Realme's MagSafe-a-like network of magnetic wireless charging devices, MagDart was launched earlier this month. Realme claims that the 50W brick is the fastest magnetic wireless charger anywhere. It can charge a 4,500mAh lithium battery between 0 and 100 percent in just 54 minutes.
Naturally, I was eager to try it for myself. Realme sent me a 50W MagDart charging cable, a 65W SuperDart wall adapter, and a Realme Flash concept smartphone with MagDart compatibility. The GT flagship is the only Realme phone that works with MagDart, and even that requires a special case.
Although the Flash isn't a smartphone for commercial use, it's a great phone. It is a repurposed OnePlus 9 Pro. This is due to the fact that Oppo and Vivo share ownership and suppliers. Although the camera configuration was slightly rearranged, it is not because the onboard software does not include a camera app. The hardware is identical. Flashs About screen still shows the device name of the OnePlus 9 Pro.
MagDart's charger is a sturdy metal box with a glossy top panel and solid construction that contacts the phone. Magnetic force is strong enough to attach the Flash and keep it facing down, but it will fall if it shakes around. The charger's heavy build means that it will still hold the phone in place even if you pick it up. You can only use the Flash as a stationary wireless charger if it is secured to a solid surface. The cooling fan's noise output varies. It is loudest when it is at its most, and I think its equivalent to an Intel-based MacBook Pro that has a few Chrome tabs open.
The performance of the charger was not able to wake my phone at 0 percent when I tested it. To test the performance, I used a USB cable to turn on the phone and bring it up to one percent. Then, I took measurements. The only reason I used the phone while it was charging was to wake it up to check its battery status.
It turns out that the Flash is a fast wireless charger. However, it's not as fast as Realme claims. The Flash reached 60% after just half an hour. It was at 35 percent within 15 minutes. It reached 82 percent at the 45-minute mark, but it was still only 95 percent by the promised 54-minutes. In just 60 minutes, the Flash reached 100 percent. An iPhone 12s battery, on the other hand, will be only half-full after this time.
MagDart does work. Although I'm not convinced by the design, it is still very convenient. This charger is not practical for use with the phone. Realme also offers a 15W MagDart charging puck that is thinner than Apple's MagSafe.
Magnetic wireless charging is about versatility and MagDart technology seems to be able to do that. It will be worthwhile to keep an eye out for it in shipping OnePlus devices, especially for readers from the US.
