Pitaka MagEZ Slider 2 (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
Pitaka's new refresh of their MagEZ Slider charger offers two things that I look for in any Apple device. Magnets, and the ability to escape from Apple's ridiculous Lightning connector. The MagEZ Slider 2 features both of those aspects. Having loved the original MagEZ Slider, I was more than thrilled to see how Pitaka had improved upon it.
The Slider comes in two parts: one is the base and plugs into the wall, while the other is a small magnetic powerbank that attaches to the back of your iPhone. You can take the powerbank and dock it, in order to charge the powerbank, and even passthrough charge your phone if the charger is already topped up. Unlike the original, this model can swivel, and it's tilted at a much better viewing angle to see alerts. It also allows you to rotate the phone in landscape mode, if you want to watch media while it charges.
Simply sliding the phone and the powerbank up will release it from the base, where it will stay securely attached to the back of the phone thanks to the power of magnets. It'll then start wirelessly charging your phone. The rounded edges of the powerbank feel comfortable to hold, and it adds very little extra weight to the phone.
Much like the original, the powerbank doesn't have the greatest capacity; at only 4,000mAh, it'll definitely give your phone some extra juice in a pinch, and it's nice to have such a portable Qi charging device, but it really does feel like an inadequate amount of extra power.
As an optional upgrade, you can also buy an Apple Watch dongle that'll charge your watch at the same time as your phone--a nice option if you want to consolidate your charging all into one device, but it does add a bit to the already fairly expensive cost of the Slider.
Pitaka has added a lot of improvements to the new MagEZ Slider 2 over the original release. The new spinning base is a great inclusion, the device itself looks very elegant and Apple-quality, and I'm a fan of being able to quickly grab the phone and charger in one swift motion; it's all very seamless. For $129.99, it's an expensive accessory, as most accessories that target Apple users tend to be, but if you enjoy having your phone easily accessible on your desk, along with a nice portable charging option, the MagEZ Slider 2 is a fun option.
Verdict
- Powerbank stays secure to the phone
- Looks sleek and elegant
- Feels nice to hold
- The soft material on the powerbank scratches easily
- 4,000mAh isn't that substantial
