iPhone 12 Pro Max

MagSafe on the iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Max

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MagSafe, if it is not already painfully obvious, is not a new technology. It is based on Apple’s implementation/fork of the Qi wireless standard, and as such, has all of the cons that come along with Qi.

Is there a reason for you to specifically seek out MagSafe charging as opposed to just using a standard Qi charger?

Heat

One big issue with Qi charging has always been heat, the faster the charging the greater the heat produced during the charging process, the faster your phone battery’s lifespan will deplete. Android manufacturers have no qualms about implementing the fastest charging standards, both wired and wireless, for generally they expect you to hold on to an Android phone for 3 years at the most, for Android updates are only generally available for phones up to three years (most phones only support two years’ worth of updates). If your phone battery dies during those two to three years, all the better for them, as you will be forced to buy another phone.

Apple’s Qi implementation

Apple has always implemented Qi at a limited capacity compared to what the spec is capable of, at first 5W, then 7.5W when used with Apple spec-ed Qi chargers. Last year’s 11 Pro implemented 10W charging, but that was a one-off, as you cannot get 10W standard Qi charging from this year’s 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max.

MagSafe = Qi?

With MagSafe, Apple has chosen to implement Qi charging in a specific and strict way to mitigate the cons of Qi charging. The coils are smaller than what you will find on most Qi chargers (probably to limit heat creation), and the magnets in the MagSafe system are intended to keep the coils as close as possible to the perfect charging spot to optimise charging efficiency. Apple claims that the smarts in the MagSafe charging puck paired with the PD3.0 9V 2.22A charging profile will be able to quickly adapt to temperature changes and quickly adjust the power output to the phone efficiently to manage heat.

MagSafe charging warms the iPhone 12 mini

From my own testing over the weekend, there is no doubt that the iPhone 12 mini is warm when charging over MagSafe compared to charging over my trusty Apple 12W charger (stone cold). However, it does seem to produce even more heat when charging with my 7.5W Qi charger.

Is MagSafe bad?

So is MagSafe bad for your iPhone 12? It is likely a better solution than standard Qi charging, and likely eats away at the lifespan of your iPhone battery at the same rate as if you are using a USB-C fast charger to fast charge your iPhone all the time.

The Ecosystem

MagSafe, however, is more than the charging puck and the magnets in the iPhone 12 body. Apple intends for it to be an ecosystem of accessories that can attach themselves to your iPhone to provide additional functions, even if you have an (Apple branded) iPhone case on. Right now all Apple is producing are their iPhone 12 case lineup and the MagSafe wallet. Belkin has a car mount available, but there are no reviews of that accessory yet.

Conclusion

Should you go MagSafe?

Sure, why not? If you are already buying an iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Max it makes no sense not to try out the new feature for $59. I do hope better accessories are in the pipeline.

iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max Unboxing Videos

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Today the embargo for the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has finally been lifted, and all the big shot Youtube channels have released their unboxing videos. Having preordered the iPhone 12 mini, I am excited to see the first impression videos of the mini, and it sure does not disappoint.

The Verge, who are usually pretty anti-Apple, says that the 12 Pro Max has the best smartphone camera.

And of course iJustine and Rene Ritchie with their really well-done unboxings.

Then of course we have the guys who really know cameras, Jonathan Morrison(@toldtoday) and Peter McKinnon.

I don’t know if I should buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 12 mini

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IMG_1833At the Apple Store looking at the accessories for the iPhone 12.

Less than 24 hours from Preorder Day, I am facing a dilemma – should I buy the 12 mini or should I go ahead and go straight for a 12 Pro Max?

The Plus size iPhones

I have always been using the plus size phones, ever since the 6s Plus came out. They have been hard to control one handed, and thus I have always stuck bunker rings on the back of the iPhone cases to make them usable. Simply put, I cannot control any of the iPhones today without a bunker ring. That is also why I have not been utilising wireless charging for the iPhones since the 8 Plus, as the bunker rings were preventing the iPhones from getting a proper charge.

The Pro Max is really heavy

The plus size phones also used to be thinner and lighter during the 6 Plus to 8 Plus era, but beginning with the Xs Max, they have grown in both absolute size and weight. The 11 Pro Max is now so heavy that when I am using the phone in bed, it always feels like my hand/finger is going to break from holding the phone up above my face. According to Apple, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the exact same weight as the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Finally the return of a mini iPhone

This year, due to the introduction of the iPhone 12 mini, I had made up my mind to try out the smaller phone at launch, with the idea that if I do not like it, I can always let go of the 12 mini some months later, and get a 12 Pro Max at a lower price from alternative resale channels then.

iPhone 12 Pro component shortages?

However, today’s news that Apple is having issues locating enough components for the iPhone 12 Pros (and likely the Pro Max, since they share similar components) now make me wonder if I have made the correct decision to preorder the 12 mini tomorrow. Maybe I should just go ahead and order the Pro Max first tomorrow and only switch to a 12 mini in a few months if I do not like it?

Upgrade later? Downgrade later?

I have always preferred to have the 512GB version of the Pro Max, but however, I can not afford Apple’s MSRP for that particular model. Preordering tomorrow will mean that I have to settle for the 256GB, and might regret my decision in a few months. Also, as the prices of the Pro models are a lot higher, their value also drop quite a bit more in the resale channels after some time, compared to the regular models. Downgrading from a 12 Pro Max to a 12 mini runs the chance that I will likely lose more money overall than if I upgrade from a 12 mini to a 12 Pro Max after a few months. And money is important in a year where I am jobless. Seriously I should not even be buying the iPhone 12, but this is the only time of the year when I am the happiest, and saving up to purchase the yearly iPhone is one of the main drivers keeping me sane from work (and for this year, from COVID-19). So I really want one.

But I still do not know what I want.

Which iPhone 12 to Buy? Top Features to Consider and Price Differences (in Singapore Dollars)

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Thanks to 2020 and the weird release schedules of the various iPhone 12 models this year, many potential buyers are likely still undecided on which iPhone 12 version to buy. With preorders for the two most interesting models (iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max) coming up in exactly one week’s time from the time of this posting, have you decided which iPhone 12 you want? Are you confused by the number of models this year and the difference in features between each model? Fret not, I have prepared a two-step solution to your first world problems.

1. Select the color of your iPhone 12 series

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All available colors of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.

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All available colors of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max (Pardon the lighting).

2. Select the storage capacity of your iPhone 12 series

I have prepared two sets of data, one for the 128GB models and one for the 256GB models (512GB models are $330 more). Look at the respective charts for the features of each model and their price differences. 64GB is not listed because it is frankly speaking, too little storage. As the file sizes of iOS and apps grow in the future, you will likely regret saving that little bit of money now. Besides, if your budget can only afford you the 64GB models, you do not need the following information in the first place.

All prices are in Singapore Dollars (SGD).

The 128GB Models

Model Top Features Body 128GB $(SGD)
iPhone 12 mini
(5.4-inch display)		 Mini size
Pocketable
Cute		 Glossy Back
Matte Sides
(aluminium)

 $1219
iPhone 12
(6.1-inch display)		 Standard Model
Same accessories
as 12 Pro		 Glossy Back
Matte Sides
(aluminium)

 $1369 (+$150)
iPhone 12 Pro
(6.1-inch display)		 Premium Feel
LiDAR
ProRAW
Telephoto lens(2X)

 Matte Back
Glossy Sides
(stainless steel)

 $1649 (+$280)
iPhone 12 Pro Max
(6.7-inch display)		 Premium Feel
LiDAR
ProRAW
Biggest screen
Longer Telephoto(2.5x)
Better Main Sensor		 Matte Back
Glossy Sides
(stainless steel)		 $1799 (+$150)

The 256GB Models

Model Top Features Body 256GB $(SGD)
iPhone 12 mini
(5.4-inch display)		 Mini size
Pocketable
Cute		 Glossy Back
Matte Sides
(aluminium)

 $1389
iPhone 12
(6.1-inch display)		 Standard Model
Same accessories
as 12 Pro		 Glossy Back
Matte Sides
(aluminium)

 $1539 (+$150)
iPhone 12 Pro
(6.1-inch display)		 Premium Feel
LiDAR
ProRAW
Telephoto lens(2X)
512GB Option(+$330)

 Matte Back
Glossy Sides
(stainless steel)

 $1819 (+$280)
iPhone 12 Pro Max
(6.1-inch display)		 Premium Feel
LiDAR
ProRAW
Biggest screen
Longer Telephoto(2.5x)
Better Main Sensor
512GB Option(+$330)		 Matte Back
Glossy Sides
(stainless steel)		 $1969 (+$150)

So, which iPhone 12 will you buy?