Why I recommend this $20 wireless charging dock to hardcore Apple fans - and only them

2 hours ago 5

ZDNET's key takeaways

InfinaCore T3 Tri-Charge wireless charging pad for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, available right now for $40.
It's compact, the MagSafe works well, and the fancy lights can be turned off if you don't like them.
You have to supply your own USB-C power adapter.

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I'm a frequent traveler, and one of my biggest pain points is needing to carry a bunch of chargers. Packing multiple cables and power bricks adds unnecessary bulk and weight. Wherever I go, I inevitably have to deal with a tangle of cords competing for a limited number of outlets.

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Out of frustration, I started to look for ways to simplify what I carry around. What I need is a handy dandy 3-in-1 wireless charging solution that can charge my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods from a single charger. That's where the InfinaCore T3 comes in. It's an affordable, all-in-one that eliminates the need to lug around multiple chargers, making the device an easy addition to any travel setup.

InfinaCore T3 Tri-Charge Wireless Charging Pad

The T3 is a bit of a Transformer. You can lay it flat and use it as a three-pad charger if you have the space, or fold it into a more compact triangle if space is limited. It's perfect for charging an iPhone and Apple Watch. The T3 also folds into a collapsed formed for ease of packing and carrying.

The T3 uses magnetized tabs to keep it in the triangle or collapsed concertina configuration, and the magnets hit this Goldilocks level of power -- not too strong, not too weak, but just right.

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You do need to supply a USB-C charger with a minimum power output of 25W to power the entire charger (a cable is supplied). There are a lot of decent chargers out there that fit the bill, such as this Ugreen 30W GaN USB-C charger that you can pick up for only $12.

There were three things that I was eager to test about the T3. First, output. Does it deliver the claimed outputs? My testing suggests yes, you get what's promised, even when all three charging pads are in use. I've seen plenty that fail at this hurdle, so this is a win for the T3.

Cool green mood lighting -- which you can turn off if that's not your thing!

Secondly, does it get hot in use? Because I've seen some go supernova. Again, I've been pleasantly surprised by the charger, which has remained cool throughout.

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Finally, durability. I've been using and abusing this charging pad for a few weeks without any problems. I've also been impressed by the strength of the MagSafe charging ring. Quite a few chargers I've tested fail because they're weak, either allowing the iPhone to fall off the stand or not attaching properly (the biggest cause of overheating). No problems here with the T3.

The charger also features a cool green light, perfect for a bit of ambient mood lighting or to find it in the dark. If this isn't your thing, there's a button to turn it off.

ZDNET's buying advice

The InfinaCore T3 Tri-Charge wireless charging pad is a great charger, whether you're traveling or looking to clear up clutter on your desk or nightstand. It's compact, lightweight, well-made, and stylish. Normally, it retails for $30, but for a limited time, you can get the pad for just $20.

And while I know some will balk at having to buy a separate charger, when you can pick one up for only $17, this whole package is still a very reasonable $37.