iPhone 11 and older models charge slowly with MagSafe charger

Apple launched a new $39 MagSafe charger that magnetically attaches and charges the iPhone 12 models at up to 15W during its iPhone 12 event. The MagSafe charger can be used with older iPhones that support wireless charging, but the charging is much slower with older devices compared to Qi wireless charging.

From tests performed by MacRumors:

“We did two tests with the iPhone XS Max, draining the battery down to 1 percent, putting it in Airplane Mode, and then charging for a half an hour. In the first test, the MagSafe charger charged the ‌iPhone XS‌ Max to 13 percent in 30 minutes, and in the second test, it charged the ‌iPhone XS‌ Max to 14 percent in 30 minutes.

We specifically tested the ‌iPhone XS‌ Max in the exact same conditions as the MagSafe charger with a standard 7.5W Belkin charger and it charged to 26 percent in the 30 minute window.”

The MagSafe charger works faster than the Qi wireless charger on the iPhone 12 models, but it’s not as fast as the Lightning cable. The Lightning to USB-C charger is paired with a 20W power adapter that enables fast charging, offering 50 percent battery life in half an hour.

So, it’s better to wait for some further tests if you’re a non-‌iPhone 12‌ user considering to use a MagSafe charger with your older ‌iPhone‌.