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File: choosing an external backup battery for your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch (Updated)

2019 update: complete update, addition of Qi nomadic batteries, new battery cases

Let anyone who has never had a battery life problem with their iPhone throw the first stone at us. Indeed, unless you have an iPhone Plus/Max model, it often happens that the device's battery dies before the end of the day. It is to avoid this that accessory manufacturers have developed an extensive offering.

External batteriesfor smartphones and tablets are extremely varied: classic type with battery with USB socket and/or Lightning socket, battery case, battery with roller for Apple Watch, etc. Here then, as part of ouriPhone accessories folders, a guide to choosing the solution best suited to your needs:

Batteries USB

These are autonomous battery packs which haveone or more USB socket(s), allowing you to connect a cable of your choice. Capabilities range froma few thousand mAh to more than 25,000for the most imposing. This solution is practical for those who wish to recharge an iPhone, iPad and other accessories during trips lasting a few days or for long journeys. The offer is very varied in terms of size, shape, weight and capacity.

This type of external battery is one of the solutionsthe least expensive, because they are generally sold without a connection cable. In addition, they require carrying this cable (often long) to connect the device to the battery and are generally heavier than the other solutions that we will see below, because they can offer large capacity allowing them to recharge several times his devices.

For the latter, the size and the presence of a cable require storage in a bag or handbag for transport. However, there are more compact ones that fit in your pocket. For these cases, you will need to consider purchasing a smaller cable: different models exist,see our dedicated file here.

In terms of choice, in addition to the capacity which will depend on the device(s) to be recharged, we note that having several USB sockets on the battery can be practical. You should also try to takea model with a fairly high intensity deliveredto reduce the recharge time (see the mentions smartIQ, Quick Charge QR, or 2.1 mAh in particular).

Here are some examples of external batteries:

Batteries with integrated Lightning socket

These are small batteries withun port Lightningor an integrated cable allowing a direct connection with the iPhone or iPad, without the need to carry an additional Lightning cable. The capacities offered are smaller than for models with USB port, this generally ranges from2000 to 5000 mAh.

Here we typically have a model made for the pocket, easily transportable and not bulky due to the absence of a charging cable, and which can ensure one or more full recharges of an iPhone. These “pocket power reserves” are suitable for iPhones, but not iPads. Please note, due to the integrated connectors, these batteries may not be suitable for connection to a machine with a protective shell.

When choosing this type of battery integrating connectivity, it is important to check the compatibility “certified” by Apple noted “MFI” for “Made For iPhone.” It ensures that the connection will remain operational in the years to come, even in the event of a change in iOS version. For those who don't have it, generally cheaper, there is no guarantee that Apple will not choose to block the connection.

Here are some examples, some of which tested by iPhon.fr:

Qi charging batteries

The most recent iPhones, from model number 8 and later, are equipped with Qi charging technology. This means they can be charged wirelessly. You must have a Qi compatible charger, but there are also Qi portable batteries. The advantage of this type of mobile charger is that it is often equipped with USB ports, which allows you to charge both the iPhone, wirelessly, but also other devices, iPad, camera, etc.

Here are some battery models compatible with Qi charging, some of which we had the opportunity to test:

  • QiStone+ portable battery with Qi wireless charging– 4 000 mAh –available here for around 45 euros: with its pebble shape, this battery knows how to be discreet. Its format is compact and it also comes with a carrying pouch. See hisfull test here.

Shells with integrated battery

It is aboutprotective shellswhich integrate a small capacity battery ranging from2000 to 4000 mAhgenerally able to fully recharge iPhones and even iPhone Plus models.

The advantage of this type of solution is obvious: perfectly integrated into the machine at all times, there is little chance of forgetting it and the machine remains practical to use even when it is recharging (this is not necessarily the case of the two previous types of batteries). On the other hand, the hull brings additional weight and bulk (in height and thickness), which will not please those who wish to maintain the finesse of the machines designed by Jony Ive.

As with previous models, in addition to checking the size of the shell when choosing, it is important to know the limit of non-MFI certified batteries, which are less expensive.

Finally, the most recent models are compatible with Qi charging for iPhone 8 and later. Thus, a new generation of battery cases is being developed, with the battery becoming magnetic to attach to the back of the iPhone. It can then be detached during charging and leave the iPhone free, or attached to the back when needed for energy. The advantage is therefore the absence of protrusion at the bottom of the Lightning socket. The major disadvantage is inherent to current Qi charging: it is slower than charging via Lightning socket. See about itour file on wireless charging.

Here are several models of battery shells:

  • Mophie Cases– 1,500 to 4,000 mAh: the cases from this manufacturer are MFI certified, there are several versions adapted to different iPhone models. Some of the Mophie cases also benefit from QI wireless charging, such as the Juice Pack Air,which we have already presented here. Mophie cases are availablehere, for prices ranging from 30 to 100 euros depending on the model.
  • Qi external battery with magnetic cover Mbuynow– 5 000 mAh –available here for around 28 euros: presentedin detail herethis system is very practical. When the battery level is low, simply position the removable battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh on the back of the case, magnetically. Recharging is then done by induction.
  • Case with magnetic Qi battery Rosmoss– 5 000 mAh –available here for around 39 euros: vueici, this is a similar solution to the one shown above. We find a 2 in 1 solution consisting of protection for iPhone as well as a magnetic charging block, to be applied to the back of the iPhone when the need for charging arises. It also includes a USB-C port.

The “two-in-one” for Apple Watch

For owners of the Apple Watch, it may be interesting to equip themselves with a portable battery capable of charging both the iPhone and the watch at the same time. And even if it also serves the latter, as much as the charging roller is directly integrated into the battery, so as not to have to carry an additional charging cable.

Several manufacturers now offer this type of accessories, here are some examples, with certain models tested in our columns:

  • Kanex GoPower Charger– 4 000 mAh –available here for around 70 euros: MFI certified model that we havetested hereand moreover appreciated. Its compact format, its integrated roller and its good charging capacity should satisfy more than one Apple Watch user. Has an additional USB port for charging an iPhone.
  • Charger Ugreen– 2 200 mAh –available here for 47 euros: also MFI certified, this portable battery and its integrated roller will certainly appeal to some Apple watch owners. Less well equipped than the Kanex model, it is however much less expensive, but also less compact.

Unusual batteries

As is often the case with iPhone accessories, there is something for everyone, even for the most extreme uses. This is obviously the case for portable batteries. There are models that recharge in sunlight, or even ultra-resistant batteries, for the most adventurous iPhone owners. Here are some models:

We have seen through the advantages, disadvantages and criteria developed above, to choose the right model, you must take the time to analyze your needs (frequent, short, long trips), the capacity and the recharging method. adapted to user habits so as not to make mistakes. As for those who travel frequently by car, they will also be able to benefit from the charging accessories seen in the listfrom our file dedicated to using the iPhone in the car.

As usual, do not hesitate to add other criteria and points to check when purchasing in the comments. Which one did you choose?

Also not to be missed are our other iPhone accessories files:

Accessoires Apple Watch :

And AirPods:

Without forgetting :

i-nfo.fr - Official iPhon.fr app

By : Keleops AG

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