Smart Battery Case Test for iPhone XR, XS and XS Max |igeneration

Three new iPhones so three smart battery case (SBC) and a unique price of € 149.For its iPhone XR, XS and XS Max, Apple has done in simplicity, it provides them with large shells adorned with a portable battery function and compatibility with wireless recharge.

The three models exist in black and white colors (no red for the moment, like the one that exists for the iPhone 7):

We had already detailed the principle of these accessories at the time of their reception a few weeks ago, but by touching only the question of their daily use (Read: Tage of smart battery box for iPhone XS).

With hindsight, there is nothing to withdraw from what was said.On the back, the battery block forms a bump that lengthens on three-quarters of the height.It's mastoc but the grip is good.The base, very plump, falls well in the hollow of the hand and the index finds a natural support at the place where the protuberance decreases.

It is an imposing hull but also reassuring - in the event of a fall - with its silicone coating and its rimmed edges (a film posed on the screen does not interfere with the use of SBC).

The reverse of this coating all around the screen is that it makes navigation gestures in iOS less fluid, like those from the bottom of the screen and those from the sides.But these actions also operating without being necessarily initiated from the edge of the screen, the discomfort is very relative.

Another reproach that can be made with silicone is its ability to quickly catch the small dust: we will rub with the hand to remove most.Silicone is also less promptly from a jeans pocket than a leather case, in some it adheres.

Let us quickly recall the major characteristics of these Apple battery cases for the new range of iPhone:

Autonomy gains

This 2019 family is more powerful than the previous one: 10.1 Wh against 8.98 Wh and 7.13 Wh for the previous two generations adapted to the iPhone 7 and the 6S.

We tested the three models and more particularly that for the XS which, of the three iPhones launched at the end of 2018, is the one that has the most to gain from the reinforcement of this accessory.Not that the XS is bad in this game but the XR and XS Max are more enduring naturally.

iPhone XS, 1st test: I was able to use the iPhone with its SBC from a Friday evening 6 p.m. to Sunday evening 11:30 p.m. (the shell arrived at 0% on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.).

The two nights (about 8 hours each) The iPhone was placed in plane mode and I did not require the energy saving adjustment.

I used the automatic brightness setting (I never put the screen lighting at least or close to the minimum).During this weekend I especially did WhatsApp, Instagram, messaging and a little web.No audio, or video or games.

iPhone XS, 2nd test: iPhone and SBC loaded to block on Monday at 10:30 am, I activate the energy saving mode all along and I leave the iPhone connected during two nights (no plane mode), forDo not miss a possible call.

The SBC is empty on Tuesday at 9 a.m.On Wednesdays, at the same time, there are a few minutes of juice left to raise the email one last time and read a few articles.I kept it for simple uses as before.

iPhone XS Max: Cédric had his phone and SBC 100 % on Monday at 7 p.m., the iPhone was dry on the following Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. (the SBC had returned arms on Tuesday at 4:15 p.m.).

Over this duration, there were two nights of about 8 hours each with the phone in plane mode.During the days, various uses including in particular audio and YouTube podcasts in addition to the communication apps.

iPhone XR: alone, the iPhone XR already holds more than a day, notes Anthony, and even two by activating the energy saving mode preventively.Once slipped into the Smart Battery Case, this dromedary becomes a camel, capable of facing two busy days.Activate the plane mode at night, aggressively use the "energy saving" mode during the day, and you will exceed three days of autonomy!

Take an example: the iPhone XR and the smart Battery Case are filled out of the office at 6 p.m.After using the Modem mode for half an hour, taken a few photos, spent two phone calls, listened to a podcast and does some research on the web, the smart battery case ends the evening half empty.She finished emptying in the current day: the internal battery then takes over.

Despite strong use, due to writing a test, you have to wait until the next morning that the iPhone XR finally asks to be connected to a socket.Two and a half days of rather intense use without having to worry about the charge, it's pretty good.

In summary, during the use of the smart battery case with these three types of iPhone, we can count on an autonomy of approximately 2 full days or even more depending on the use of plane mode and/or modeenergy saving.All this over the course of usage scenarios where we do not deprive ourselves, without paying excess.

Recharge speed

Great novelty - very practical - of this generation, recharge by induction.We put the case (empty or full of its iPhone) on a common Qi support and the recharge starts.An Apple technical sheet explains that with a more powerful charger-from at least 18 W like this, with a cable sold separately-there is a means of accelerating the filling of the battery.

You have to keep in mind that when you recharge the SBC and iPhone duo, it is always the phone that has the priority, unless there is enough juice for both.

Using the Qi Boost Up charger from Belkin from 7.5W, our smart Battery Case (without the iPhone inside) put 2 hours 55 min to go from 0 to 100 %.

Two other tests, still without iPhone in the case, but taking the 61 W charger from a MacBook Pro 13 ": the complete recharge of the SBC first took 2 hours 10 min then 2 hours 20 min.

The “smart” in the product name is explained among other things by the operating mode of the case when powered.When you take a charger at least 30 W, the battery and the iPhone will each shoot to the maximum and recharge in parallel.

With an 18 W charger, it is the iPhone which earns the priority of charging on its external battery, which is satisfied with what is given.Arrived at 50 % load, the iPhone shares the food tied with the SBC.

In the case of a charger of 10 or 12 W, iPhone and SBC share approximately 5W each.

Finally, with the small 5W iPhone charger, the smartphone has all the priority and leaves nothing to the SBC.It is only once almost full that the iPhone will allow SBC to take advantage of the mains supply.

And the iPhone X?

Yes, and the iPhone X?Why did Apple decided not to get out of Smart Battery Case for this model (the iPhone 8 were not better served)?Mystery.The fact remains that the iPhone XS Smart Battery Case can accommodate the iPhone X, even if Apple says it incompatible.

You will have the display of charging information as on the XS and the phone is perfectly fought.There is just a thin day net between the silicone and the edge of the rear camera, but nothing annoying or unsightly.

Conclusion

The price of a Smart Battery Case, € 149, the place at the top of the basket of these accessories.We pay a very good integration into the iPhone (Lightning), iOS (display of charging information) and ease of use that compatibility with Qi chargers reinforces.

The Smart Battery Case is a very good accessory, the question is rather whether it is the one you need or if an external battery would not be more appropriate.

There are all the capacities, at all prices.The most efficient have the strength to know how to load several devices, or only one but several times and not to be linked to a single type of smartphone.But you are lugging an accessory and cables next to your phone, where the SBC has an all-in-one appearance.

The Smart Battery Case may not be as relevant with an XR and an XS max as with an XS, but in any case it is a smart, practical accessory when you need to double your autonomy and you do notDon't want to break your head in use.The wireless recharge being as such a beautiful cherry on the cake.