REVIEW – Back in May of 2022, I reviewed Pitaka’s MagEZ Slider. There was a lot to like and a couple of things to improve upon. Version 2 is now out and they’ve addressed pretty much everything I was looking for. As luck would have it, I had a week long tradeshow during this review period where I was able to really put the Pitaka MagEZ Slider 2 to the test. Read on to see what’s changed since the last go around and how it went.
What is it?
The MagEZ Slider 2 is a multiple device charging station for iPhone and AirPods as well as Apple Watch with an optional accessory. A removable wireless power bank is used as the charging surface for iPhone enabling further charging on the go.
What’s in the box?
- MagEZ Slider 2 Dock
- MagEZ Slider 2 PowerBank
- Magnetic AirPods Ledge
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Instruction Sheet
Hardware specs
Main Dock Power Input: USB-C DC 9V/2.22A (20-30W power adapter recommended, not included)
AirPods Wireless Output: 5W (when using 20W or higher power adapter
Side Output: USB-C DC 5V/1A for use with Apple Watch Power Dongle (available separately or in a bundle)
Battery: 4000mAh | Power input of USB-C DC 5V/2A from dock
Wireless Battery Output: 5W when docked / 7.5W when mobile
Design and features
Designed to charge iPhone 12/13/14 phones using a MagSafe case, AirPods, and optional Apple Watch accessory.
It magnetically mounts your phone in portrait or landscape mode when docked. Pitaka MagEZ Case 3 shown above and below. Battery pack knows just where to go thanks to MagSafe magnets and Pitaka’s internal floating magnets.
The removable MagSafe power bank supports up to 7.5W wireless charging for iPhones when mobile, 5W when docked. On the backside is a wireless charging spot for your AirPods.
The underside has a reusable sticky surface that has just the right amount of hold this time around.
Setup
Let’s get at it. Connect the included cable to the USB-C port on the rotational base under the cradle and the other end to a power adapter of at least 20W. Place the base as desired.
Slide the battery down into the cradle and verify that it’s charging by looking for the subtle LEDs at the bottom of the front surface. Then slide the switch on the left side to lock or unlock the swivel feature depending on your preference. Orange is locked. Grey is spin-to-win.
The AirPods support ledge is designed to support two positions on the backside of the dock. It’s magnetically held in place and will jump to the correct position for its orientation when you get it close to the right spot. If your AirPods do not charge when set on the ledge, rotate the ledge 180º and it will relocate slightly to a different magnetic position and that should do the trick.
If you want to charge an Apple Watch, you can supply your own cable and connect it to the USB-C port on the right side, or you can use Pitaka’s separately available Power Dongle which creates a resting spot for your watch while charging.
If everything is working and you like the position, lift up the dock and peel back the protective sticker to expose the adhesive gel pad underneath. Place the dock firmly and it should stay put until you decide to remove it.
Performance
So right off the top, here are the changes from the previous version…
- The battery or power bank still charges an iPhone at 5W when docked, but it has been bumped up to 7.5w when used on the go.
- Battery automatically starts charging your phone when attached whereas previously it required a button push.
- A nice little switch on the left side to keep the dock from spinning when touched.
- LED indicators added to the dock to show when charging is active.
- Sticky gel pad on the bottom is smaller and less aggressive while doing the job it needs to.
As I mentioned at the onset I recently was at a tradeshow and a hotel for about a week. I set up the MagEZ Slider 2 in the hotel room with the AirPods ledge on the back and the battery docked in place. I also brought the Watch Power Dongle from the first MagEZ Slider bundle to keep my watch charged. Each night I’d place my AirPod Pros, Apple Watch Ultra and my iPhone 14 Pro onto the dock and hit the sack. In the morning there’s a full charge on everything. Phone and AirPods into pockets, watch on wrist and the MagEZ battery into my backpack.
Tradeshows are brutal on portable electronics as there are cellular and wifi repeaters everywhere and thousands of devices connecting and or scanning. Even if you turn everything off, your devices drain. My watch always made it through to evening as did my AirPods but my phone would be hitting 30% around 2pm. Each day I’d pop that battery on and be back to full before too long and I never once was worried.
The MagEZ Slider 2 dock makes it easy to place or remove your phone, just do so perpendicular to the battery’s face and let the magnets do the rest. If you want to take the battery with you, just slide your phone up vertically and the battery comes along for the ride.
The battery has a hidden button on the face that will show you charge status LEDs on a press, and unlike the previous version, it starts charging your phone the moment it snaps to the back. Snap is an accurate term as the magnets inside the battery pack have some travel so you feel and hear them click when it finds that MagSafe ring in your phone or case.
Overall, the MagEz Slider 2 was designed for a desk or a nightstand and it excels in those locations. As I found on my trip, it was ideal in the hotel room when you’re using your phone even more than usual during the day. The catch is that it’s not the most travel friendly shape or size for packing into a carry on. This is not a knock but a humble request for Pitaka to create a travel version of this product.
What I like
- The rotation lock! Leaving it locked permanently
- Battery pack functionality
- AirPods and Watch charging
What I’d change
- Awkward shape to use for travel, but that’s where it’s needed most
Final thoughts
The MagEZ Slider 2 improves on its predecessor in almost every way. Whether you’re looking for an iPhone/battery/AirPods unit or the bundle that includes an Apple Watch dongle, this will keep your devices charged and you’ll never have to wonder if the battery is ready to go when you need it.
Price: $129 or $179 with Apple Watch adapter
Where to buy: Pitaka or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Pitaka.
