What are the must-have MagSafe accessories for iPhone owners?

Question

What are the absolute must-have MagSafe accessories that I actually need to get for my new phone? I just switched over to an iPhone 15 last week after being an Android user for basically my whole life and I am honestly so lost with this whole magnet situation on the back of the phone. I see that little circle on all the cases in the store but I dont really get what it actually does besides charging? Like is it just for a wireless charger or are there other things that actually make life easier because I feel like I'm missing out on half the features I paid for lol.

I'm mostly looking for stuff that is practical because I commute about an hour each way on the train here in Chicago and my hands always get tired holding the phone up to watch videos or read. Is there a grip or something that doesnt involve sticking permanent glue to the back of my nice new phone? I saw something called a PopSocket but I think those use stickers usually? I really dont want to ruin the finish. Also I keep seeing people with those tiny wallets stuck to the back and it looks cool but does it actually stay on? I'm terrified of my credit cards just falling off while I'm walking to the station and me not noticing until I'm already at work.

My budget is probably around 100 or 150 bucks to get a few starter things but I have no idea where to start or if I need to buy a specific brand. Do I have to buy everything from Apple or do the cheap ones on Amazon work just as well? I dont want to fry my battery using a knockoff magnet thing if thats even a possibility. Sorry if these are really basic questions I just feel like a total boomer trying to figure this out even though I'm only 30. If anyone has like a top three list of things they actually use every single day that would be amazing... I just want to make sure I'm getting stuff that actually sticks well and wont just fall off in my bag or something.

ezfvpqpeik · Accepted Answer

Re: "Honestly, it is quite disappointing how much trial..."

I totally get that frustration. Over the years, I've tried many different setups and honestly, the magnet strength depends 100% on the case you choose. If you get a cheap case with a weak ring, your stuff is gonna fly off the second the train hits a bump. In my experience, you dont need to buy everything from Apple. Their stuff is okay, but third-party brands like Anker or Spigen are usually more reliable for daily use.

Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery 5000mAh with Foldable Kickstand is perfect for that hour-long commute. It sticks to the back to charge while also having a flap that folds out so you can set it on the tray table to watch videos without holding it.

Spigen MagFit S Magnetic Charging Stand is what I use at my desk. It keeps the phone at a perfect angle for reading notifications while it charges. Tbh, just make sure any case you buy specifically says MagSafe. If it doesnt have those extra magnets built into the plastic, the connection wont be safe at all.

D444k · Answer

Honestly, i've had a lot of issues with the magnet strength not being as good as expected, especially when i'm rushing through a crowded station. Unfortunately, most of the cheap stuff you find online is just gonna let you down and your phone will end up on the floor. I actually had my phone fly off a cheap mount once... really not fun. Since you're on the train and worried about glue, definitely check out the PopSockets MagSafe PopGrip Magnetic Phone Grip. It doesn't use stickers at all, it just snaps onto the back and stays put. I also really suggest getting a solid desk charger like the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with MagSafe 15W. It's way safer for your battery than those random ones that get super hot tho. Paying a bit more is definitely worth it for the peace of mind tbh. Let me know if you need help picking a case cuz that's where most people mess up.

KrakenRef · Answer

Honestly, it is quite disappointing how much trial and error is involved with these magnets. I initially bought the Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe but the material quality was not as good as expected and it felt like it would slide off too easily in my pocket. For a Chicago commute, you need something that actually stays put. Here is what I have found works through my own testing:

ESR Magnetic Wallet with HaloLock Adjustable Stand is significantly better than the Apple version because the magnets are twice as strong and it doubles as a kickstand for your videos.

PopSockets MagSafe PopGrip Magnetic Phone Grip solves your glue problem. It snaps onto the magnet ring perfectly and wont ruin the phone finish.

Anker 610 Magnetic Phone Grip MagGo is a cheaper alternative, though unfortunately the ring can be somewhat uncomfortable during long sessions. I suggest avoiding the no-name brands. I have had issues with them demagnetizing or just feeling flimsy compared to the reputable manufacturers.