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Summary
For some people, their phone charger doesn’t matter, and any plastic one will suffice. For others, it’s important that it matches their decor. Nomad’s newMagSafe compatible Standis for the latter, design-conscious group, but sheds a few dollars compared to its other charging stand option.
MagSafe vs MagSafe Compatible
Nomad offers two nearly identical magnetic charging stands for iPhones. The first to debut was theStand Onewhich retails for $110 and supportsApple’s MFi MagSafefast charging up to 15W for iPhones. This new Stand costs $80 and is MagSafe compatible, so it supports iPhone charging speeds up to 7.5W—15W for otherQi devices, which also have a magnetic attachment.
Related:MagSafe Isn’t Just for iPhones: It’s Great on Android, Too
To state the obvious, the primary difference is the speed at which the Stand One and Stand will charge an iPhone. The only other difference is that Stand One has a white magnetic charging surface and the Stand has a black one.
Both use the same materials, have the same cable length, and need a20W wall adapter. If you plan on using a charging stand in a common area for powering up your phone throughout the day, I would suggest the more powerful Stand One. If the charger is for your nightstand, I recommend the less expensive Stand.
The Nomad Stand isn’t different from most other wireless iPhone chargers in function, but it’s unique in its careful design considerations. Its upright metal and glass design oozes sophistication. Its 1.3-pound weight is simply impressive. While it may be an over-priced Qi charger, it at least offers you the option to choose one that looks and feels high-end.
Magnetically attaching an iPhone to the Stand was obvious and reliable to do. The charger didn’t rock back and forth or give any hints of flimsiness. Removing an iPhone was just as easy but nicer than most other chargers because of the Stand’s weight. It stayed put where it was placed.
In iOS 17, Apple created aStandBy modewhich turns iPhones into a smart display when charging and turned horizontally. The Nomad Stand is perfectly situated for that software feature coming in the fall of 2023.
Related:Nomad Base One Max Review: The MagSafe Charger Apple Should Have Made
The most notable feature of the Stand might be its built-in 2-meter-long USB-C cable. Normally, having an attached cable would be more of a liability than a benefit, but in this case, the 2-meter length is longer than most cables that come with chargers, but not so long that it creates a tangled mess.
I used the Stand both in the living room on a side table and in my room on a nightstand. In both cases, the cable length felt ideal. Having a built-in cable is unfortunate if it were ever to be damaged, and the whole unit is unusable, but I think this more elegant implementation matches the luxurious look and feel of the stand. It was the right decision.
Spending $80 on a phone accessory shouldn’t be taken lightly. Frankly, this product isn’t geared toward everyone, either.Apple makes a MagSafe chargerthat can be picked up for $31, and there areless expensive onesif cost is a concern. (There aremore expensiveones too.)
TheNomad Standis made for people who want their electronics to be a part of their home’s decor. Even though the Stand is expensive, it’s built absurdly well. For those with the budget and interest, this product is worth its price.
