MagSafe vs Non-MagSafe: Which iPhone 16 Wallet Case Charges Faster?
Posted by New Case on 4th Aug 2025
MagSafe vs Non-MagSafe: Which iPhone 16 Wallet Case Charges Faster?
Wireless charging is a lifesaver—until your phone wakes up at 5 a.m. with 2 % battery because the coil didn’t line up. That’s where Apple’s MagSafe system shines. But will a wallet case interfere? We compared magnetic and non-magnetic iPhone 16 wallet cases so you can choose the one that keeps both your cards and your battery topped up.
1 · How MagSafe works (and why it’s faster)
MagSafe adds a ring of perfectly aligned magnets around Apple’s charging coil. When you drop an iPhone 16 onto a MagSafe puck, the magnets snap it into place and deliver up to 15 W of wireless power—double the 7.5 W limit of standard Qi chargers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
2 · Real-world speed test
| Case type | Charging tech | Power draw * | Time to 50 % | Time to 100 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CaseMe C36 MagSafe Wallet | MagSafe | 15 W | ~36 min | ~1 h 55 min |
| Mercury Mansoor Folio (MagSafe ring) | MagSafe | 15 W | ~38 min | ~2 h 00 min |
| Generic Slider Wallet | Qi | 7.5 W | ~68 min | ~3 h 30 min |
*Measured with a USB-C power meter and a 30 W Apple adapter.
3 · Why some wallet cases slow charging
- Magnet alignment issues – Non-MagSafe cases rely on a rubber ridge to “guess” the sweet spot, so even a 3 mm offset tanks efficiency.
- Extra millimetres of material – Thick card pockets push the coil further from the charger, increasing resistance.
- Metal plates & shielding – Some budget folios hide a steel plate for magnetic car mounts; that blocks induction entirely and triggers an iOS 18 Slow Charger warning. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
4 · Which wallet case should you choose?
Ask yourself:
- Do you nightly charge on a MagSafe pad? Go with a wallet case that includes an exposed magnetic ring or a detachable MagSafe-ready shell.
- Are you fine with cable charging? A non-MagSafe folio is perfectly safe; it just takes ~45 % longer on a Qi pad.
- Need maximum convenience? The CaseMe C36 Detachable 2-in-1 lets you pop the inner shell off for true 15 W charging while keeping cards in the folio.
5 · Frequently asked questions
Will magnets wipe my credit cards?
Chip-and-PIN cards aren’t affected by MagSafe magnets, and RFID-blocking fabric keeps tap-and-go details safe.
Does MagSafe work through three cards and cash?
Yes, provided the magnetic ring is still flush with the outside of the case. Ultra-thick folios may require removing the inner shell for best speeds.
Can I upgrade a non-MagSafe case?
Stick-on magnetic rings exist, but they rarely align perfectly. Buying a purpose-built MagSafe wallet case is the safer bet.
Ready to power up?
Browse our full iPhone 16 wallet case collection—every MagSafe model ships free from our Gold Coast warehouse. If you’re still on the fence, start with our Ultimate Buying Guide to iPhone 16 Wallet Cases for more tips.