The Powermat Wireless Charging System for the iPhone 4 is the newest wireless charging device for the Powermat family of iPhone products. Since my review unit is an updated product designed specifically for the iPhone 4, and not a new product all together, I am going to highlight a few of the differences between the iPhone 4 and 3G/S form-factors and chronicle some of the main features. Earlier this summer, Thomas published a thorough review of the 3G/S specific Powermat charging system, which can be found here.
Let’s start at the point of sale. A new iPhone 4 Powermat Charging System will set you back $59.99. If you have a POWERMAT Wireless Charging Mat already, the iPhone 4 Receiver by itself retails for $39.99. The current 3G/S system is selling for $49.99, down from the introductory price of $69.99 from last June.
What you get
With your new Powermat Charging System for the iPhone 4, you get a standard micro-USB charging cord for those times when you might want to sync your device with the case on, a handy power-cord that allows you to unwrap only as much cord as you need, a slender shell that accepts only the iPhone 4, and a lightweight base large enough to hold the shell and iPhone 4.
Wireless Receiver Case
I applaud the minimalist configuration of this system—it is very Apple-like in that regard. Gone is the bulky shell used with the 3G/S—one large advantage of the slender profile produced by the iPhone 4. For me, I might not have even used the 3G/S Powermat configuration based on the shell case alone. The large square magnet on the back of the 3G/S case protruded from the existing curved back, and looked very bulky. With the iPhone 4 Receiver Case you get very little added bulk to contend with. Powermat lists the dimensions of the Receiver Case as (0.5″ x 2.4375″ x 0.90625″).
Unfortunately, there are two elements with the Receiver Case that I do take exception with, though—one, the case is made from a very slick plastic that not only gets marked up easily going in and out of your pocket, but also makes it difficult to hold onto. Many times I have found myself gripping the case at the last moment before it slipped out of my hand. I think the case would benefit tremendously from a matt finish of some sort. However, the current plastic form-factor might be what allows the iPhone 4 Powermat Receiver Case to remain so thin in the first place. The other complaint I have about the Receiver Shell is that it broke the very first time I tried to remove it. The iPhone 4 Receiver Case is different from the 3G/S Receiver Case in that instead of two separate pieces that lock together, it is two pieces that are held together by a rubber hinge. This hinge is attached to the top and bottom parts of the case. When I gently (I took extra care during this process, especially when the case didn’t come off on my first few attempts) applied pressure to the top of the case to slip it off of the top of the phone, the rubber hinge easily separated from the top of the case. I snapped it back on, but I needed to apply a small amount of glue to get it to stay in place. I actually had to repeat this process once again before I was able to keep in place permanently.
Charging Mat
The Wireless Charging Mat for the iPhone 4 also looks much different than the 3G/S version. The previous model was a sturdy piece of desk furniture that stayed where it was placed. You knew where it was, and it performed extremely well—all you had to do was line up the magnets correctly. The iPhone 4 version is even more idiot proof. The charging mat is shaped to receive the iPhone 4 + Receiver Case perfectly. There is no lining up grooves—you set it down, listen for the charging tone, and you’re good to go. It’s really the perfect size. I field-tested the wireless charger most often at my office, and I felt like it was an extension of my keyboard. The one area that might need improvement is in the weight. It is a lot easier to accidently move this charging mat around the desk. Now this can be perceived as a plus on some occasions, but I felt in the long run, a more substantial cradle adds to the life of the product as well.
Conclusion / Final Thoughts
It’s true, I wasn’t completely satisfied with the shell casing that holds the iPhone 4. I admired and appreciated the clean, low profile minimalist approach to the overall size and form-factor. However, I would gladly exchange a little bulk for a sturdier, coated product that provided some friction, and that didn’t want to slide out of my hand at a moment’s notice. In addition, I am currently using a windshield mount that doesn’t allow for a case to be used at the same time. My circumstances notwithstanding, I feel the Powermat Wireless Charger for the iPhone 4 is a nice addition to their current line-up of wireless charging products. I am willing to chalk up my experience with the broken shell receiver case as an unfortunate, isolated circumstance. I am excited about this technology, and I think that Powermat makes a quality product that consumers have, and will continue to embrace.
The POWERMAT Wireless Charging System for the iPhone 4 was provided for review on iSource.com by POWERMAT. For further information regarding our site’s review policies, please see the “About” page.
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