Apple Brings Back MagSafe

One similarity of Apple's iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro is the phone's battery life or lack thereof. Both give adequate performance, but represent a step back from last year's devices. I've typically been getting around four and a half hours of usage for each full charge using 4G, 5G as well as WiFi. Now, this is barely a day's usage, and this includes very little buffer. For comparison, I was easily able to get at least a day's usage from the iPhone 11 as well as the iPhone XR. Having a full day's usage is fine, yet could be more reassuring to have more of a safety net for those days where there is a lot usage.






And on a charging related note, Apple has gone with an interesting policy of ceasing providing power bricks and earbuds with their devices for environmental reasons. All you will receive included in the box - other than the iPhone, is a USB Type C to Lightning cord. We don't believe this is a deal breaker. EarPods are terrible, and the majority people will have a charging adaptor. And the tricky bit is the company's choice of cable. You'll need a charging adaptor that has a USB_C port to use the cable and unless you are upgrading from the iPhone 11 Pro, your iPhone power brick will have a USB A connector.
However you can always use the older cable & charger, but you'll not get the fast charging abilities that your iPhone 12 is able to provide. And if you wish to pick up a USB Type C charging adaptor, you are spending around $39 in order to purchase one.

MagSafe Utilises Magnets

Alternatively, Apple now now has their new wireless charging ecosystem: . MagSafe consists of a circular shaped wireless charger that will connect onto the rear of the iPhone 12. And this gives optimal connection to get the fastest wireless charge, and it also means that you can still use your phone as it's juicing and you cannot do with a normal wireless charging pad or stand. You will able to have a faster charge with a normal charger, however MagSafe is able to take your iPhone 12 from zero charge up to 40% over around half an hour.
Naturally purchasing into MagSafe will cost you extra. You'll have to pay nearly $65.00 just for the charger, as well as another $29 should you need the USB C power brick. And if you're wanting the magnets that connect to your cover, you will additionally need a MagSafe case. Your MagSafe charger will provide charge through most covers, it won't stick to non MagSafe cases. MagSafe covers are priced from $80.
There are aspects of MagSafe that are proprietary, it will charge as a regular old wireless charger that works with any device that uses it. The charge time will be will not be as fast as more info MagSafe charging. Presently, MagSafe is a fun but somewhat expensive accessory, but I'm interested in seeing where the ecosystem will end up.
As the majority of iPhone owners don't want a MagSafe charger for their disposal, there's a lot of potential when it comes to accessories such as car cradles where MagSafe could be handy.