Since Apple added wireless charging to their iPhones, accessories for taking advantage of this convenient technology have multiplied faster than Captain Kirk’s tribbles. Wireless chargers now come in all shapes, sizes, and price points; few are as thoughtfully designed, easy to use, or as convenient as the Belkin BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock for iPhone and Apple Watch.
At an MSRP of $159.99, there are numerous wireless chargers that cost significantly less. Some can even be found that cost less than $20. Why then, considering you can get multiple wireless charging docks for the price of Belkin’s offering, would you purchase this accessory? The answer is simple — not all wireless chargers are equal and, thanks to their years of experience designing some of the best mobile device accessories, Belkin has delivered a wireless charger that stands out from the pack.
START YOUR DAY FULLY CHARGED: Ideal for your nightstand, the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock provides 3-in-1 charging to power your essential devices while you sleep. A 7.5-watt wireless charging pad fuels your iPhone at the fastest possible wireless speed for iPhone, while a 5-watt Magnetic Charging Module powers your Apple Watch. The dock supports Nightstand mode for the Apple Watch to enable the alarm clock feature as it charges. An additional 5-watt USB-A port allows you to simultaneously charge another device like an iPad or power bank, to create a three-device charging station all from a single AC outlet.
In the box, you will find the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock for iPhone + Apple Watch, a 1.5-meter/5-foot AC adapter, a Quick Install Guide and an Extended Warranty Registration Card.
The best way to think about this BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock is to consider it a charging hub dedicated to those who use Apple products. If we take that approach, there needs to be a four-part look at the accessory.
First, there is the design and appearance. As is the case with other Belkin products I have reviewed, the design, materials, and finish of the BOOST?UP Wireless Charging Dock is superb. Made from plastic with a few metal pieces for strength and stability, the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock has a low profile that won’t take up too much space on your night table.
The footprint measures 7.36” wide by 4.13” deep. That means it takes up some space on your night table, but not so much that there isn’t room for other items you want to keep within reach. At its highest point, the BOOSTUP is just under 5” high, but that is only the case with one part of the accessory. The result is a charging station that is fairly unobtrusive when not in use and, if the color matches the surface upon which it is placed, disappears into the background.
Next, there is the Qi wireless charger. Designed specifically for iPhones, it delivers 7.5 watts of power. This is shy of the 10 watts we have seen on some chargers, but it the maximum power standard current iPhones employ.
FASTEST POSSIBLE WIRELESS CHARGING FOR iPHONE: The wireless charging pad is optimized to recharge your iPhone battery as fast as possible. iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are designed to wirelessly refuel at 7.5-watts, so your iPhone will charge faster using this dock than it would using a standard 5-watt charger.
Of course, Belkin knows how much our iPhones cost and the degree to which we rely upon them, so they made sure the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock delivers its charge as safely as possible. That’s why they went with proven Qi wireless technology and offer a remarkable warranty.
$2,500 CONNECTED EQUIPMENT WARRANTY: The BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock is protected by a Belkin Connected Equipment Warranty. If your device is damaged by an electrical charge while properly connected to the charger, Belkin will repair or replace it up to a value of $2,500.
And while the 7.5-watt charging, not to mention the integrated Apple Watch charger, clearly indicate that this product was designed for use with Apple products, it can also charge other phones, tablets, and accessories compatible with Qi technology.
The wireless chargers built into the accessory are strong enough that you can charge your phone through most cases so long as they are 3mm or less in thickness. It won’t work with metal cases, and you will want to test it out since there is no way the company can guarantee it works with every case on the market, but I have tried some different cases and had yet to encounter an issue.
The third aspect deserving mention is the integrated charger for Apple Watch. Built into the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock is a circle of plastic that looks much like the circular charger Apple includes with their watches. It has the same shape, design, and function as Apple’s charger but it is a permanent part of the hub. It is magnetized, so it holds you Apple Watch in place and, as far as I can tell, it charges an Apple Watch at the same rate as Apple’s offering. That means you won’t have to deal with the excess cable of the original watch charger, and you will have the one that came with your Apple Watch free to pack when you head out on your next adventure.
Also, this section of the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock supports Nightstand mode. As Belkin explains:
By holding your Apple Watch at the optimal viewing angle, it enables you to use the alarm clock feature while you charge.
Finally, it is noteworthy that, at the rear of the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock there is a 5-watt USB-A charging port. This is a great feature and means that from the single included AC adapter you can charge your phone, your Apple Watch, and a third device like AirPods, an external battery pack or pretty much any other mobile device.
Belkin notes that the ability to charge three devices at once essentially creates ‘charging station’ on your nightstand.
This means all your essential devices can charge simultaneously to be fully charged when you need them. Ideal for your nightstand or your desk, this compact dock reduces clutter and cables by safely connecting three devices to a single AC outlet.
Features:
- 7.5W charges iPhone at fastest possible speed for iPhone
- Supports Nightstand mode for Apple Watch
- 5W/1A USB-A port charges iPad/ additional device
- Compatible with most iPhone cases up to 3mm
- Includes AC adapter for easy setup
- LED shows when iPhone is aligned and charging
- 3-year extended warranty available
- Qi-certified for universal compatibility
- $2,500 Connected Equipment Warranty
I’m a fan of the BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock and, while I have some different wireless chargers from which to choose, it is the one I’m currently using next to my best. There are a few reasons for that. First, I like the low profile of the device. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and its understand design lets it pretty much disappears from view when not in use. I also love the fact that it holds my iPhone vertically. I reviewed a fabulous wireless iPhone charging dock a few weeks ago. I love it, but the fact that the iPhone lays flat on its surface rather than sitting upright makes it a bit more difficult to grab my phone when I need to check it in the middle of the night.
I also love the integrated Apple Watch charger. Its nothing fancy but the fact that it is always there means there is a permanent place for me to putty watch at night and, because the charger is built in, the charging cable that came with my Watch can now reside in my travel gear bag so I can keep my watch going when I’m on the go. Finally, I love the fact that there is a 5watt USB port on at the back of the device. Having the option to charge a third device at the same time as my iPhone and Apple Watch means all my essential gear is fully charged each morning without the need to bring another charging hub and its nest of wires and cables into the mix.
The BOOSTUP Wireless Charging Dock is a complete package and ideal for the Apple fan who wants to keep their key devices next to their bed charging at night. It is ready to use right out of the box, charges your iPhone at the quickest speed currently possible, keeps you Apple Watch charged and viewable as a nighttime clock and even lets you charge a third device rapidly. Add to that the fact that it looks great and is well constructed and if you are looking for a way to keep all your devices charged and within reach, this is an accessory you should consider. Check it out here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Charges iPhones quickly; Has a dedicated charger for Apple Watch; Charges a third device via a rear USB port; Carries an impressive warranty in the unlikely event your device is damaged due to a charging failure; Has a low profile
What Needs Improvement: Pricey; Obviously designed for those who are deep into Apple’s product line; Only available in black or white
