The faint scent of burnt circuits always clings to my workbench, a familiar perfume of innovation and occasional mishap. Today, the victim of my curiosity: Apple’s MagSafe Charger. Before you roll your eyes – “Oh, another wireless charger review?” – hear me out. I’ve spent more time wrestling with charging coils and inductive coupling than most people have spent scrolling Instagram.

The first thing you notice? The satisfying thwack as the magnets lock in. It’s undeniably… tactile. Gone are the days of fiddling with finicky Qi chargers, desperately trying to center your phone just so. The MagSafe system negates that frustration. This is a genuinely welcome design choice. The alignment is precise; the connection surprisingly strong.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t magic. It’s engineering. A ring of precisely arranged magnets, housed inside the charger itself and matching your iPhone 12 or later. It’s simple, elegant, and provides up to 15W of charging power. That “up to” is important. Real-world speeds often fall a bit short, particularly if you’re rocking a thick case (a common rookie mistake). Don’t expect super-speed charging miracles here; it’s more about convenience than blistering power delivery. For true speed, you’ll still need a cable and a decent wall adapter.

Compared to generic Qi chargers, the MagSafe offers that satisfying magnetic lock, and the consistent alignment is a huge win. Some of the third-party MagSafe accessories, offering more versatility, are worth exploring. However, one quirk is that this charger itself only comes with a USB-C cable (no wall adapter). That means you’ll need one yourself. A small inconvenience, sure, but a minor gripe. Most of us have a drawer full of power bricks anyway, yeah?

The real brilliance of the MagSafe, for me, is the ecosystem. I see the potential for car mounts, portable battery packs, and other clever add-ons. It’s a closed garden, sure, but a well-tended one. I also like the look of its minimalist design. A slick, white disc that doesn’t scream “tech accessory.”

So, who’s this for? If you are upgrading from an older iPhone model and own a case that’s not MagSafe-compatible, then it might be worth investigating a compatible one. This will prevent any interference. But for iPhone 12 and later users, particularly those who appreciate simplicity and a clean desk aesthetic? Consider it a smart investment. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. You can almost feel the future charging, in the palm of your hand.