iPhone Air The Air is just plain awesome

[turbineseaplane]

Yes, this is exactly why I considered one. I ended up going with the new Anker Nano instead. Got it for less than half the cost of the Apple model and it has more juice. I only expect to use it once a month or so while traveling so it was worth the $46 (Amazon) to me. Bonus is it will work on any MagSafe iPhone so my wife and/or kids can use it in a pinch too.

Screenshots from a YouTube video review:

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Why can't Apple beat (or even compete with) Anker on specs/value/offering on these?
How frustrating.

To me the best thing about the Anker one is how it's sized/shaped so it can work with any other iPhone also.

A battery pack that's constrained to just the Air is less than ideal, shall we say.

 

[surferfb]

Why can't Apple beat (or even compete with) Anker on specs/value/offering on these?
How frustrating.

To me the best thing about the Anker one is how it's sized/shaped so it can work with any other iPhone also.

A battery pack that's constrained to just the Air is less than ideal, shall we say.

I don't think it's a "can't" but a "doesn't care to." Apple always has and always well charge a premium for accessories.

FWIW, in my experience the Anker battery packs don't "stick" nearly as well as Apple's. I don't know if it's different quality magnets, more precise engineering, or what, but there is nothing more annoying than taking your phone out and realizing it hasn't actually been charging. Of course it's possible this improved since the last time I tried one, but I happily paid the premium for the Apple one even knowing there are cheaper options out there because of that.

Obviously not sticking as well is better than "doesn't fit the phone at all" for those without the Air.

 

[Krabba]

I don't think it's a "can't" but a "doesn't care to." Apple always has and always well charge a premium for accessories.

FWIW, in my experience the Anker battery packs don't "stick" nearly as well as Apple's. I don't know if it's different quality magnets, more precise engineering, or what, but there is nothing more annoying than taking your phone out and realizing it hasn't actually been charging. Of course it's possible this improved since the last time I tried one, but I happily paid the premium for the Apple one even knowing there are cheaper options out there because of that.

Obviously not sticking as well is better than "doesn't fit the phone at all" for those without the Air.

Having not tried the Apple pack I obviously can't speak in terms of comparing them, but the Anker pack "sticks" very well to the Air. Perhaps some combination of improved magnets and the lightness of Air. The few times I've used it so far and placed it either in a pocket or screen down on a table, I've picked it up by the pack and it's felt rock solid.

I have a buddy who's picking up an Apple pack this weekend for his Air. If I can catch up with him I'll try and get a "stickiness" and charge speed/time comparison. I'll report back.

 

[B.A.T]

I bought a 6000mAh battery off Amazon for $27.50 a couple of years ago for my 12 mini. Works fine but the only issue is it was recalled for safety issues. I'm sure the Anker batteries are fine but I'll happily pay more for Apple tech in the future when it comes to batteries.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I bought a 6000mAh battery off Amazon for $27.50 a couple of years ago for my 12 mini. Works fine but the only issue is it was recalled for safety issues. I'm sure the Anker batteries are fine but I'll happily pay more for Apple tech in the future when it comes to batteries.

I bought both of my Apple MagSafe packs preowned for a song..

One on FB and one from Best Buy.

Happy to have Apple versions, but I'd never pay their MSRP.

 

[achappy]

Isn't the advantage of using the Apple battery is the smart charging portion that's suppose to be better for the battery? I haven't used one in many years (maybe since the 14 Pro) but I seem to recall that was the main advantage.

IIRC it will deplete the battery pack first and then you are left with the phone battery where aftermarket just charges which supposedly degrades the battery? No clue long term if that's the case.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Went to the Apple Store today. I looked at the phones on display and they wren't all scratched up. I will say that the display MagSafe chargers were leaving rings on the back of all the phones. I was able to rub off a lot of the faint ring with my thumb.

I looked at the Cloud White and Sky Blue and I couldn't honestly tell Sky Blue was blue albeit at another table, I did see a little more blue.

I ended up getting the Cloud White as well, even though I already have the black. I really like the accent of the polished rails. For now, I think I will use the Cloud White and enjoy the polished rails. And before anyone asks, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my space black. It still looks new but, I like the white that much more.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Isn't the advantage of using the Apple battery is the smart charging portion that's suppose to be better for the battery? I haven't used one in many years (maybe since the 14 Pro) but I seem to recall that was the main advantage.

IIRC it will deplete the battery pack first and then you are left with the phone battery where aftermarket just charges which supposedly degrades the battery? No clue long term if that's the case.

Can you only charge the Apple one while it's attached to the phone?

Noticed it has no port ... can it be charged by itself on a MagSafe puck?

(l really like charging my 2 older MagSafe packs on their own with a wire)

 

[surferfb]

Can you only charge the Apple one while it's attached to the phone?

Noticed it has no port ... can it be charged by itself on a MagSafe puck?

(l really like charging my 2 older MagSafe packs on their own with a wire)

It has a port.

 

[rui no onna]

Yes, this is exactly why I considered one. I ended up going with the new Anker Nano instead. Got it for less than half the cost of the Apple model and it has more juice. I only expect to use it once a month or so while traveling so it was worth the $46 (Amazon) to me. Bonus is it will work on any MagSafe iPhone so my wife and/or kids can use it in a pinch too.

Screenshots from a YouTube review:

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How's the Anker Nano? I have an older model and it has an audible coil whine and randomly stops charging.

 

[Krabba]

How's the Anker Nano? I have an older model and it has an audible coil whine and randomly stops charging.

It has been great thus far. I haven't really needed it yet per se, but I have charged from ~20% - 80% a few times without issue. Gets a little warm as all wireless chargers do, but certainly not to the point of being uncomfortable in hand. The thinness and lightness are excellent and the main reason I purchased it. Really doesn't feel much thicker or heavier than my 15 PM did without an external battery. I also have had the MagGo model for a few years now and haven't had an issues with it either. That one is both thicker and heavier, but I do like the integrated stand when traveling.

 

[tomtad]

I don't think it is really.

The regular iPhone is only 12 grams heavier, 2mm thicker, and has an extra camera, an extra speaker, and a larger battery.

And for all these extra features they charge you $200 less.

 

[Webcat86]

I don't think it is really.

The regular iPhone is only 12 grams heavier, 2mm thicker, and has an extra camera, an extra speaker, and a larger battery.

And for all these extra features they charge you $200 less.

12g and 2mm sound tiny on paper but in the context of what is already a small product they’re very significant.

 

[surferfb]

I don't think it is really.

The regular iPhone is only 12 grams heavier, 2mm thicker, and has an extra camera, an extra speaker, and a larger battery.

And for all these extra features they charge you $200 less.

The Porsche 911 isn’t awesome. The Cayenne gives you more doors, space, more seats, and more horsepower for less money than a 911 so why would anyone buy the 911?

You pay more for less because “less” is exactly what you’re paying for: less weight, less thickness. It’s about refinement, not feature count. If, for example, you’ve got to take three kids to school and soccer practice everyday, then the 911 isn’t for you. If, for example, you listen to a lot of content on phone speakers, then maybe the iPhone Air isn’t for you.

But if the compromises don’t matter to you, then using the 911/Air is much more enjoyable than their bigger, “more capable” counterparts. And, in my opinion, that’s worth paying extra for. Your mileage may vary.

 

[jsmith1]

Did a nice long hike with my dogs yesterday evening and I used to have to put my 15 PM in a fanny pack because it would weigh my shorts down so much. Literally was patting my pocket every 1/4 mile or so to ensure I still had the Air on me.

This.

Also this. Unsure if that makes us old though... 🤔

Agreed. I've explained this to several people and once they hold mine, even for a few seconds, they "get it".

Yeah, I was out shopping yesterday. I got back got in the house put my key on the desk and then I panicked like where’s my phone felt my back pocket. It was in there like wow incredible then I pulled out undoubtedly the wave of the future for Apple with the best build and powerful phone…..just so many years with Apple that I felt they finally have turned the corner…. no more bricks, I think I should have a shirt made.

 

[valinda]

Yeah, I was out shopping yesterday. I got back got in the house put my key on the desk and then I panicked like where’s my phone felt my back pocket. It was in there like wow incredible then I pulled out undoubtedly the wave of the future for Apple with the best build and powerful phone…..just so many years with Apple that I felt they finally have turned the corner…. no more bricks, I think I should have a shirt made.

Just don’t wash it with the laundry! That’s what I accidentally did with my 12 mini. Didn’t realize it was still in my pocket. Good thing was it still worked and didn’t show any water damage by the sim tray. LoL

 

[sk1ski1]

I don't think it is really.

The regular iPhone is only 12 grams heavier, 2mm thicker, and has an extra camera, an extra speaker, and a larger battery.

And for all these extra features they charge you $200 less.

The key difference for me on the Air is the larger screen. Sure...6.3 vs 6.5 might not sound like much, but in person and in the hand, the screen is very noticeably bigger.

The larger screen plus the thinness and weight difference makes a dramatic difference in the feeling of the phone every time I pick it up. Which is 100% of the time. I hardly ever used the ultra-wide. Single speaker is fine. I use AirPods for music listening. The battery life is the same as the iPhone 16 Pro and only 10% less than the iPhone 17.

The Air is for people who want a larger screen without the bulk. For people who want a premium phone and can compromise on some Pro features they never or rarely used.