When the AirPower was canceled by Apple, many other manufacturers saw their chance. This is also the case with HardCider Labs, who launched their wireless charger through a successful Kickstarter campaign with the SliceCharge Pro Wireless Charging Mat. But is this the alternative to Apple’s never-before-seen charging mat?
SliceCharge Pro Wireless Charging Mat does what Apple couldn’t
Many AirPower alternatives have been presented in recent months . Usually they were simple mats with multiple charging points, which did not come close to Apple’s ambition. No manufacturer dared to make a charging mat with multiple coils, no matter how you put your iPhone on it. HardCider Labs promised to be able to deliver something similar with the SliceCharge Pro and has now done so. What Apple failed to do, HardCider does: placing charging coils on top of each other. Without it overheating. But does it also work effortlessly? We have tested it extensively for you in this review of the SliceCharge Pro.
Review: Roy Habets, photos: HardCider Labs. The SliceCharge Pro for this review was purchased by the reviewer. Not all products that we test at the iCulture editorial office receive an extensive review. For covers, cables and other accessories we have the more concise ‘iCulture view’ reviews.
SliceCharge Pro in short
These are the main features of the charging mat:
- Suitable for wireless charging up to 7.5W for iPhone 8 and newer.
- Can also be used for wireless charging up to 10W for all other devices that support Qi charging.
- Has multiple overlapping spirals so you can place your device anywhere to charge.
- Suitable for charging the AirPods 2 with wireless charging case.
- Equipped with an MFI-certified Apple Watch charger for Apple Watch 1/2/3/4.
- Equipped with a 30W USB-C Power Delivery adapter.
- Price: $ 139 through HardCider Labs website.
Design of theSliceCharge Pro Wireless Charging Mat
The charger is available in three versions: with gray, blue or white textile around the charger. The charging mat feels soft and is neatly finished. In addition, there is the possibility to order an extra stand, so that you can put your devices upright during charging. The box also contains a charger including an adapter for a Dutch socket.
The mat has a built-in Apple Watch charger. Its white puck is supplied by OPSO and is MFi certified .
SliceCharge Pro in use
The SliceCharge Pro works with six overlapping charging coils that ensure that your device does not have to be in a fixed place while charging. With this, HardCider Labs has created a charging mat that lives up to the promises that Apple could not keep a year and a half after the announcement. But is that also the case?
In practice it turns out to work very well. Regardless of where and in which direction we place the iPhone or AirPods case on the SliceCharge Pro, the charging starts immediately. The recess has given the Apple Watch charger a permanent place, but it is adjustable in height so that you can use the watch with any type of strap. This is a plus compared to the AirPower and the charging mats of other competitors.
Apple reportedly decided not to continue with the AirPower , because it would become too hot due to the technology used. The SliceCharge Pro also heats up, but the temperature remains within limits, so there is no danger during use. The heat is a byproduct of wireless charging, so it’s hard to avoid.
SliceCharge Pro Wireless Charging Mat: also handy when traveling
Most users will charge their iPhone and other wireless charging products next to their bed or on their desk. However, the SliceCharge Pro can also be an ideal travel charger. The charging mat is not too big, very flat and equipped with a 30W USB-C charger. That saves a number of cables in the bag or in your suitcase and of course the search for multiple sockets in your hotel room.
BENEFITS+
- Charge three devices at the same time
- Nicely finished
- Charges at maximum speed
- Compact and space-saving
CONS-
- Not as fast as charging with a cable
Conclusion SliceCharge Pro Wireless Charging Mat
If you own an iPhone 8 or newer, an Apple Watch and maybe also a set of AirPods 2 with wireless charging case, then you are in the right place with theSliceCharge Pro Wireless Charging Mat. You can charge all your products on the charging mat, which also looks great.
Are there any disadvantages to report? That has to do with expectations. If you have become used to fast charging via a USB-C-to-Lightning cable, the charging speed via the SliceCharge Pro is a bit disappointing, but that is the case with all wireless charging mats.
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