Dan Pražák On a general scale, it could be said that an iPhone can last an average of a day on a single charge. Of course, it depends on many factors, such as the frequency of use, the type of running applications, and last but not least, the specific iPhone model. So, while some can easily get by with the built-in battery, others have to reach for an external power source during the day. For those, Apple offers the Smart Battery Case, a battery case with which the iPhone will last almost twice as long. And we will look at its new version, which the company presented a few weeks ago, in today's review.
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Design
The Smart Battery Case is one of the most controversial products in the Apple range. Already at its debut three years ago, it earned a considerable amount of criticism, which was primarily aimed at its design. It was not without reason that the name "cover with a hump" was adopted, when the protruding battery on the back became the target of ridicule.
With the new version of the cover for the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, which Apple started selling in January, came a new design. This one is at least sleeker and more likable. Still, in terms of design, it is not a gem that would catch the eye of every user. However, Apple has managed to almost eliminate the criticized hump, and the raised part is now extended to the sides and bottom edge.
The front part has also undergone a change, where the lower edge has disappeared and the outlets for the speaker and microphone have moved to the lower edge next to the lightning port. The change also brings the advantage that the body of the phone extends to the bottom edge of the case - this does not unnecessarily increase the length of the entire device and, above all, the iPhone is easier to control.
Gallery
The outer part is mainly made of soft silicone, thanks to which the cover fits well in the hand, does not slip and is relatively well protected. At the same time, however, the surface is sensitive to various impurities and is literally a magnet for dust, where, especially in the case of the black variant, basically every speck is visible. The white design is undoubtedly better in this respect, but on the contrary, it is more sensitive to the slightest dirt.
The phone is inserted into the case from above using a soft elastomer hinge. The inner lining made of fine microfiber then acts as another level of protection and in a way polishes the glass back and steel edges of the iPhone. In addition to the aforementioned, we find a Lightning connector and a diode inside, which informs you of the charging status when the iPhone is not placed in the case.
Fast and wireless charging
In terms of design, there were rather minor changes, the much more interesting ones took place inside the packaging itself. Not only has the capacity of the battery itself increased (the package now has two cells), but above all the charging options have expanded. Apple focused mainly on practical use and enriched the new version of the Battery Case with support for wireless and fast charging.
In practice, this means that you can place the iPhone with the Smart Battery Case on at any time on a Qi-certified wireless charger and both devices will be charged - primarily the iPhone and then the battery in the case to 80% capacity. Charging is by no means fast, but for overnight charging, the wireless form will serve you well.
If you reach for a powerful USB-C adapter from a MacBook or iPad, then the charging speed is significantly more interesting. Like last year's and last year's iPhones, the new Battery Case supports USB-PD (Power Delivery). Using the already mentioned adapter with higher power and USB-C / Lightning cable, you can charge both completely discharged devices at once in two hours.
It is here that the smart function of the cover (the word "Smart" in the name) becomes apparent, when the iPhone is primarily charged again and all excess energy goes into the cover. In the editorial office, we tested fast charging with a 61W USB-C adapter from a MacBook Pro, and while the phone charged to 77% in an hour, the Battery Case charged to 56%. The complete measurement results are attached below.
Fast charging with a 61W USB-C adapter (iPhone XS + Smart Battery Case):
- in 0,5 hours to 51% + 31%
- in 1 hours to 77% + 56%
- in 1,5 hours to 89% + 81%
- in 2 hours to 97% + 100% (after 10 minutes also iPhone to 100%)
If you don't own a wireless pad and don't want to buy a powerful adapter and USB-C / Lightning cable, then of course you can use the basic 5W charger that Apple bundles with iPhones. Charging will be slow, but both the iPhone and the case will charge smoothly overnight.
The speed of charging the Smart Battery Case itself in different ways:
| 0,5 pm | 1 pm | 1,5 pm | 2 pm | 2,5 pm | 3 pm | 3,5 pm | |
| 5W adapter | 17% | 36% | 55% | 74% | 92% | 100% | |
| Fast charging | 43% | 80% | 99% * | ||||
| Wireless charging | 22% | 41% | 60% | 78% | 80% | 83% | 93%** |
* after 10 minutes to 100%
** after 15 minutes at 100%
Keep holding on
Basically double the endurance. Even so, the main added value that you get after deploying the Battery Case could be briefly summarized. In practice, you actually go from one day's battery life on the iPhone XS to two days. For some, it may be pointless. You're probably thinking, "I always plug my iPhone into the charger at night anyway, and I have it fully charged in the morning."
I have to agree. The Battery Case is not ideal for daily use in my opinion, just because of its weight. Maybe someone uses it that way, but I personally can't imagine it. However, if you are going on a day trip and you know that you will be using more demanding applications (often taking photos or using maps), then the Smart Battery Case suddenly becomes a really useful accessory.
Personally, during testing, I especially liked the certainty that the phone really lasted all day with active use, when I was on the road from six in the morning to twenty-two in the evening. Of course, you can also use a power bank in the same way and save even more. In short, the Battery Case is all about convenience, where you basically have two devices in one and you don't have to deal with any cables or additional batteries, but you have an external source directly on your phone in the form of a cover that charges and protects it.
The numbers directly from Apple prove the almost double durability. Specifically, the iPhone XS gets up to 13 hours of calls, or up to 9 hours of Internet browsing, or up to 11 hours of video playback with the Battery Case. For completeness, we attach the official numbers for individual models:
iPhone XS
- Up to 33 hours of talk time (up to 20 hours without cover)
- Up to 21 hours of internet use (up to 12 hours without packaging)
- Up to 25 hours of video playback (up to 14 hours without packaging)
iPhone XS Max
- Up to 37 hours of talk time (up to 25 hours without cover)
- Up to 20 hours of internet use (up to 13 hours without packaging)
- Up to 25 hours of video playback (up to 15 hours without packaging)
iPhone XR
- Up to 39 hours of talk time (up to 25 hours without cover)
- Up to 22 hours of internet use (up to 15 hours without packaging)
- Up to 27 hours of video playback (up to 16 hours without packaging)
The rule is that the iPhone always first uses the battery in the case and only when it is completely discharged, it switches to its own source. The phone is thus constantly charging and shows 100% all the time. You can easily check the remaining capacity of the Battery Case at any time in the Battery widget. The indicator will also appear on the lock screen every time you connect the case or once you start charging it.
záver
The Smart Battery Case may not be for everyone. But this does not necessarily mean that it is not a useful accessory. With support for wireless and especially fast charging, Apple's charging case makes more sense than ever before. It is especially suitable for those who are often on the go, either for tourism or for work. Personally, it has served me well several times and I have nothing to complain about in terms of functionality. The only obstacle is the price of CZK 3. Whether the two-day endurance and comfort is worth it for such a price is up to everyone to justify for themselves.
Nice review, thanks.
I appreciate it for such a detailed review, thanks!
Great review
But I have a question, does the phone's battery get destroyed by long-term use?