MagSafe is definitely a game changer, especially when you think about getting a wireless powerbank. This system has a huge potential and some 3rd party OEMs are trying to make a good use of it. One of them is Pitaka and their MagEZ Juice 2, but it is unusual when you would like to compare it with the likes of Anker or any other manufacturer.
Design and build quality
It’s easy to see that this is a 2 in 1 product acting as a Qi wireless charger and charging stand. The minimalist look is its main feature, and it will fit perfectly with most desks. There is a gel stabilizer on the bottom, it will help when you want to put MagEZ Juice 2 in one place. Stabilization will also be useful during removing the battery from the stand.
The stand with the battery is an unusual sight, and it deserves praise. The problem is that I don’t have a desk and the cable is too short to put it on one of the shelves. As a result, I only used the battery. It doesn’t change the fact that you can then unlock your iPhone more easily with Face ID. I don’t mind one usage orientation, but it would be a nice idea to add another, so you can watch movies. This is impossible in this version.
“Magic” cooperation with MagEZ cases
The powerbank was created with the MagEZ / Pro case in mind, this is when you can see a pre-flash of the manufacturer’s genius (to some extent). It is enough to connect the iPhone with the battery magnetically to recharge its cell.
When left on the stand, not only the MagEZ Juice 2 charges, the iPhone charges too, and then the smartphone has the highest priority. This allows you to charge both devices. This does not work when we want to charge the iPhone wirelessly and connect the Apple Watch charger to the USB-C port. The phone will charge, but the watch will not.
The appearance of the portable battery is reminiscent of the MagEZ case, the twill pattern is present and creates a harmonious whole. The sides are made of stainless steel, and on the bottom there is a switch and status LEDs. The capacity leaves a lot to be desired, because we will not be able to fully charge the iPhone, we can only recharge it, and at 5W it will take much too long compared to MagSafe (15W).
How it works with non Pitaka cases?
What if you don’t have the “right” case? MagEZ Juice 2 works with the others, but they have to be thin. For additional tests, I chose the Apple silicone case with MagSafe and Nudient Thin v3.
The powerbank “stuck” to both, and the connection was so strong that there was no question of a sudden detachment and falling off. The only problem (for aesthetes) may be that the powerbank slightly overlaps the bottom of the camera.
It does not get in the way when taking photos and does not appear on any of the lower parts.
I was surprised that I don’t need a suitable cover to use the MagEZ Juice 2. It’s a pity that the Nudient Bold is not compatible due to its distinctive pattern on the back. The portable battery was dropping off it all the time and didn’t even try to connect magnetically.
Charging (wireless and wired)
The most important and simplest thing to do is device charging. MagEZ Juice 2 should be able to do it regardless of the type of device. I used it to charge an iPhone 12 using USB-C to Lightning cable and the results are not good.
I started when my phone had 39% left, it topped to 70% half an hour after. 96% were visible after 20 minutes, but I had to wait another 30 minutes for getting it to 100%. The whole charge (from 39 to 100%) took almost 2 hours, that’s too long.
Wireless charging will be worse than wired, why? It’s 5 Watts, so it will take ages to do it. It is a pity that the most important function barely works. I expected more, especially from wired charging, but it let me down.
Powerbank charging is even worse because it does not support fast charging. It takes too much time to charge it when you deplete it and that should be addressed too.
Is it worth it?
I thought it will be a multi – purpose device. Two ways of charging depending on the circumstances or user choice and striking design. The biggest problem of it is its main function. It does not work as it should in 2022. I understand it can have an issue during charging an iPad, but it should charge an iPhone faster when you plug the cable.
Design and magnetic connectivity should be a bonus, but it is the other way round… It’s hard to recommend buying it when charging is not the main purpose of MagEZ Juice 2, good looks and idea behind it is not enough…
