Filip Brož Apple regularly tries to add a larger battery capacity to the lineup of new iPhones in combination with more economical software. More and more people want their phone to last longer on a single charge, at least one full day. If this is not the case, you can solve the situation with an ordinary power bank or various charging covers, and Mophie is certainly one of the mainstays on the market and a proven brand.
I tested their charging case for the first time already on the iPhone 5. Now I got my hands on the Mophie Juice Pak Air charging case for the iPhone 7 Plus. The case consists of two parts. I simply slipped my iPhone Plus into the case, which has an integrated Lightning connector at the bottom. I clipped the rest of the cover onto the top and it was done.
I must say that the iPhone 7 Plus has become a very massive device, which is not only very heavy, but also gives the impression of a real brick. However, it's all about habit. It also depends on the size of your hand. I can still use my iPhone with one hand without any problems, and I can reach from one side of the screen to the other with my thumb. In some cases, I even appreciated the extra weight, for example when taking photos and shooting video, when the iPhone is gripped more firmly in my hands.
The novelty of this cover from Mophie is the possibility of wireless charging. The lower part of the cover has Charge Force technology and is connected to the wireless pad using a magnet. You can use both the original Mophie charger, which is not included in the basic package, as well as any accessories with the QI standard. I also recharged the Mophie cover using pads from IKEA or charging stations that are located in cafes or at the airport.
I was quite sorry that the original charging pad had to be purchased separately (for 1 crowns). In the package, in addition to the cover, you will only find a microUSB cable, which you simply connect to the cover and to the socket. In practice, the iPhone starts charging first, followed by the cover. On the back of the cover there are four LED indicators that monitor the capacity of the cover. I can then easily find out the status with a short press of the button, which is right next to the LEDs. If I hold the button longer, the iPhone starts charging. On the other hand, if I press it again, I will stop charging.
Up to fifty percent juice
You're probably waiting for the most important thing - how much juice will the Mophie case give to my iPhone 7 Plus? The Mophie Juice Pack Air has a capacity of 2 mAh (for the iPhone 420 it has 7 mAh), which in reality gave me around 2 to 525 percent of the battery. I tried it on a very simple test. I let the iPhone run down to 40 percent, turned on case charging, and as soon as a single LED was off, the battery status bar read 50 percent.
I have to admit that considering the size and weight of the case, I would have expected the integrated battery to be stronger and give me more juice. In practice, I was able to last about two days on one charge with the iPhone 7 Plus. At the same time, I am one of the demanding users and I use my phone a lot during the day for listening to music from Apple Music, surfing the Internet, playing games, taking pictures and other work.
Anyway, thanks to the Mophie cover, I got less than a day. In the afternoon, however, I already had to look for the nearest charger. Ultimately, it depends on how you use your iPhone. However, I can personally imagine that the Mophie will become an ideal helper for longer trips. Once you know you're going to need your phone, Mophie can literally save your neck.
In terms of design, you can choose from several color options. The body of the cover is completely clean. On the bottom side, in addition to the charging input, there are also two smart sockets that bring the sound of the speakers to the front, which should ensure a slightly better music experience. The body is slightly raised at both ends, so you can easily turn the iPhone display down. The shape is slightly reminiscent of a cradle, but as I already advised, it holds quite well in the hand. However, the fairer sex will definitely not be thrilled by the weight of the iPhone. In the same way, you will feel the phone in a purse or a smaller bag.
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iPhone features without limits
I was also surprised that I can still feel the phone's haptic response well through the cover, both when playing games and when controlling the system. Gentle vibrations are also felt when using 3D Touch, which is only good. The experience is the same as if there was no cover on the iPhone.
However, you won't find a headphone jack or a Lightning port on the charging case from Mophie. Charging takes place either via the included microUSB cable or via a wireless pad. Of course, charging with it is significantly longer than using a cable. The Mophie case also has very well protected camera lenses that are literally embedded inside. You definitely don't have to worry about scratching something.
The Mophie Juice Pack Air Charging Case for iPhone 7 Plus is definitely not for all users. I know many people who will prefer a powerbank over this monster. On the contrary, there are users who have a charged Mophie in their backpack all the time and simply put it on their iPhone when needed. It only depends on how you use your iPhone during the day.
Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus costs 2 crowns. Since the wireless charging pad is not included, you need to purchase it. Mophie offers two of its own solutions: a magnetic charging holder for the ventilation or a magnetic charging holder/stand for the table, both of which cost 749 crowns. However, any wireless charger supporting the QI standard will work with the cover from Mophie, for example more affordable pads from IKEA.
How about water resistance…?