My phone hasn’t been plugged in for ages now. Ever since MagSafe technology became a part of my life, I’ve grown accustomed to simply placing my smartphone on one of the many wireless charging stands scattered around my home. However, this habit doesn’t work well when I need to charge on the go.
While there are plenty of MagSafe-equipped power banks available, they have struggled to recreate the seamless and reliable charging experience due to one major issue: heat. Wireless charging generates more heat compared to traditional wired charging, and this becomes a challenge when the charger is attached to the back of your phone. The excessive heat often causes my phone to slow down or lose charge quickly.
An ideal solution
Sharge’s Icemag 3 power bank tackles this problem in a straightforward manner by incorporating a built-in cooling fan.
The Icemag 3 stands out from its competitors with its unique glass back design. A narrow transparent window at the bottom provides a glimpse of the internal circuitry and the fan in action. Additionally, there is a small vent at the bottom to release the hot air. The power bank features a vertical kickstand that can be adjusted to achieve the desired viewing angle.
Upon activation, the fan not only produces a noticeable whirring sound but also illuminates in a full-spectrum RGB light display, attracting attention from onlookers. The edgy design of the Icemag 3, while sleek and distinctive, has raised eyebrows in public settings, particularly at airport security checkpoints where I was questioned about it twice. Fortunately, the RGB lights can be turned off by long-pressing the power button.
Turn the power bank on, and the fan kicks off not just with a noticeable whir, but also a full-spectrum RGB light show
The front of the Icemag 3 features a Qi2 charging pad, a standout feature of the power bank. It supports the latest fast 25W charging speeds for compatible phones like the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10 series, maintaining these speeds without overheating. I was impressed by the effectiveness of the fan, even during extended charging sessions.
While the noise from the fan may be distracting in quiet environments initially, it eventually fades into the background as white noise. For rapid charging needs, the power bank includes a USB-C port capable of charging at 35W and a built-in USB-C cable that can be converted into a loop. All charging outputs can function simultaneously, enabling users to charge up to three devices simultaneously.
With a total capacity of 10,000mAh, flagship phones can be charged from empty to full twice on a single charge.
Small downsides, but still easy to recommend
While the Icemag 3 is an impressive device, it does have a couple of drawbacks. The metal kickstand, for instance, feels flimsy and loose at times, raising concerns about its durability. Additionally, the power bank does not support pass-through technology, meaning it cannot be used as a wireless charging stand while being charged.
Despite these minor issues, the Sharge Icemag 3 is a highly recommended fast and reliable Qi2 power bank. With all its features, the price tag of £59.44/$79.90 offers good value for money, especially considering frequent discounts.
Sharge continues to introduce innovative products like the Icemag 3, demonstrating that phone accessories can be both functional and visually appealing.