First of all, I didn’t realize this simple product has such a long name until I searched for it on Belkin.com. The marketing team has really “shown their value” in naming it. The good news is that the product is probably simple enough that it doesn’t need such a long name to be remembered.
Design
Compared to some other Qi2 chargers on the market that are either circular charging pads or 3-in-1 multifunctional stands, this product definitely brings a different flair of style.
This Belkin BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand (Sorry again about the naming, I will refer to it as the “Belkin charger” below) has a weighted base connected to the top oval-shaped charging pad via an arm and hinge mechanism. It offers both a charging pad and charging stand form factor. You can carry it in a compact form for traveling and also convert it into a charging stand to place beside your nightstand.
It’s in the compact form when you need to pack it for travel, and then you can convert it to a stand form factor when placing it by your nightstand.
When you hold it in your hand, the weight gives it a solid feel. However, it’s not heavy enough that your phone won’t lift the base when you pick it up from the pad. It would be better if they could find a better balance between the magnet strength and the weight of the base. That being said, if you pull the phone downward while removing it, it easily comes off while the Belkin charger stays in place, so it’s not too much of a hassle anyway.
Another thing that’s easy to notice is the material. While most products in this category use cheap plastic or metal for the casing, the Belkin charger has a layer of rubber coating covering all major surfaces. The product feels very soft and skin-friendly when you touch it. This design also minimizes sound when you move it around. Considering this is designed for your nightstand, I think it’s a brilliant material choice.
The only downside is that it attracts dust—a lot of it. You can easily see how dirty it gets under direct light.
The friction of the arm is adjusted perfectly. It’s strong enough that it doesn’t retract while holding a heavy phone, yet not so tight that it’s hard to open or close. I hope it stands the test of time, as most hinges tend to loosen with use.
The Belkin charger also doesn’t have any LED indicator, which is quite useful if you're sensitive to light while sleeping.
Function
The flexible design offers additional support for iPhone’s StandBy function, which is quite useful if you're a heavy user.
The stand form factor and adjustable angle also make it a great emergency tripod. You can use it for recording videos or using your iPhone as a webcam.
Image credit: Belkin.com
Since the charger itself doesn’t offer any other features beyond power delivery, what you get from it will 100% depend on your phone model and software.
Compatibility and Speed
The Belkin charger is Qi2 certified, which means it can charge most modern phones at up to 15W. For iPhones with built-in MagSafe, Qi2 certification means they can also charge at up to 15W.
Previously, all iPhone wireless charging was capped at 7.5W unless you used an Apple-branded MagSafe charger. This year, as Apple increased its own charger speed to 25W, it simultaneously opened up 15W charging for Qi2-certified chargers.
For Android users, most flagship models that support wireless charging can already charge at up to 15W. You’ll just need a MagSafe-compatible phone case to benefit from the magnetic alignment.
And if you have high-end earphones that support wireless charging—or AirPods with a magnetic charging case—you can easily charge them on this Belkin charger as well.
Summary
Coming from Belkin, this wireless charging stand is a great addition to your nightstand, with all its thoughtful design choices. And if you love it enough, it’s also quite easy to take with you on the go thanks to its convertible design. A total investment of $80 (paired with a 20W charger) makes it a solid deal to consider.