Tag: wireless charging

  • Xiaomi Launches Ultra-Thin 15W Magnetic Power Bank

    Xiaomi Launches Ultra-Thin 15W Magnetic Power Bank

    Key Takeaways

    1. Slim Design: The Xiaomi Magnetic Ultra-thin Power Bank is only 8.7 mm thick, making it 27.5% slimmer than its predecessor.
    2. Charging Capabilities: Supports wireless charging up to 15W and wired charging via USB-C up to 22.5W, compatible with multiple fast charging standards.
    3. Safety Features: Includes built-in indicator lights for battery status and dual NTC sensors to monitor temperature and prevent overheating.
    4. Color Options: Available in four metallic colors: black, blue, gold, and purple.
    5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at CNY 199 (around $28) in China, with uncertain availability in other regions.

    The Xiaomi Magnetic Ultra-thin Power Bank 5000 7.5W has made its debut in China. This device is promoted as a travel-friendly power bank that is easy to carry on airplanes. According to the brand, the latest version is only 8.7 mm thick (about 0.3 inches), which is 27.5% slimmer than the 2024 Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 7.5W.

    Charging Capabilities

    The Xiaomi Magnetic Ultra-thin Power Bank supports wireless charging up to 15W, securely holding compatible smartphones with a magnetic force of 10N. The USB-C port can provide an output of up to 22.5W, and it is compatible with several fast charging standards, including PD 3.0 (PPS), QC 3.0, and AFC. The power bank is equipped with a 5,000mAh lithium cobalt oxide battery that can be charged via USB-C, and Xiaomi claims it will maintain at least 80% of its capacity after being charged 300 times.

    Safety Features and Design

    There are built-in indicator lights that display the remaining battery charge, while dual NTC sensors monitor the temperature 12,000 times per minute to prevent overheating. Although the weight is not specified, the product details mention that the dimensions are 102 x 69.6 mm (approximately 4.0 x 2.7 inches). Customers can choose from four different metallic colors: black, blue, gold, and purple.

    Pricing and Availability

    In China, the Xiaomi Magnetic Ultra-thin Power Bank 5000 7.5W is priced at CNY 199 (around $28). It’s still uncertain if the brand will launch this device in other regions in the future. The previous model, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 7.5W, is available in European markets, including Germany, for €29.99.

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    Xiaomi Launches Ultra-Thin 15W Magnetic Power Bank
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  • Xiaomi Launches New 33W Power Bank with Built-in Cable Globally

    Xiaomi Launches New 33W Power Bank with Built-in Cable Globally

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 33W Magnetic Power Bank 10000 (with Integrated Cable) will be available worldwide after its debut in China in December 2024.

    2. It features wireless charging capabilities with a maximum output of 7.5W and a magnetic force of 13N for secure phone attachment.

    3. The power bank can charge three devices simultaneously through its wireless charging port, integrated USB-C cable, and additional USB-C port.

    4. It has a battery capacity of 10,000mAh, capable of fully recharging an iPhone 16 Pro twice, and can recharge in 140 minutes using a 30W input.

    5. The device is available in black and white colors, has a matte finish, and dimensions of 109 x 68.5 x 19.8 mm, weighing around 238 g.

    The Xiaomi 33W Magnetic Power Bank 10000 (with Integrated Cable) is set to be available worldwide. This accessory, which first debuted in China in December 2024, has now been listed on the company’s global website.

    Key Differences and Features

    One significant distinction from the similarly titled Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable), which was introduced in Europe earlier this year (currently priced at €29.99 on Amazon.de), is the inclusion of wireless charging capabilities. This power bank can output up to 7.5W and features a magnetic force of 13N to securely hold your phone while charging.

    The device allows for the charging of three gadgets at the same time through its wireless charging port, an integrated USB-C cable, and an additional USB-C port. When the USB-C cable and port are used separately, they provide a 33W output; Xiaomi claims this can charge an iPhone 16 Pro to 58% in just 30 minutes. However, if both the cable and port are used together, they share a total output of 15W. With a battery capacity of 10,000mAh, you should be able to fully recharge an iPhone 16 Pro two times. Additionally, it can be recharged in 140 minutes when using a 30W input.

    Design and Availability

    Xiaomi presents the 33W Magnetic Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) in both black and white colors. Each variant features a matte finish, measures 109 x 68.5 x 19.8 mm (approximately 4.3 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches), and weighs around 238 g (about 8.4 oz). There is currently no information regarding the specific countries where the Xiaomi 33W Magnetic Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) will be available or the exact launch date.

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    Xiaomi Launches New 33W Power Bank with Built-in Cable Globally

     

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  • Affordable Xiaomi 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank Now Available

    Affordable Xiaomi 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh is now available in multiple European countries, having launched globally in November 2024.
    2. It offers wireless charging for iPhone 12 and newer models at 7.5W and can charge a second device via USB-C at up to 18W.
    3. The power bank can be recharged using the USB-C port at 20W, taking about 2.2 hours to fully charge.
    4. It features safety mechanisms for overheating protection, and prevents short circuits, overcurrent, and overvoltage issues.
    5. The power bank is slim and portable, priced at £19.99/€29.99, making it ideal for travel.

    The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh is now being made available throughout Europe. This accessory first appeared on the company’s global website in November 2024. It made its way to the UK in February and has recently launched in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.

    Charging Capabilities

    Also referred to as the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000, this device allows for wireless charging of the iPhone 12 or newer models at a rate of up to 7.5W. The connection is made using a 10N magnetic force. Additionally, a second device can be charged through the USB-C port, delivering an output of up to 18W. When charging two devices at once, they will share a total of 10W power.

    Recharging and Safety Features

    The USB-C port can also recharge the power bank itself at 20W, allowing it to be fully charged in about 2.2 hours. As the name suggests, this portable power bank has a capacity of 5,000mAh, which is enough to fully recharge an iPhone 15. Other notable features include pass-through charging support, enabling it to function as a wireless charging pad, and an NTC temperature control system for overheating protection. It also has safety mechanisms in place to prevent short circuits, overcurrent, and overvoltage issues.

    Dimensions and Pricing

    The accessory is advertised as ideal for air travel, and it boasts a slim profile at 12 mm (~0.5 inches) thick, with dimensions of 103.7 x 68.3 mm (~4.1 x 2.7 inches), though the weight remains unspecified. Currently, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh is available for purchase in several European nations at a price of £19.99/€29.99.

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    Affordable Xiaomi 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank Now Available

     

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  • Oppo Unveils Magnetic Power Bank for iPhone at $20

    Oppo Unveils Magnetic Power Bank for iPhone at $20

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Product Launch: Oppo introduced the Magnetic Energy Card Air, a slim wireless power bank, alongside flagship smartphones, a tablet, and a wearable device.

    2. Magnetic Accessory Series: The Energy Card Air is part of a new “Mag” lineup, which includes other magnetic accessories like the Magnetic Protective Case and Dual Type-C Cable.

    3. Power Bank Specifications: It has a capacity of 5000mAh, can magnetically attach to newer Oppo phones, and features active temperature management to prevent overheating.

    4. Cross-Compatibility: The device is compatible with iPhones, making it a versatile accessory for users across different brands.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Magnetic Energy Card Air will be available in China starting April 16, priced at 149 yuan (approximately $20).

    Oppo had quite a hectic day yesterday. In addition to unveiling its newest flagship smartphones, a premium tablet, and a fresh wearable device, the company also rolled out a less glamorous yet still quite handy gadget: the Oppo Magnetic Energy Card Air. This device is a slim wireless power bank that also works with iPhones.

    Magnetic Accessory Series

    The Magnetic Energy Card Air is part of Oppo’s new “Mag” lineup of magnetic accessories, which also features the Magnetic Protective Case and the Magnetic Dual Type-C Cable. All these products are created to fit into a growing ecosystem that revolves around magnetic attachment. It’s somewhat similar to MagSafe, but tailored for Oppo devices.

    Power Bank Features

    This power bank boasts a capacity of 5000mAh and can magnetically attach to Oppo’s newer phones like the Find X8s, X8s+, and X8 Ultra. The concept is straightforward: enjoy wireless charging without the usual bulk, messy cables, or heating problems. To address temperature concerns, Oppo has employed a new shell material along with active temperature management using an NTC resistor. They claim this innovation helps “ease” overheating during use.

    Interestingly, the Energy Card is not restricted to just Oppo’s devices. Thanks to its magnetic wireless charging capability, it also works with iPhones. This makes it one of those versatile accessories that doesn’t confine users to just one brand’s ecosystem.

    Battery Status and Charging Options

    At the bottom, there’s a small four-dot LED indicator that displays battery status, plus a USB-C port that allows both charging the power bank (at 12W) and charging other devices (with a maximum output of 10W). This means you can easily connect a pair of earbuds or a smartwatch when you’re not using the magnetic feature to charge your phone.

    The Oppo Magnetic Energy Card Air is set to hit the market in China starting April 16, with a price of 149 yuan (approximately $20). It’s a compact and portable cross-platform accessory ideal for those on the move who want to avoid dealing with cords or bulky battery packs.

    Oppo Unveils Magnetic Power Bank for iPhone at $20
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  • EU Approves Portless iPhone: Type-C on iPhone May Be Short-Lived

    EU Approves Portless iPhone: Type-C on iPhone May Be Short-Lived

    Key Takeaways

    1. EU Compliance: An iPhone without any ports would still meet EU regulations, allowing for a fully wireless device.
    2. Wireless Charging Future: EU laws only require USB-C for devices with wired charging, paving the way for Apple to adopt a portless iPhone that relies solely on wireless charging.
    3. Qi2 Standard: The Qi2 standard, inspired by Apple’s MagSafe, is expected to become the primary wireless charging standard, supporting the EU’s goal for interoperability.
    4. Impact on Android Market: The shift to a portless design could influence Android manufacturers, who are developing charging systems similar to MagSafe but face challenges with compatibility and user experience.
    5. Focus on Wireless Charging: The potential for a portless iPhone may push Android brands to enhance their wireless charging technologies to keep up with evolving consumer expectations.

    Apple’s move to USB-C on iPhones might not last long. The European Union (EU) has made it clear that an iPhone without any ports would still meet their rules. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported that Apple thought about making the iPhone 17 Air the first device without ports but decided to keep USB-C because they were worried about EU regulations.

    Wireless Charging Compliance

    The European Commission’s press officer, Federica Miccoli, shared with 9to5Mac that devices that charge only through wireless methods are in complete compliance with EU laws. If there’s no wired charging involved, then a Type-C port is unnecessary. Apple’s AirDrop already does a great job transferring data wirelessly, making the need for a port even less critical.

    Future of Charging Standards

    According to EU regulations, USB-C is only required for devices that allow wired charging. Since a portless iPhone would rely solely on wireless charging, it wouldn’t need a USB-C port. This situation could pave the way for Apple to fully embrace a wireless future for its gadgets. The EU aims to get rid of conflicting wired charging standards and is now also advocating for the standardization of wireless charging tech to avoid market confusion.

    The Qi2 standard, backed by the Wireless Power Consortium and compatible with the original Qi, takes inspiration from Apple’s MagSafe and is expected to become the main wireless charging standard. This aligns well with the EU’s goal of fostering interoperability in wireless charging solutions.

    The Impact on Android

    While the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a USB-C port, we might see completely portless iPhones sooner than we think. Although Apple has not yet improved iPhone charging speeds, this potential shift to a portless design and total reliance on wireless charging could also affect the Android market. Some Android manufacturers are already developing charging systems similar to MagSafe, but many devices lack built-in magnets. Official magnetic cases can work, but they don’t provide the same smooth experience as Apple’s MagSafe. Users may wish to charge their devices without cases for better heat dissipation, but doing so can lead to losing essential features. Furthermore, a lot of Android devices do not even support wireless charging at all.

    Overall, we are not just hoping for a portless iPhone soon but also looking for Android manufacturers to put more focus on enhancing wireless charging capabilities.

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    EU Approves Portless iPhone: Type-C on iPhone May Be Short-Lived

     

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  • MWC 2025: HMD Amped Buds – Earbuds with Power Bank Case

    MWC 2025: HMD Amped Buds – Earbuds with Power Bank Case

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Charging Case: The HMD Amped Buds feature a charging case that can wirelessly charge compatible smartphones, acting as a power bank.

    2. Distinct Design: The earbuds have a unique in-ear design with a slim case that differs from typical clamshell designs, making them more portable.

    3. Impressive Battery Life: Users can enjoy up to 95 hours of playback with the charging case, dropping to 58 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on.

    4. Advanced Features: Equipped with 10mm drivers, ANC, Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), and multiple microphones for clear calls, along with touch controls and virtual assistant support.

    5. Connectivity and Tracking: The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and the Find My Device feature on Android, with an IP54 rating for dust and sweat resistance.

    HMD has unveiled a fresh set of earbuds named the HMD Amped Buds, which it claims to be the first wireless earbuds globally featuring a charging case that can wirelessly charge smartphones that are compatible with wireless charging. Essentially, these earbuds come with a case that also acts like a wireless charging power bank.

    Design and Functionality

    The HMD Amped Buds sport an in-ear design that’s quite unique. The earbuds, which have a hinged design and stems, are stored in a charging case that stands out from competitors. Instead of the typical clamshell case found with products like the AirPods Pro 2 or OnePlus Buds Pro 3 (currently priced at $144 on Amazon), these earbuds are kept in the sides of an ultra-slim case similar to that of a power bank.

    The case’s shape serves more than just a visual purpose; it functions as a wireless charging power bank capable of charging phones that support wireless charging or magnetic wireless charging. If your smartphone isn’t compatible with wireless charging, you can still recharge it via the USB-C port located on the case. However, keep in mind that you won’t get a full charge since the case has a capacity of 1,600mAh. Still, it can be quite useful in emergency situations.

    Battery Life

    Because of the case’s significant battery capacity, users can expect several hours of use with the earbuds. HMD claims that playback time can reach up to 95 hours when using the charging case, although this falls to 58 hours if Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is activated. For those interested in precise figures, each earbud contains a 35mAh battery, allowing for about 4.9 hours of use with ANC on and 8.1 hours with ANC off.

    The HMD Amped Buds are equipped with 10mm drivers, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), along with compatibility for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound. Each earbud is fitted with three microphones to ensure clear call quality. Touch controls are also available, and users can activate virtual assistants like Google Gemini.

    Connectivity and Availability

    These earbuds support the Find My Device feature on Android, helping owners track them down if misplaced. They connect through Bluetooth 5.4 and support Google Fast Pair, allowing them to connect to two devices at the same time and switch seamlessly between the two. They also have an IP54 rating, which offers protection against dust and sweat.

    The HMD Amped Buds will be available in Black, Cyan, and Pink and are set to be priced at £179.99 in the UK and €199.99 across Europe when they launch. There is currently no information regarding their release in North America.

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  • Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro 2: New Design, Heart Rate Tracking, $249.99

    Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro 2: New Design, Heart Rate Tracking, $249.99

    Key Takeaways

    1. Design Improvements: The Powerbeats Pro 2 are 20% lighter and feature enhanced earhooks made from a lightweight, flexible nickel-titanium alloy for better fit.

    2. Charging Case Changes: The new charging case is 33% smaller, introduces wireless charging, and transitions from a Lightning port to USB-C. No charging cable is included.

    3. Workout Features: New features include heart rate monitoring, active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and Adaptive EQ for audio adjustments based on fit.

    4. Advanced Audio Capabilities: Supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and features the Apple H2 chip for improved sound quality and connectivity.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced at $249.99, available through Amazon, Best Buy, and Beats by Dre’s online store, and includes multiple silicone ear tips.

    Apple’s Beats by Dre has just revealed the Powerbeats Pro 2, several months after their first hint back in September 2024. These new earbuds are a follow-up to the original Powerbeats Pro that launched in 2019. Designed especially for workouts, the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds boast many upgrades compared to their predecessors.

    Design Improvements

    One of the main highlights is the enhanced design. The earhooks are still present but are now crafted from a lightweight, flexible nickel-titanium alloy. Furthermore, these earbuds are 20% lighter than the last version, and Beats by Dre claims they are the best fitting headphones they’ve ever made.

    Changes to the Charging Case

    The charging case has also seen significant modifications. It is now 33% smaller, includes wireless charging for the first time, and has switched from a Lightning port to a USB-C port, similar to the upgraded AirPods Max. However, there’s no cable included in the package. Only the earbuds themselves have an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. Consumers can purchase the Powerbeats Pro 2 in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange.

    New Features for Workout Enthusiasts

    The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds come with exciting new features, including heart rate monitoring during exercise. iOS users can check heart rate data through their device settings, whereas Android users will need the Beats app to access this feature.

    Moreover, the earbuds have a custom acoustic setup, dual-layer drivers that minimize distortion, and active noise cancellation (ANC). There’s a transparency mode option, which is handy for staying aware of your environment. Another notable feature is the Adaptive EQ, which adjusts audio based on how well the earbuds fit in your ears.

    Advanced Audio Capabilities

    These earbuds also support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. When linked with the Apple Vision Pro, they can provide ultra-low latency lossless sound. All this is made possible thanks to the Apple H2 chip, the same technology used in the AirPods Pro 2.

    Each earbud is equipped with a voice accelerometer and three microphones, enhancing call quality and noise cancellation. Physical buttons allow users to switch listening modes, activate voice assistants, and manage volume and playback. The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge without ANC (8 hours with ANC enabled), and a total of 45 hours with the case (36 hours with ANC).

    Pricing and Availability

    The Powerbeats Pro 2 retains the price of $249.99 from the previous model and is available for purchase through Amazon, Best Buy, and the official Beats by Dre online store. Each set comes with five pairs of silicone ear tips and the wireless charging case.

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  • New Journey Alti Play Wireless Charging Desk Mat Now Available

    New Journey Alti Play Wireless Charging Desk Mat Now Available

    The Journey Alti Play Performance Desk Mat is now up for pre-order in the United States. This new desktop charging accessory improves upon the previous Alti model by adding RGB lighting, which enhances your workspace with some nice ambient light. On the left side of the mat, you’ll find the dedicated charging area. It operates using USB-C and allows you to wirelessly charge two devices simultaneously; there’s a 15W Qi2-enabled charging pad for your phone and a secondary 5W charger for your earbuds.

    Features and Controls

    The magnetic charging panel can be detached and is framed by RGB lighting that you can control with two built-in buttons. You have the option to cycle through nine different colors, including a rainbow setting, as well as six modes such as snake, rainbow pulse, and breathing effects. Additionally, you can adjust the brightness to one of four levels. Journey claims that the color temperature varies from 1,200 to 6,500K, and the LED lifespan is expected to be around 50,000 hours.

    Material and Design

    According to reports, the mat is crafted from a textured micro-weave Lycra material, which promises comfort while providing a smooth surface for your mouse. The bottom side is finished with rubber to prevent slipping. The overall dimensions are 900 x 400 x 4 mm (approximately 35.4 x 15.7 x 0.2 inches), while the charging panel measures 400 x 100 x 7 mm (about 15.7 x 3.9 x 0.3 inches). You can currently pre-order the Journey Alti Play Performance Desk Mat for $149.99, which is $20 more than the previous Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat. The product is set to ship on February 12th, but it remains uncertain if it will also be available in other countries.

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  • Samsung Launches Qi 2.2 Chip for 50W Wireless Charging

    Samsung Launches Qi 2.2 Chip for 50W Wireless Charging

    Samsung Semiconductor has unveiled the S2MIW06 Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a chip that claims to be set to “redefine the future of wireless charging.” This chipset is certainly captivating, as it could facilitate quicker wireless charging and introduce new functionalities on Samsung smartphones.

    Enhanced Wireless Charging Capabilities

    The S2MIW06 chip allows wireless charging of up to 50 watts, outperforming the current range of 25 to 45 watts found in Samsung smartphones. Additionally, it complies with the Qi 2.2 standard, which features the Extended Power Profile (EPP) enabling 15-watt charging with chargers not made by Samsung. It also works with the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), supporting magnetic chargers and accessories similar to Apple’s MagSafe for the iPhone 16.

    Broad Compatibility Testing

    To ensure wide-ranging compatibility, the Samsung S2MIW06 PMIC has been evaluated with hundreds of charging pads, even some that lack Qi certification. With 70KB of built-in flash storage, this chip provides much more space for firmware personalization compared to most rivals. For example, the firmware can shrink the motherboard area needed for reverse wireless charging by 15%.

    Future Release Uncertainty

    Samsung Semiconductor has yet to announce when the S2MIW06 PMIC will be available or which smartphones will incorporate this chip. Speculation indicates that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might support the Qi2 standard, but so far, Samsung has only confirmed the upcoming release of a Galaxy smartphone with Qi2 compatibility sometime in 2025.

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    Samsung Launches Qi 2.2 Chip for 50W Wireless ChargingSamsung Launches Qi 2.2 Chip for 50W Wireless Charging
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  • Anker MagGo 5K Slim Power Bank Now Available in Europe

    Anker MagGo 5K Slim Power Bank Now Available in Europe

    The Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) is now available in Europe. This small device was first introduced in North America last December and can currently be found only in Apple stores. It is a more compact version of the MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) that was showcased at IFA 2024.

    Pricing and Availability

    People in countries like the UK, Netherlands, and France can purchase the MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) for £49.95/€59.95. Similar to the US version (which is priced at $49.95 at the Apple Store), customers can pick from two color choices: white and blue. This portable charger is suitable for iPhone 12 and newer models, featuring a Qi-2 certified 15W wireless charging pad. Additionally, it can charge another device using the built-in USB-C port, capable of delivering up to 20W power when used independently. If both outputs are utilized at the same time, the power bank provides 12W through the USB-C and 5W wirelessly.

    Design and Features

    Recharging the power bank is done through the USB-C port, and it includes LED lights to show the remaining battery life. This accessory is particularly thin, measuring only 0.9 cm (approximately 0.3 inches) thick and weighing around 120g (about 4 oz). It also includes a 60 cm (around 2 ft) braided USB-C cable. For those seeking a power bank with more capacity, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is currently listed on Amazon for $62.99.

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