This ultra-thin battery pack I tested is a must-have travel gadget (and it works with MagSafe)

1 week ago 5

ZDNET's key takeaways

Torras' MiniMag Power Bank is available now for $45.
The MiniMag bank's 0.3-inch thickness makes it uber-portable while supplying 5,000mAh via 18W USB-C charging or 7.5W wireless charging.
However, if you're looking for larger pack capacities or kickstands or grips, you'll be better off looking elsewhere.

Testing MagSafe battery packs is one of the larger parts of my job at ZDNET. Over the last year, I've gone hands-on with over a dozen battery packs, testing each for its function, style, features, and, most importantly, charging capabilities. I also carry one at all times, partly due to my job and my unrelenting need to stay prepared.

Also: My new favorite MagSafe battery pack supports Qi2 charging, has a kickstand, and isn't made by Anker or Baseus

I've tried battery packs from brands like Anker, Belkin, Baseus, Casely, Burga, Hyper, and more, and it's not often that I feel compelled enough to review one in-depth. But every once in a while, I get the opportunity to test a MagSafe pack that knocks my socks off, and it's just too good not to share in more detail. Enter the Torras MiniMag Power Bank.

It uses MagSafe technology to snap onto the back of your iPhone or adapter-equipped device, and works great with MagSafe cases. In the box, you'll get the battery pack and an included USB-C cable for $55 (or less, depending on where you shop).

It comes in two colors (Glacier Gray and Azalea Pink) and promises 5,000mAh of battery capacity. The aluminum alloy construction offers an ultra-light feel, and features graphene heat dissipation for charging safety. You can charge on the go up to 7.5W or with the bank plugged in for 18W, but either way, indicator lights make it easy to tell how much capacity is left.

Also: My everyday Anker power bank has a genius feature that makes it irreplaceable

The main appeal of the Torras battery is its design. It is the thinnest and lightest pack of this capacity I have tested in the last year, which really is saying something. MagSafe battery packs can be notoriously chunky or brick-like, making them unsuitable for some situations. Torras has really nailed the slim profile factor while still maintaining a 5,000mAh capacity, the smallest capacity I'd recommend for a battery pack to have on hand for battery boosts and top-offs.

To put this into perspective, the Torras MiniMag is only 0.3-inches thick and weights 4 ounces. An iPhone 15 is only 0.35-inches thick. The MiniMag is literally slimmer than the phone itself, which is an anomaly in the MagSafe battery market. For example, my current best overall pack, the Belkin Boostcharge Pro Qi2, is 0.7-inches thick and weighs 5.3 ounces, and it isn't even one of the largest MagSafe battery packs I've tested.

torras-minimag-vs-belkin-boostcharge-pro

Plus, the Torras MiniMag has a strong magnetic hold (13N, or about 2.2lbs), which makes it perfect for on-the-go use without worry. However, the MagSafe hold can become dislodged if the pack is knocked from the side, but I've found this to be true with almost any magnetic charger.

The MiniMag, in my opinion, is truly the best 5,000mAh option for everyday use or travel. It's more juice than smaller plug-in charging options, but still slim enough to carry in a purse, work bag, or even just your pocket because it actually fits (yes, even while snapped on your phone).

Also: The best MagSafe battery packs of 2024: Expert tested

There is also no awkward overhang on my iPhone 14 Pro, and it does not obstruct my camera or bump onto the lip of my case around my camera, which is a big plus. No one wants to charge their phone via MagSafe only to realize you can't charge and take your Insta pics simultaneously (been there, done that).

How long does it take to charge a phone?

Onto the most important part. The MiniMag took my iPhone 14 Pro from 42% to 74% in an hour. I charged using MagSafe, which gave me a max output of 7.5W. I did not notice any intense overheating on the pack, though it did warm up (this is expected). If you charge with a USB-C, you can get up to 18W, which took about 2.5 hours in my testing.

My only negative about this pack, if I have to get picky, is that I wish it came in more colors, which is something I've started to see the big brands like Anker and Belkin open up to. It is also very smooth on the outside surface, which doesn't always create the most secure grip for my hands on my phone.

ZDNET's buying advice

Despite some possible improvement areas, my buying advice for this pack is straightforward: it's a good buy. Even at its retail price of $55, this Torras MiniMag Power Bank is still fairly priced. However, you can often nab it for under $50, depending on where you buy it from (and, of course, when).

This probably isn't the best battery if you're looking for added features like kickstands or grips or larger capacity options (though, Torras does make a 10,000mAh version that's only 0.5 inches thick), but it is a super practical option to ensure you always have a battery pack on hand.

Ultimately, it's pretty spot on to other MagSafe battery packs that I've tested. I was thoroughly happy with its performance, especially for its thin design. Despite its smaller stature, it does not compromise on charging or speed, and it is certainly competitive with similar 5,000mAh packs I have recently tested, like Belkin's newest BoostCharge Pro pack.

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