Cuktech CP12 Magnetic Power Bank review: A smart compromise for Android phones

When Apple introduced MagSafe into the iPhone, they opened the doors to a whole range of magnetic accessories. The Cuktech CP12 is a power bank that’s built to work with MagSafe, aligning itself on your phone for seamless wireless charging.

The only problem? MagSafe is proprietary. This is why you don’t see any Android phones being released with a ring of magnets on the back. And I run two Android phones.

Thankfully, someone quickly figured out that you can just slap a bunch of magnets on a phone case. So I ordered a “megsafe compatible” case for my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. While waiting for my new case to arrive, I borrowed an iPhone to test out the Cuktech CP12.

The Cuktech CP12 works flawlessly on iPhones

The Cuktech CP 12 measures in at 108.7 x 67.9 x 19.45 millimeters. Despite its girth of almost 20mm, it doesn’t feel too cumbersome once attached to the phone. Which, by the way, it does with a very satisfying snap.

The 10,000mAh powerbank automatically turns on once a it comes in contact with a phone, which is a convenient touch. Wireless charging is capped at 7.5W, which is… slow. I don’t think this is necessarily a problem though. The main benefit of a magnetic power bank is so you can use the phone while still charging it. The goal here isn’t to achieve a fast charge so you can disconnect your phone from the cable.

The slower charge speed also keeps the temperature down so you aren’t holding a hot potato in your hands. While the CP 12 does add more bulk and weight to the phone, it doesn’t affect use too much – except with the camera. On portrait, the bulk makes it harder to angle your shots and hit the shutter button. However, taking landscape shots makes me feel like I’m holding an old compact film camera, which is nostalgic.

But if you do need a fast charge, there’s always the wired option…

Wired charging is your best (maybe only) option for Android phones

Yay, my megsafe phone case finally arrives! And – yay again – it attaches to the power bank! Just in time, too. I’m at 22% battery and I still have guild duties to fulfill in Capybara Go.

After a few minutes of raids and battles, I get a warning – my battery is at 20%.

Wait, did my battery go down?

Well, I quickly find out it’s because I cheaped out on the case. Unless you buy a reputable case (which is likely more expensive) or get lucky, you may – like me – end up with a case that’s able to attach MagSafe accessories, but not actually allow efficient wireless charging. Also, unlike on the iPhone, mine constantly rotates off-axis.

So here’s the compromise. The CP12 comes with a short integrated USB-C cable that I can plug directly into the phone. Plugging in the cable automatically disables wireless charging. It also inadvertently stops the rotating problem as well.

If I want to wirelessly charge a separate device, I’ll have to push a button to manually turn it back on. Cable charging caps out at 22.5W; or 15W if you’re charging two devices at a time.

It’s not the most elegant solution, but hey, at least my phone charges faster. Oh, and the cable also turns the CP12 into a nice hanging ornament.

Should you buy the Cuktech CP12 Magnetic Power Bank?

At RM69 (nice) on Shopee, the CP12 hits the right price point. If you have an iPhone, it’s a definite yes.

If you’re on Android, well… you read the section above. Unless you already have a case that you know works, a good one adds to the cost. Unless you just want a power bank that attaches to your phone, you’re better off saving a few Ringgit with a regular power bank.

…or one that’s also capable of charging laptops, like this one we recently reviewed.