review

BENKS MP01 MagSafe Review MagClap On-Go Power Bank 5000mAh

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

 
Keep your phone running throughout the day never worrying about running out of battery with the Benks MP01 MagSafe On-Go MagClap - a small backup battery bank for MagSafe phones. Simply snap the phone onto the power bank and enjoy seamless charging on the go to keep the phone topped up at all times.


The Benks MP01 MagSafe Power Bank is capable of delivering magnetic wireless charging and standard Qi wireless charging for MagSafe phones and non-MagSafe devices; hence you can use  it with iPhones and Android phones. Being a MagSafe powerbank, the Benks MP01 MagSafe has a specific magnet designed to attach to the back of a MagSafe-compatible phone. The iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 models are the only iPhones with MagSafe functionality. Most Android devices do not have MagSafe functionality, except some Google Pixel phones and Samsung Galaxy phones (e.g. Z Fold 2). You can turn a non-MagSafe phone to MagSafe by using a MagSafe ring adapter.


The Benks power bank's small form factor makes it convenient to carry on the back of an iPhone without blocking the phone's rear camera. The Benks MagClap On-Go Power Bank weighs 121 grams and measures 9.5cm long x 6.5cm wide x 1.5cm thick. It effortlessly slips into a pocket or bag. It is made entirely of a  rubbery coating, which is grippy. The Benks Power Bank is super easy to use via a single plastic button to manually power on/off the power bank. The powerbank works automatically too. It will auto power when detecting a load and auto power off when no load is detected.


 There are four tiny leds (next to the charging port) to feedback battery status. The battery status led design works well, although a digital display is desirable on a powerbank. The Benks MagClap power bank has a "blinking led alert" function that makes the leds blink when detecting a foreign object, an incompatible phone or when the phone isn't properly aligned on the power bank.


The Benks MP01 MagSafe is a single-port power bank with wireless charging functionality; hence you can charge two devices at the same time. The built-in USB-C port is dual purpose for input charging (18W max) and 13W maximum output charging, which is similar to Apple's 15 watt MagSafe charger. Via the USB-C port wired connection, the Benks MP01 MagSafe power bank can charge android devices and newer iPhones (e.g.  iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14) and older iPhones (e.g. iPhone X and iPhone 8) at 7.5 watts.


Via wireless charging, the Benks MP01 MagSafe power bank can deliver 5 watts, 7.5 watts and 10 watts to any Qi-enabled wireless-charging device. It can deliver 7.5 watts wireless charging to older iPhones like the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. At 10 watts wireless charging, the Benks MP01 MagSafe powerbank can recharge most smartphones to 40% within 1 hour. Compared to a 15 watt wireless charger, the Benks powerbank is noticeably slower. A 15W wireless charger can fully charge a smartphone to 100% in about 55 minutes.


Being a MagSafe powerbank, the Benks MP01 MagSafe benefits from magnetic wireless charging which is seamless, secure and reliable. The magnetic connection perfectly aligns without having to fumble around trying to find the charging sweet spot. If your phone isn't MagSafe, wireless charging still works but finding the sweet spot requires some adjustment. Speaking of wireless, you can only recharge the Benks powerbank via wired (cable) connection - it doesn't support wireless input charging. The charging time of the Benks MP01 MagSafe power bank is 2.5 hours when using a 20 watt charger (not included).


One drawback you will notice when using the Benks MP01 power bank  is that it doesn't have a low power mode like some power banks to charge 5V devices such as headphones and earbud cases. The Benks MP01 MagClap On-Go Power Bank can provide 1 full extra charge for 3000 mAh phones and 1 1/2 charges for 2400 mAh phones (e.g. iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 13 Mini). The power bank's performance is optimized when charging via cable, as wireless charging can generate more heat and reduce efficiency.


While not the longest lasting power bank, the slim form factor and premium feel makes up for it. The Benks Magsafe powerbank is made entirely of soft rubbery material that feels comfortable in the hand. While the rubber feel is nice, it is a dust magnet and marks easily too - specially the black version which shows oily smudges a lot more. The white version hides oily smudges better. As far as branding, the Benks powerbank suffers from "brand confusion". It is marketed as MP01 MagSafe and  "MagClap On-Go"; however, there is no mention of "MagClap On-Go" anywhere on the powerbank or packaging. While this isn't a huge deal breaker, maintaining brand consistency prevents consumer frustration.



Potential deal breakers
  • No digital battery display
  • No 15W fast charging support
  • Only one port
  • No USB-A ports
  • Does not support wireless input charging
  • Limited fast wireless charging (only 10 watts)
  • No low power mode
  • Low battery mAh capacity
  • Can get hot to the touch, especially in hot weather)
  • Makes the phone heavier
  • No Huawei SCP protocol
  • No QC 3.0 protocol
  • No 9V/2A and 12V/1.5A protocols
  • No BC 1.2 protocol


Selling points
  • Magnetic wireless charging
  • Qi wireless charging
  • Works with Android
  • Can charge two devices at the same time
  • Fast input charging
  • Pass-Through Charging - can be charge when charging via wireless
  • Blinking led alert (e.g. foreign object, incompatible phone, etc)
  • Metal reinforced USB-C charging port
  • Compatible with MagSafe
  • Works with new and older iPhones
  • 1 year warranty
  •  Apple 2.4A charging protocol (12W)
  • Samsung PPS protocol
  • Reliable magnetic hold
  • Compatible with thin phone cases
  • Slim form factor
  • Premium look and feel
  • Available in 5 different colors
Accessories included are a short male to male USB-C cable. You can buy the Benks MP01 On-go power bank from amazon. 

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