Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand Review: Travel-Friendly Charging

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand handles charging well, but like its larger siblings, right now it’s best suited only for Apple iPhone users.

Pros	Cons
Very travel-friendly	Qi2 phones right now… are basically just iPhones
20W USB-C charger for other gadgets	Spare USB-C port on the device would make it even handier

Score: 3.5/5

 

	Buy The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand!	Buy On Amazon

In this review

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand Specifications
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand Design
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand Performance
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand Conclusion

 

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand’s appeal is compact charging power, with a fold-up charging plate that takes advantage of Qi2’s magnetic attachment standard (more or less Apple’s Magsafe technology) for those who need power on the go.

It’s a well designed device that delivers on its power promise – but right now, like the 3-in-1 stand, it’s hard to make the argument for anyone but iPhone owners to buy one.

Also read
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Charging Stand Review: Future-proofing power

Design

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand -- Technically the WIA008auBK/WH to its close friends, but I prefer to maintain a professional relationship to it – is a very simple wireless charger from a design standpoint.

Folded up, it’s a small puck of a device, not dissimilar to prior Belkin charger – or many others from competing brands for that matter. Unfolded, a rigid arm allows the charging plate to sit at an angle so that it props up a magnetically attached phone, in much the same style as the previously mentioned 3-in-1 charger.

The difference in design styles here from that more deskbound (or bedside) charger option is that the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand doesn’t use a fixed cable at the back. Instead there’s a standard USB-C charging port that works with the included 20W USB-C charger to power devices placed on the charging stand.

If I wanted to be picky, it would be even nicer if there was a secondary USB-C port on the charging base so that you might charge other devices from it – but that may well push its design constraints and pricing over and above that $99.95 AUD barrier.

Performance

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand is Qi2 compatible, and with that standard comes faster standardised wireless charging, up to 15W on supported devices, as well as magnetic attachment to the charging plate, which is how it can “hold” a connected phone in place at a vertical angle. Try that with a original Qi charger, and it’s going to slide right down to the floor, which rarely ends well.

Qi2’s magnetic attachment isn’t just a story of looking cute in pictures, however. Magnetic alignment means that you get a more efficient connection, with less of the heat buildup issue that you can get from standard Qi chargers.

Here the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand works really well; I’ve been using it while travelling this week and it’s not given me any heat-related grief even in the warmer climes of far north Queensland.

If you’re using it with an iPhone that’s running iOS 17, you’ll also get access to StandBy mode if you turn your phone horizontally before heading to bed.

For the hotels I’ve been staying at recently, it turns the iPhone into a fine overnight clock – and all while keeping it nicely topped up with power, too.

However, there is an issue here, and it’s the same one I encountered with the 3-in-1 Qi dock. Right now, the list of Qi2 phones that you can actually buy consists of iPhones, iPhones and… iPhones.

There aren’t any Android Qi2 phones in market yet, though the standard is now open to them. You can charge other Qi devices on the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand – I’ve tested with a Pixel 8 Pro with no issues – but only at slower rates and only really if you’ve got the plate in its flat puck configuration. It might help in a pinch, but it’s not ideal.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand: Alex’s Verdict

Just like with the 3-in-1 dock, seen purely as update to Belkin’s existing Magsafe chargers, adding Qi2 is no bad thing.

However, it’s rather future-looking unless you’re in the iPhone space exclusively, because we’re yet to see Qi2 emerge on the Android side of the fence.

If you’re a frequent iPhone traveller looking for a compact solution for your next international jaunt, it’s a solid little unit… but it’s maybe a bit early to say that the same commitment is wise for Android phone owners.

Pricing and availability

The The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand retails in Australia for $99.95

	Buy The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Qi2 Convertible Magnetic Stand!	Buy On Amazon

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