MagSafe is now on Android. Defined in 2023, the Qi2 wireless charging standard is based on Apple’s technology. It allows Android phone makers to add a wireless charger and magnetic connector combo to their products, making them compatible with an array of accessories like the best Qi2 wireless chargers.
However, browsing through the hundreds of MagSafe and Qi2 accessories on the market makes you realize that MagSafe and Qi2 are not only for making wireless charging more convenient. A magnetic connector on your phone, whether it’s built into it or its case, lets you snap on various useful gizmos and gadgets you probably didn’t know existed. This article puts the spotlight on them.
The DigiEra portable magnetic SSD connects to an iPhone or Android smartphone via USB-C and provides plentiful storage for your files.
Using external storage devices with Android is not a new concept. SSDs for smartphone use have been around for a while, and I use one to offload larger video files. However, while filming, you don’t want something as fragile as a portable drive dangling from your phone’s USB port.
This portable SSD solves the problem by adding a magnetic ring, allowing you to stick it to the back of a compatible phone or magnetic case. While it’s designed for use with MagSafe on iPhones, buyers on Amazon confirm the accessory works with Samsung models. With its USB 3.0 Type-C interface, the SSD can connect to PCs or compatible media players. Capacity options include 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, making the drive ideal for hobby videographers and content creators who find their phone’s capacity insufficient.
Some magnetic accessories can interfere with the S Pen on Samsung Galaxy phones. It’s worth reading the reviews or consulting with the seller if you want to draw with the S Pen while the accessory is attached to your phone.
7 Anker SD card reader
Move files on the go
Anker MagGo USB-C SD Card Reader
$20 $35 Save $15
The Anker MagGo USB-C card reader attaches to the back of your Qi2 or MagSafe-capable phone or magnetic case. It lets you access the contents of microSD and SD cards conveniently from your phone.
Here’s one more accessory that vloggers and photographers might find useful. This magnetic SD and microSD card reader from Anker helps you access the files on the memory card you use with your professional camera, GoPro, or drone, for example. You can then view, edit, and share media conveniently from your phone, without a computer. Anker’s SD card reader is designed for iPhones, but it works with Android models, as confirmed by Amazon reviews.
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6 Neewer tripod mount and cold shoe adapter
For the camera nerds
Neewer Magnetic Tripod Mount
$20 $25 Save $5
The Neewer magnetic tripod mount can be magnetically attached to phones with MagSafe or Qi2 magnet rings. It features a 1/4-inch thread for tripods and a cold shoe allowing you to mount various photography accessories to it.
Here’s a camera accessory from Neewer, known for its budget-friendly yet functional products. This magnetic tripod adapter has a convenient 1/4-inch thread on it. You can use it to add MagSafe abilities to overhead or compact action tripods like the Joby Gorillapod.
Neewer’s adapter also includes a cold shoe, which holds accessories like lights or wireless microphone transmitters. It weighs 1.5 ounces (42 grams) and sticks to your phone with 4.4 lbs (2 kilos) of force, Neewer advertises.
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5 Ulanzi magnetic ring light
Make your selfies sparkle
Ulanzi Magnetic Ring Light
The Ulanzi ring light attaches magnetically to the back of your phone. It provides additional quality illumination, whether you’re using the front or rear camera. The built-in battery lasts up to 1.5 hours per charge.
Even though your phone has a built-in flash, this portable ring light by Ulanzi could be handy. It provides additional illumination for your photos and videos, whether you use the front or rear cameras. Its 24 high-CRI LEDs sit behind a diffuser and are arranged in a circle to reduce unflattering, harsh shadows. The built-in brightness and color temperature controls let you fine-tune the mood and tone of your images.
Ulanzi’s magnetic light won’t beat your phone’s flash when it comes to brightness, but it could be a better light source for close-ups, selfies, or video calls. One limitation is that it has its own rechargeable battery, which you charge via USB-C. The light cannot pull power from your phone.
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4 KraftGeek magnetic 64-inch tripod and stand
For vloggers and content creators
KraftGeek OTH-AB202MAX-MAG 64-inch Magnetic Tripod
This KraftGeek tripod features a MagSafe magnetic ring for iPhones and Android phones with Qi2 support or magnetic cases. It folds down to 12 inches and can extend up to 64 inches in height.
This tripod by KraftGeek extends to 64 inches, making it useful in many situations. It weighs 13 ounces (368 grams) and measures 12 inches when folded, so it’s easy to carry around. At the same time, it has a small footprint, making it usable even on a desk as an overhead tripod. Another perk is the wireless remote, allowing you to take photos from a distance.
KraftGeek suggests this tripod is also useful as a selfie stick, but given its size, it’s probably not the most suitable tool for the job. Another downside is that the magnetic head is not detachable, so the tripod is strictly for use with MagSafe accessories only. Still, given its price, I can’t complain.
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3 MagSafe PopSockets
PopSockets Round Phone Grip, Adapter Ring for MagSafe Included
The PopSockets with MagSafe can easily stick to any Android phone featuring Qi2 or with a magnetic case.
Whether you like them or not, PopSockets enjoy a loyal following and have been stuck to the back of phones over 100 million times. Their semi-permanent nature has always been a nuisance. That’s why PopSockets with MagSafe seem like a match made in heaven. You stick them on when you need them and remove them when you don’t. Magnets also make it easier to switch from one design to another.
While trendy, PopSockets are not cheap for what they are. If you agree, you might be more interested in the next item on the list.
Slap on the Anker 610 phone grip on any phone with Magsafe, Qi2 support, or a magnetic case. It is slim, light, and doubles as a kickstand.
This magnetic ring by Anker is a more affordable alternative to the PopSocket approach. It isn’t as funky when it comes to design and personalization. The PopSockets brand has launched hundreds of colors, themes, and motifs over the years. Still, Anker’s modest phone grip is available in calming pastel blue and purple in addition to the classic gray and white options. It is also slim and light, while the ring extends to double as a kickstand.
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1 Moft magnetic wallet and stand
An origami-inspired, colorful wallet
MOFT Magnetic Wallet Stand
$30 $40 Save $10
The Moft magnetic wallet has a design inspired by the Japanese art of origami. It holds 1 or 2 cards and doubles as a stand when unfolded.
If you’re looking for a magnetic wallet for an Android phone, check out what Moft offers. The company’s compact MagSafe wallets, inspired by the Japanese art of origami, hold one or two cards and come in several colors. Better yet, they extend to double as a phone stand, allowing you to prop your phone in portrait or landscape orientation. If that’s not enough, the stand functions as a grip when extended.
Moft warns that its MagSafe wallet may interfere with the Samsung S Pen. Removing it should solve any issues, however.
MagSafe and Qi2 aren’t just for convenient charging
While MagSafe and Qi2 are wireless charging solutions at their cores, accessory brands are making great use of the strong and conveniently placed magnetic connector. I wonder what other clever gadgets and gizmos they’ll come up with next if the standards gain more popularity.
Still, despite its potential, full Qi2 support is missing from most Android phones today, while the partial solution, Qi2 Ready, is problematic and confusing. The latter approach skips the magnets built into the phone, instead relying on a magnetic ring in a case for attachment. Therefore, the future of Qi2 charging and magnetic accessories is uncertain on the Android side of the fence. If the trend for slimmer phones gains traction in the coming years, it may take longer for Qi2 to become common.
