in the middle between being a slim battery with a good-enough capacity while rocking a kickstand. It's a great pocket-sized battery and offers extra utility to boot.
I've tested a few cases with window cutouts in their back for MagSafe accessories. These are usually too small for standard-sized MagSafe devices, but the PicoGo Mini slipped right in.
Like its other counterparts, the PicoGo Mini operates relatively cool and feels comfortable to hold while in use — especially given its smaller dimensions. The thickness is a tradeoff versus the Ultra-Slim 5,000 mAH, but it's just preference at that point.
The kickstand works fine in portrait and landscape, though you're probably going to get different angles based on how big your iPhone is. It's also not a bad option for the iPhone Air, given its extra-light weight and small battery capacity.
I did notice the iPhone isn't as stable in portrait as it is landscape. It feels a bit precarious and can be prone to tipping over if tapped or jostled too much.
Sometimes it is nice just having an extra-tiny battery.
An alternative to Apple's exclusive battery packs
Whichever model you choose, you'd be better off with one of these Baseus models, or any number of third-party options, versus Apple's odd iPhone Air MagSafe Battery. At the least, these will fit any iPhone, including an iPhone Air.
Apple doesn't make a universal battery pack anymore
The biggest winner here isn't capacity, size or specs, it's the price. Even though Baseus is offering some well-made products here, they're very affordable compared to Apple's seemingly impenetrable $100 accessory price.
You're getting solid battery packs that can charge your iPhone and AirPods via MagSafe, and other small devices via USB-C. My personal favorite is the 5,000 mAh Ultra-Slim model because it has that unbelievable thinness of Apple's battery, but it's just much less awkward.
I use the Pro Max iPhones, so battery life isn't exactly a problem for me, but I usually have some kind of battery pack in my bag just in case. Usually, they end up being used by my partner or friends instead of me, but I'm glad to provide that utility.
Even if you're not quite getting a 100% recharge from these battery packs (minus the 10,000 mAh one), just like Apple's original MagSafe Battery, they're providing enough to get through a few more hours. I recommend only attaching them when your iPhone is at 20% or below, with Low Power Mode turned on, to maximize charging speed and efficiency.
Whichever one you pick, you'll get a good battery and a much better deal than Apple's.
Baseus PicoGo MagSafe batteries - Pros
- Multiple size and color options
- Universal compatibility, including wired charging
- Batteries don't get too hot during use
- Qi2 is a must-have spec for the two that have it
Baseus PicoGo MagSafe batteries - Cons
- First-gen Qi in the slimmest battery isn't ideal
- Kickstand only really useful in landscape
Rating: 4 out of 5
We don't do a lot of battery reviews any more. There's just too much junk.
But, Baseus offers solid products, and the PicoGo MagSafe is a continuation of that trend. However, I do have to knock off a bit for offering only first-gen Qi in the 5,000 mAh Ultra-Slim model.
While these are good batteries offered in multiple colors, I do wish the design was a little more refined overall.
Can't beat that price, though. And if you don't have an iPhone Air, Apple's new $99 battery won't fit anyway.
Where to buy the PicoGo MagSafe batteries
Get the Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5,000 mAh model for $49.99 from Baseus. It is discounted to $34.99, and there's an additional $10 off with code 10PICOGO at the time of publication, which makes it 65 percent less than Apple's battery price.
Get the Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim Qi2 Magnetic Power Bank 10,000 mAh for $69.99 from Baseus. Get $30 off at the time of publication with code PICOGO and cut the price to less than half of Apple's MagSafe Battery.
Get the PicoGo AM31 Mini Magnetic Power Bank for $69.99 from Baseus. It is discounted to $49.99 as of this publication.
